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A citizen scientist digging through data from the ESA/NASA Solar and Heliospheric Observatory has found the mission’s 5000th comet.

The tiny comet – indicated between the vertical lines in the inset – belongs to the ‘Marsden group’, named after the British astronomer Brian Marsden, who first recognised the group based on SOHO observations. Marsden group comets are thought to be pieces shed by the much bigger Comet 96P/Machholz, which SOHO observes as it passes close to the Sun every 5.3 years.

This 5000th comet was discovered by Hanjie Tan, an astronomy PhD student in Prague, Czechia. Hanjie has been comet hunting

ESA’s gamma-ray space telescope Integral has played a decisive role in capturing jets of matter being expelled into space at one-third the speed of light. The material and energy were liberated when huge explosions occurred on the surface of a neutron star. This world-first observation proved to be 'a perfect experiment' for exploring astrophysical jets of all descriptions.

Paris, France (SPX) Mar 27, 2024
In a major effort, European researchers have completed the most comprehensive geological survey of Mars' Oxia Planum, the designated landing site for the European Space Agency's (ESA) ambitious Rosalind Franklin rover. This map, crafted with four years of meticulous study, charts fifteen distinct geological units, setting the stage for the rover's exploratory mission aimed at uncovering the secr

Los Angeles CA (SPX) Mar 27, 2024
In a significant advancement for autonomous space exploration, NASA's Cooperative Autonomous Distributed Robotic Exploration (CADRE) program has successfully completed a critical series of tests with its development model rovers at the Mars Yard of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Southern California. The test, conducted in August 2023, showcased the rovers' ability to perform collaborativ

Berlin, Germany (SPX) Mar 27, 2024
In an unprecedented effort to validate the existence of quantum gravity, researchers at the University of Copenhagen's Niels Bohr Institute have embarked on a large-scale Antarctic experiment. By monitoring neutrinos, nearly massless particles that travel undisturbed through space, scientists aim to bridge the gap between classical physics and quantum mechanics. The experiment, utilizing t

Sydney, Australia (SPX) Mar 22, 2024
In a significant move within the Earth Observation (EO) sector, Bengaluru's SatSure and its subsidiary KaleidEO have formalized a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Helsinki's ReOrbit, marking an important step in developing advanced full-stack EO solutions. This collaboration is set to revolutionize the EO market by meeting its future demands with a comprehensive range of services. Un

Tempe AZ (SPX) Mar 27, 2024
Arizona State University's Luminosity Lab student team was recently selected as a finalist in NASA's Breakthrough, Innovative, and Game-Changing (BIG) Idea Challenge. The group is one of six teams selected by NASA to present at the 2024 BIG Idea Challenge Forum, Nov. 5-7, at NASA Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia. The theme for the 2024 NASA-sponsored engineering competition, "I

Los Angeles CA (SPX) Mar 26, 2024
Astranis and Orbith Partner to Launch Dedicated Satellite for Argentina Astranis, in collaboration with Orbith, a Latin American Internet Service Provider, has announced a partnership to launch a dedicated MicroGEO communications satellite aimed at enhancing connectivity in Argentina. The initiative marks a significant step in Argentina's adoption of advanced technologies. The partne

Madrid, Spain (SPX) Mar 27, 2024
In a significant advancement for satellite navigation technology, the European Space Agency (ESA) has selected GMV, a global technology firm, for a pioneering mission. This 78.4 million euro project aims to demonstrate the potential of Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites for enhancing Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) services. Traditionally, satellite navigation systems have depended on Me

Paris, France (SPX) Mar 26, 2024
In the recent decade, the international landscape of space has undergone significant transformations with over 90 countries participating, commercial firms launching satellites regularly, and at least 12 nations establishing military space organizations. Amidst this global evolution, European countries, led by France, have intensified their focus on space security, aligning with their national s