Astronomy

January 31, 2023

NASA Spots a Perfect Bear Face Made of Craters on the Surface of Mars

NASA's HiRISE Mars Orbiter has become a priceless tool in space exploration. This camera, which is on board the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, has captured detailed images since 2006. Last year, it photographed a dune-filled crater that was designated the zero longitude point of Mars. As it continues documenting key topographic elements of the Red Planet, it sometimes stumbles upon intriguing—or fun—formations. In December 2022, HiRISE photographed a truly remarkable find.

Read Article

January 25, 2023

Watch an Astronaut Get “Stuck” in Microgravity, Left Floating in Space

Astronauts go through all sorts of training to prepare for what it will be like in space. This includes experiencing microgravity, aka mirco-g. Moving around in it is challenging. If you need any idea of just how challenging, check out this short video of an astronaut who doesn't have access to handles or supports. Without something to grip onto and propel himself around, he’s momentarily stuck floating in mid-air.

Read Article

December 26, 2022

4.6 Billion-Year-Old Meteorite Is Shedding Light on Our Oceans’ Origins

Water is a scientific enigma. How did Earth develop its oceans? Do other planets have water? Space exploration may help answer these questions, but others come crashing to Earth in strokes of celestial inspiration. The Whinchcombe meteorite—a meteor that made it through Earth's atmosphere to land in Gloucestershire, England in 2021—is already providing answers. It contains extra-terrestrial water and organic compounds that shed light on the origin of Earth’s oceans.

Read Article

November 27, 2022

14 Famous Astronomers That Any Lover of the Cosmos Needs To Know

Since the beginning of recorded history, our universe has provoked questions and sparked curiosity. Nebulae, planets, galaxies, asteroids, black holes—the list of fascinating celestial objects goes on and on. And while there are still many mysteries of our universe that remain unexplained, thanks to the work of famous astronomers throughout history we've discovered many answers about the stars.

Read Article

My Modern Met

Celebrating creativity and promoting a positive culture by spotlighting the best sides of humanity—from the lighthearted and fun to the thought-provoking and enlightening.