Space

The Best Item In An Astronaut's Care Package? Definitely The Ice Cream

5:46pm August 16, 2017

Unlike other cargo vehicles, the SpaceX spacecraft can return to Earth without burning up. So it's equipped with freezers for transporting medical samples — and the occasional frozen treat.

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Science

NASA Astronauts Set To Get Sweet Treat With Next Delivery To International Space Station

4:32pm August 16, 2017

This week, a rocket bound for the International Space Station lifted off with 6,400 pounds of supplies. Along with the provisions, medical supplies and experiments, NASA astronauts will be getting a special care package with ice cream.

Eclipses aren't just natural marvels - they're still teaching us a lot about the universe.

How Eclipses Changed History

6:31am August 16, 2017

Newton and Einstein had big ideas, but needed an eclipse to prove them. And scientists are still pursuing secrets of the universe one eclipse at a time.

On Nov. 13, 2012, a narrow corridor in the southern hemisphere experienced a total solar eclipse. The corridor lay mostly over the ocean but also cut across the northern tip of Australia where both professional and amateur astronomers gathered to watch.

Why Future Earthlings Won't See Total Solar Eclipses

10:08am August 14, 2017

by Nell Greenfieldboyce

The Earth won't enjoy total solar eclipses forever because the moon is moving farther away, so it looks smaller and smaller over time.

National

Young Astronaut Hopeful Gets NASA Tour Of His (Space) Dreams

5:01am August 14, 2017

by Melissa Block

Murad Rahimov got to see the inner workings of NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center after an NPR listener learned of his passion for space.

The Call-In: The Solar Eclipse

8:43am August 13, 2017

This week, on The Call-In, we answer all your questions about the upcoming solar eclipse — how to protect your eyes, and what to do if the day is cloudy.

Science

40 Years Ago, NASA Launched Message To Aliens Into Deep Space

10:00pm August 11, 2017

by Christopher Joyce

Forty years ago, NASA launched two Voyager spacecraft into deep space. Onboard both were gold discs with music, greetings and sounds from Earth — a message to aliens. Ann Druyan, the creative director of the project, talks about how they decided what message to put in the interstellar bottle.

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Why Scientists Can't Explain All The Appeal Of An Eclipse

7:00am August 11, 2017

E.C. Krupp, director of the Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles, discusses with Ailsa Change how humans have understood eclipses over time — from early myths to modern science.

Carhenge lies in the path of totality for the Aug. 21 eclipse.

As Eclipse Madness Sweeps U.S., A Stonehenge Made Of Cars Prepares

3:49pm August 10, 2017

by Geoff Brumfiel

Carhenge in Alliance, Neb., will be prime viewing for this month's total solar eclipse. The town is preparing for thousands of visitors.

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Ahead Of Solar Eclipse, Small Town Prepares For Light Among The Darkness

5:47pm August 09, 2017

by Lisa Autry

When the total solar eclipse crosses North America next month, one city will be dark for the longest time. Hopkinsville, Ky., is a small town making big preparations for the big event.

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