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Observers Beware: Reflect Orbital’s Space Mirrors Approved for Launch

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has approved the launch of Reflect Orbital's Earendil 1 satellite β€” a space mirror 18 meters wide designed to reflect sunlight to the ground.

The post Observers Beware: Reflect Orbital’s Space Mirrors Approved for Launch appeared first on Sky & Telescope.

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This Week's Sky at a Glance, July 10 – 19

The bright, distinctive pattern of Upper Scorpius is on its best display in the south right after nightfall. Telescopic treasures await. In the west, Regulus now departs from Venus.

The post This Week's Sky at a Glance, July 10 – 19 appeared first on Sky & Telescope.

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Steamy Nights at the Galactic Equator

Here's an observing guide to both familiar and lesser-known deep-sky objects that inhabit our galaxy's equatorial zone.

The post Steamy Nights at the Galactic Equator appeared first on Sky & Telescope.

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Hayabusa 2 Completes Flyby Past Asteroid Torifune

Japan’s Hayabusa 2 mission has revealed another "snowman" asteroid β€” a pair of asteroids attached with a narrow neck. The contact binary could help shed light on planet formation.

The post Hayabusa 2 Completes Flyby Past Asteroid Torifune appeared first on Sky & Telescope.

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July Podcast: Spotlight on Spica

This month’s episode highlights the bright star Spica, now prominent high in the southwest after evening twilight. It’s leading the parade of constellations, along with the brilliant planet Venus, that will grace the Northern Hemisphere’s summer skies. You'll also get to know other brights stars in Spica’s vicinity, along with excellent tips on how to be a better stargazer. So grab curiosity and come along on this month’s Sky Tour.

The post July Podcast: Spotlight on Spica appeared first on Sky & Telescope.

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Exploding Stars Sprinkled Ancient Earth With Radioactive Iron and Plutonium

Exploding stars have left their radioactive mark on our planet. Now scientists have found more evidence of a particularly violent event in Earth’s more ancient past.

The post Exploding Stars Sprinkled Ancient Earth With Radioactive Iron and Plutonium appeared first on Sky & Telescope.

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