Rendezvous with a Protoplanet: NASA’s DAWN and Vesta
Vesta - Asteroid and Protoplanet
Did you know that on September 27, 2007, NASA launched a mission to rendezvous with a protoplanet? Well, here it is almost four years later and NASA reported that the DAWN probe successfully entered into orbit around Vesta on July 15, 2011. We are just beginning to see the first images of Vesta, an object in the asteroid belt which is DAWN’s first stop in it’s ten year mission.
STS-135: The Final Mission of the Space Shuttle Program – July 8, 2011
Space Shuttle Atlantis - Final Flight
The final flight of the Space Shuttle Program is scheduled for tomorrow – July 8, 2011. The Space Shuttle Atlantis is being prepped for launch scheduled for 11:26 am Eastern Standard Time. I encourage all of you – our loyal Outer Space Universe Fans – to watch this historic event live on NASA.gov.
Red, White, and Blue Stellar Fireworks in Distant Galaxy
NGC 4449
As Americans celebrate their Independence Day today, I thought we should look to the heavens to find a celestial celebration. In the distant galaxy NGC 4449, you can find the colors red, white, and blue ablaze in new star forming regions which resemble fireworks!
July Constellations With Star Charts
Summer Star Chart
We’re in the middle of summer here in the Northern Hemisphere and it’s a great time to check out the July constellations! Take a look at the star chart above. We are going to focus on what I call the “big three” summer constellations in today’s post. Those constellations are Draco, Hercules, and Ophiuchus.
Mars Rover Status – Spirit and Opportunity
Mars Rover
Sadly, NASA announced yesterday that it has ended operational planning activities for the Mars Rover named Spirit. The last time that Spirit communicated with Earth was on March 22, 2010 – over one year ago. As Mars was heading into winter, Spirit became immobile and NASA was unable to adjust the tilt of Spirit’s solar panels to optimize the angle to capture the maximum amount of solar energy to keep the craft powered up.