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Nobel Prize in physics goes to trio of US-based scientists

Scientists used a method from ecology to identify whether icy moons could hold conditions for life
New observatories and spacecraft missions are probing environments in our solar system that could potentially host life but have long remained hidden. Icy moons like Saturn’s Enceladus and Jupiter’s Europa likely contain oceans beneath frozen outer shells. But a layer of ice prohibits space probes from sampling them directly. Exploring these icy moons is almost forensic: Their surfaces keep aContinue reading "Scientists used a method from ecology to identify whether icy moons could hold conditions for life"
The post Scientists used a method from ecology to identify whether icy moons could hold conditions for life appeared first on Astronomy Magazine.
UK explores Vast space station mission for astronaut with physical disability

The U.K. government is exploring sending British astronaut John McFall to Vast’s planned Haven-1 space station in a mission it says could make him the first person with a physical disability to live in orbit.
The post UK explores Vast space station mission for astronaut with physical disability appeared first on SpaceNews.
Impulse Space raises $500 million

Impulse Space has raised $500 million to expand production of orbital transfer vehicles and other spacecraft to support growing commercial and government demand.
The post Impulse Space raises $500 million appeared first on SpaceNews.
There are thousands of dirty old drill sites in Colorado. The state gave oil firms a $1bn pass
Investigation reveals regulator let firms off the hook on cleanup bonds despite backlog that will take decades to clear
When Christiaan van Woudenberg moved to Erie, Colorado, in 2007, he never imagined he would become an anti-fracking activist. He simply thought he was buying his dream home – a four-bedroom with a panoramic mountain view, 30 minutes north of downtown Denver.
Then, in 2014, the drilling started. Oil and gas rigs sprang up, some just 800ft (240m) from his bedroom window. The dream turned to nightmare: loud noises rumbled all night long, and the air stank like exhaust. Neighbors started getting headaches and nosebleeds, and Van Woudenberg developed new respiratory issues. He kept his windows shut and worried about his daughters going outside.
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© Composite: Rita Liu/The Guardian/Getty Images/Civitas/Chevron/OXY

© Composite: Rita Liu/The Guardian/Getty Images/Civitas/Chevron/OXY

© Composite: Rita Liu/The Guardian/Getty Images/Civitas/Chevron/OXY
What is a Blue Moon? When’s the next one?
Blue Moons are known for the folklore surrounding their appearance in the skies. But the real thing has less to do with its color and more with the timing of the year’s Full Moons. The next Blue Moon is May 20, 2027. It will be a seasonal Blue Moon; here’s what that is: There areContinue reading "What is a Blue Moon? When’s the next one?"
The post What is a Blue Moon? When’s the next one? appeared first on Astronomy Magazine.