 |
| Image credit: Zero G |
|
| Your Chance for a Zero G Flight |
Sep 22, 2004 - Ever wonder what it might feel like to float weightless in space? One way to try it out is to fly on a special aircraft that astronauts use to train for their trips to space. Both NASA and the Russian Space Agency have been flying these for years, but it's been difficult for regular people to try them out. Now a private company, called Zero G, will give you the chance for just under $3,000 USD. If you're a student, and that's too rich for your blood, NASA is inviting students to test their experiments on the "Weightless Wonder" aircraft. You've got until October 20th to send in your proposal to NASA. And if you're selected, you get to invite a journalist along too. Hint, hint.
Check it out!
Fraser Cain
Publisher
Universe Today |
|
|
|
 |
| Image credit: PPARC |
|
| Mystery at the Heart of the Milky Way |
| Sep 22, 2004 - Something is radiating high-energy gamma rays at the heart of our Milky Way galaxy, and astronomers aren't sure what it is. The object was discovered using the High Energy Stereoscopic System (H.E.S.S.), an array of four telescopes, in Namibia, South-West Africa. One theory is that it's the remnant from a supernova that exploded 10,000 years ago; this has enough energy to accelerate gamma rays so strongly. The object is also very near the supermassive black hole at the centre of the Milky Way, so this radiation could be somehow associated with it. (Full Story) |
|
|
|
 |
| Image credit: NASA |
|
| Glaciers Speed Up When Ice Breaks Away |
| Sep 22, 2004 - When the Larsen B ice shelf broke away from the coast of Antarctica two years ago, nearby glaciers surged, flowing eight times faster. This is according to a new study by NASA-funded researchers who used several Earth observing satellites to track the movements of Antarctic glaciers. It appears that the ice shelves hold glaciers back, like a dam. Once the shelf breaks up, the glacier is free to flow quickly. These glaciers aren't that large, but this research gives scientists an understanding of what will happen as rising temperatures continue breaking up Antarctica's ice shelves. (Full Story) |
|
|
|
 |
| Image credit: NASA/JPL |
|
| Mars Rovers Get a Mission Extension |
| Sep 22, 2004 - NASA has approved a six month extension for the Mars Exploration Rovers, giving them more time to continue exploring the surface of Mars for evidence of past water. Both Spirit and Opportunity have completed their original three-month mission, and an additional five-month extension. Even though the rovers are well past their expected operational life, neither one is showing much sign of wear, so NASA scientists plan to keep them running. The rovers took a 12-day break earlier this month as Mars passed behind the Sun, disrupting all communication to and from the Red Planet. (Full Story) |
|
|
|
|