• ChatGPT: The Roaming Roadster

    It’s time to check in again with ChatGTP to discuss another Elon Musk issue – the Tesla vehicle he launched into space using a SpaceX rocket. I recently asked ChatGPT, which was funded in part by Elon Musk, to provide a three paragraph summary discussing the launch of the Tesla Roadster into space as well…

  • Pic of the Week: The Green Comet

    The so-called Green Comet that is garnering much attention in the media is captured in this image from last year. The comet was first discovered early last year. Here is the full story from NASA: Comet C/2022 E3 (ZTF) was discovered by astronomers using the wide-field survey camera at the Zwicky Transient Facility this year…

  • Where is This? February 8, 2023

    Take a look at the image above. Can you determine where this image originated? Take a guess and then check your answer by going to the “Where is This? The Answer Sheet” page.

  • Space Stories: Jovian Moons, Charon’s Canyons, and a New Space Telescope

    Here are some recent stories of interest. —Live Science: “Jupiter Officially has the Most Moons in the Solar System, Discovery of 12 New Satellites Confirms“ Jupiter was already the king of the solar system, and new discoveries give the massive planet another way to reign supreme: It now has the most moons. Twelve new moons discovered…

  • Space Quote: Nukes in Space

    “NASA should educate the public about why nuclear propulsion is not only something nice to have, but is a necessity if human civilization is to spread beyond the Earth on a greater scale than a few explorers. Access to the mineral and energy resources of the solar system would be a boon to all humankind…

  • Chinese Balloon: An Identified Flying Object

    It is not clear why China chose to test the U.S. this past week with a surveillance balloon, but it ended yesterday with the Air Force shooting down the device. These Chinese balloons have been seen all over the world, and this is not the first time they have visited the U.S. (having been sighted…

  • Podcast: Capturing Life Off Planet and Here on Earth

    I recommend checking out Alan Alda’s interview with astronomer Sara Seager in a recent Clear + Vivid podcast episode. MIT Professor Seager has focused her work on exoplanet atmospheres as well as another planet nearby – Venus. In the interview, she discusses her early work as well as her theories about the existence of life…

  • The House Committee Dodged a Killer Asteroid

    The House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, which oversees NASA’s programs, may have a chance to get some things done this year. Earlier in the week, New York Congressman George Santos stepped down from the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology as well as the House Committee on Small Business. With all of the…

  • Pic of the Week: ISS Space Junk

    This week’s image is a recent shot from the International Space Station (ISS) showing how it deals with unneeded equipment. Fortunately, this “space junk” will quickly burn up in the Earth’s atmosphere rather than remain a threat to the ISS. Given the size of that junk, I hope nothing else bumps into it on the…

  • A Day in Astronomy: Space Shuttle Columbia Disaster

    On this day in 2003, the STS-107 mission aboard NASA’s oldest space shuttle Columbia came to a horrible end when the shuttle disintegrated upon reentry. That day we lost crew members David M. Brown, Rick D. Husband, Laurel B. Clark, Kalpana Chawla, Michael P. Anderson, William C. “Willie” McCool, and Ilan Ramon. It was just 17…