Earth’s day, while seemingly constant at 24 hours, has actually fluctuated throughout history, from a shorter 19-hour day a billion years ago to a potential 25-hour day in the future. This ongoing change is driven by various factors, including the moon’s gravitational pull, Earth’s internal processes, and even human activities.
China’s Chang’e 6 mission has successfully collected lunar samples from the surface of the moon and is now on its way back to Earth. The mission, consisting of an orbiter, a lander, an ascent vehicle, and a returner, touched down on the moon’s surface last week near the lunar south pole. It collected two types of samples using a robotic arm and a drill, which will be used to study the moon’s environment and history. The mission has withstood the extreme temperatures on the moon’s surface and is expected to re-enter the Earth’s atmosphere on June 25, landing in the desert in the Inner Mongolia region of China.
China’s Chang’e 6 mission has successfully landed on the moon’s far side, marking the second time a Chinese spacecraft has touched down on this uncharted territory. The robotic mission aims to collect samples and return them to Earth for analysis, providing scientists with valuable insights into the moon’s origins and evolution.
From May 18-31, 2024, Four Seasons Resort Lanai will host a two-week series of celestial events and activities coinciding with International Spring Astronomy Day. Guests can enjoy guided stargazing heart meditations in the serene Lanai Gardens, explore the moon through a high-end telescope, discover the inner workings of the resort’s observatory, participate in moon modeling and Pacific voyaging workshops, and learn about Polynesian navigation techniques from cultural advisors.
NASA has announced its plans to construct the first lunar railway system, a durable and long-lasting robotic transport system that will be essential for the daily operations of a sustainable lunar base in the 2030s. The system will include FLOAT (Flexible Levitation on a Track), which utilizes unpowered magnetic robots that levitate over a 3-layer flexible film track. FLOAT robots will minimize lunar dust abrasion/wear by levitating over the track, unlike lunar robots equipped with wheels, legs, or tracks.
Due to a phenomenon called tidal locking, we only ever see one side of the Moon from Earth. The Moon’s rotation is synchronized with its orbit around our planet, taking the same amount of time to complete both. This locking occurs because of the gravitational forces between the two bodies, which gradually slow down the Moon’s rotation over time. While we may not be able to see the far side of the Moon directly, spacecraft have captured images of its rugged and cratered landscape.
In preparation for a permanent lunar base, NASA scientists are exploring novel ways to mitigate the effects of space travel on astronauts. One such method involves having astronauts perform the daring ‘Wall of Death’ stunt, where they run around the inside of a barrel-shaped wooden cylinder. This stunt, which requires a running speed of just 8 mph (13 km/h) on the moon’s low-gravity environment, has been shown to be effective in preventing muscle and bone loss induced by microgravity. While there are logistical challenges in transporting a giant ‘Wall of Death’ to the moon, alternative solutions such as running around the walls of circular lunar habitats are being considered.
Today, Cancerians experience heightened emotional sensitivity and empathy, fostered by the nurturing influence of the Moon. Engage in activities that strengthen relationships and provide a sense of belonging and comfort. Embrace your intuitive abilities in professional settings, as they enhance your ability to understand others’ needs. Prioritize emotional health through self-care practices like meditation, journaling, and creativity. By nurturing yourself and creating a supportive environment, you empower your intuitive side and navigate challenges with grace.
China has launched its Chang’e 6 mission to the moon’s far side, aiming to retrieve lunar samples and return them to Earth. The mission consists of a lunar orbiter, lander, ascender, and Earth-reentry module and will collect 4.4 pounds of lunar material. Chang’e 6 is part of China’s ambitious lunar program, which includes plans to build a crewed outpost near the moon’s south pole by 2030.
China launched the Chang’e-6 lunar probe on Friday, marking a significant milestone in its ambitious lunar exploration program. The probe, named after the mythical Chinese moon goddess, is scheduled to land on the far side of the moon and collect samples for research purposes.
