Getting InSight on the Interior of Mars

Inside the Astrotech processing facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base, NASA’s Interior Exploration using Seismic Investigations, Geodesy and Heat Transport, or InSight, Mars lander is tested ahead of its scheduled launch on May 5, 2018. via NASA https://ift.tt/2urTvyE

NGC 2023 in the Horsehead s Shadow

Carved by a bright young star in Orion’s dusty molecular clouds, NGC 2023 is often overlooked in favor of the nearby dramatic silhouette of the Horsehead Nebula. In its own right it is seen as a beautiful star forming emission and reflection nebula though, a mere 1500 light-years distant. Surprisingly colorful and complex filaments are detailed in this rare NGC 2023 portrait. Scattered points of emission are also from the region’s Herbig-Haro objects, associated with the energetic jets from newborn stars. The sharp telescopic view spans about 10 light-years at the estimated distance of NGC 2023. Off the right edge of the frame lies the more familiar cosmic Horsehead. via NASA https://ift.tt/2GREmZP

This is TESS, Our Newest Planet-Hunter

TESS, the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite, is the next step in the search for planets outside of our solar system, including those that could support life. via NASA https://ift.tt/2J1kCU9

NASA’s Webb Observatory Requires More Time for Testing and Evaluation; New Launch Window Under Review

NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope currently is undergoing final integration and test phases that will require more time to ensure a successful mission. After an independent assessment of remaining tasks for the highly complex space observatory, Webb’s previously revised 2019 launch window now is targeted for approximately May 2020.

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Mars Between Nebulas

What that bright red spot between the Lagoon and Trifid Nebulas? Mars. This gorgeous color deep-sky photograph captured the red planet passing between the two notable nebulas — cataloged by the 18th century cosmic registrar Charles Messier as M8 and M20. M20 (upper right of center), the Trifid Nebula, presents a striking contrast in red/blue colors and dark dust lanes. Across the bottom right is the expansive, alluring red glow of M8, the Lagoon Nebula. Both nebulae are a few thousand light-years distant. By comparison, temporarily situated between them both, is the dominant „local“ celestial beacon Mars. Taken last week, the red planet was only about 10 light-minutes away. via NASA https://ift.tt/2Ghkf6s

NASA Hosts Media Teleconference on Status of James Webb Space Telescope

NASA will host a media teleconference at 11:30 a.m. EDT Tuesday, March 27, to provide an update on the agency’s James Webb Space Telescope – what will be the world’s premier infrared space observatory and the biggest astronomical science telescope ever built. Audio of the call will stream live on NASA’s website.

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