NASA Astronomy Picture of the Day

May 21, 2024

CG4: The Globule and the Galaxy

Can a gas cloud eat a galaxy? It's not even close. The "claw" of this odd looking "creature" in the featured photo is a gas cloud known as a cometary globule. This globule, however, has ruptured. Cometary globules are typically characterized by dusty heads and elongated tails. These features cause cometary globules to have visual similarities to comets, but in reality they are very much different. Globules are frequently the birthplaces of stars, and many show very young stars in their heads. The reason for the rupture in the head of this object is not yet known. The galaxy to the left of the globule is huge, very far in the distance, and only placed near CG4 by chance superposition.

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

Aurorasaurus Roars During Historic Solar Storm

MAY 20, 2024

The largest geomagnetic storm in 21 years lit up the sky last weekend, and NASA’s volunteers were ready. Between May 10th and 12th 2024, NASA’s Aurorasaurus project received an unprecedented number of reports from around the world. It also helped eager aurora chasers get a better view.

"Aurorasaurus made all the difference for me,” said volunteer Damon Tighe. “I was able to see it in Oakland, CA and knew it was coming based upon user data in Reno."

At Aurorasaurus.org you’ll see the latest model predictions for where the aurora is visible. Then you can submit your own report, helping scientists test and improve the models and characterize what is seen. When people report seeing the aurora beyond where the model predicts the system adapts in real time and puts out volunteer-generated alerts in those areas. During the May 10-12 extreme event, auroras visible as far south as Texas and Alabama triggered those special alerts.

Thank you to everyone who submitted data! During the last major solar storm, back in 2003, digital cameras were not widespread and cell phones didn't even have cameras. But during this current solar maximum, the data you’re collecting has incredible scientific value.

It's not too late to help document this historic event. You can submit back-dated reports at our website and help do NASA Science. While you’re there, sign up for your own alerts and don't miss out on the next spectacular storm!

https://science.nasa.gov/science-research/heliophysics/aurorasaurus-roars-during-historic-solar-storm/

Administrator Bill Nelson testifies before Senate Appropriations Committee on NASA’s Fiscal Year 2025 Budget Request

MAY 23, 2024 9:30 AM

A Review of the President’s Fiscal Year 2025 Budget Request for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration and for the National Science Foundation.

https://plus.nasa.gov/scheduled-video/administrator-bill-nelson-testifies-before-senate-appropriations-committee-on-nasas-fiscal-year-2025-budget-request/