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Newborn marsupials seen crawling to mother's pouch for the first time
Newborn marsupials seen crawling to mother's pouch for the first time
NASA's SPHEREx Mission Spots 3I/ATLAS's Bright Envelope
Observations by NASA’s SPHEREx (Spectro-Photometer for the History of the Universe, Epoch of Reionization and Ices Explorer) show the infrared light emitted by the dust, water, organic molecules, and carbon dioxide contained within comet 3I/ATLAS’s coma.
Are there Hidden Dimensions to the Universe? Part 4: Looking Past the Universe
So we did that. And we found nothing. So far, with all of our experiments around the world, we find no evidence of missing momentum, and no signs of towers of gravitons slipping away into hidden dimensions.
Peering Into the Energetic Turbulence Around Supermassive Black Holes
Astronomers used the XRISM x-ray satellite to observe two supermassive black holes in two separate galaxy clusters. Researchers know that SMBH have powerful effects on star formation and galaxy evolution. The observations reveal new details in how it all works.
Top medical groups join forces to review vaccine science as CDC faces criticism
The American Medical Association is launching an effort to evaluate vaccine safety and effectiveness independently of U.S. government health agencies
Curiosity Blog, Sols 4798-4803: Back for More Science
- Curiosity Home
- Science
- News and Features
- Multimedia
- Mars Missions
- Mars Home
2 min read
Curiosity Blog, Sols 4798-4803: Back for More Science NASA’s Mars rover Curiosity acquired this image showing the side-by-side drill holes “Nevado Sajama” (right) and “Nevado Sajama2” (left). Curiosity used its Mast Camera (Mastcam) to capture the image on Jan. 31, 2026 — Sol 4795, or Martian day 4,795 of the Mars Science Laboratory mission — at 22:55:27 UTC.NASA/JPL-Caltech/MSSS
Written by Michelle Minitti, MAHLI Deputy Principal Investigator
Earth planning date: Friday, Feb. 6, 2026
The results from our first visit to the “Nevado Sajama” drill location were intriguing enough to motivate our return to do a deeper dive into the minerals and compounds locked in this rock with SAM (the Sample Analysis at Mars instrument suite). As explained in the last blog, that deeper dive involves using the second of two vials of a chemical reagent, tetramethylammonium hydroxide (TMAH), that helps makes molecules detectable to SAM that would otherwise be undetectable. This week was focused on completing the many carefully-coordinated steps to apply the TMAH reagent to the rock powder from a drill hole and then analyze the treated sample. As you can see in the image above, we know the drilling necessary to collect the sample was successful, as was delivery of the sample to SAM. We are awaiting word about the first part of the SAM analysis, and are running the second part in the weekend plan.
As you can imagine, running a mass spectrometer and chemistry experiment remotely on another planet takes a lot of energy, but throughout the week, the team took advantage of whatever spare power there was to include additional science observations. ChemCam planned two attempts at targeting the Nevado Sajama2 drill-hole interior, analyzed “Tiquipaya,” one of the family of rocks broken by the rover wheels that expose bright white material, and measured the chemistry of the atmosphere with a passive sky observation. They also planned an RMI mosaic of layers near the base of the “Mishe Mokwa” butte to our east. MAHLI and APXS paired up to image and analyze the ground-up tailings around the drill hole for the most direct measure of chemistry of what SAM analyzes. As Mastcam acquired a full 360-degree mosaic the first time we were at Nevado Sajama, they did not have many rock observations to plan. Instead, they turned their eyes toward the sky to measure the amount of dust in the atmosphere. Navcam made complementary measurements of atmospheric dust and planned movies and imaging surveys of clouds and dust devils. Ever watchful, RAD and REMS made their regular measurements of the Martian environment while DAN regularly monitored the Martian subsurface.
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Want to read more posts from the Curiosity team?
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Want to learn more about Curiosity’s science instruments?
Mars is the fourth planet from the Sun, and the seventh largest. It’s the only planet we know of inhabited…
All Mars ResourcesExplore this collection of Mars images, videos, resources, PDFs, and toolkits. Discover valuable content designed to inform, educate, and inspire,…
Rover BasicsEach robotic explorer sent to the Red Planet has its own unique capabilities driven by science. Many attributes of a…
Mars Exploration: Science GoalsThe key to understanding the past, present or future potential for life on Mars can be found in NASA’s four…
Curiosity Blog, Sols 4798-4803: Back for More Science
- Curiosity Home
- Science
- News and Features
- Multimedia
- Mars Missions
- Mars Home
2 min read
Curiosity Blog, Sols 4798-4803: Back for More Science NASA’s Mars rover Curiosity acquired this image showing the side-by-side drill holes “Nevado Sajama” (right) and “Nevado Sajama2” (left). Curiosity used its Mast Camera (Mastcam) to capture the image on Jan. 31, 2026 — Sol 4795, or Martian day 4,795 of the Mars Science Laboratory mission — at 22:55:27 UTC.NASA/JPL-Caltech/MSSSWritten by Michelle Minitti, MAHLI Deputy Principal Investigator
Earth planning date: Friday, Feb. 6, 2026
The results from our first visit to the “Nevado Sajama” drill location were intriguing enough to motivate our return to do a deeper dive into the minerals and compounds locked in this rock with SAM (the Sample Analysis at Mars instrument suite). As explained in the last blog, that deeper dive involves using the second of two vials of a chemical reagent, tetramethylammonium hydroxide (TMAH), that helps makes molecules detectable to SAM that would otherwise be undetectable. This week was focused on completing the many carefully-coordinated steps to apply the TMAH reagent to the rock powder from a drill hole and then analyze the treated sample. As you can see in the image above, we know the drilling necessary to collect the sample was successful, as was delivery of the sample to SAM. We are awaiting word about the first part of the SAM analysis, and are running the second part in the weekend plan.
As you can imagine, running a mass spectrometer and chemistry experiment remotely on another planet takes a lot of energy, but throughout the week, the team took advantage of whatever spare power there was to include additional science observations. ChemCam planned two attempts at targeting the Nevado Sajama2 drill-hole interior, analyzed “Tiquipaya,” one of the family of rocks broken by the rover wheels that expose bright white material, and measured the chemistry of the atmosphere with a passive sky observation. They also planned an RMI mosaic of layers near the base of the “Mishe Mokwa” butte to our east. MAHLI and APXS paired up to image and analyze the ground-up tailings around the drill hole for the most direct measure of chemistry of what SAM analyzes. As Mastcam acquired a full 360-degree mosaic the first time we were at Nevado Sajama, they did not have many rock observations to plan. Instead, they turned their eyes toward the sky to measure the amount of dust in the atmosphere. Navcam made complementary measurements of atmospheric dust and planned movies and imaging surveys of clouds and dust devils. Ever watchful, RAD and REMS made their regular measurements of the Martian environment while DAN regularly monitored the Martian subsurface.
-
Want to read more posts from the Curiosity team?
-
Want to learn more about Curiosity’s science instruments?
Mars is the fourth planet from the Sun, and the seventh largest. It’s the only planet we know of inhabited…
All Mars ResourcesExplore this collection of Mars images, videos, resources, PDFs, and toolkits. Discover valuable content designed to inform, educate, and inspire,…
Rover BasicsEach robotic explorer sent to the Red Planet has its own unique capabilities driven by science. Many attributes of a…
Mars Exploration: Science GoalsThe key to understanding the past, present or future potential for life on Mars can be found in NASA’s four…
Astrophotography Upgrade: Stepping Up to CMOS
Upgrading to the latest cameras may require changing your imaging techniques.
The post Astrophotography Upgrade: Stepping Up to CMOS appeared first on Sky & Telescope.
Which humans first made tools or art – and how do we know?
Which humans first made tools or art – and how do we know?
CubeSats’ Missions Begin
CubeSats’ Missions Begin
NASA astronaut Chris Williams pointed a camera out a window on the cupola as a set of CubeSats were deployed outside the Kibo laboratory module by a small satellite orbital deployer into Earth orbit. Students from Mexico, Italy, Thailand, Malaysia, and Japan designed the shoe-boxed satellites for a series of Earth observations and technology demonstrations.
CubeSats are a class of nanosatellites – small spacecraft weighing 1-10 kilograms – that use a standard size and form factor. The development of CubeSats has advanced into its own industry with government, industry and academia collaborating for ever increasing capabilities. CubeSats now provide a cost-effective platform for science investigations, new technology demonstrations and advanced mission concepts.
Image credit: NASA/Chris Williams
CubeSats’ Missions Begin
NASA astronaut Chris Williams pointed a camera out a window on the cupola as a set of CubeSats were deployed outside the Kibo laboratory module by a small satellite orbital deployer into Earth orbit. Students from Mexico, Italy, Thailand, Malaysia, and Japan designed the shoe-boxed satellites for a series of Earth observations and technology demonstrations.
CubeSats are a class of nanosatellites – small spacecraft weighing 1-10 kilograms – that use a standard size and form factor. The development of CubeSats has advanced into its own industry with government, industry and academia collaborating for ever increasing capabilities. CubeSats now provide a cost-effective platform for science investigations, new technology demonstrations and advanced mission concepts.
Image credit: NASA/Chris Williams
Time crystals could be used to build accurate quantum clocks
Time crystals could be used to build accurate quantum clocks
Grants
To submit a request, visit NASA General Information Request Form and complete the form. You will receive an automated email with the most commonly requested grant status information.
Important Instructions:
- Ensure you enter a valid email address, as replies will only be sent via email.
- The confirmation email may take a few minutes to arrive in your inbox.
How to Fill Out the Form:
- Category: Select “Procurement including Grants & Cooperative Agreements.”
- Procurement Area: Choose “Grants/Agreements.”
- Grants/Agreements Activity: Select “Grant Status.”
- Required Information: Provide either a Grant Number, Purchase Requisition Number, or both.
Guidance Regarding OMB Memorandum M-25-14 and Recent Temporary Restraining Orders
Update on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) Executive Orders – January 29, 2025
On January 23, 2025, NASA’s Office of Procurement (OP) released a memorandum for the NASA contractor and grant community regarding Executive Order “Initial Rescission of Harmful Executive Orders and Actions” and the Office of Personnel Management’s (OPM) memorandum “Initial Guidance Regarding DEIA Executive Orders.”
Per OP’s memo, NASA grant and cooperative agreement recipients shall immediately cease and desist all DEIA activities required for their grant. This work may include but is not limited to: DEIA plan requirements, training, workshops, reporting, considerations for staffing, or any other direct or indirect grant activity related to DEIA. All grant recipients shall notify their cognizant Grant Officer if they identify requirements within their grants that are in violation of this guidance. Your Grant Officer’s contact information can be found on your NF 1687, Notice of Award for Grant and Cooperative Agreement (NOA).
Thank you for your work and partnership with NASA.
In FY2025, NASA separated the Terms and Conditions from the GCAM to create a standalone document. This document outlines both the general and specific terms and conditions and applies to all awards issued under 2 CFR 1800 (NASA’s adoption of 2 CFR 200.)
NASA Grant and Cooperative Agreement Terms and Conditions – January 2026
Administrative Supplement Requests Templates :
No Cost Extension (NCE) Request Form
Other Administrative Supplement Request Form
Principal Investigator (PI) Change Request Form
Period of Performance (POP) Change Form
Submit via email to NSSC-ADMIN-SUPPLEMENT REQUEST
PI Transfer Requests:
Submit via email to NSSC-Grants-PI-Transfer
NASA Insignia GuidelinesGrantees are strongly encouraged to use the NASA Insignia Format identified in the guidelines at NASA Insignia Guidelines for NASA Grantees. These guidelines aim to increase awareness of NASA’s mission activities via Grantee partnerships for a broader and more diverse population.
Payment Management SystemNASA uses a service provider, currently the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Payment Management System (PMS), to provide Federal funds to recipients. PMS will provide instructions to the recipients for registering and requesting funds through the system.
NASA is responsible for routine post-award monitoring on all awards, regardless of the award’s risk determination. At a minimum, routine monitoring includes reviewing award recipients’ annual performance reports, semi-annual Federal Financial Report (FFR), and Transactions Testing Review.
All NASA award recipients must submit annual performance reports. Annual reports are due to NASA 60 days prior to the annual anniversary of the award’s POP start date (e.g., if the POP of an award is October 1 – September 30, the report would be due 60 days prior to October 1.)
- Final Performance Reports: Submit via email to NSSC-CloseOut@mail.nasa.gov
- Performance Reports: Submit via email to NSSC-Grant-Report@mail.nasa.gov
Recipients will submit their semi-annual FFRs in PMS:
Period 1 (October 1 – March 31): Due by April 30 each year.
Period 2 (April 1 – September 30): Due by October 30 of each year.
Final FFRs are due 120 days after the end of the POP
Additional information and training are available on the Payment Management System website at https://pms.psc.gov/. The PMS help desk number is 1-877-614-5533.
FormsPost-Award Certifications and Representations
Current and Pending Support (CPS) Form
NASA Pre-Award and Post-Award Disclosure Requirements
- Title 2: Grants and Agreements
- 14 CFR 1274: Cooperative Agreements with Commercial Firms (Rescinded January 2021)
- 14 CFR 1275: Research Misconduct
NASA Grant and Cooperative Agreement Manual (GCAM): NASA’s Grant Manual for Proposers and Recipients
The NASA Grant and Cooperative Agreement Manual (GCAM) provides pre and post award policy guidance to NASA proposers and award-managing personnel and award recipients to implement government-wide and NASA-specific regulations for applying for, awarding and administering grants and cooperative agreements with educational and non-profit organizations; State, local, and Indian tribal governments; and for-profit organizations.
NASA Grant and Cooperative Agreement Terms and ConditionsIn FY2025, NASA separated the Terms and Conditions from the GCAM to create a standalone document. This document outlines both the general and specific terms and conditions and applies to all awards issued under 2 CFR 1800 (NASA’s adoption of 2 CFR 200.)
NASA implemented the Federal-wide research terms and conditions for all research and research-related grant and cooperative agreement awards issued under 2 CFR 1800 (NASA’s adoption of 2 CFR 200). The Research Terms and Conditions implement the requirements of the Uniform Guidance and includes three companion documents:
RTC Appendix A: Prior Approval Matrix, RTC Appendix B: Subaward Requirements, and RTC Appendix C: National Policy Requirements).
The Research Terms and Conditions and companion documents are accessible on the NSF website.
NASA Office of Inspector GeneralTo file a complaint regarding denial of equal opportunity or discrimination based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age; go to
https://oig.nasa.gov/hotline.html
1-800-424-9183
300 E Street, S.W. Suite 8V39
Washington, DC 20546-0001
NASA OIG Hotline
http://missionstem.nasa.gov/filing-a-complaint.html
Grants.gov
NSSC Grants Payment Package
NASA Research Opportunities Online (NSPIRES)
System for Award Management (SAM)
Grants
To submit a request, visit NASA General Information Request Form and complete the form. You will receive an automated email with the most commonly requested grant status information.
Important Instructions:
- Ensure you enter a valid email address, as replies will only be sent via email.
- The confirmation email may take a few minutes to arrive in your inbox.
How to Fill Out the Form:
- Category: Select “Procurement including Grants & Cooperative Agreements.”
- Procurement Area: Choose “Grants/Agreements.”
- Grants/Agreements Activity: Select “Grant Status.”
- Required Information: Provide either a Grant Number, Purchase Requisition Number, or both.
Guidance Regarding OMB Memorandum M-25-14 and Recent Temporary Restraining Orders
Update on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) Executive Orders – January 29, 2025
On January 23, 2025, NASA’s Office of Procurement (OP) released a memorandum for the NASA contractor and grant community regarding Executive Order “Initial Rescission of Harmful Executive Orders and Actions” and the Office of Personnel Management’s (OPM) memorandum “Initial Guidance Regarding DEIA Executive Orders.”
Per OP’s memo, NASA grant and cooperative agreement recipients shall immediately cease and desist all DEIA activities required for their grant. This work may include but is not limited to: DEIA plan requirements, training, workshops, reporting, considerations for staffing, or any other direct or indirect grant activity related to DEIA. All grant recipients shall notify their cognizant Grant Officer if they identify requirements within their grants that are in violation of this guidance. Your Grant Officer’s contact information can be found on your NF 1687, Notice of Award for Grant and Cooperative Agreement (NOA).
Thank you for your work and partnership with NASA.
In FY2025, NASA separated the Terms and Conditions from the GCAM to create a standalone document. This document outlines both the general and specific terms and conditions and applies to all awards issued under 2 CFR 1800 (NASA’s adoption of 2 CFR 200.)
NASA Grant and Cooperative Agreement Terms and Conditions – January 2026
Administrative Supplement Requests Templates :
No Cost Extension (NCE) Request Form
Other Administrative Supplement Request Form
Principal Investigator (PI) Change Request Form
Period of Performance (POP) Change Form
Submit via email to NSSC-ADMIN-SUPPLEMENT REQUEST
PI Transfer Requests:
Submit via email to NSSC-Grants-PI-Transfer
NASA Insignia GuidelinesGrantees are strongly encouraged to use the NASA Insignia Format identified in the guidelines at NASA Insignia Guidelines for NASA Grantees. These guidelines aim to increase awareness of NASA’s mission activities via Grantee partnerships for a broader and more diverse population.
Payment Management SystemNASA uses a service provider, currently the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Payment Management System (PMS), to provide Federal funds to recipients. PMS will provide instructions to the recipients for registering and requesting funds through the system.
NASA is responsible for routine post-award monitoring on all awards, regardless of the award’s risk determination. At a minimum, routine monitoring includes reviewing award recipients’ annual performance reports, semi-annual Federal Financial Report (FFR), and Transactions Testing Review.
All NASA award recipients must submit annual performance reports. Annual reports are due to NASA 60 days prior to the annual anniversary of the award’s POP start date (e.g., if the POP of an award is October 1 – September 30, the report would be due 60 days prior to October 1.)
- Final Performance Reports: Submit via email to NSSC-CloseOut@mail.nasa.gov
- Performance Reports: Submit via email to NSSC-Grant-Report@mail.nasa.gov
Recipients will submit their semi-annual FFRs in PMS:
Period 1 (October 1 – March 31): Due by April 30 each year.
Period 2 (April 1 – September 30): Due by October 30 of each year.
Final FFRs are due 120 days after the end of the POP
Additional information and training are available on the Payment Management System website at https://pms.psc.gov/. The PMS help desk number is 1-877-614-5533.
FormsPost-Award Certifications and Representations
Current and Pending Support (CPS) Form
NASA Pre-Award and Post-Award Disclosure Requirements
- Title 2: Grants and Agreements
- 14 CFR 1274: Cooperative Agreements with Commercial Firms (Rescinded January 2021)
- 14 CFR 1275: Research Misconduct
NASA Grant and Cooperative Agreement Manual (GCAM): NASA’s Grant Manual for Proposers and Recipients
The NASA Grant and Cooperative Agreement Manual (GCAM) provides pre and post award policy guidance to NASA proposers and award-managing personnel and award recipients to implement government-wide and NASA-specific regulations for applying for, awarding and administering grants and cooperative agreements with educational and non-profit organizations; State, local, and Indian tribal governments; and for-profit organizations.
NASA Grant and Cooperative Agreement Terms and ConditionsIn FY2025, NASA separated the Terms and Conditions from the GCAM to create a standalone document. This document outlines both the general and specific terms and conditions and applies to all awards issued under 2 CFR 1800 (NASA’s adoption of 2 CFR 200.)
NASA implemented the Federal-wide research terms and conditions for all research and research-related grant and cooperative agreement awards issued under 2 CFR 1800 (NASA’s adoption of 2 CFR 200). The Research Terms and Conditions implement the requirements of the Uniform Guidance and includes three companion documents:
RTC Appendix A: Prior Approval Matrix, RTC Appendix B: Subaward Requirements, and RTC Appendix C: National Policy Requirements).
The Research Terms and Conditions and companion documents are accessible on the NSF website.
NASA Office of Inspector GeneralTo file a complaint regarding denial of equal opportunity or discrimination based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age; go to
https://oig.nasa.gov/hotline.html
1-800-424-9183
300 E Street, S.W. Suite 8V39
Washington, DC 20546-0001
NASA OIG Hotline
http://missionstem.nasa.gov/filing-a-complaint.html
Grants.gov
NSSC Grants Payment Package
NASA Research Opportunities Online (NSPIRES)
System for Award Management (SAM)
Earth’s core may contain 45 oceans’ worth of hydrogen
An experiment to quantify the amount of the universe’s lightest element in Earth’s core suggests that the planet’s water has mostly been here since the beginning