NASA Astronomy Picture of the Day

April 8, 2024

The Changing Ion Tail of Comet Pons-Brooks

How does a comet tail change? It depends on the comet. The ion tail of Comet 12P/Pons–Brooks has been changing markedly, as detailed in the featured image sequenced over nine days from March 6 to 14 (top to bottom). On some days, the comet's ion tail was relatively long and complex, but not every day. Reasons for tail changes include the rate of ejection of material from the comet's nucleus, the strength and complexity of the passing solar wind, and the rotation rate of the comet. Over the course of a week, apparent changes even include a change of perspective from the Earth. In general, a comet's ion tail will point away from the Sun, as gas expelled is pushed out by the Sun's wind. Today, Pons-Brooks may become a rare comet suddenly visible in the middle of the day for those able to see the Sun totally eclipsed by the Moon.

https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/astropix.html?

Here's what NASA will study during Monday's eclipse

Apr 7, 2024

NASA has funded at least five research projects during the upcoming total solar eclipse.

Why it matters: The observations will help researchers understand the myriad ways the Sun influences Earth and the life upon it.

✈️ Chasing the eclipse with NASA's high-altitude research planes:

Teams led by Southwest Research Institute will take pictures of the eclipse while flying NASA research aircraft to study dust or asteroids that may orbit our star.

The research jets will also carry instruments from a University of Hawaii-led team to gain insights into the sun's corona and coronal mass ejections.

📻 Ham Radio Science Citizen Investigation:

A University of Scranton-led initiative will invite ham radio operators around the country to send and receive signals to one another before, during and after the eclipse and to record how strong their signals are and how far they travel.

The initiative hopes to observe how the eclipse affects the ionosphere, a part of Earth's upper atmosphere that's critical for radio communications and navigational systems.

☀️ SuperDARN:

Using the Super Dual Auroral Radar Network, researchers led by Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University will study how solar radiation impacts the ionosphere, which could give insights into space weather.

🔭 GAVRT Solar Patrol:

Scientists from NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory and the Lewis Center for Education Research will use the Goldstone Apple Valley Radio Telescope to measure subtle changes in solar radio emissions as the Moon eclipses active regions of the Sun.

🚀 Atmospheric Perturbations around the eclipse path:

A University in Daytona Beach-led team will launch a succession of three rockets from eastern Virginia before, during and after the eclipse to measure electric, magnetic, temperature and density changes in Earth's upper atmosphere.

👩‍💼 Citizen science:

NASA has also funded three massive citizen science investigations that will be conducted by hundreds of volunteers across the country.

https://www.axios.com/2024/04/07/total-solar-eclipse-nasa-science-research

2024 Total Solar Eclipse: Through the Eyes of NASA (Official Broadcast)

April 8 at 10:00 AM

From 1 to 4 p.m. EDT (1700 to 2000 UTC) on April 8, we’ll share conversations with experts and provide telescope views of the eclipse from several sites along the eclipse path. Throughout the broadcast, send us your questions in the chat using #askNASA for a chance to have them answered live.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2MJY_ptQW1o

UK Space Agency backing for Rolls-Royce and BWX Technologies, Inc space reactor development

MONDAY 8 APRIL 2024 03:00 AM

Rolls-Royce today announced it has secured funding from Phase 2 of the UK Space Agency’s International Bilateral Fund (IBF). The funding enables strategic research partnerships within the UK space sector and emerging space nations to work together.

The new £1.18 million award from the Fund backs collaboration to identify and advance the optimum technologies for a fission nuclear system, benefitting both UK and U.S. space nuclear development programmes for a range of space power missions.

Rolls-Royce is collaborating with U.S. firm BWXT Advanced Technologies LLC (BWXT) to deliver this phase of development, which has been cemented in a Teaming Agreement between the two companies. The agreement facilitates business collaboration and joint developments of new and novel nuclear applications in the space domain, which utilise the core nuclear design and manufacturing strengths of each party.

This agreement further strengthens UK and U.S. collaboration on first-of-a-kind space technology innovation, as detailed under the Atlantic Declaration commitment. In an announcement made by UK Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak and U.S. President, Joe Biden on 8th June 2023, both countries pledged to study “opportunities for co-operation on space nuclear power and propulsion.”

BWXT brings extensive experience in nuclear capability in the U.S. having manufactured nuclear components for over 70 years, complementing Rolls-Royce’s comparable experience in the UK. This synergy has built a strong strategic partnership, rooted in the successful delivery of nuclear projects for their respective countries over many decades.

Joe Miller, president of BWXT Advanced Technologies LLC, said:

BWXT and Rolls-Royce share a commitment to creating and delivering nuclear energy systems to explore space, support global security imperatives and generate clean energy.

“Today’s announcement, and our teaming agreement more broadly, allows our companies to use our complementary areas of expertise for this award and new opportunities to come.”

All space missions depend on a power source to support systems for communications, life-support and science experiments. Nuclear power has the potential to dramatically increase the duration of future space missions and their scientific value.

Nuclear power, effectively utilised in space, will deliver a step change in mission capability across an extensive platform of applications. Space micro-reactors are a solution to meet these requirements in a sustainable and resilient way, and this latest award from the UK Space Agency ensures the continued development of this technology.

Professor Anu Ojha, Director of Championing Space at the UK Space Agency, said:

Our International Bilateral Fund bolsters international collaboration that harnesses the UK’s national expertise, supports new space capabilities and catalyses investment. This exciting research by Rolls-Royce to develop space nuclear power is an opportunity to showcase the UK as a spacefaring nation.

“Innovative technologies such as this one could pave the way for continuous human presence on the Moon, whilst enhancing the wider UK space sector, creating jobs and generating further investment.”

This latest tranche of investment follows £2.9 million of funding awarded to Rolls-Royce from the UK Space Agency under the Lunar Surface Nuclear Power Contract and Phase 1 of the IBF project in 2023, which delivered an initial demonstration of a UK lunar modular nuclear reactor.

https://www.rolls-royce.com/media/press-releases/2024/08-04-2024-uk-space-agency-backing-for-rr-and-bwx-technologies-inc-space-reactor-development.aspx

>>20696364

UK funding boost for international space projects

8 April 2024

Eleven projects that showcase the best of UK space expertise on the international stage have secured a funding boost from the UK Space Agency.

The UK Space Agency’s International Bilateral Fund is focused on supporting the UK space sector to work directly with international partners on exciting and innovative projects. It is funding, amongst others, the University of Strathclyde to work with organisations including MIT and the Alan Turing Institute to use Artificial Intelligence to improve space operations, safety and sustainability.

Vertical Future is developing a robotic ‘space farm’ facility to grow plants in space, and Rolls-Royce is working with US company BWXT on space nuclear power.

From developing new technology for high-resolution photos of the Moon and Mars, to X-ray imaging that will help scientists study the Earth’s Aurora in unprecedented detail, the 11 projects showcase valuable missions and capabilities, and highlight the breadth of expertise found across the UK’s vibrant space sector which employs around 49,000 people.

The £13 million funding boost was announced on the opening day of the 39th Space Symposium in Colorado Springs (Monday 8 April).

Space Minister at DSIT, Andrew Griffith MP, said:

The UK is home to some of the brightest minds in space science, aerospace engineering and an entrepreneurial commercial space sector. It’s no wonder the world wants to collaborate with Britain when it comes to space. 

I am delighted that today we have been able to support new space collaborations with private organisations from countries like the US, Australia, Canada, India and Singapore.

This is the second phase of investment awarded through the UK Space Agency’s £20 million International Bilateral Fund, following the first phase in August 2023. Phase 1 funded 32 projects up to £75,000 each, all of whom entered into a highly competitive process for further funding from Phase 2.

Dr Paul Bate, Chief Executive of the UK Space Agency, said:

We want to draw on the best global talent to push the boundaries of new technology such as AI and space nuclear power, enhance our homegrown space capabilities and catalyse investment into the UK economy.

The projects supported by our International Bilateral Fund champion the best of British innovation, while strengthening our ties with the wider space community. Together we can break new ground, further our understanding of the Universe and use the vast power of space to protect and benefit lives on Earth.

As further evidence of the success of the UK-Australia Space Bridge, the International Bilateral Fund has been bolstered by a co-funding commitment from the Australian Space Agency, worth AUS$3 million.

Projects supported by Australia include Aquawatch-AUK, led by Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL), which is using disruptive space technologies to develop a world class integrated water quality monitoring and forecasting system for use across the UK, Australia and beyond.

Head of the Australian Space Agency Enrico Palermo said:

This funding builds on the collaboration fostered through the UK-Australia Space Bridge. By working with our international partners like the UK, we can continue to grow the Australian space sector while delivering outcomes that benefit communities in both of our nations.

From addressing food security and water scarcity to the health of our waterways, the projects being supported through this fund reiterate how space can help address the biggest global challenges we are facing – as well as the power of working together to solve a common problem.

Space Symposium runs from 8-11 April in Colorado Springs and brings together over 10,000 people from the global space industry. The UK’s growing space sector is represented at the event by organisations including the UK Space Agency, UK Research & Innovation (UKRI), various government departments, companies and universities.

UKspace Director, Lizzie Kerr, said:

It is great news that so many of our members and partner organisations across the UK have been successful in this round of funding. Given space is inherently a global endeavour, the International Bilateral Fund investment will support and strengthen international collaborations between UK industry and research partners and their counterparts across the world.

Following the original IBF announcement at the 38th Space Symposium, we are really encouraged by the positive progress made during the past 12 months. UKspace will be at the 39th Space Symposium and we are keen to explore how we can help foster new collaborative partnerships with trade associations around the world.

cont

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/uk-funding-boost-for-international-space-projects

S. Korea successfully launches 2nd spy satellite into orbit

April 8, 2024 - 08:51

South Korea successfully launched its second indigenous spy satellite on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Kennedy Space Center in the US state of Florida on Monday, according to the defense ministry.

The Falcon 9 lifted off at 7:17 p.m. from the John F. Kennedy Space Center and sent the reconnaissance satellite into orbit approximately 45 minutes after the launch, the ministry said.

It succeeded in communicating with an overseas ground station at 10:57 a.m., it noted.

It is the second military satellite launched under South Korea's plan to acquire five spy satellites by 2025 to better monitor North Korea.

The satellite was equipped with synthetic aperture radar sensors that capture data using microwaves and are capable of collecting data regardless of weather conditions. The other three satellites will also be equipped with SAR sensors.

Electro-optical and infrared sensors capable of capturing detailed images of the Earth's surface were fitted on the first satellite launched in December.

When operated together, the five satellites are expected to provide regular coverage at about two-hour intervals, according to analysts.

"Our military's independent surveillance and reconnaissance capability has been strengthened through the first launch of the SAR satellite. We will continue to prepare for upcoming satellite launches," the ministry said.

The launch comes as Pyongyang is also making its own efforts to acquire space-based reconnaissance capabilities, which could potentially enhance its precision strike capability against major targets in South Korea and the United States.

North Korea placed its first military spy satellite into orbit last November and has vowed to launch three more spy satellites this year.

Defense Minister Shin Won-sik said North Korea is likely to launch its second satellite this month in time for major political events after making enhancements to its performance.

"We have been closely watching the possibility of North Korea's satellite launch in March, but it appears to be making some additional improvements," Shin told reporters after watching SpaceX's livestream at the defense ministry.

"The current technical enhancements being made seem to be progressing smoothly without significant difficulties, it's likely to be completed around mid-April. If such enhancements take more time, the launch could take place in late April," he added.

North Korea's two major holidays in April are the birthday of the country's founder, Kim Il-sung, the late grandfather of leader Kim Jong-un, on April 15 and the founding anniversary of the Korean People's Revolutionary Army on April 25. (Yonhap)

https://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20240408050072

Defence drops 10-page UFO dossier

Monday April 8, 2024

The Department of Defence has released 10 pages of documents about UFOs, in response to a freedom of information request.

The dossier includes 17 Defence communications about UFOs and unidentified aerial phenomena (UAPs) created between July and October 2023.

The key message is Defence has no particular interest in the subject. One document clarified defence stopped actively monitoring for UFOs/UAPs in 1996.

“There was no scientific or other compelling reason to continue to devote resources to the recording and investigation of unidentified aerial phenomena,” it said.

“Defence does not have a policy on the reporting of unidentified aerial phenomena by either members of the public or defence members.

“Defence safety of flight incidents, including those potentially posed by UAPs are handled by the Defence Aviation Authority, with civilian flight incidents the purview of the Civil Aviation Authority.”

Interest in UFOs has seen a surge in legitimacy since the United States Congress made annual national intelligence reports on UAPs mandatory. In the January 2023 report, they said sightings had increased significantly, noting this could be a deliberate campaign to destigmatise the subject.

In its 2021 preliminary report, a spokesperson for the US director of national security wrote while UAPs represented a possible national security threat, there was no compelling evidence to suggest they were extra-terrestrial spacecraft.

However, they noted there were reasons airforce personnel may not report UAPs.

“In a limited number of incidents, UAP reportedly appeared to exhibit unusual flight characteristics. These observations could be the result of sensor errors, spoofing, or observer misperception and require additional rigorous analysis,” they said.

“Narratives from aviators in the operational community and analysts from the military and IC describe disparagement associated with observing UAP, reporting it, or attempting to discuss it with colleagues.

“Although the effects of these stigmas have lessened as senior members of the scientific, policy, military, and intelligence communities engage on the topic seriously in public, reputational risk may keep many observers silent, complicating scientific pursuit of the topic.”

Federal parliament’s leading UFO enthusiast appears to be Peter Whish-Wilson, who has asked defence questions on the subject on five separate occasions since 2021.

A known enthusiast for the subject, he has been the subject of mockery from Labor senators for taking the subject seriously. In the time since Whish-Wilson’s questions were answered by Defence, one key statement has been found to be a lie.

After repeatedly telling the Greens senator they had not spoken to their United States counterparts about UAPs, Defence admitted it had sent an attache to discuss the matter.

It has categorically refused to discuss the matter further.

https://www.themandarin.com.au/243606-defence-drops-10-page-ufo-dossier/

https://www.defence.gov.au/sites/default/files/2024-04/Defence%20FOI%20386-23-24%20-%20Statement%20of%20Reasons.pdf

‘UFO expert’ claims to have captured ‘holy grail’ evidence during space station livestream

updated on Apr 8, 2024 at 1:56PM (UTC+4)

A self-appointed ‘UFO expert’ has released what he claims is the ultimate UFO sighting.

The YouTuber spotted a giant boomerang-shaped aircraft during an International Space Station livestream.

He had an editing expert examine the footage for evidence of tampering.

Now that he’s certain it’s not fake, he’s released it, but the public is still divided on whether it is real or not.

From the UFO caught flying across the moon to the mystery aircraft spotted from a passenger plane, ‘UFO’ sightings are a regular occurrence.

And even though most sightings turn out to be ordinary objects and phenomena such as airglow, some of the evidence is pretty compelling.

The YouTuber Disclose Screen is known for sharing videos of potential alien sightings.

He just posted what he claims is the ‘holy grail’ of UFO footage.

A few months ago, while watching an ISS livestream, he spotted something unusual: a giant aircraft shaped like a boomerang flying across the North Pole.

The YouTuber wasn’t able to verify the source of the video, so hadn’t shared it with his fans until now.

He had it analyzed by a ‘friend of a friend of a friend’ who happens to be an editing expert.

According to him, the video was genuine and showed no signs of editing.

“He was 96% sure that this video had not been manipulated in any way,” Disclose Screen says.

“And if it had, it was done in a

What’s noteworthy about this UFO, besides that it might be full of aliens, is its scale.

According to the video, this aircraft is miles in diameter.

“This isn’t a scouting ship, this is a colony ship,” he says.

“There is an entire population on this ship.”

This is not the first time a UFO of this description has been spotted.

The YouTuber seems to think it’s proof of the Phoenix Lights, one of the most iconic UFO sightings in history.

The Phoenix Lights was first seen in 1997 by thousands of bewildered people in Arizona.

The V-shaped object was visible for nearly two hours and remains an unexplained mystery to this day.

Many of the YouTuber’s fans were sold, but others weren’t so sure.

“North Pole with the sun nearly directly overhead according to the shadow? Poorly done,” one commenter said.

“Totally fake. Clouds are moving one frame at a time, UFO multiple times in each frame of cloud, which means that the UFO was added,” another said.

With no link to the original ISS feed, you’ll just have to make your mind up for yourself.

https://supercarblondie.com/ufo-expert-captures-footage/

>>20696609

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qsdDu2jp__0