WEATHER ALERT
New Mars study suggests an ocean's worth of water may be hiding beneath the red dusty surface
Read full article: New Mars study suggests an ocean's worth of water may be hiding beneath the red dusty surfaceA new study suggests Mars may be drenched beneath its surface, with enough water hiding in the cracks of underground rocks to form a global ocean.
Crew of NASA's earthbound simulated Mars habitat emerge after a year
Read full article: Crew of NASA's earthbound simulated Mars habitat emerge after a yearFour volunteer crew members who spent more than 12 months inside NASA’s first simulated Mars environment at Johnson Space Center in Houston have emerged from the artificial alien enviroment.
What’s life like on Mars? Volunteer crew ends year-long stint in NASA’s simulated habitat
Read full article: What’s life like on Mars? Volunteer crew ends year-long stint in NASA’s simulated habitatA crew of four that entered an isolated NASA-built environment in June 2023 to simulate life on Mars is set to end its year-long mission.
Jeff Bezos sells nearly 12 million Amazon shares worth at least $2 billion, with more to come
Read full article: Jeff Bezos sells nearly 12 million Amazon shares worth at least $2 billion, with more to comeJeff Bezos has filed a statement with federal regulators indicating his sale of nearly 12 million shares of Amazon stock worth more than $2 billion.
NASA’s Ingenuity Mars Helicopter concludes historic mission on red planet
Read full article: NASA’s Ingenuity Mars Helicopter concludes historic mission on red planetNASA’s groundbreaking Ingenuity Mars Helicopter has concluded its mission on the Red Planet, surpassing expectations and exceeding its planned number of flights, NASA announced Thursday.
Orange tabby cat named Taters steals the show in first video sent by laser from deep space
Read full article: Orange tabby cat named Taters steals the show in first video sent by laser from deep spaceAn orange tabby cat named Taters stars in the first video sent by laser from deep space, stealing the show as he chases a red laser light.
Average long-term US mortgage rate climbs to 7.09% this week to highest level in more than 20 years
Read full article: Average long-term US mortgage rate climbs to 7.09% this week to highest level in more than 20 yearsThe average long-term U.S. mortgage rate jumped this week to its highest level in 20 years.
First-of-its-kind Mars livestream by ESA spacecraft interrupted at times by rain on Earth
Read full article: First-of-its-kind Mars livestream by ESA spacecraft interrupted at times by rain on EarthA European spacecraft around Mars has sent its first livestream from the red planet to Earth to mark the 20th anniversary of its launch.
Candy firm fined after 2 workers fall into vat of chocolate at M&M’s factory
Read full article: Candy firm fined after 2 workers fall into vat of chocolate at M&M’s factoryFederal workplace safety authorities have fined a central Pennsylvania confectionary factory more than $14,500 following an accident last year in which two workers fell into a vat of chocolate.
UN to seek out methane emitters with data from space
Read full article: UN to seek out methane emitters with data from spaceBig emitters of the heat-trapping gas methane can expect a call from the United Nations starting next year, when the global body launches a new platform to combine existing systems for tracking the potent greenhouse gas from space.
NASA officials aim for Artemis I flight test by late August
Read full article: NASA officials aim for Artemis I flight test by late AugustNASA officials held a teleconference Friday to talk about what’s next for the Artemis I moon mission, forecasting the first flight test of the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket no earlier than in late August.
Toyota heading to moon with cruiser, robotic arms, dreams
Read full article: Toyota heading to moon with cruiser, robotic arms, dreamsToyota says it's working with Japan’s space agency on a vehicle to explore the lunar surface, with ambitions to help people live on the moon by 2040 and eventually live on Mars.
Here are the top 5 events for backyard astronomers in 2022
Read full article: Here are the top 5 events for backyard astronomers in 2022There are always noteworthy things to look up for on any given night, but these are the top events worth marking in your calendar as we venture through the new year.
Meet Jessica Watkins: The first Black female astronaut to embark on a long-term mission
Read full article: Meet Jessica Watkins: The first Black female astronaut to embark on a long-term missionNASA announced the fourth crew member heading to the international space station will include Jessica Watkins. This will make her the first black female astronaut to join the crew for a long-term mission.
Relativity Space unveils details of larger 3D-printed rocket to launch from Cape Canaveral
Read full article: Relativity Space unveils details of larger 3D-printed rocket to launch from Cape CanaveralRelativity Space is revealing new details about its larger Terran R rocket, which could compete with SpaceX’s workhorse rocket, the Falcon 9.
Cleared for takeoff: NASA’s first Mars helicopter flight will happen Monday morning
Read full article: Cleared for takeoff: NASA’s first Mars helicopter flight will happen Monday morningAfter the flight of NASA’s tiny helicopter was delayed last week, the agency set the date for the first Mars helicopter flight.
NASA’s helicopter awaiting new target date for first Mars flight
Read full article: NASA’s helicopter awaiting new target date for first Mars flightNASA has again delayed the Wright Brothers moment for its tiny helicopter on Mars as teams continue to troubleshoot issues ahead of its first flight on another world.
US, China consulted on safety as their crafts headed to Mars
Read full article: US, China consulted on safety as their crafts headed to MarsA visitor to an exhibition looks at a display with a replica of the Chinese Mars Rover of the Tianwen-1 spacecraft in Beijing on March 12, 2021. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)BEIJING – As their respective spacecrafts headed to Mars, China and the U.S. held consultations earlier this year in a somewhat unusual series of exchanges between the rivals. China's National Space Agency confirmed Wednesday that it had working-level meetings and communications with NASA from January to March “to ensure the flight safety" of their crafts. U.S. law bans almost all contacts between NASA and China over concerns about technology theft and the secretive, military-backed nature of China’s space program. China's Tianwen-1 is orbiting Mars in preparation for a landing in May or June.
NASA preparing Ingenuity helicopter for flight on Mars after finding airfield
Read full article: NASA preparing Ingenuity helicopter for flight on Mars after finding airfieldThe helicopter, nicknamed Ingenuity, arrived on the Red Planet on Feb. 18, hitching along for the ride with NASA’s Mars Perseverance rover. During a media briefing Tuesday, Ingenuity and Perseverance team members revealed they are targeting around April 8 for the first flight. [MORE COVERAGE: NASA rover gets rolling on Mars from its landing spot named for late author Octavia Butler | Mars rover sends back grinding, squealing sounds of driving]NASA's Ingenuity helicopter airfield on Mars within the Jezero Crater. (Image: NASA JPL) (WKMG 2021)“We really scoured this area. The Mars Helicopter Delivery System holds the Ingenuity Mars Helicopter to the underside of Perseverance.
Mars rover sends back grinding, squealing sounds of driving
Read full article: Mars rover sends back grinding, squealing sounds of driving7, 2021 photo provided by NASA shows tire tracks left by the Mars Perseverance rover. The rover has sent back the first-ever sounds of driving on the red planet. “If I heard these sounds driving my car, I’d pull over and call for a tow,” Dave Gruel, an engineer on the rover team, said in a written NASA statement. This second mike didn't pick up any sounds of the rover's arrival at Mars, but managed to record the first test drive March 4. The driving audio contains a unexpected high-pitched scratching noise, according to NASA.
China, Russia agree to build lunar research station
Read full article: China, Russia agree to build lunar research stationChina and Russia said they will build a lunar research station, possibly on the moon's surface, marking the start of a new era in space cooperation between the two countries. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein, File)BEIJING – China and Russia said they will build a lunar research station, possibly on the moon's surface, marking the start of a new era in space cooperation between the two countries. A statement posted on the website of the China National Space Administration Wednesday said the International Lunar Research Station would also be open to use by other countries, but gave no timeline for its construction. Russia is a participant in the International Space Station but its space program has been somewhat eclipsed by those of China, the U.S., India and others. AdChina has planned four crewed missions this year to work on its first permanent orbiting space station, the core module of which could be launched as soon as next month.
NASA's new Mars rover hits dusty red road, 1st trip 21 feet
Read full article: NASA's new Mars rover hits dusty red road, 1st trip 21 feetThis photo made available by NASA was taken during the first drive of the Perseverance rover on Mars on Thursday, March 4, 2021. (NASA/JPL-Caltech via AP)CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – NASA’s newest Mars rover hit the dusty red road this week, putting 21 feet on the odometer in its first test drive. The Perseverance rover ventured from its landing position Thursday, two weeks after setting down on the red planet to seek signs of past life. AdPerseverance — NASA's biggest and most elaborate rover yet — became the ninth U.S. spacecraft to successfully land on Mars on Feb. 18. China hopes to land its smaller rover — currently orbiting the red planet — in another few months.
NASA rover gets rolling on Mars from its landing spot named for late author Octavia Butler
Read full article: NASA rover gets rolling on Mars from its landing spot named for late author Octavia ButlerThis image was captured while NASA’s Perseverance rover drove on Mars for the first time on March 4, 2021. (Credits: NASA/JPL-Caltech)NASA’s Perseverance Mars rover is now wheeling around on the red planet and stretching its robotic limbs, the rover’s team said in the most recent update just two weeks after landing. Already the space agency released the first ever sound recorded on Mars taken by Percy and the first photos taken from the rover’s jetpack as it landed. Since then there have been many more firsts for the six-wheeled robot.. Two weeks into the mission, Percy has already sent back about 7,000 images. “Butler’s protagonists embodies determination and inventiveness, making her a perfect fit for the Perseverance rover mission, and its theme of overcoming challenges.”The spot where @NASAPersevere began its journey on Mars now bears the name “Octavia E. Butler Landing."
Biden signals support to replace war power authority
Read full article: Biden signals support to replace war power authorityThe U.S. has blamed the militia for numerous attacks targeting U.S. personnel and interests in Iraq in the past. But several leading members of Congress, including members in Biden’s own party, denounced the strikes — the first military action he has authorized. Kaine and others argued offensive military action without congressional approval is not constitutional absent extraordinary circumstances. A U.S. contractor died after at least 10 rockets slammed into the base early Wednesday. “If we assess further response is warranted, we will take action again in a manner and time of our choosing,” Psaki said.
Biden lauds NASA team for giving US 'dose of confidence'
Read full article: Biden lauds NASA team for giving US 'dose of confidence'President Joe Biden congratulates NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory Mars 2020 Perseverance team for successfully landing on Mars during a virtual call in the Roosevelt Room at the White House, Thursday, March 4, 2021. Biden speaking in video conference call with the leadership of space agency’s jet propulsion laboratory team expressed awe over the Feb. 18 landing of Perseverance. Ad“It’s so much bigger than landing Perseverance on Mars," Biden told members of the NASA team. Ad“We can land a rover on Mars, we can beat a pandemic," Biden said. The NASA team landing on Feb. 18 marked the third visit to Mars in just over a week.
Chinese astronauts training for space station crewed flights
Read full article: Chinese astronauts training for space station crewed flightsChina says a cohort of astronauts have been selected and are in training to carry out four crewed missions this year as the country works to complete its first permanent orbiting space station. (CNSA via AP)BEIJING – China said Thursday a cohort of astronauts is training for four crewed missions this year as the country works to complete its first permanent orbiting space station. Two other modules will be launched later, along with four Tianzhou cargo supply mission and the four Shenzhou crewed missions. CNSA listed 12 astronauts training for the crewed missions, including veterans of previous Shenzhou flights, newcomers and women, though it wasn't clear if there were others selected. Once completed, the permanent space station will allow for stays of up to six months, similar to the International Space Station.
These photos on Mars are the best we’ve ever seen
Read full article: These photos on Mars are the best we’ve ever seenThe landing is part of NASA’s Mars Exploration Program, a long-term effort to explore the Red Planet. (2021 NASA)This is the first 360-degree panorama taken by Mastcam-Z, a zoomable pair of cameras aboard NASA’s Perseverance Mars rover. Credits: NASA/JPL-Caltech/ASU/MSSSThis shows the rim of Jezero Crater as seen in the first 360-degree panorama taken by the Mastcam-Z instrument aboard NASA’s Perseverance Mars rover (Feb. 24, 2021). AdNASA’s Mars Perseverance rover acquired this image using its Rover Down-Look Camera. The Perseverance Mars rover landed on Mars Feb. 18, 2021.
China’s Mars craft enters parking orbit before landing rover
Read full article: China’s Mars craft enters parking orbit before landing roverChina says its Tianwen-1 spacecraft has entered a temporary parking orbit around Mars in anticipation of landing a rover on the red planet in the coming months. (AP Photo/Andy Wong)BEIJING – China says its Tianwen-1 spacecraft has entered a temporary parking orbit around Mars in anticipation of landing a rover on the red planet in the coming months. A successful bid to land Tianwen-1 would make China only the second country after the U.S. to place a spacecraft on Mars. AdTianwen, the title of an ancient poem, means “Quest for Heavenly Truth.”Landing a spacecraft on Mars is notoriously tricky. In 2011, a Mars-bound Chinese orbiter that was part of a Russian mission didn’t make it out of Earth orbit.
NASA releases Mars landing video: ‘Stuff of our dreams’
Read full article: NASA releases Mars landing video: ‘Stuff of our dreams’This combination of images from video made available by NASA shows steps in the descent of the Mars Perseverance rover as it approaches the surface of the planet on Thursday, Feb. 18, 2021. “It gives me goose bumps every time I see it, just amazing,” said Dave Gruel, head of the entry and descent camera team. After spending the weekend binge-watching the descent and landing video, the team at Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California, shared the video at a news conference. “These videos and these images are the stuff of our dreams," said Al Chen, who was in charge of the landing team. AdSix off-the-shelf color cameras were devoted to entry, descent and landing, looking up and down from different perspectives.
Here’s how to see the full Snow Moon this week
Read full article: Here’s how to see the full Snow Moon this weekORLANDO, Fla. – The second full moon of the year is about to take center stage in our night sky. The full Snow Moon will rise in the eastern sky as the sun sets Friday evening. The February full moon is known as the Snow Moon, for probably obvious reasons, as heavy snow typically falls in the month. Full Snow Moon Friday into SaturdayThe moon will be at its fullest at 3:19 a.m. Saturday, but will still appear full after it rises after sunset. March’s full moon, the Worm Moon, will occur on Mar.
SunRail train hits vehicle in Maitland
Read full article: SunRail train hits vehicle in MaitlandA vehicle was damaged during a crash with a SunRail train on Feb. 19, 2021. SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. – A SunRail train hit a vehicle that was on the tracks in Maitland Friday evening according to Seminole County Fire Department. The crash was reported near Greenwood Drive in Maitland around 6:25 p.m. Officials from the Florida Department of Transportation said there were 25 passengers on board the train at the time of the crash and none of them were injured. A SunRail train hit a vehicle that was on the tracks in Altamonte Springs Friday evening and at this point, it’s unknown if anyone was injured, according to Seminole County Fire Rescue.
Mars landing team 'awestruck' by photo of descending rover
Read full article: Mars landing team 'awestruck' by photo of descending roverThis Thursday, Feb. 18, 2021 photo provided by NASA shows the Perseverance rover lowered towards the surface of Mars during its powered descent. (NASA via AP)CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The world got its first close-up look at a Mars landing on Friday, as NASA released a stunning picture of its newest rover being lowered onto the dusty red surface. NASA equipped the spacecraft with a record 25 cameras and two microphones, many of which were turned on during Thursday’s descent. It's the ninth time that NASA has successfully landed on Mars __ and the fifth rover. As it did with 2012's Curiosity rover — still roaming 2,300 miles (3,750 kilometers) away — NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter photographed Perseverance descending beneath its massive parachute.
Gov. DeSantis talks election security legislation in South Florida
Read full article: Gov. DeSantis talks election security legislation in South FloridaWEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – Gov. Ron DeSantis held a news conference in West Palm Beach Friday morning to talk about election security legislation he plans to push when the next legislative session begins in March. The event, which resembled a campaign rally with a cheering crowd, was held at the Hilton Airport Palm Beach along Australian Avenue. “We should have no ballot harvesting at all in the state of Florida,” DeSantis said. “I think that you can take it, put it in the mail or take it to the elections office.
‘Touchdown confirmed’ NASA rover, helicopter duo land on Mars
Read full article: ‘Touchdown confirmed’ NASA rover, helicopter duo land on MarsNASA’s Perseverance rover and the first-ever Mars helicopter concluded a 300-million-mile journey Thursday after surviving the landing. 3:55 p.m. Touchdown PerseveranceNASA’s Mars rover Perseverance has successfully landed in Jezero Crater on Mars following a 300-million-mile journey. I’m all in.#CountdownToMars pic.twitter.com/Eilc5Zq3ZW — NASA's Perseverance Mars Rover (@NASAPersevere) February 18, 20213:48 p.m. #CountdownToMars pic.twitter.com/bMsKw5ZEIQ — NASA (@NASA) February 18, 2021“You all should sleep in Friday because you guys have earned it,” Chen said. The chips were then were attached to an aluminum plate on NASA’s Perseverance Mars rover at Kennedy Space Center before launching in July.
Man arrested in fatal shooting near UCF
Read full article: Man arrested in fatal shooting near UCFORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – A man was arrested Thursday in Oviedo in connection with the shooting death of a 23-year-old man killed near the University of Central Florida in January. Jesus Armando Calle, 23, was shot and killed Jan. 3 during a party at an apartment complex on University Boulevard. AdMaurico Antonio Castro Jr. was arrested Thursday by Oviedo police on second-degree murder charges. “I’m at a party and I come back inside and my friend is on the ground shot in the (expletive) neck,” the other man said. He’s dying right now.”According to the update from the sheriff’s office, tips from the community helped them to arrest Castro.
Mars 2020 landing timeline: From 12,500 mph to wheels down
Read full article: Mars 2020 landing timeline: From 12,500 mph to wheels downNASA’s Mars rover Perseverance is set to complete its most dangerous part of the mission Thursday as it barrels through the Martian atmosphere and plops down on the red planet. But as NASA Mars 2020 entry, descent and landing lead Allen Chen explained on Jan. 27, “the parachute alone isn’t enough to slow down Perseverance for landing. Ad3:53 p.m. Terrain Relative Navigation begins and landing selectionThis animation depicts the Terrain-Relative Navigation technique incorporated into entry, descent, and landing for the Mars 2020 rover. 3:54:48 p.m. Rover separationAdHow NASA rover Perseverance will try to land on MarsThe rover drops from the descent stage and is lowered using 20-foot cables. Follow updates on News 6 and ClickOrlando.com/space on Feb. 18 as NASA lands the Perseverance rover on the red planet.
Moderna vaccines delayed by snowstorm may not arrive until next week, Florida governor says
Read full article: Moderna vaccines delayed by snowstorm may not arrive until next week, Florida governor saysThe site will be open for three days and will provide 3000 COVID-19 vaccines to senior citizens. We’re at 325,000 last week and we’re gonna have a net increase of 41,000 for the next week,” DeSantis said. The governor is expecting a shipment of 5,000 additional doses to be delivered to Pinellas County next week. The delayed deliveries have forced some vaccine distributors to temporarily call off some vaccination appointments this week but DeSantis did say the doses were expected to arrive before the weekend. “Keep in mind I mentioned this yesterday, the Moderna still has not shipped for this week.
Central Florida could feel record heat before cold front drops temps in time for weekend
Read full article: Central Florida could feel record heat before cold front drops temps in time for weekendORLANDO, Fla. – News 6 meteorologists are pinpointing a new front that will move across Central Florida by Friday afternoon and evening. It hasn’t made its way here yet but once it does, it will bring heavy rain and a few thunderstorms. Wednesday’s high was only 68 degrees. The record high for Wednesday’s date was 88 degrees set in 1944. The record high for Thursday is 87 degrees, which was set in 1962.
Breaking down the dangers NASA’s rover must survive to land on Mars
Read full article: Breaking down the dangers NASA’s rover must survive to land on Mars[MORE: NASA is about to land the first tiny helicopter on Mars]With so much money flowing into the new Perseverance rover you can’t help but wonder, could the mission fail? The rover’s landing has been dubbed “seven minutes of terror.”“Entry, Descent landing is the most critical and most dangerous part of the mission success is never assured. And that’s especially true when we’re trying to land the biggest heaviest and most complicated rover we’ve ever built,” Mars 2020 entry, descent and landing lead Allen Chen said. During the descent, NASA teams will be in the dark, hence the scariest seven minutes of the mission. “We certainly don’t want to land on that,” Erisa Stilley, Perseverance entry, descent and landing engineer said when referring to the cliff.