NASA

Dennis Gallagher (ST13) provided a lecture to this summer’s 15 REU students titled “Inner Magnetospheric Physics”. Mehmet Yalim of UAH Space Science Department is managing the program this year. View the full article

Alphonse Sterling (ST13) gave a lecture on solar physics to at a one-day school on 5/5/24, in Krakow, Poland. The lecture was entitled “Introduction to the Solar Interior and Atmosphere,” and was just given prior to the start of IAU Symposium 388 on Solar and Stellar Coronal Mass Ejections. The audience included students and postdocs from various international locations who were attending the Symposium. View the full article

Phil Kaaret (ST12) is lead author on the paper which describes Chandra X-ray Observatory observations of the galaxy NGC 2366. Escape of Lyman continuum (LyC) emission from galaxies found in the early universe was essential for the reionization of the universe when the intergalactic medium (IGM) changed from being neutral gas to the ionized IGM that we observe today. Compact emission-line galaxies (LCGs) are the most abundant class of confirmed Lyman continuum (LyC) emitters and provide (relatively) nearby analogs of the galaxies found in the early universe. An optical integral field study of NGC 2366 revealed an outflow originating at a star cluster known as “knot B” that is thought to clear a channel via mechanical feedback that enables LyC escape. We observed NGC 2366 with the Chandra and detected X-ray emission from a point source coincident with the apex of the outflow at knot B. The pointlike nature and variability of the X-ray emission suggests accretion onto a compact object in an X-ray binary. The accretion could produce sufficient kinetic energy to power the outflow. Thus, outflows from X-ray binaries may be important in enabling LyC emission from galaxies. Read more at: https://arxiv.org/abs/2405.13192. Illustration of ChandraView the full article

2 min read Preparations for Next Moonwalk Simulations Underway (and Underwater) The 2025 RASC-AL Competition is seeking undergraduate and graduate teams to develop new concepts that leverage innovation to improve our ability to operate on the Moon, Mars and beyond. Each team’s response should address novel and robust technologies, capabilities, and operational models that support expanding humanity’s ability to thrive beyond Earth. In this year’s RASC-AL Competition, teams and their faculty advisors are invited to design and propose innovative solutions with supporting original engineering and analysis in response to one of the following themes: Sustained Lunar Evolution – An Inspirational Moment, Advanced Science Missions and Technology Demonstrators for Human-Mars Precursor Campaign, and Small Lunar Servicing and Maintenance Robot.  RASC-AL is sponsored by the Moon to Mars Architecture Development Office within the Exploration Systems Development Mission Directorate (ESDMD) at NASA Headquarters, and by the Space Mission Analysis Branch (SMAB) within the Systems Analysis and Concepts Directorate (SACD) at NASA’s Langley Research Center. Forum & Award: Up to 14 finalist teams will be selected to receive a $6,500 award stipend to facilitate full participation in the RASC-AL Competition Forum, held in Cocoa Beach, FL in June 2025. The top two overall winning teams will be invited to present their design projects to industry experts at a major aerospace conference in 2025, such as AIAA ASCEND (additional travel stipends provided). Action Required: Student teams will submit a 7-9-page Proposal and 2-minute Video summarizing the team’s proposal concept. Deadline: Proposal and Video Submissions are due February 24, 2025. View the 2025 RASC-AL Competition Guidelines here. Frequency: Annual; Themes vary by year. Contact: RASCAL@nianet.org Read More View the full article

Alphonse Sterling (ST13) is co-author on a paper describing CMEs that appear to be initiated by a series of recurrent coronal jets. The paper is entitled: “Source Region and Launch Characteristics of Magnetic-arch-blowout Solar Coronal Mass Ejections Driven by Homologous Compact-flare Blowout Jets.” It is led by Binal Patel, a graduate student of Sterling’s colleague in India, Bhuwan Joshi; Ronald Moore of UAH is also a co-author. The paper will appear in ApJ shortly, and a preprint is available at https://arxiv.org/pdf/2405.03292. Pre-eruptive coronal magnetic field configurations of the source region obtained from the NLFFF extrapolations using HMI vector magnetograms before events I–IV. We show the flux rope in blue color in each panel. The source region consists of closed bipolar field lines (green), which constrain the underlying flux rope. The flux rope is formed between emerging negative flux (NE ) and positive polarity flux (P2) in the leading part of the AR. The red circles mark the southeastern footpoint location of the flux rope in each panel, which is rooted in the rapidly changing NE region. (a2)–(d2) The flux ropes are shown from side views before events I–IV. (a3)–(d3) An AIA 304 Å image before the respective event is plotted in the background of the flux ropes.View the full article

Phil Kaaret (ST12) gave a talk on “Particle acceleration and magnetic field geometry in the eastern jet of the microquasar SS 433” at the session on Black Holes on 6/12/24. At the end of his talk, Kaaret promoted the upcoming IXPE GO cycle 2 and the NICER/IXPE workshop that will be a hybrid meeting held 7/29-8/1/24 and the International X-ray POlarimetry Symposium being organized by USRA that will be held in Huntsville on 9/16-19/24. View the full article

Timothy Lang (ST11) is the Principal Investigator and Aaron Kaulfus (ST11) is a Co-Investigator (Co-I) on a proposal titled “Using CYGNSS with a suite of spaceborne remote sensing datasets to probe tropical maritime cold pool evolution from space”, which was recently selected for funding by NASA. CYGNSS stands for Cyclone Global Navigation Satellite System, and the proposal seeks to combine CYGNSS and other scatterometer measurements of ocean winds using machine learning to detect and track cold pools (i.e., gust front winds) from tropical maritime convection throughout their lifetimes. This work will enable a more process-oriented look at how convectively driven cold pools interact with convection and the local environment. Data from NASA precipitation sensors and NOAA geostationary observations will be included in the analysis as well. The project will last for three years, and it includes University of Alabama in Huntsville (Co-I George Priftis) as a local partner. View the full article

Timothy Lang (ST11) is a co-author on an article titled “Effective Visualization of Radar Data for Users Impacted by Color Vision Deficiency”, which was recently accepted for publication in Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society. The article is led by Zachary Sherman of Argonne National Laboratory (ANL), and it is an outgrowth of a long-standing collaboration on open science between ANL, MSFC, and other institutions that predates NASA Science Policy Directive (SPD) 41a and the Transform to Open Science (TOPS) campaign. Color Vision Deficiency (CVD) affects up to 8% of genetic males and 0.5% of genetic females, and traditional color maps used in radar meteorology and other Earth sciences often lack perceptual accuracy and clarity when viewed by those affected by CVD. The article reviews new color maps that convey useful and clear scientific information whether viewed by those with normal color perception or those with CVD. These color maps are available in open-source repositories like cmweather (https://github.com/openradar/cmweather) and pyart (http://arm-doe.github.io/pyart/). The article and the open-source CVD-friendly color maps are excellent examples of the greater inclusivity fostered when open science is practiced. Read the paper at: https://journals.ametsoc.org/view/journals/bams/aop/BAMS-D-23-0056.1/BAMS-D-23-0056.1.xml. View the full article

Linda Krause and Heidi Haviland (ST13) along with Jeff Apple, Miguel Rodriguez-Otero (ES11), Kurt Dietz (ES52), and Gary Thornton (ES21) contributed to the Planetary Instrument Concepts for the Advancement of Solar System Observations (PICASSO) proposal LVACCS that was selected for funding. Omar Leon (University of Michigan) is the instrument suite PI. Electric charge accumulates on the lunar rovers and landers from ambient plasma, ionizing radiation, suprathermal charged particles, dust, and surface regolith. LVACCS will measure both the positive and negative charge, acts to discharge negative charge buildup, and actively charges the vehicle to a known positive potential. This increases the accuracy and precision of related instruments including dust, plasma, and electric fields. LVACCS builds from heritage systems in geosynchronous orbit but with a much smaller size, weight, and power. LVACCS has two main components: a collimated photoelectron gun (CPEG, led by MSFC), and a spacecraft charge detector (led by the University of Michigan). Within the two years of the award, the instrument will mature from TRL 2 to 5. LVACCS solves the important and timely problem of charge build up at the lunar surface for future lander and rover missions. View the full article

On 5/24/24, Astronomy and Astrophysics published online “Pulsar-wind-nebula-powered Galactic center X-ray filament G0.13–0.11” by Eugene Churazov et al. On 5/30/24, Astrophysical Journal Letters published online “Discovery of a Shock-compressed Magnetic Field in the Northwestern Rim of the Young Supernova Remnant RX J1713.7–3946 with X-Ray Polarimetry” by Riccardo Ferrazzoli et al. View the full article

Manil Maskey (ST11/IMPACT) was an invited guest at the Taylor Geospatial Institute (TGI) GeoAI gathering. He presented on the Harmonized Landsat Sentinel-2 (HLS) based geospatial foundation model and the recent developments in weather and climate foundation model. Following the presentation, Maskey engaged in discussions that led to several agencies expressing interest in collaborating with IMPACT on these foundation models. TGI’s mission is to catalyze collaboration across our consortium, to connect partners in the broader geospatial ecosystem, and to align distinctive strengths, collective expertise, and shared resources to generate innovative research and solutions. View the full article

SatSummit brings together leaders in the satellite industry and global development experts for two days of presentations and discussions on using satellite data to address critical development challenges. Rahul Ramachandran (ST11/IMPACT) participated in a panel focused on large earth foundation models, offering an overview of AI foundation models and their potential for societal good. He detailed NASA’s approach to building these models and the agency’s overall strategy, underscoring their importance in advancing Earth science and global development initiatives. View the full article

Manil Maskey (ST11/IMPACT) was an invited panelist at the United States Geospatial Intelligence Foundation (USGIF) organized GEOINT Symposium Panel titled “Geo-GPT” for Real-Time Geospatial Discovery. The panel explored the convergence of foundational artificial intelligence models beyond large language models, unveiling the potential for groundbreaking conversational “GeoGPT” capabilities that enable real-time geospatial discovery. The discussion centered on the fusion of language processing, computer vision, and spatial reasoning to enable dynamic and interactive exploration for GEOINT planning and response missions. The panel highlighted how the integration of diverse AI models can enhance the richness and accuracy of geospatial conversational AI experiences. This allows seamless interactions between humans and machines, empowering users to intuitively engage with real-time maps, interrogate them, and receive insights through natural language dialogue. Maskey shared insights on the NASA Science Mission Directorate’s (SMD’s) activities in the development and use of large language models (LLMs) and foundation models. The USGIF is an educational foundation dedicated to promoting the geospatial intelligence tradecraft. It aims to develop a stronger GEOINT community by bringing together government, industry, academia, professional organizations, and individuals to address national security challenges through geospatial intelligence. The recording of the panel can be found here. – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oHzsIe2Kfmo. View the full article

NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, and the Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (LASP) at the University of Colorado (CU) Boulder enacted a collaborative Space Act Agreement Monday, Aug. 5, 2024, to advance research and modeling in the critical field of space weather. NASA and LASP are longtime space science and exploration partners, and this formal agreement expands the depth and breadth of space weather activities for everyone’s benefit. Space weather refers to conditions in space — typically driven by the Sun’s activity — that can affect humans and technology. Space weather is responsible for the aurora, and intense events can harm spacecraft, astronauts, or even technology on Earth. NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, and the Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (LASP) at the University of Colorado (CU) Boulder enacted a collaborative Space Act Agreement to advance research and modeling in the critical field of space weather. Goddard Center Director Dr. Makenzie Lystrup (left) and LASP Director Dr. Daniel Baker signed the agreement Monday, Aug. 5, 2024.NASA/Bri Horton “Space weather touches all aspects of life, from our power grid to space-based assets that are susceptible to space weather events,” said Dr. Makenzie Lystrup, NASA Goddard director. “This agreement today formalizes a long-standing collaboration with LASP essential to expanding space weather applications that protect ground- and space-based assets, not to mention our astronauts preparing to explore deeper into space to the Moon and beyond.” LASP is at the forefront of solar, planetary, and space physics research, climate and space-weather monitoring, and the search for evidence of habitable worlds, all of which match perfectly with Goddard’s mission portfolio and leadership in heliophysics research. “We have had a long and highly productive partnership with NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in all areas of space exploration,” said LASP Director Dr. Daniel Baker. “It is now an honor for LASP to collaborate with the world’s largest Earth and space science research organization to advance our nation’s space weather and heliophysics capabilities. This agreement offers new opportunities to learn from our overlapping space weather expertise and to leverage scientific research using small satellites.” The agreement calls for a more formal and robust framework to expand space weather work in several key areas, to include: Maturation and miniaturization of instruments for space weather research Incorporating space weather instrumentation and packages as hosted payloads on satellites Exploring joint work in “Space Weather Research to Operations” activities Addressing important aspects of space weather policy And, defining best practices for mission proposal development Goddard is NASA’s premiere spaceflight complex and home to the nation’s largest organization of scientists, engineers, and technologists who build spacecraft, instruments, and new technology to study Earth, the Sun, our solar system, and the universe. For more information on programs at Goddard, visit: www.nasa.gov/goddard By Jeremy Eggers NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility, Wallops Island, Va. Share Details Last Updated Aug 05, 2024 EditorRob GarnerContactRob Garnerrob.garner@nasa.govLocationGoddard Space Flight Center Related TermsGoddard Space Flight Center Explore More 2 min read NASA Goddard, Maryland Sign Memo to Boost State’s Aerospace Sector Article 2 months ago 5 min read NASA’s MAVEN Observes the Disappearing Solar Wind Article 8 months ago 5 min read Four Decades and Counting: New NASA Instrument Continues Measuring Solar Energy Input to Earth Article 7 years ago View the full article

Rahul Ramachandran and Maskey (ST11/IMPACT) participated in IBM Think, where their IBM collaborators showcased two innovative AI applications for weather and climate modeling. The first application focuses on climate downscaling, enhancing the resolution of climate models for more accurate local predictions. The second application aims to optimize wind farm predictions, improving renewable energy forecasts. During the event, Ramachandran and Maskey were interviewed, highlighting the ongoing fruitful collaboration with IBM Research and its potential to advance climate science and renewable energy forecasting. View the full article

A proposal entitled, “TEMPO-EMIT synergy: Enhancing applications of GHG (greenhouse gas) and air pollutant observations over key emission sources,” was selected for funding through a NASA cross-mission product opportunity. The project, co-led by Aaron Naeger at SPoRT, will integrate the complementary air pollutant and GHG data from the NASA TEMPO and EMIT missions for designing a TEMPO-EMIT merged product concept, which aims to facilitate assessments of GHG and co-pollutant emissions from key source regions in the U.S. The focus of this project will be on the oil and gas operations in the Permian Basin where recent data have indicated strong nitrogen dioxide and methane emissions from the facilities. The National Park Service and air agencies have a high-level of interest in better understanding emissions from these facilities for improving air quality management in the region. View the full article

Analyses suggest that microgravity does not significantly alter fundamental biochemical pathways in kidney cells, including metabolism of vitamin D. This finding could help researchers develop strategies to protect crew health on future missions and improve treatment of kidney-related diseases on Earth. Kidney Cell examined the effects of microgravity and other factors of space travel on kidney health. Previous reports suggested that changes in kidney cell metabolism of vitamin D plays a role in bone loss in microgravity, and this paper recommends additional study to determine if this most recent finding is consistent with extended (>6 months) exposure to microgravity. NASA astronaut Christina Koch works inside the Life Sciences Glovebox on the International Space Station with the Kidney Cells experiment to examine how kidney health is affected by microgravity and other factors of space travel, including increased chemical exposure, water conservation, recycling, and altered dietary intake. NASA/Nick Hague From cosmic rays collected by AMS-02 (Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer) between May 2011 and April 2021, researchers report precise measurements of the behavior of cosmic deuterons. These data provide important clues in the search for dark matter and understanding of the overall nature of the universe. AMS-02 is an alpha-magnetic spectrometer that looks for evidence of dark matter. To date, AMS-02 has collected more than 180 billion events of galactic cosmic rays. Hydrogen nuclei, the most abundant type of cosmic rays, consist of two stable isotopes, protons and deuterons, believed to have been generated by the Big Bang. Exterior view of the International Space Station during an extravehicular activity with a fisheye camera. Researchers identified multiple proteins in rodents that are associated with bone and muscle loss in microgravity. This finding helps researchers understand physiological adaptation to spaceflight. JAXA’s (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) Medical Proteomics analyzed changes in protein expression in the blood, bone, and muscles of mice after spaceflight to identify specific proteins related to bone loss. Combined data from the space-flown mice, astronauts, and patients on Earth helps clarify the relationship between bone loss in microgravity and on the ground. View the full article

Learn Home AstroViz: Iconic Pillars of… For Educators Overview Learning Resources Science Activation Teams SME Map Opportunities More Science Stories Science Activation Highlights Citizen Science 4 min read AstroViz: Iconic Pillars of Creation Star in NASA’s New 3D Visualization NASA’s Universe of Learning – a partnership among the Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI), Caltech/IPAC, the Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian, and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory and part of the NASA Science Activation program portfolio – recently released a new 3D visualization of the towering clouds of cosmic dust and gas at the center of the star-forming region known as M16, or the Eagle Nebula. This video, which uses data from NASA’s Hubble, James Webb, and Spitzer space telescopes, as well as the Chandra X-ray Observatory, is the most comprehensive and detailed multiwavelength movie yet of these star-birthing “Pillars of Creation.” “By flying past and amongst the pillars, viewers experience their three-dimensional structure and see how they look different in the Hubble visible light view versus the Webb infrared light view,” explained principal visualization scientist Frank Summers of STScI in Baltimore. “The contrast helps them understand why we have more than one space telescope to observe different aspects of the same object.” Summers led the video development team. The Pillars of Creation, made primarily of cool molecular hydrogen and dust, are being eroded by the fierce winds and punishing ultraviolet light of nearby hot, young stars. Finger-like structures larger than the solar system protrude from the tops of the pillars. Within these fingers can be embedded embryonic stars. The tallest pillar stretches across three light-years, three-quarters of the distance between our Sun and the next nearest star. The movie takes visitors into the three-dimensional structures of the pillars. Rather than an artistic interpretation, the video is based on observational data from a science paper led by Anna McLeod, an associate professor at the University of Durham in the United Kingdom. McLeod also served as a scientific advisor on the movie project. The 3D structures are approximations for how the pillars are lined up in space like a row of trees, based on observational data. The goal is to give viewers an experiential view, so that they can better interpret the otherwise flat, two-dimensional images from telescopes. This 3D understanding allowed the team to create 3D printable files of the Pillars using the newest data. On the same day or the visualization release, Dr. Frank Summers led a live-streamed panel discussion with attendees covering “A Deep Dive into the Creation of the Pillars of Creation” at the AstroViz Community Practice meetup. The panelists and attendees engaged in a deep dive into the transformation of 2D views of the Pillars of Creation into a scientifically-vetted 3D visualization. The new visualization helps viewers experience how of the world’s most powerful space telescopes work together to provide a more complex portrait of the pillars. Hubble sees objects that glow in visible light at thousands of degrees. Webb’s infrared vision, which is sensitive to cooler objects with temperatures of just hundreds of degrees, pierces through obscuring dust to see stars embedded in the pillars. Experience the Visualization: Pillars of Creation Access the 3D-Printable Pillars of Creation Model Explore Pillars of Creation Resource Watch AstroViz Community Meet Up Recording: Astrophysical Artistry | AstroViz Community Meetup | June 2024 As of July 25, 2024, the visualization has received 2,457,930 views, made 467,318 impressions, and been featured in 755 online media articles reaching 3.8 billion potential readers. A variety of additional learning resources related to the Pillars of Creation and star-forming regions, including the 3D print files, sonification, and interactive to explore the Pillars in different wavelengths, can be found on the NASA’s Universe of Learning website. NASA’s Universe of Learning s supported by NASA under cooperative agreement award number NNX16AC65A and is part of NASA’s Science Activation Portfolio. Learn more about how Science Activation connects NASA science experts, real content, and experiences with community leaders to do science in ways that activate minds and promote deeper understanding of our world and beyond: https://science.nasa.gov/learn Credits: Visualization and video: Greg Bacon (STScI), Ralf Crawford (STScI), Joseph DePasquale (STScI), Leah Hustak (STScI), Danielle Kirshenblat (STScI), Christian Nieves (STScI), Joseph Olmsted (STScI), Alyssa Pagan (STScI), Frank Summers (STScI), Robert L. Hurt (Caltech, IPAC) Subject Matter Expert: Anna McLeod (Durham University) Script Writer and narration: Frank Summers (STScI) Music: Joseph DePasquale (STScI) 3D Model: NASA, STScI, R. Crawford, L. Hustak Side-by-side images of the Pillars of Creation from Hubble (left) and Webb (right) Share Details Last Updated Aug 05, 2024 Editor NASA Science Editorial Team Location Jet Propulsion Laboratory Related Terms Astrophysics Chandra X-Ray Observatory For Educators Hubble Space Telescope James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) Jet Propulsion Laboratory Nebulae Science Activation Spitzer Space Telescope Explore More 2 min read Hubble Spies a Diminutive Galaxy Article 3 days ago 4 min read Repair Kit for NASA’s NICER Mission Heading to Space Station Article 6 days ago 4 min read GLOBE Alumna and Youth for Habitat Program Lead Named Scientist of the Month in Alaska Article 6 days ago Keep Exploring Discover More Topics From NASA James Webb Space Telescope Webb is the premier observatory of the next decade, serving thousands of astronomers worldwide. It studies every phase in the… Perseverance Rover This rover and its aerial sidekick were assigned to study the geology of Mars and seek signs of ancient microbial… Parker Solar Probe On a mission to “touch the Sun,” NASA’s Parker Solar Probe became the first spacecraft to fly through the corona… Juno NASA’s Juno spacecraft entered orbit around Jupiter in 2016, the first explorer to peer below the planet’s dense clouds to… View the full article

4 Min Read NASA, EPA Tackle NO2 Air Pollution in Overburdened Communities This map shows average concentrations of nitrogen dioxide for 2022 over the U.S., as detected by the Ozone Monitoring Instrument on NASA’s Aura satellite. Higher concentrations are in red and purple. Lower concentrations are in blue. Credits: NASA’s Scientific Visualization Studio Earth (ESD) Earth Home Explore Climate Change Science in Action Multimedia Data For Researchers For the first time, NASA data about nitrogen dioxide (NO2), a harmful air pollutant, is available in the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) widely used Environmental Justice Screening and Mapping Tool (EJScreen). This update marks a crucial step in addressing air quality disparities in overburdened communities across the United States. “Having access to this accurate and localized NO2 data allows organizations like ours to understand the air quality challenges we encounter, and to advocate more effectively for the health and well-being of community residents,” said Samuel Jordan, president of the Baltimore Transit Equity Coalition. Previously, EJScreen included data on ozone, fine particulate matter, and various other environmental hazards. But it lacked information on NO2, which has been linked to respiratory issues such as asthma, especially in children. “Incorporating NO2 data into EJScreen is a testament to how NASA’s Earth science capabilities can be applied to address crucial societal challenges,” said John Haynes, NASA’s program manager for Health and Air Quality. “This collaboration with the EPA underscores our commitment to using space-based observations to benefit public health and environmental justice.” NO2 is emitted by burning fossil fuels and contributes to the formation of surface ozone. Communities of color and lower-income populations often live closer to highways, factories, transportation hubs, and other NO2 sources than their wealthier counterparts. As a result, residents are exposed to higher levels of this air pollutant and others, exacerbating health inequalities. For example, a new NASA-funded study used satellite data and other information to show that nearly 150,000 warehouses in the U.S. increase local NO2 levels and are predominantly located in marginalized communities. The findings reveal a 20% increase, on average, in near-warehouse NO2, linked to truck traffic and warehouse density. “NO2 is very short-lived in the air, and so its levels are high in the area where it is emitted,” said Gaige Kerr, study coauthor and an air pollution researcher at George Washington University in Washington, who was involved in incorporating NASA’s NO2 data into EJScreen. “This tool democratizes access to high-quality NO2 data, allowing individuals without a background in data analysis or data visualization to access and understand the information easily.” EJScreen uses data from the Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI) on NASA’s Aura satellite and computer models to provide average annual NO2estimates at the census block level, revealing the amount of chronic surface-level NO2 that people may be exposed to in their neighborhoods. “Satellite data has the potential to transform the measurement of certain environmental and climate factors,” said Tai Lung, an environmental protection specialist with EPA and EJScreen lead. “The consistency of NASA’s NO2 data for every corner of the U.S. makes it tremendously valuable for screening and mapping of disproportionate impacts in communities.” The dataset was developed with contributions from George Washington University, the University of Washington School of Medicine in Seattle, and Oregon State University in Corvallis. The data integration was made possible through a NASA grant to the Satellite Data for Environmental Justice Tiger Team (part of NASA’s Health and Air Quality Applied Sciences Team), which worked closely with the EPA to ensure the data’s accuracy and relevance. NASA uses a variety of instruments on satellites, aircraft, and ground stations to continually gather data on key air pollutants. Scientists supported by NASA and other researchers monitor the origins, levels, and atmospheric movement of these pollutants. Their research offers crucial Earth-observation data that can guide air quality standards, shape public policies, and inform government regulations, ultimately aiming to enhance economic and human welfare. The Aura satellite recently celebrated its 20-year anniversary. In the future, Kerr said, the team could explore using NO2 data from NASA’s new TEMPO (Tropospheric Emissions: Monitoring of Pollution) instrument on the Intelsat commercial satellite. TEMPO launched in 2023 and offers hourly daytime measurements, rather than OMI’s once-daily measurements. This capability could further enhance the EPA tool, providing insight on pollution levels throughout the day and supporting proactive air pollution management. By Emily DeMarco NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Md. Share Details Last Updated Aug 05, 2024 Editor Rob Garner Contact Emily DeMarco emily.p.demarco@nasa.gov Location Goddard Space Flight Center Related Terms Applied Sciences Program Earth Earth Science Division Earth’s Atmosphere Goddard Space Flight Center Human Dimensions Explore More 2 min read NASA-Led Mission to Map Air Pollution Over Both U.S. Coasts This summer between June 17 and July 2, NASA will fly aircraft over Baltimore, Philadelphia,… Article 2 months ago 4 min read NASA Scientists Take to the Seas to Study Air Quality Satellites continuously peer down from orbit to take measurements of Earth, and this week a… Article 2 months ago 10 min read A Tale of Three Pollutants Freight, smoke, and ozone impact the health of both Chicago residents and communities downwind. A… Article 10 months ago Keep Exploring Discover More Topics From NASA Earth Your home. Our Mission. And the one planet that NASA studies more than any other. Air Quality Air pollution is a significant threat to human health and our environment. Instruments on NASA satellites, along with airborne and… TEMPO TEMPO, or Tropospheric Emissions: Monitoring of Pollution, is the first space-based instrument to continuously measure air quality above North America… Explore Earth Science View the full article

NASA Hidden Figure Dorothy J. Vaughan (Narrated by Octavia Spencer)

The summer months are usually a time for teachers to take a break from the classroom and enjoy some well-earned rest. But at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, two experienced educators dedicated their summer vacations to learning how to enrich their students’ science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education and inspire them to achieve their dreams. Johnson’s Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) welcomed Jerry “Denise” Dunn and Shawnda Folsom as full-time interns for the summer. Both women came to Johnson through the Oklahoma Space Grant Consortium, which not only supports students pursuing STEM careers but also provides curriculum enhancement and professional development opportunities for educators. Dunn and Folsom were invited to become interns after completing STELLAR, the consortium’s yearlong mentorship program that immerses educators in hands-on STEM-based activities for classroom application. Denise Dunn (left) and Shawnda Folsom. For Dunn, a middle school special education teacher in the small town of Checotah, Oklahoma, participating in STELLAR opened several doors that ultimately led to her internship. Dunn works primarily with students who have severe and profound disabilities and is fiercely passionate about increasing their access to STEM education and opportunities. “If you look at the research, there’s been a big push for STEM for everyone except kids with disabilities. The number of people with disabilities in STEM-related fields hasn’t changed in a decade,” she said. “We need to promote that more.” Dunn suggested that she and her STELLAR colleagues support Challenge Air, a program that teaches children with disabilities about aviation and lets them co-pilot a plane. The STELLAR group set up activity tables at a Challenge Air event where kids could build rockets or make Moon craters and learn about space exploration. That experience inspired the Oklahoma Space Grant Consortium to create an annual STEM engagement event specifically for kids with disabilities and their families. Denise Dunn (left) helps a family build a foam rocket at a Challenge Air event.Image courtesy of Denise Dunn Dunn subsequently attended the Space Exploration Educators Conference where she connected with Tracy Minish, a former Johnson employee with more than 30 years of experience in the Space Shuttle Program and Mission Control Center who is also legally blind. Minish met virtually with Dunn’s students to encourage them to pursue their dreams, then invited her to Johnson to learn about the accommodations and support NASA provides to employees with disabilities. Dunn used what she learned to create a teacher workshop that shared practical strategies for STEM special education. These efforts and the connections she made at Johnson paved the way for her internship. “I want to know more about what NASA does to support its employees with disabilities. I also want to know more about those employees and their stories so that I can share that with my students,” she said. Dunn also appreciated connecting with Johnson’s No Boundaries Employee Resource Group because they have the power to provide representation for kids with disabilities. “Kids with disabilities are just natural problem solvers and they have unique perspectives, and they need to see their value,” she said. “And NASA – what a great place for them to see that.” For Folsom, an elementary-level science and social studies teacher for Velma-Alma Public Schools, the internship offer came at a time of personal and professional change. In addition to planning her upcoming wedding and a move, juggling her kids’ schedules, and pursuing a master’s degree in education, Folsom was also preparing to take on a new, school district-wide role. “I am ecstatic to take on a new challenge – building, implementing, and teaching a comprehensive STEM program for students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade,” she said. She saw the internship as a chance to immerse herself in NASA’s work and bring new opportunities for STEM learning and engagement back to her students. “I was not aware of all of the student design challenges that NASA has, so I am super excited to share these and have future classes participate in them,” she said. Shawnda Folsom leads an Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) activity for youth during Bring Youth to Work Day at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston. Image courtesy of Shawnda Folsom Folsom is also determined to see more NASA interns from her school district, which is extremely rural and qualifies for Title I support. “My goal is to shake the right hands and make the connections that will allow me to set my students up for their future, which hopefully will include an internship for many of them,” she said. “I want my ‘small town’ mindset students to realize how much talent and potential they each have. I want them to know they can do anything.” She noted that her own story – which involves a nontraditional career path and now, at 41, an internship – could help inspire her students. Together with their OSTEM mentors and teammates, Dunn and Folsom spent their summer creating hands-on activities for children who attended events like Johnson’s Bring Youth to Work Day and the Dorothy Vaughan Center in Honor of the Women of Apollo dedication. They prepared an aerodynamics lesson plan and STEM activity for the MLB Players STEM League Global Championship in July, supported and participated in NASA-led professional development programs for teachers, and worked on a new camp experience resource to complement OSTEM’s ‘First Woman’ camp experience. Denise Dunn and Shawnda Folsom present a remote sensing activity for local scouts who attended the Dorothy Vaughan Center in Honor of the Women of Apollo event at Johnson Space Center on July 19, 2024. NASA/Robert Markowitz Both women look forward to returning to their schools later this month and to sharing what they learned with their students. “I want to expose my students to higher-level thinking and new STEM challenges,” said Folsom. “I want them to have those ‘a ha’ moments that will possibly launch their lives down a path they never fathomed could happen.” “This internship has made me more aware of opportunities, not only to continue to advocate for my students, but for myself,” Dunn said. “Keep going. Keep dreaming.” View the full article

5 Min Read ‘Current’ Events: NASA and USGS Find a New Way to Measure River Flows The River Observing System (RiOS) tracking the motion of water surface features from above a section of the Sacramento River in Northern California in 2023. Credits: NASA/USGS/Joe Adams and Chris Gazoorian A team of scientists and engineers at NASA and the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) collaborated to see if a small piloted drone, equipped with a specialized payload, could help create detailed maps of how fast water is flowing. Rivers supply fresh water to our communities and farms, provide homes for a variety of creatures, transport people and goods, and generate electricity. But river flows can also carry pollutants downstream or suddenly surge, posing dangers to people, wildlife, and property. As NASA continues its ongoing commitment to better understand our home planet, researchers are working to answer the question of how do we stay in-the-know about where and how quickly river flows change? NASA and USGS scientists have teamed up to create an instrument package – about the size of a gallon of milk – called the River Observing System (RiOS). It features thermal and visible cameras for tracking the motion of water surface features, a laser to measure altitude, navigation sensors, an onboard computer, and a wireless communications system. In 2023, researchers took RiOS into the field for testing along a section of the Sacramento River in Northern California, and plan to return for a third and final field test in the fall of 2024. The River Observing System (RiOS) tracking the motion of water surface features from above a section of the Sacramento River in Northern California in 2023. “Deploying RiOS above a river to evaluate the system’s performance in a real-world setting is incredibly important,” said Carl Legleiter, USGS principal investigator of the joint NASA-USGS StreamFlow project. “During these test flights we demonstrated that the onboard payload can be used to make calculations – do the analysis – in nearly real-time, while the drone is flying above the river. This was one of our top-tier goals: to enable minimal latency between the time we acquire images and when we have detailed information on current speeds and flow patterns within the river.” To realize this vision for onboard computing, the team uses open-source software, combined with their own code, to produce maps of water surface velocities, or flow field, from a series of images taken over time. “You might think that we need to be able to see discrete, physical objects – like sticks or silt or other debris as they move downstream – to estimate the flow velocity, but that’s not always the case, nor is it always possible,” said Legleiter. “Using a highly-sensitive infrared camera, we instead detect the movement of subtle differences in the temperature of water carried downstream.” Those same tiny temperature differences also appear wherever there are undulations – like at the boundary between the air and the water or ice below. Knowing this, NASA members of the StreamFlow team used this phenomenon to their advantage when developing methods for possible future landed planetary missions to navigate at distant and hard-to-see environments, including Europa, the icy moon orbiting Jupiter. Our technology can precisely track the static surface of icy terrain while flying over it, or a moving surface, like water, while hovering above it to keep the spacecraft safe while gathering valuable data uland wong Co-investigator and NASA lead of the StreamFlow Project “Icy surfaces present challenging visual conditions such as lack of contrast,” said Uland Wong, co-investigator and NASA lead of the StreamFlow project at NASA’s Ames Research Center in California’s Silicon Valley. “Our technology can precisely track the static surface of icy terrain while flying over it, or a moving surface, like water, while hovering above it to keep the spacecraft safe while gathering valuable data.” To prepare for the Sacramento River field tests, the NASA team built a robotics simulator to run thousands of virtual drone flights over the Sacramento River test site using flow fields modeled by USGS. These simulations are helping the team create intelligent software capable of selecting the best routes for the drone to fly and ensuring efficient use of limited battery power. The next step in the partnership is for NASA to develop techniques for making the system more autonomous. The researchers want to use calculations of river flows – performed onboard in real time – to guide where the drone should fly next. “Does the drone drop down to get better resolution data about a particular location or stay high and capture a wide-angle view,” posed Wong. “If it identifies areas that are flowing particularly fast or slow, could the drone more quickly detect areas of flooding?” The USGS currently operates an extensive network of thousands of automated stream gauges and fixed cameras installed on bridges and riverbanks to monitor river flows in real-time across the country. “Drones could enable us to make measurements in so many more areas, potentially allowing our network to be larger, more robust, and safer for our technicians to monitor and maintain,” said Paul Kinzel, StreamFlow co-investigator at USGS. “Drones could help keep our people and equipment out of harm’s way in addition to telling us how the environment is changing over time in as many locations as possible.” A drone with the StreamFlow thermal mapping payload flying above the Sacramento River in Northern California.NASA/Massimo Vespignani For more information about how NASA improves life on Earth through climate and technological innovations, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/earth The StreamFlow project is a collaboration between researchers with the USGS’s Hydrologic Remote Sensing Branch, Unmanned Aircraft Systems engineers with the USGS National Innovation Center, and scientists in the Intelligent Robotics Group at NASA Ames. The Streamflow payload concept was demonstrated through research initially seeded by a grant from the USGS National Innovation Center and is now supported by NASA’s Advanced Information Systems Technology program, which is managed by the agency’s Earth Science Technology Office. The field tests were conducted in collaboration with the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Southwest Fisheries Science Center, which helped collect direct field measurements of the river’s flow velocity and granted access to the field site, which is owned by the Nature Conservancy. Share Details Last Updated Aug 05, 2024 Related TermsEarth Science DivisionAmes Research CenterApplied Sciences ProgramDrones & YouGeneralUSGS (United States Geological Survey) Keep Exploring Discover More Topics From NASA Ames Research Center Earth Science – Technology Rivers on Earth, Titan, and Mars One of the more distinctive things about Earth among the planets is that we have plate tectonics. In other words,… Climate Change NASA is a global leader in studying Earth’s changing climate. View the full article

Curiosity Navigation Curiosity Home Mission Overview Where is Curiosity? Mission Updates Science Overview Instruments Highlights Exploration Goals News and Features Multimedia Curiosity Raw Images Images Videos Audio More Resources Mars Missions Mars Sample Return Mars Perseverance Rover Mars Curiosity Rover MAVEN Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter Mars Odyssey More Mars Missions The Solar System The Sun Mercury Venus Earth The Moon Mars Jupiter Saturn Uranus Neptune Pluto & Dwarf Planets Asteroids, Comets & Meteors The Kuiper Belt The Oort Cloud 3 min read Sols 4263-4265: A Royal Birthday Celebration at Kings Canyon This image captures the rover arm conducting the preload test on “Kings Canyon” from Drill Sol 1 to determine whether the target is safe to drill. Earth planning date: Friday, Aug. 2, 2024 Prepare your party poppers, horns, and confetti! On Aug. 6 (EDT), after 4,265 Martian sols since Curiosity first landed in Gale Crater, the rover will be turning 12 years old. I still remember the excitement of watching Curiosity’s landing back when I started high school. Now, as a “Keeper of the Plan” for the Geology and Mineralogy theme group, I have the incredible opportunity to be part of this mission. To mark the end of the 12th year, Curiosity is currently parked within a large valley called Gediz Vallis, all primed and ready to drill “Kings Canyon” (pictured). The previous plan involved conducting a preload test in Drill Sol 1, to ensure we could drill safely. The test was successful, confirming that Kings Canyon is safe to drill! The team was also happy with the chemical composition data from the APXS (Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometer) results, so we are all set to drill a new king! On the first sol, we’ll conduct Drill Sols 2 and 3, where the actual drilling will take place and the drilled material will be subsequently characterized. Alongside drilling, we also plan to capture a MAHLI (Mars Hand Lens Imager) image of a relatively peaceful target called “RAGE.” (This target is the site where the rover will later perform the RAGE activity to clean up after drilling.) On the second sol, we’ll perform a LIBS (Laser Induced Breakdown Spectrometer) analysis on “Lake Eleanor,” a rock crushed by Curiosity’s wheel, revealing light-toned material. Additionally, we will conduct a ChemCam passive observation on a section of the Gediz Vallis channel floor. The third sol is packed with scientific activities. We’ll conduct a LIBS on “Lyell Glacier,” a rock with different colored coatings to compare with dark-toned coatings seen by the Perseverance rover. ChemCam will take the opportunity to capture a long-distance Remote Micro-Imager (RMI) shot of an arm of “Milestone Peak,” which is full of gray rocks aligned in a slightly different direction from the rest of the ridge within the center of Gediz Vallis. We also plan to capture four Mastcam mosaics: one of the southern section of a large hill called “Kukenan” and three mosaics documenting the different textures, structures, and lithologies of the deposits within the valley floor. Furthermore, a ChemCam Passive Sky observation and atmospheric monitoring activities in the morning are also on the agenda. As we prepare for these exciting activities, the anticipation builds for Curiosity’s 12th birthday. Here’s to many more years of exploration and discovery on the Red Planet! Written by Amelie Roberts, Ph.D. candidate at Imperial College London Share Details Last Updated Aug 05, 2024 Related Terms Blogs Explore More 2 min read Sols 4261-4262: Drill Sol 1…Take 2 Article 4 days ago 3 min read Sols 4259-4260: Kings Canyon Go Again! Article 6 days ago 3 min read Sols 4257-4258: A Little Nudge on Kings Canyon Article 7 days ago Keep Exploring Discover More Topics From NASA Mars Mars is the fourth planet from the Sun, and the seventh largest. It’s the only planet we know of inhabited… All Mars Resources Explore this collection of Mars images, videos, resources, PDFs, and toolkits. Discover valuable content designed to inform, educate, and inspire,… Rover Basics Each robotic explorer sent to the Red Planet has its own unique capabilities driven by science. Many attributes of a… Mars Exploration: Science Goals The key to understanding the past, present or future potential for life on Mars can be found in NASA’s four… View the full article

4 Min Read How Do I Navigate NASA Learning Resources and Opportunities? NASA offers a variety of platforms and resources to support kindergarten through college educators in bringing the excitement of exploration and discovery to students in the classroom and beyond. From in-depth lesson plans to supplemental videos and activities, the resources below can help educators develop an out-of-this world curriculum and create unforgettable experiences for their students. Where Can I Find NASA STEM Learning Resources for My Classroom? NASA’s website has a dedicated section for the agency’s learning resources: nasa.gov/learning-resources. Using the navigation bar, educators can click through to find dedicated pages with STEM resources for K-4, 5-8, and 9-12 grade bands. Looking for something in particular for your curriculum? Try the NASA STEM Resource Search tool to explore hands-on activities, interactive features, videos, lesson plans, educator guides, and more. Browse the nearly 2,000 resources or search by grade level, subject, or keywords. NASA also offers a range of resources and community-based projects that invite learners of all ages to participate in authentic science across the U.S. and the world through the Science Activation (SciAct) program. In addition to traditional classroom resources, NASA has a webpage dedicated to citizen science opportunities around the globe, which can be fun to participate in as a class. How Do I Connect My Classroom With a NASA Expert? NASA has several pathways for getting a NASA expert involved with your classroom. Students can get questions answered by astronauts living and working aboard the International Space Station through In-Flight Education Downlinks. These twenty-minute live Q&A sessions are available to U.S.-based education organizations. Applications are accepted during several proposal periods each year. Educators can also request classroom engagements with NASA engineers, scientists, and other professionals through the NASA Engages program. The program connects NASA experts with U.S. students ranging from preschool to college, through formal or informal education groups such as libraries, museums, professional and technical organizations, afterschool programs, and other non-profit organizations. Requests can be made in the NASA STEM Gateway platform after creating an account. NASA STEM Gateway is also the portal where educators and students can sign up for other NASA opportunities, such as internships, student challenges, and more. How Can I Obtain an Authentic Space Program Artifact for Use in My Classroom? U.S. K-12 schools, universities, and other organizations may be eligible to request an authentic NASA artifact to help bring STEM lessons to life in the classroom. NASA considers an “artifact” to be an object representing historically significant or innovative achievements in spaceflight, aviation, technology, or science. Through NASA’s Artifact Module, browse through the agency’s trove of objects and request an item that will spark inspiration or understanding among students in the Artemis Generation. How Can I Find Out About New NASA STEM Resources and Opportunities? To learn about the latest NASA STEM resources and opportunities, follow NASA STEM on X, Facebook, Pinterest, and YouTube. NASA also publishes a weekly e-newsletter for teachers, parents, caregivers, and students. Sign up for the NASA EXPRESS newsletter to get the latest NASA STEM opportunities delivered to your inbox every Thursday. It’s an easy way to stay up to date on internships, challenges, professional development, and more. NASA also has an online community of practice for formal and informal educators called CONNECTS (Connecting Our NASA Network of Educators for Collaborating Together in STEM). On the CONNECTS platform, new and experienced professionals in STEM education can join discussions, share best practices, learn about the latest events and opportunities at NASA, participate in professional development opportunities, and download free STEM products available by topic or grade level. Registered community members can chat with other members who are interested in similar fields and can find nearby members with whom they can collaborate. More About STEM Learning Resources and Opportunities at NASA About NASA STEM Engagement NASA Kids’ Club NASA Citizen Science NASA Science Activation (SciAct) program NASA Artifacts Keep Exploring Discover More STEM Topics at NASA Learning Resources For Educators Outside the Classroom Get Involved View the full article

NASA Technical Group Supervisor for Sequence Planning and Execution and Tactical Mission Lead for the Mars Perseverance rover, Diana Trujillo, speaks to students at Rolling Terrace Elementary School, Monday, March 13, 2023, in Takoma Park, Maryland. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)NASA/Aubrey Gemignani With a new school year on the horizon, NASA is introducing a platform to connect communities with agency experts to share their experiences working on agency missions and programs for the benefit of humanity. Continuing a long-standing tradition of connecting the public with science, technology, engineering, and math, NASA Engages augments the agency’s speaker’s bureau program to inspire the Artemis Generation. The platform includes a database of agency employees of various expertise, skillsets, and backgrounds. The public may request a NASA expert to participate in educational, professional, and civic events, either virtually or in person, by submitting a request through the NASA Engages page: https://my.nasa.gov/engages/s “With NASA Engages, the agency is creating new avenues for communities to learn about STEM, while making genuine connections with the diverse, talented experts within our agency,” said Mike Kincaid, associate administrator, Office of STEM Engagement at NASA Headquarters in Washington. “Representation is key – our ability to meet people where they are is enhanced when our experts reflect the communities they are speaking to. Whether it’s a heliophysics panel in Denver or an elementary school in Florida, anyone can bring NASA to their neighborhood with Engages.” Managed by NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement in coordination with the agency’s Office of Diversity and Equal Opportunity and Office of Communications, NASA Engages is open to all types of public speaking engagements. Audiences include preschool to college, libraries and museums, youth organizations, professional and technical organizations, community groups and other non-profit organizations. Engages also is not just limited to speaking engagements – the public may request science fair judges, emcees at award ceremonies, and more. Requests should be submitted at least seven weeks in advance for U.S. events to allow adequate lead time for representatives to coordinate support and ensure minimal disruption to their work schedules. Preference will be given to virtual events. International requests can be submitted via email and will soon be available through NASA Engages. In the meantime, submit those requests via email to: HQ-NASAEngages@mail.nasa.gov. Participation is voluntary, and while every effort will be made to accommodate requests, there is no guarantee of fulfillment. Learn more about NASA and agency programs, visit: https://www.nasa.gov -end- Abbey Donaldson / Gerelle Dodson Headquarters, Washington 202-358-1600 abbey.a.donaldson@nasa.gov / gerelle.q.dodson@nasa.gov View the full article