European-Japanese space mission gets 1st glimpse of Mercury
Read full article: European-Japanese space mission gets 1st glimpse of MercuryA joint European-Japanese spacecraft got its first glimpse of Mercury as it swung by the solar system’s innermost planet while on a mission to deliver two probes into orbit in 2025.
New push on to expand nuclear radiation compensation in US
Read full article: New push on to expand nuclear radiation compensation in USA bipartisan group of lawmakers is renewing a push to expand a U.S. compensation program for people who were exposed to radiation following uranium mining and nuclear testing carried out during the Cold War.
Events expanding to mark 100 years since John Glenn's birth
Read full article: Events expanding to mark 100 years since John Glenn's birthA three-day celebration of what would have been history-making astronaut John Glenn’s 100th birthday has begun in his birthplace and childhood hometown in Ohio, even as further plans are announced.
Beyond The Forecast: Planets to see in the early days of 2021
Read full article: Beyond The Forecast: Planets to see in the early days of 2021If you like to stargaze, we’re pleased to report that the skies will be busy for you over the next week! Early forecasts call for clear skies on these evenings but make sure you check back for updates on the expected cloud cover. This will require an early wake-up call as the planet’s visit with the near-new moon will happen before dawn next Monday. Again, check the forecast Sunday night before you go to bed to make sure clouds won’t obscure your view. Switching gears to your forecast, there’s not a whole lot going on in the weather world this week up until Friday.
Space probe makes 1st Venus fly-by on way to Mercury
Read full article: Space probe makes 1st Venus fly-by on way to MercuryBERLIN – A spacecraft bound for Mercury swung by Venus on Thursday, using Earth's neighbor to adjust its course on the way to the solar system’s smallest and innermost planet. The fly-by is the second of nine so-called planetary gravity assists that the spacecraft needs for its seven-year trip to Mercury. Mercury’s extreme temperatures, the intense gravity pull of the sun and blistering solar radiation make for hellish conditions. BepiColombo will make one more fly-by of Venus and six of Mercury itself to slow down before its arrival in 2025. The last spacecraft to visit Mercury was NASA’s Messenger probe, which ended its mission in 2015 after a four-year orbit.
Mercury to pass between Sun, Earth for six hours Monday
Read full article: Mercury to pass between Sun, Earth for six hours MondayROANOKE, Va. - Hope you kept your solar eclipse glasses from a few years ago, because they'll be put to good use on Monday, November 11. This is when the planet, Mercury, will move in between the earth and Sun. (Mercury and Venus are the only two planets to do so). Mercury is so small in comparison to the sun, so binoculars and/or a telescope will help. When using these methods, make sure you're using the proper solar films on the front lens; not on the eyepiece.
Which otherwise-obscured planet will be visible during eclipse?
Read full article: Which otherwise-obscured planet will be visible during eclipse?For those who will be witnessing totality during the Great American Eclipse on Monday, you’re in for a real treat: not only will you see the sun completely blocked by the new moon -- so long as it’s not cloudy -- but it will get eerily dark. Birds may become confused or stop flying. And if you know where to look, you may even be able to spot a hidden planet.