NASA Astronomy Picture of the Day

June 3, 2024

NGC 2403 in Camelopardalis

Magnificent island universe NGC 2403 stands within the boundaries of the long-necked constellation Camelopardalis. Some 10 million light-years distant and about 50,000 light-years across, the spiral galaxy also seems to have more than its fair share of giant star forming HII regions, marked by the telltale reddish glow of atomic hydrogen gas. The giant HII regions are energized by clusters of hot, massive stars that explode as bright supernovae at the end of their short and furious lives. A member of the M81 group of galaxies, NGC 2403 closely resembles a galaxy in our own local galaxy group with an abundance of star forming regions, M33, the Triangulum Galaxy. Spiky in appearance, bright stars in this portrait of NGC 2403 are in the foreground, within our own Milky Way. Also in the foreground of the deep, wide-field, telescopic image are the Milky Way's dim and dusty interstellar clouds also known as galactic cirrus or integrated flux nebulae. But faint features that seem to extend from NGC 2403 itself are likely tidal stellar streams drawn out by gravitational interactions with neighboring galaxies.

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

NASA's Boeing Starliner Crewed Flight Test

JUN 05, 2024 10:52 AM

SPACE LAUNCH COMPLEX 41 • CAPE CANAVERAL SPACE FORCE STATION

You don't want to miss this exciting milestone launch for NASA's Commercial Crew Program! The Crew Flight Test will send two astronauts to the International Space Station aboard Boeing's Starliner spacecraft for the very first time. Join us to witness liftoff, and to hear more about the journey that has built up to this moment.

LAUNCH VIEWING:

Check back here for updated launch information and future viewing opportunities! Launch viewing from the visitor complex is determined once the launch's official date/time is announced by the provider. The visitor complex only shares official launch information, not rumored dates.

You can also subscribe below to receive Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex emails and get notified when launch viewing becomes available.

MISSION DETAILS:

The Crew Flight Test will demonstrate the ability of Boeing's Starliner and the United Launch Alliance’s Atlas V rocket to safely carry astronauts to and from the International Space Station. Following a successful test flight with astronauts, NASA will begin the final process of certifying the Starliner spacecraft and systems for regular crew rotation flights to the space station.

https://www.kennedyspacecenter.com/launches-and-events/events-calendar/2024/june/rocket-launch-ula-boeing-crewed-flight-test-cft

Billionaire space tourist cancels lunar flight amid changing SpaceX priorities

Mon, Jun 3, 2024, 5:00 AM PDT

Yusaku Maezawa, the Japanese billionaire who signed up for a lunar orbit flight aboard SpaceX's Starship back in 2018, has cancelled his trip. The reason, he said in a series of posts on X, is that Starship is still in development and the "dearMoon" launch may not occur until well into the 2030s.

"I signed the contract in 2018 based on the assumption that dearMoon would launch by the end of 2023," he wrote. "It’s a developmental project so it is what it is, but it is still uncertain as to when Starship can launch. I can't plan my future in this situation, and I feel terrible making the crew members wait longer. I apologize to those who were excited for this project to happen."

Maezawa announced the dearMoon project with Elon Musk at SpaceX's Hawthorne factory in 2018. He reportedly paid the company in the order of low nine figures to help fund it and later selected eight other companions for the trip, including artists, photographers, YouTubers and a member of a Korean boy band.

However, Starship development was slower than expected, as has been the case with nearly every rocket development program ever. The first test flight was just a year ago, and the first fully successful launch (with the vehicle remaining intact) only took place a few months ago. The next flight is set to launch as early as June 5.

In addition, SpaceX's priorities changed drastically when NASA selected Starship for its Artemis program. That forced the company to deprioritize dearMoon, which meant it was not likely to take place until the early 2030s. Maezawa's net worth as also dropped since the 2018 announcement, as Ars Technica noted. On top of all that, the billionaire has already gone to space, having spent 12 days aboard the International Space Station.

https://www.engadget.com/billionaire-space-tourist-cancels-lunar-flight-amid-changing-spacex-priorities-120043594.html

“Release the Aliens…UFO Files”: Antonio Brown Makes Bold Request to Donald Trump as the Former President Awaits Sentencing

06/03/2024, 7:55 AM EDT

Antonio Brown’s X handle is quite a wild ride–you never know what you’re going to get. Known for his memes and playful jabs at everyone from athletes to politicians, AB hasn’t shied away from controversy.

Remember the time he trolled basketball player Caitlin Clark or questioned ex-NFL star Shannon Sharpe’s sexuality? Yeah, it can get weird.

But when it comes to politics, things get strangely wholesome (at least for AB). A staunch Donald Trump supporter, Brown loves poking fun at the former president with funny memes and hashtags.

Recently, Trump faced legal trouble with 34 charges related to the 2016 election. It’s also said that he paid hush money to porn star Stormy Daniels to keep quiet about a past sexual encounter.

Despite these massive charges, the unfazed Trump stated he’s okay with the possibility of house arrest or jail time and added, “The real verdict is going to be Nov. 5 by the people.”

Adding to that, Trump also promised that “he would declassify the Epstein, JFK, and September 11 files if elected in 2024.”

This time AB seized his opportunity for some playful sarcasm. He reposted Trump’s statement news on his X handle with a hilarious caption: “Release the Aliens, Area 51 and UFO files as well #CTESPN.”

Though a funny yet bold request, AB has never failed at hyping Trump’s pronouncements. Even if it means going so far as to offer himself as Vice President if Republican candidate Trump runs again.

Amidst that, he also throws playful shade at the Democratic Party’s Joe Biden, making his political commentary a chaotic mix of support and cheeky jabs.

Antonio Brown has often mocked President Joe Biden, making fun of his speeches and suggesting he might have a mental disorder like CTE (Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy).

Brown often calls the President a “cracker” on social media by reposting pics and clips of him in a funny way. However, his antics have led Biden to block him on X platform.

Despite this setback, AB has bigger dreams of running for Vice President in the upcoming elections. He caused a stir by tweeting, “Trump what we doin #VP #CTESPN” with a photoshopped picture of him and Trump.

It seems AB might go to any lengths to support Trump, and running in the election could be a future possibility for the former Buccaneers wide receiver.

For now, with Trump’s own future uncertain as he awaits sentencing, AB can only support his favorite without getting blocked by another political candidate on X.

What do you think? Will Antonio Brown’s ambitious VP goals work out in the future?

https://www.essentiallysports.com/nfl-legends-news-release-the-aliens-ufo-files-antonio-brown-makes-bold-request-to-donald-trump-as-the-former-president-awaits-sentencing/

https://x.com/AB84/status/1797436352243679234?