MeTooSpace blogs

Artemis III: Humans Return to the Moon (2026-2027) NASA's Artemis program is an ambitious initiative to return humans to the lunar surface by 2026-2027. The Artemis III mission marks a significant milestone in space exploration, building upon the legacy of the Apollo program and paving the way for a sustainable human presence on the Moon. Mission Objectives: 1. Establish a sustainable human presence on the Moon: Artemis III aims to send the first woman and the next man to the lunar surface, marking a major step towards establishing a sustainable human presence on the Moon. 2. Conduct scientific research: The mission will focus on conducting scientific research, exploring the lunar surface, and gathering data to support future human missions to Mars and beyond. 3. Develop technologies for deep space exploration: Artemis III will demonstrate critical technologies, such as advanced propulsion systems, life support systems, and lunar landing capabilities. Spacecraft and Launch Vehicle:...

The Lyrids meteor shower is a annual event that peaks around April 21-22. To spot the meteors, look for a dark sky with minimal light pollution, and find the constellation Lyra in the eastern sky. The shower is produced by debris from the Thatcher Comet. Best viewing times are typically after midnight when the constellation is high in the sky. Grab a blanket, snacks, and enjoy the celestial show! The Lyrid meteor shower peaks on April 22, 2025, with the predicted peak time at 14:00 BST (13:00 UTC). To catch the shower, head outside late evening on April 21 before the moon rises a few hours before dawn. The moon's phase will be a fat waning crescent, which might interfere with viewing after it rises . Best Viewing Times: - Late evening on April 21, before moonrise - Peak time: 13:00 UTC on April 22 (14:00 BST) Tips for Viewing: - Find a dark location with minimal light pollution - Look for the constellation Lyra in the eastern sky - The radiant point is near the bright star Vega Sho...

Mercury at Greatest Western Elongation: A Rare Celestial Event On April 21, 2025, Mercury will reach its greatest western elongation, a rare celestial event that offers a unique opportunity to observe the planet in the morning sky. This phenomenon occurs when Mercury is at its farthest point from the sunrise, making it visible to observers on Earth. What is Greatest Western Elongation? Greatest western elongation is a term used to describe the position of Mercury (or any other planet) when it appears at its farthest point from the sun in the sky. During this event, Mercury will be approximately 27-28 degrees away from the sun, making it visible in the morning sky. When and Where to Watch To catch this celestial event, look for Mercury about 30 minutes before sunrise on April 21, 2025. Find Mercury in the sunrise direction as the sky lightens. The planet will shine at a magnitude of 0.3 and appear 38% illuminated in a crescent phase, measuring 8 arcseconds across. Best Viewing Location ...

3 Must-See Celestial Events in the Last Week of April 2025 -Don’t Miss These! April 2025 is wrapping up with a celestial spectacle, giving stargazers and sky lovers three unforgettable reasons to look up. From shooting stars to a cosmic smile, and even a larger-than-life Moon, the night skies are putting on a show. Mark your calendars — here are the three must-see events in the last week of April 2025: 1. April 21–22: Lyrids Meteor Shower — A Dazzling Light Show The Lyrids Meteor Shower is an annual highlight for astronomers and casual skywatchers alike. Originating from the debris trail of Comet C/1861 G1 Thatcher, the Lyrids have been observed for over 2,700 years — making them one of the oldest known meteor showers. What to Expect : The Lyrids typically produce around 10–20 meteors per hour at their peak, but occasionally surprise viewers with bursts of up to 100 meteors per hour. These meteors are fast and often leave behind glowing trails. The peak this year occurs during the nigh...

Groundbreaking Discovery: Potential Signs of Life on K2-18b The search for life beyond Earth has long been a topic of fascination and intrigue. Recently, scientists made a significant breakthrough in this pursuit, detecting potential signs of life on exoplanet K2-18b using the James Webb Space Telescope. This exciting development has sparked hope and curiosity among researchers and space enthusiasts alike. The Discovery The James Webb Space Telescope identified chemical fingerprints of dimethyl sulfide (DMS) in K2-18b's atmosphere. DMS is a molecule often produced by microbial life on Earth, particularly by ocean-dwelling phytoplankton. The presence of DMS in the planet's atmosphere is a promising indication that life might exist beyond our planet. The Planet: K2-18b K2-18b is a fascinating exoplanet located 124 light-years away in the constellation Leo. It is about 8.6 times larger than Earth, with a hydrogen-rich atmosphere that could potentially support greenhouse warming an...

Scientists find 'strongest evidence yet' of life on a distant planet Potential Signs of Life on K2-18b The search for life beyond Earth has long been a topic of fascination and intrigue. Recently, a team of scientists made a significant breakthrough in this pursuit, detecting potential signs of life on a distant exoplanet called K2-18b. This exciting development has sparked hope and curiosity among researchers and space enthusiasts alike. The Discovery Using the James Webb Space Telescope, the team identified chemical fingerprints in K2-18b's atmosphere that suggest the presence of dimethyl sulfide (DMS) and possibly dimethyl disulfide (DMDS). These molecules are typically produced by microbial life, such as marine phytoplankton on Earth. The detection of these biosignatures is a promising indication that life might exist beyond our planet. The Planet: K2-18b K2-18b is a sub-Neptune exoplanet located about 124 light...

The Lyrids meteor shower will peak on April 21-22, offering a spectacular display of shooting stars. Here's what you need to know: When to Watch - Peak Time: The shower peaks overnight on April 21-22, with the best viewing time in the late evening of April 21 before the moon rises. - Duration: The Lyrids meteor shower is active from April 16 to 25. Viewing Tips - Dark Skies: Find a location with minimal light pollution to maximize your viewing experience. - Radiant Location: The radiant of the Lyrids is situated in the constellation Lyra, which becomes visible before midnight and reaches its highest point in the sky at dawn. - Moon Phase: A fat waning crescent moon will be in the sky during the peak morning, making late evening viewing ideal. What to Expect - Meteor Frequency: Around 10-20 meteors per hour can be visible during the peak under ideal conditions, although rates can surge up to 100 meteors per hour. - Fireballs: The Lyrids are known for producing bright fireballs, maki...