Space

Johannes Hevelius (left) and an assistant observe a partial solar eclipse in 1673.

Scientists Prepare For 'The Most Beautiful Thing You Can See In The Sky'

4:31pm August 07, 2017

by Nell Greenfieldboyce

You'd think that after hundreds of years of watching total solar eclipses, scientists would know all they'd need to about that particular phenomenon. You'd be wrong.

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Science

NASA's Voyager Program Turns 40

7:59am August 06, 2017

NPR's Lulu Garcia-Navarro talks to Ed Stone, a chief scientist at NASA, about the Voyager program as it approaches its 40th anniversary. He's 81 years old and has spent half his life on the project.

The goals of the planetary protection officer are to protect the Earth and to protect other planets from being contaminated by substances from Earth during exploration.

Do You Have What It Takes To Be NASA's Next Planetary Protection Officer?

4:52pm August 03, 2017

by Merrit Kennedy

The job posting has elicited headlines about how the space agency is seeking a person to defend Earth from aliens. But it's really more about microorganisms than little green men.

A NASA illustration showing twin WB-57F research planes tracking the eclipse over North America.

Science

NASA Jets Will Extend Eclipse By Chasing Moon's Shadow

2:19pm August 02, 2017

by Scott Neuman

Cold War-era tactical bombers specially equipped with stabilized telescopes will fly over the central United States on Aug. 21, taking detailed observations of the Sun's atmosphere.

Sunset at Paranal Observatory in northern Chile.

Science

Why We Are Naively Optimistic About Climate Change

8:36am August 02, 2017

by Marcelo Gleiser

Unfortunately, we are failing in the goal to make our children's world better than our own — and those who deny it won't have to see the consequences of their choices, says blogger Marcelo Gleiser.

Proper eye protection is a must for anyone looking up at a solar eclipse. Eclipse glasses are far darker than regular sunglasses.

Planning To Watch The Eclipse? Here's What You Need To Protect Your Eyes

4:29pm August 01, 2017

by Nell Greenfieldboyce

A total solar eclipse is one of the most magnificent sights you can ever see. But you need the right kind of eye protection, and some of what's being sold out there isn't safe.

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From left: Michael Collins, Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin in Paris in 1969. Aldrin holds a lunar module model of similar size and shape to the gold one stolen Friday.

National

Thieves Take Neil Armstrong's Solid Gold Lunar Module Replica

8:30am July 30, 2017

by James Doubek

Police in Wapakoneta, Ohio, say the solid gold replica of the 1969 Apollo 11 Lunar Excursion Module was stolen from the Armstrong Air & Space Museum late Friday.

"It's not just about making one German astronaut happy with fresh bread," Marcu explains. "There's really a deeper meaning to bread in space." Above, a photo illustration of bread in space.

3, 2, 1 ... Bake Off! The Mission To Make Bread In Space

1:09pm July 26, 2017

by Paige Pfleger

On Earth, crumbs are harmless, but in orbit they can be perilous. But bread is a big deal in Germany, so scientists and engineers there are teaming up to create an oven and dough fit for microgravity.

Flight engineer Kate Rubins checks out the Bigelow Expandable Activity Module, which is attached to the International Space Station.

After A Year In Space, The Air Hasn't Gone Out Of NASA's Inflated Module

11:56am July 26, 2017

by Joe Palca

The Bigelow Expandable Activity Module was pumped up after it arrived at the International Space Station in 2016. NASA says it's doing well in the harsh environment.

The moon is pictured in this image from December 6, 2006. A new study shows the moon's interior might contain water.

A New Study Shows The Moon's Interior Could Contain Water

3:31pm July 24, 2017

by Christianna Silva

Sick of your crowded neighborhood pool? A new study shows there might be quite a bit of water on a more isolated place — the moon.