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    • By NASA
      Insights into metal alloy solidification

      Researchers report details of phase and structure in the solidification of metal alloys on the International Space Station, including formation of microstructures. Because these microstructures determine a material’s mechanical properties, this work could support improvements in techniques for producing coatings and additive manufacturing or 3D printing processes.

      METCOMP, an ESA (European Space Agency) investigation, studied solidification in microgravity using transparent organic mixtures as stand-ins for metal alloys. Conducting the research in microgravity removed the influence of convection and other effects of gravity. Results help scientists better understand and validate models of solidification mechanisms, enabling better forecasting of microstructures and improving manufacturing processes.
      Image from the METCOMP investigation of how a metal alloy could look like as it solidifies. E-USOC Measuring the height of upper-atmospheric electrical discharges

      Researchers determined the height of a blue discharge from a thundercloud using ground-based electric field measurements and space-based optical measurements from Atmosphere-Space Interactions Monitor (ASIM). This finding helps scientists better understand how these high-altitude lightning-related events affect atmospheric chemistry and could help improve atmospheric models and climate and weather predictions.

      ESA’s ASIM is an Earth observation facility that studies severe thunderstorms and upper-atmospheric lighting events and their role in the Earth’s atmosphere and climate. Upper-atmospheric lightning, also known as transient luminous events, occurs well above the altitudes of normal lightning and storm clouds. The data collected by ASIM could support research on the statistical properties of many upper atmosphere lightning events, such as comparison of peak intensities of blue and red pulses with reports from lightning detection networks.
      An artist’s impression of a blue jet as observed from the International Space Station.Mount Visual/University of Bergen/DTU Modeling a complex neutron star

      Scientists report that they can use modeling of neutron star PSRJ1231−1411’s X-ray pulses to infer its mass and radius and narrow the possible behaviors of the dense matter at its core. This finding provides a better understanding of the composition and structure of these celestial objects, improving models that help answer questions about conditions in the universe.

      The Neutron star Interior Composition Explorer provides high-precision measurements of pulses of X-ray radiation from neutron stars. This particular neutron star presented challenges in finding a fit between models and data, possibly due to fundamental issues with its pulse profile. The authors recommend a program of simulations using synthetic data to determine whether there are fundamental issues with this type of pulse profile that could prevent efforts to obtain tighter and more robust constraints.
      Concentrators on the Neutron star Interior Composition Explorer instrument.NASAView the full article
    • By NASA
      6 Min Read NASA International Space Apps Challenge Announces 2024 Global Winners
      The 2024 NASA Space Apps Challenge was hosted at 485 events in 163 countries and territories. Credits: NASA NASA Space Apps has named 10 global winners, recognizing teams from around the world for their exceptional innovation and collaboration during the 2024 NASA Space Apps Challenge. As the largest annual global hackathon, this event invites participants to leverage open data from NASA and its space agency partners to tackle real-world challenges on Earth and in space.
      Last year’s hackathon welcomed 93,520 registered participants, including space, science, technology, and storytelling enthusiasts of all ages. Participants gathered at local events in 163 countries and territories, forming teams to address the challenges authored by NASA subject matter experts. These challenges included subjects/themes/questions in ocean ecosystems, exoplanet exploration, Earth observation, planetary seismology, and more.
      The 2024 Global Winners were determined out of 9,996 project submissions and judged by subject matter experts from NASA and space agency partners.
      “These 10 exceptional teams created projects that reflect our commitment to understanding our planet and exploring beyond, with the potential to transform Earth and space science for the benefit of all,” said Dr. Keith Gaddis, NASA Space Apps Challenge program scientistat NASA Headquarters in Washington. “The NASA Space Apps Challenge showcases the potential of every idea and individual. I am excited to see how these innovators will shape and inspire the future of science and exploration.”
      You can watch the Global Winners Announcement here to meet these winning teams and learn about the inspiration behind their projects.
      2024 NASA Space Apps Challenge Global Winners
      Best Use of Science Award: WMPGang
      Team Members: Dakota C., Ian C., Maximilian V., Simon S.
      Challenge: Create an Orrery Web App that Displays Near-Earth Objects
      Country/Territory: Waterloo,Canada
      Using their skills in programming, data analysis, and visualization, WMPGang created a web app that identifies satellite risk zones using real-time data on Near-Earth Objects and meteor streams.
      Learn more about WMPGang’s SkyShield: Protecting Earth and Satellites from Space Hazards project Best Use of Data Award: GaamaRamma
      Team Members: Aakash H., Arun G., Arthur A., Gabriel A., May K.
      Challenge: Leveraging Earth Observation Data for Informed Agricultural Decision-Making
      Country/Territory: Universal Event, United States
      GaamaRamma’s team of tech enthusiasts aimed to create a sustainable way to help farmers efficiently manage water availability in the face of drought, pests, and disease.
      Learn more about GaamaRamma’s Waterwise project Best Use of Technology Award: 42 QuakeHeroes
      Team Members: Alailton A., Ana B., Gabriel C., Gustavo M., Gustavo T., Larissa M.
      Challenge: Seismic Detection Across the Solar System
      Country/Territory: Maceió, Brazil
      Team 42 QuakeHeroes employed a deep neural network model to identify the precise locations of seismic events within time-series data. They used advanced signal processing techniques to isolate and analyze unique components of non-stationary signals.
      Learn more about 42 QuakeHeroes’ project Galactic Impact Award: NVS-knot
      Team Members: Oksana M., Oleksandra M., Prokipchyn Y., Val K.
      Challenge:  Leveraging Earth Observation Data for Informed Agricultural Decision-Making
      Country/Territory: Kyiv, Ukraine
      The NVS-knot team assessed planting conditions using surface soil moisture and evapotranspiration data, then created an app that empowers farmers to manage planting risks.
      Learn more about NVS-knot’s 2plant | ! 2plant project Best Mission Concept Award: AsturExplorers
      Team Members: Coral M., Daniel C., Daniel V., Juan B., Samuel G., Vladimir C.
      Challenge: Landsat Reflectance Data: On the Fly and at Your Fingertips
      Country/Territory: Gijón, Spain
      AsturExplorers created Landsat Connect, a web app that provides a simple, intuitive way to track Landast satellites and access Landsat surface reflectance data. The app also allows users to set a target location and receive notifications when Landsat satellites pass over their area.
      Learn more about AsturExplorers’ Landsat Connect project Most Inspirational Award: Innovisionaries
      Team Members: Rikzah K., Samira K., Shafeeqa J., Umamah A.
      Challenge: SDGs in the Classroom
      Country/Territory: Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
      Innovisionaries developed Eco-Metropolis to inspire sustainability through gameplay. This city-building game engages players in making critical urban planning and resource management decisions based on real-world environmental data.
      Learn more about Innovisionaries’ Eco-Metropolis: Sustainable City Simulation project Best Storytelling Award: TerraTales
      Team Members: Ahmed R., Fatma E., Habiba A., Judy A., Maya M.
      Challenge: Tell Us a Climate Story!
      Country/Territory: Cairo, Egypt
      TerraTales shared stories of how Earth’s changing climate affects three unique regions: Egypt, Brazil, and Germany. The web app also features an artificial intelligence (AI) model for climate forecasting and an interactive game to encourage users to make eco-friendly choices.
      Learn more about TerraTale’s project Global Connection Award: Asteroid Destroyer
      Team Members: Kapeesh K., Khoi N., Sathyajit L., Satyam S.
      Challenge: Navigator for the Habitable Worlds Observatory (HWO): Mapping the Characterizable Exoplanets in our Galaxy
      Country/Territory: Saskatoon, Canada
      Team Asteroid Destroyer honed in on exoplanets, utilizing data processing and machine learning techniques to map exoplanets based on size, temperature, and distance.
      Learn more about Asteroid Destroyer’s project Art & Technology Award: Connected Earth Museum
      Team Members: Gabriel M., Luc R., Lucas R., Mattheus L., Pedro C., Riccardo S.
      Challenge: Imagine our Connected Earth
      Country/Territory: Campinas, Brazil
      Team Connected Earth Museum created an immersive virtual museum experience to raise awareness of Earth’s changing climate. An AI host guides users through an interactive gallery featuring 3D and 2D visualizations, including a time series on Earth and ocean temperatures, population density, wildfires, and more.
      Learn more about Connected Earth Museums’ project Local Impact Award: Team I.O.
      Team Members: Frank R., Jan K., Raphael R., Ryan Z., Victoria M.
      Challenge: Community Mapping
      Country/Territory: Florianópolis, Brazil
      Team I.O. bridges the gap between complex Geographic Information Systems data and user-friendly communication, making critical environmental information accessible to everyone, regardless of technical expertise.
      Learn more about Team I.O.’s G.R.O.W. (Global Recovery and Observation of Wildfires) project Want to take part in the 2025 NASA Space Apps Challenge? Mark your calendars for October 4 and 5! Registration will open in July. At that time, participants will be able to register for a local event hosted by NASA Space Apps leads from around the world. You can stay connected with NASA Space Apps on Facebook, Instagram, and X.
      Space Apps is funded by NASA’s Earth Science Division through a contract with Booz Allen Hamilton, Mindgrub, and SecondMuse.
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      Last Updated Jan 16, 2025 Related Terms
      STEM Engagement at NASA Earth View the full article
    • By NASA
      Learn Home NASA HEAT Student Activity… Heliophysics Overview Learning Resources Science Activation Teams SME Map Opportunities More Science Activation Stories Citizen Science   3 min read
      NASA HEAT Student Activity Featured in TIME’s Top 100 Photos of 2024
      On April 8, 2024, tens of millions experienced a solar eclipse from Mexico through the United States and into Canada. Astronomers, educators, and organizations had been preparing the public for this grand celestial event. Learning from engagement experiences in 2017, the NASA Heliophysics Education Activation Team (NASA HEAT) promoted an activity called “Eclipse Essentials: Safe and Stylish Solar Viewing Glasses.” The activity was first tested in Albuquerque, New Mexico during the Balloon Fiesta around the October 2023 annular eclipse. Using solar viewing glasses, a paper plate, some drawing and decoration supplies, visitors – minors and adults alike – crowded around the heliophysics tables in the NASA tent. That positive experience led NASA HEAT to modify and perfect the design of their “face shield” activity before offering trainings to numerous educators and outreach personnel in the weeks leading up to the April 2024 engagement events.
      Note: The glasses and the art activity are not only useful for solar eclipses. They can be used anytime to safely observe the Sun. While it is never safe to look directly at the sun with unprotected eyes, eclipse glasses are perfect for observing sunspots!
      One proof of positive impact can be found at the Myers Elementary School in Grand Blanc, Michigan. Students from two kindergarten classes, escorted outside by their teachers Amy Johnston and Wendy Sheridan, stared toward the sky with their solar viewing glasses using paper plates to watch the solar eclipse on Monday, April 8, 2024. The paper plates, which helped provide additional safety measures to protect their eyes, were attached to solar eclipse glasses and decorated by each student in their classrooms as a project leading up to the big day. A photo of the students was so captivating that multiple media outlets shared it on or shortly after the day of the eclipse.
      The global media brand, TIME, selected a photo of these kindergarten students wearing their NASA HEAT-designed solar eclipse-viewing “face shields” during the April 8th solar eclipse as one of “TIME’s Top 100 Photos of 2024”. When sharing about the top 100 photos on Instagram, TIME had this to say:
      “Every year the TIME photo department sits down to curate the strongest images that crossed our path over the previous 12 months. And every year, sitting with the images, we find ourselves mulling the ways this collection feels heavier than the last, how the year produced images unlike what we’ve seen before.
      But this year something else, a tautness, runs through the collection – the tension of conflict, the anxiety over outcome, anticipation of excitement or in possibility. Somehow, these photographers are able to capture that coiled feeling and hold it within the four walls of a frame. Be it by impeccable timing or intentional framing, they have created a time capsule that feels as if it’s about to be opened.”
      NASA HEAT 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

      Kindergarten students at Myers Elementary School in Grand Blanc, Michigan watched the solar eclipse with special solar viewing glasses on Monday, April 8, 2024. The paper plates, which helped provide additional safety for their eyes, were added on and decorated by each student prior to the big day. Jake May/MLive.com/The Flint Journal Share








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      Last Updated Jan 13, 2025 Editor NASA Science Editorial Team Related Terms
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    • By NASA
      NASA Administrator Bill Nelson, left, and Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy, right, present Bob Cabana, who served as a NASA associate administrator, astronaut, and a colonel in the United States Marine Corps, the President’s Award for Distinguished Federal Civilian Service, recognizing his exceptional achievements and public service to the nation, Jan. 10, 2025, at the Mary W. Jackson NASA Headquarters in Washington. The award, signed by President Biden, is the highest honor the federal government can grant to a federal civilian employee.Credit: NASA/Bill Ingalls Robert Cabana, who served as a NASA associate administrator, astronaut, and a colonel in the United States Marine Corps, received the President’s Award for Distinguished Federal Civilian Service, recognizing his exceptional achievements and public service to the nation. The award, signed by President Biden, is the highest honor the federal government can grant to a federal civilian employee.
      NASA Administrator Bill Nelson and Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy presented Cabana with the award during a ceremony at NASA Headquarters in Washington on Jan. 10. Cabana most recently served as NASA’s associate administrator, which is the agency’s highest ranking civil servant, from 2021 until he retired from the agency at the end of 2023.
      “A true public servant, Bob has spent his entire career in service to his country. I can think of no one more deserving of this rare honor than Bob,” said Nelson. “From his time as a naval aviator to his role as associate administrator of NASA, Bob has dedicated his life to improving his country. I join with President Biden in thanking Bob for his dedication and commitment.”
      The award recognized Cabana for his roles as a Marine aviator, test pilot, astronaut and becoming the first American to enter the International Space Station. He was further recognized for continuing to push for the bounds of the possible, launching the James Webb Space Telescope, the Artemis I mission and the Orion spacecraft which will send humans back to the Moon for the first time in decades.
      As a NASA astronaut, Cabana flew in space four times, including twice as commander. His final space shuttle flight in 1998 was the first International Space Station assembly mission. Cabana also was the director of the agency’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida for more than a decade. There he led its transition from retirement of the space shuttle to a multi-user spaceport once again launching NASA astronauts to low Earth orbit, and for the first time, doing so with commercial partners.  
      As NASA associate administrator, Cabana led the agency’s 10 center directors, as well as the mission directorate associate administrators at NASA Headquarters. He was the agency’s chief operating officer for more than 18,000 employees and oversaw an annual budget of more than $25 billion.  
      Cabana was selected as an astronaut candidate in June 1985 and completed training in July 1986. He logged 38 days in space during four shuttle missions. Cabana was a pilot aboard space shuttle Discovery on both the STS-41 mission in October 1990 that deployed the Ulysses spacecraft and the STS-53 mission in December 1992. He was the mission commander aboard space shuttle Columbia for the STS-65 mission in July 1994 that conducted experiments as part of the second International Microgravity Laboratory mission. He commanded space shuttle Endeavour for the STS-88 mission in December 1998.
      Cabana was appointed a member of the Federal Senior Executive Service in 2000 and served in numerous senior management positions at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, ultimately becoming deputy director. He was named director of NASA’s Stennis Space Center in Mississippi in October 2007 and a year later was selected as NASA Kennedy director. 
      Born in Minneapolis, Cabana graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1971 with a bachelor’s degree in mathematics. He became a naval aviator and graduated with distinction from the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School in 1981. In his career, Cabana logged over 7,000 hours in more than 50 different kinds of aircraft. He retired as a colonel from the U.S. Marine Corps in September 2000. 
      In addition to receiving the President’s Award for Distinguished Federal Service, Cabana’s accomplishments have been recognized with induction into the Astronaut Hall of Fame and being named an Associate Fellow in the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics and a Fellow in the Society of Experimental Test Pilots. He has received numerous personal awards and decorations, including the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Presidential Distinguished Rank Award. He also is a recipient of the Rotary National Award for Space Achievement’s National Space Trophy. 
      For Cabana’s full bio, visit: 
      https://go.nasa.gov/3u9hGB2
      -end- 
      Meira Bernstein / Jennifer Dooren
      Headquarters, Washington
      202-615-1747 / 202-358-1600
      meira.b.bernstein@nasa.gov / jennifer.m.dooren@nasa.gov
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      Last Updated Jan 13, 2025 EditorJessica TaveauLocationNASA Headquarters Related Terms
      Robert D. Cabana Bill Nelson Johnson Space Center Kennedy Space Center NASA Headquarters Pamela A. Melroy Space Shuttle Stennis Space Center View the full article
    • By NASA
      Measurements from space support wildfire risk predictions

      Researchers demonstrated that data from the International Space Station’s ECOsystem Spaceborne Thermal Radiometer Experiment on Space Station (ECOSTRESS) instrument played a significant role in the ability of machine learning algorithms to predict wildfire susceptibility. This result could help support development of effective strategies for predicting, preventing, monitoring, and managing wildfires.

      As the frequency and severity of wildfires increases worldwide, experts need reliable models of fire susceptibility to protect public safety and support natural resource planning and risk management. ECOSTRESS measures evapotranspiration, water use efficiency, and other plant-water dynamics on Earth. Researchers report that its water use efficiency data consistently emerged as the leading factor in predicting wildfires, with evaporative stress and topographic slope data also significant.
      This ECOsystem Spaceborne Thermal Radiometer Experiment on Space Station evapotranspiration image of California’s Central Valley in May 2022 shows high water use (blue) and dry conditions (brown). NASA Combining instruments provides better emissions data

      Scientists found that averaging data from the International Space Station’s OCO‐3 and EMIT external instruments can accurately measure the rate of carbon dioxide emissions from power plants. This work could improve emissions monitoring and help communities respond to climate change.

      Carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuel combustion make up nearly a third of human-caused emissions and are a major contributor to climate change. In many places, though, scientists do not know exactly how much carbon dioxide these sources emit. The Orbiting Carbon Observatory-3 or OCO-3 can quantify emissions over large areas and Earth Surface Mineral Dust Source Investigation data can help determine emissions from individual facilities. The researchers suggest future work continue to investigate the effect of wind conditions on measurements.
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      The The Orbiting Carbon Observatory-3 data showing carbon dioxide concentrations in Los Angeles. NASA Thunderstorm phenomena observed from space

      Observations by the International Space Station’s Atmosphere-Space Interactions Monitor (ASIM) instrument during a tropical cyclone in 2019 provide insight into the formation and nature of blue corona discharges often observed at the tops of thunderclouds. A better understanding of such processes in Earth’s upper atmosphere could improve atmospheric models and weather and climate predictions.

      Scientists do not fully understand the conditions that lead to formation of blue corona discharges, bursts of electrical streamers, which are precursors to lightning. Observations from the ground are affected by scattering and absorption in the clouds. ASIM, a facility from ESA (European Space Agency), provides a unique opportunity for observing these high-atmosphere events from space.
      View of Atmosphere-Space Interactions Monitor, the white and blue box on the end of the International Space Station’s Columbus External Payload Facility. NASAView the full article
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