Discover how scientists have determined the age of Earth, a journey through billions of years of our planet’s history. Learn about the formation of Earth from a cosmic pizza dough, the role of rocks and moon samples in dating our planet, and how astronomers can even estimate the ages of planets around other stars.
A tiny asteroid named 2024 PT5 is set to become Earth’s temporary second moon, orbiting our planet for about two months before escaping our gravity. This fascinating cosmic event will occur between September 29 and November 25.
NASA has abruptly canceled its nearly complete VIPER rover, designed to search for ice at the Moon’s south pole, and offered it to private companies. This move has sparked debate about the future of lunar exploration and the role of commercial entities in space research.
India’s Chandrayaan-3 mission continues to make exciting discoveries on the Moon. The Pragyan rover has uncovered a 160-km-wide, ancient impact crater near the landing site, providing valuable insights into the early geological evolution of the lunar surface.
Scientists have discovered a large cave beneath the surface of the Moon, providing a potential shelter for future lunar missions. This cave, located in the Sea of Tranquility, could offer protection from meteorites and harsh temperatures, as well as access to valuable resources like water. Its discovery opens up exciting possibilities for lunar exploration and research.
Join the global celebration of International Observe the Moon Night on September 14th! Witness lunar wonders, explore NASA’s lunar programs, and share your moon-inspired stories. This annual event, hosted by NASA, offers live streams, expert insights, and tips for observing the Moon from anywhere in the world.
A new study analyzing moon rocks brought back by Apollo astronauts suggests that the moon may hold a record of Earth’s earliest atmosphere, which has been lost on our own planet. The research indicates that the moon’s magnetic field existed for only the first 140 million years of its existence, allowing it to capture ions from Earth’s atmosphere 4.36 billion years ago. This discovery could provide valuable insights into the composition of Earth’s early atmosphere, a period that remains largely unknown due to the lack of preserved rocks.
Intuitive Machines, the company that achieved the first commercial lunar landing earlier this year, has secured a $117 million contract from NASA to deliver six science payloads to the moon’s south pole in 2027. This mission, part of NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) program, marks a significant step in the agency’s strategy to leverage the private space industry for lunar exploration.
A Kurdish astrophotographer, Darya Kawa Mirza, has captured a stunningly detailed image of the moon, claiming it to be the ‘clearest’ ever taken. The image, created by merging 81,000 photos over four days, reveals the moon’s surface topography in remarkable detail, sparking discussion among astrophotography and space enthusiasts.
Intuitive Machines, Inc. (LUNR) shares surged on Friday after the company secured a $116.9 million contract from NASA to deliver six science and technology payloads to the lunar surface. This marks the company’s fourth contract under NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) initiative and leverages its expertise in lunar delivery, data transmission, and autonomous operations.
