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Perseids Meteor Shower
The constellation Orion is framed by two Perseid meteors in this photo from Aug. 12, 2018, in Cedar Breaks National Monument, Utah.
The Perseids – one of the year’s brightest and most popular meteor showers – has been ramping up since early July and will sparkle in the skies through the end of August. The shower reached its peak on the night of Aug. 12 into the early morning of Aug. 13.
Rewatch the Aug. 13 meteor shower.
Image credit: NASA/Bill Dunford
APOD: 2026 August 13 – Total Solar Eclipse Over Spain
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Astronomy Picture of the Day
Discover the cosmos! Each day a different image or photograph of our fascinating universe is featured, along with a brief explanation written by a professional astronomer.
Total Solar Eclipse Over SpainExplanation: On August 12th, 2026, the Moon totally eclipsed the Sun and cast its shadow across Siberia, Greenland, Iceland, Spain, and Portugal. Today’s image features two total solar eclipses viewed from Zaragoza, Spain, one over the Cathedral-Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar and the other reflecting in the Ebro River. For a few moments, Spain saw its first major total solar eclipse since 1905. Those witnessing totality may experience a chill in the air, the quieting of birds, the confused chirps of insects, and the shared awe of many. It’s the corona’s time to shine as the Sun’s bright disk is blocked by the Moon. Among other reasons to study eclipses, they help scientists understand why the corona is millions of degrees hotter than the Sun’s surface. Enthusiastic citizens can contribute to these studies by recording how wildlife responds, imaging the corona, and monitoring air temperature and clouds.
More spectacular eclipse images: Solar Eclipse of 2026 August 12
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NASA Data Helps Commercial Space Plan Living Off Our Moon
3 min read
Preparations for Next Moonwalk Simulations Underway (and Underwater) NASA has been taking pictures of the Moon for decades, collecting a wealth of data. This false-color picture is a composite of 15 images of the Moon taken through three color filters on NASA’s Galileo solid-state imaging system.Credit: NASAThe barren lunar landscape has some important resources, such as water and minerals like iron and titanium, but extracting and processing them will require special equipment. Where those resources can be found will dictate where to land and how to mine them. To help with that, Lunar Station Corp. is using a wealth of NASA data in multiple computer models.
“With 60 years of lunar data available to us, we help our clients understand the environmental factors for any given location on the Moon,” said Blair DeWitt, CEO of Lunar Station. Combining disparate data from different sensors used by NASA and other space agencies is a critical first step. One NASA resource the Cambridge, Massachusetts-based company used to build terrain maps is the Ames Stereo Pipeline. The open-source code automatically processes images captured from satellites, robotic rovers, historical images, and more to create a 3D model revealing features such as rock placement and elevation.
But the availability of in-situ lunar water resources at any location is largely unknown, according to Gerry Sanders, in-situ resource utilization system capability lead at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston. To begin to fill that gap, the Lunar Crater Observation and Sensing Satellite was designed to crash its uppers stage into the Moon’s South Pole in 2009. The examination of the resulting plume revealed the presence of water ice.
Lunar Station is building on that work and more to help commercial space companies with mission planning, which includes scientific research for mining operations. The MoonHacker program uses proprietary geospatial analytics platform and advanced algorithms to fuse all the lunar data in NASA’s Planetary Data System to help identify indicators for shallow pits of lunar water.
“We can find sites for landing pads, for cultivating the best paths for roving, and inform our clients about communications. If you can’t see Earth at a given location like in the polar regions or the far side of the Moon, you have to come up with a relay strategy,” said DeWitt. “We can do this in part thanks to NASA data.”
In MoonHacker’s Radiation Simulator, an electronic version of a company’s rover or satellite, called a digital twin, can be subjected to the radiation en route or at the mission site to determine the protection required.
These innovations exemplify the purpose of NASA’s Technology Transfer program within the Research and Technology Mission Directorate, which uses space-based solutions to improve life on Earth. For 50 years, NASA has documented the everyday benefits of space technology through the agency’s Spinoff publication.
Read More Share Details Last Updated Aug 12, 2026 Related Terms Explore More 2 min read NASA Equips Astronauts, Industry with Robotic Intelligence Article 2 months ago 3 min read NASA-Supported Space Tech Advances Earthly Construction Article 3 months ago 4 min read Hello Universe: NASA’s Next-Gen Space Processor Undergoes Testing Article 3 months ago Keep Exploring Discover Related TopicsTechnology Transfer & Spinoffs
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Planetary Data Science OverviewWhat is the Planetary Data Ecosystem? Planetary Science Division Information and Data Policy (PDF) NASA defined the Planetary Data Ecosystem…
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2026 Total Solar Eclipse in Spain
A total solar eclipse is seen from San Millán de los Caballeros, Spain, Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2026. A total solar eclipse – the Moon passing between the Sun and Earth, completely blocking the face of the Sun – swept across parts of Greenland, Iceland, northern Russia, the Atlantic Ocean, Spain, and a small corner of Portugal. A partial eclipse was visible in parts of the U.S., most of Canada, much of Europe, and northwest Africa.
Relive the eclipse on NASA’s YouTube channel.
Image credit: NASA/Bill Ingalls
NASA Upgrades Vertical Motion Simulator for Modern Mission Needs
2 min read
Preparations for Next Moonwalk Simulations Underway (and Underwater) The Vertical Motion Simulator at NASA’s Ames Research Center in California’s Silicon Valley is capable of vertical and horizontal motion to simulate a range of flight experiences, such as lunar landers, helicopters, and commercial aircraft.NASA/Jesse CarpenterImagine stepping into a machine that can make you feel like you’re flying a spacecraft, piloting a next generation air taxi, or landing on the Moon, all without leaving the ground. NASA’s Vertical Motion Simulator, the largest of its kind in the world, does exactly that. And now, with new upgrades, it’s more powerful and realistic than before.
The Vertical Motion Simulator, located at NASA’s Ames Research Center in California’s Silicon Valley, has shaped the future of aviation and spaceflight since 1979. It allows pilots and researchers to experience realistic aircraft motion due to its ability to travel 60 feet vertically and 40 feet horizontally, simulating vehicles ranging from helicopters to spacecraft with high accuracy.
New improvements are making the simulator even more powerful. One of the biggest changes is the switch from analog systems to modern digital technology. This upgrade includes a dome surrounding the simulator’s cockpit with advanced 4K projectors that create visuals with nearly 20/20 clarity, giving pilots clearer, sharper images and a larger field of view of the world outside the cockpit.
The upgraded cab of the Vertical Motion Simulator at NASA’s Ames Research Center in California’s Silicon Valley provides researchers with near-20/20 visual clarity, providing clearer, sharper images.NASA/Brandon Torres-Navarrete“The new dome configuration and improved systems can support far more aggressive mission tasks while giving pilots and crews a more realistic environment to work in,” said Diana Acosta, aerospace simulation research and development branch chief at NASA Ames. “It strengthens how teams coordinate, react, and manage challenging scenarios, exactly the kind of preparation we need for the missions coming next.”
The system also can automatically line up and color‑match images to integrate them into a simulated background, a process that used to take hours, or even days, to do by hand.
In the past, changing simulation configurations from lunar lander to air taxi required swapping out the cab, a large, heavy structure that was time‑consuming and complex to move. Instead of replacing an entire cab, teams can use lighter, removable inserts that include only the controls, seats, and panels needed to stand in for a specific vehicle. The inserts drastically reduce physical labor and cut the time needed to configure a simulation in half.
The upgrades to the Vertical Motion Simulator will enable tests of next-generation aircraft and spacecraft before they ever leave the ground, bringing us closer to safer skies, more efficient air travel, and successful human landings on the Moon and Mars.
Share Details Last Updated Aug 12, 2026 Related Terms Explore More 4 min read Building the Moon Base: NASA Stories at the Ion Article 2 days ago 3 min read NASA’s Lunar Development and Test Facility Prepares Artemis Hardware for Moon Article 7 days ago 2 min read Ames Science Stars of the Month – August 2026 Article 1 week ago Keep Exploring Discover More Topics From NASAAmes Research Center
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NASA Astronaut Mike Fincke Leaves NASA, Career Includes 4 Spaceflights
NASA astronaut Mike Fincke is departing the agency on Wednesday after 30 years of service. Throughout his career, he flew four missions, spent 549 days in space, and completed nine spacewalks in support of the International Space Station.
“Few people have had the opportunity to shape as many chapters of NASA’s history as Mike Fincke,” said NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman. “Over a remarkable career, Mike served our nation as a pilot, engineer, astronaut, and mentor. From long-duration missions aboard the International Space Station to helping prepare the Artemis generation, his contributions have helped position NASA for what comes next. The success we’re building on today is possible because of people like Mike, who dedicated their careers to moving our space program forward and preparing the next generation to carry the mission even further. I’d like to congratulate Mike on an incredible career and thank him for his decades of service to NASA, our nation, and the countless people who had the opportunity to learn from and fly alongside him.”
He ranks fourth among NASA astronauts in accumulated time in space, and his spacewalks total 48 hours and 37 minutes. Most recently, Fincke piloted NASA’s SpaceX Crew‑11 mission, which launched in August 2025 and returned in January. During the mission, he served as a flight engineer for International Space Station Expedition 73 and commander of Expedition 74.
Fincke joined NASA’s 16th astronaut class in 1996 and first flew to space in 2004 aboard Soyuz TMA‑4 in support of the space station’s Expedition 9. Serving as a science officer and flight engineer, he helped maintain station systems and performed four spacewalks. He returned to space in 2008 on Soyuz TMA‑13 as commander of Expedition 18, preparing the space station for its transition to six‑person crews at the time and completing two more spacewalks.
In 2011, Fincke flew on STS‑134, the final flight of space shuttle Endeavour. As mission specialist and robotic arm operator, he completed three spacewalks and helped deliver and install the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer.
“Mike’s remarkable career reflects three decades of dedication to NASA’s mission and the advancement of human spaceflight,” said Vanessa Wyche, director of NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston. “From his time aboard the International Space Station to his commitment to mentoring the next generation, Mike has made an immense impact across our agency. His legacy of service, mentorship, and dedication to exploration will continue to inspire the generations to come.”
Throughout his career, Fincke bridged spacecraft development, flight testing, and mission operations. Early in the International Space Station Program, he helped test and integrate several of the station’s initial modules before launch. His flight experience spanned multiple generations of human spacecraft, including two missions aboard Soyuz, one aboard the space shuttle, and later piloting the SpaceX Dragon.
Fincke was a foundational contributor to NASA’s Commercial Crew Program. As chief of the Astronaut Office’s Commercial Crew Branch, he worked to ensure astronaut needs, crew safety, and human spaceflight experience informed development of the nation’s next generation of crewed spacecraft. He spent five years supporting Boeing’s Crew Flight Test program training as a crew member and backup pilot, contributing to flight software, systems integration, integrated testing, and spacecraft interfaces.
Fincke also supported station operations from the ground as a crew test support team member in Russia, a capsule communicator, or capcom, and crew procedures team lead. He helped translate complex engineering and operational requirements into clear instructions for crews working in orbit. His continuity across development, integration, mission support, and long‑duration flight gave him an end‑to‑end perspective on space station assembly and operation.
“Mike approached every assignment with experience, humility, and an unwavering focus on the mission,” said Scott Tingle, chief of the Astronaut Office at NASA Johnson. “Whether flying aboard the station, supporting crews from the ground, or helping shape the spacecraft that future crews will rely on, he consistently strengthened our team. His legacy is woven into the way we fly today.”
A native of Emsworth, Pennsylvania, Fincke holds bachelor’s degrees in aeronautics and astronautics and in Earth, atmospheric, and planetary sciences from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where he also studied in the Soviet Union through an exchange program with the Moscow Aviation Institute. He earned master’s degrees in aeronautics and astronautics from Stanford University and in planetary geology from the University of Houston, Clear Lake.
Fincke is a retired U.S. Air Force colonel and distinguished graduate of the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School. He served as a space systems engineer and flight test engineer at Edwards and Eglin Air Force Bases and later as the U.S. flight test liaison to the Japanese‑U.S. XF‑2 fighter program at Gifu Air Base in Japan. He accumulated more than 2,000 flight hours in more than 30 aircraft types.
“After exactly 30 years, I am departing NASA, but I remain deeply committed to the work of exploration.” Fincke said. “NASA gave me the extraordinary privilege of serving alongside remarkable people, flying and helping develop spacecraft, and contributing to the International Space Station from its earliest days through command in orbit. I am profoundly grateful to my crewmates, the teams on the ground, our international partners, and the families who make this work possible. I am excited to carry those lessons forward and help prepare the next generation of engineers, explorers, and leaders. Together, we will return humanity to the Moon, travel to Mars, journey outward to the planets and moons beyond Earth, and someday reach for the stars – all while caring for Earth, the most beautiful planet in our solar system.”
To learn more about NASA’s astronauts and space exploration, visit:
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Pursuing a Dream of Working for NASA
As a young girl raised in Worcester, Massachusetts, Lindsey Waitt dreamed of working for NASA. Her dream is now a reality as she embarks on her role as a NASA test project engineer with the Artemis launch team – an integral part of the agency’s missions that will enable humans to return to the surface of the Moon after launching from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
When she was in middle school in the late 1990’s, Waitt recalls meeting NASA Space Shuttle astronauts Michael Lopez-Alegria and Albert Sacco, Jr., a former professor at the college, during a visit to Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) in Worcester, Massachusetts. She was inspired while listening to them recount their spaceflight experiences including an experiment on conducting research for growing cells on the Moon. She even posed for a picture and got their autographs. Little did young Waitt know, these would not be the only astronauts she would meet.
Lindsey Waitt (far right), poses for a photograph with NASA astronaut Michael Lopez-Alegria and her cousin at Worcester Polytechnic Institute in Massachusetts.Photo credit: NASA/Lindsey WaittHer passion for learning about all things space and engineering led Waitt back to WPI where she studied engineering, absorbing different disciplines. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering with a concentration in aerospace engineering and she left the school fueled by her passion to be a part of America’s space agency.
After graduation, she worked as a systems engineer on radar flight test missions for a defense contractor, and while excelling in her role, she realized it wasn’t the aerospace engineering field that she desired.
“It was an exciting program, and it was meaningful to be a part of a project focused on protecting the country from enemy attacks. But it wasn’t space,” Waitt said.
As the wife of a now retired sergeant first class officer in the United States Army, Waitt and her family traveled around the world during her husband’s enlistment, and she continued to follow NASA missions from around the globe. While Waitt was dedicated to raising her three young boys, she simultaneously pursued her master’s degree in Space Operations from the University of Colorado in Colorado Springs. Twelve years later, she made the courageous decision to fully return to her first career passion – working for NASA – despite nay-sayers suggesting too much time had passed for her to return to the industry.
The sky is not the limit, it's wide open now. The universe is the limit.Lindsey waitt
Test project engineer
Waitt vividly remembers watching NASA astronauts Doug Hurley and Bob Behnken soar skyward during NASA’s first commercial crew mission to the International Space Station in 2020. Watching alongside her family, she even set up a rocket-shaped tent, and she and her children pretended to blast off from their yard as they cheered excitedly as the astronauts lifted off from what would be her future place of work.
After moving to Florida in 2022 to work at a small satellite company in Cape Canaveral, as a systems engineer and program manager, she continued to search for opportunities to work for the agency. Waitt vividly remembers watching Artemis I with her family. They had just moved to the Sunshine State, and she woke up in the early hours of the morning to watch the historic launch, having no idea she would be working on the next Artemis mission – the first time NASA sent humans around the Moon in over 50 years!
In 2024, Waitt began her career at Kennedy working for a contractor as a test project engineer during the Artemis II launch. As “problem-solvers,” test project engineers are the main hub of experts for technical tests and launch activities and they work to coordinate resolutions across the different subsystems that may arise during the dynamic operations associated with a rocket launch. Leading up to the Artemis II launch in April, Waitt quickly became certified to sit on the launch console during the dynamic pre and post-launch operations for the massive SLS (Space Launch System) rocket and Orion spacecraft and she eagerly watched from outside Kennedy’s Launch Control Center as the four crew members lifted off the launch pad towards the Moon.
When NASA announced its insourcing initiative earlier this year, Waitt seized the opportunity to fully realize her dream. She applied for a position and is now a NASA civil servant supporting the Artemis launch team as a test project engineer for NASA– a core position for the agency’s launch team. With Artemis III in front of her, Lindsey will see the buildup of launch operations from start to finish.
As the only female of the 14 test project engineers who work on the Artemis launch team, Waitt said she was fully embraced by the colleagues she stands beside.
“Everybody’s very open and welcoming,” Waitt said. “I’ve worked on teams before, but it’s never been like this. Everyone is so passionate about the mission, and everybody is working together to get things done quickly, but safely – that’s always first priority. We Are Going.”
This opportunity didn’t happen by chance. Waitt is embracing life’s journey and focused on making her dream come true, one launch at a time. “The sky is not the limit – it’s wide open now,” Waitt said. “The universe is the limit.”
APOD: 2026 August 12 – Perseids over a Little Planet
APOD
Astronomy Picture of the Day
Discover the cosmos! Each day a different image or photograph of our fascinating universe is featured, along with a brief explanation written by a professional astronomer.
Perseids over a Little PlanetExplanation: It looks like a view from the Little Prince‘s planet. The featured image is a throwback to the 2024 Perseid meteor shower, surrounded in this projection by the Bieszczady Mountains in Poland. Visible in the sky is the arch of the Milky Way, along with several nebulas in red and over a hundred meteors pointing to the radiant. The Perseids are easily visible and quite popular in the Northern Hemisphere summer. (Watching meteor showers in the winter is less convenient for a good reason). This year they are expected to offer an even more dazzling spectacle than usual, because the peak coincides with a new moon. The 2026 Perseid meteor shower will peak tonight with as many as 50-100 meteors per hour, when the Earth’s path crosses through debris left behind by Comet Swift-Tuttle. Typically, the best times for seeing the meteors are between midnight and pre-dawn. You won’t need binoculars to see the meteors, but a lawn chair and a dark sky location help.
NASA Stream: August 12 Total Solar Eclipse.
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Quality Assessment Report Evaluates Polar Geospatial Center EarthDEM Elevation Products
A new quality assessment report from NASA’s Commercial Satellite Data Acquisition (CSDA) program evaluates data from the Polar Geospatial Center’s (PGC) EarthDEM product. The results of the evaluation help inform NASA program management and the user community about the quality of commercial Digital Elevation Models (DEMs) for use in NASA science.
At left, the cover of the Commercial Satellite Data Acquisition programs’s recently released Polar Geospatial Center EarthDEM Quality Assessment Report. At right, a shaded relief rendering of EarthDEM data showing the Virgin River in Nevada. DEM derived from Vantor imagery. Credit: NASA CSDA program/EarthDEM ProjectIssued August 8, 2026, the CSDA Polar Geospatial Center EarthDEM Quality Assessment Report was conducted by NASA Digital Elevation Model (DEM) subject matter experts (SMEs) enlisted to evaluate the horizontal and vertical accuracy of two PGC EarthDEM1 (i.e., Digital Elevation Model) products: the center’s “Mosaic Tile” and “Strip” Digital Surface Models (DSMs).
To assess the vertical and horizontal accuracy of the EarthDEM Strip DSM and Mosaic Tile products over a variety of surface characteristics, the SMEs compared them to airborne lidar data samples from across the United States and Senegal. They found the horizontal accuracy of the EarthDEM products (Strip DSM: 0.5-meter (m) Root Mean Square Error Horizontal (RMSEH); Mosaic Tile: 0.3 m RMSEH) agreed with the specifications provided by the PGC and graded them “Excellent.” The vertical accuracy results of the EarthDEM Strip DSM (5.6 m Root Mean Square Error Vertical (RMSEV)) and the Mosaic Tile (4.9 m RMSEV) products varied by land cover type, with all land cover types exceeding the specification provided by the PGC (0.5 m RMSEV). Strip DSM vertical accuracy was found to vary from 4.6-6.8 m RMSEV depending on the cloud cover metadata field generated by the PGC. Given this variation, the vertical accuracy compliance for the EarthDEM products was graded as “Basic.”
Overall, the assessment report supports the use of EarthDEM data for NASA Earth science research and applications, as long as the data characteristics (e.g., vertical accuracy, poor cloud masking, missing surface features, data voids, etc.) are compatible with the specific science objectives and use cases.
The report also provides a Data Provider Documentation Review for the EarthDEM product that evaluated information from the PGC website, as well as a series of peer-reviewed publications by researchers at The Ohio State University’s Byrd Polar and Climate Research Center. (Only documents listed in this report were considered in the evaluation.) The report’s authors found that, overall, the EarthDEM product is “well documented,” with most information present within the product User Guide, a series of peer reviewed papers, or the PGC GitHub repository.
About the CSDA ProgramThe CSDA program was established to identify, evaluate, and acquire data from commercial sources that support the NASA Earth science research and application goals. NASA’s Earth Science Division recognizes the potential impact commercial satellite constellations may have in encouraging/enabling efficient approaches to advancing Earth System Science and applications development for societal benefit. Commercially acquired data may also provide a cost-effective means to augment and/or complement the suite of Earth observations acquired by NASA, other U.S. government agencies, and international partners.
To read the reports in full, see the links under “Evaluation” heading on the Polar Geospatial Center vendor page on the CSDA website.
Notes:1. According the authors of the report, “it should be noted that the PGC EarthDEM product is not technically a commercial product…. EarthDEM is a digital elevation dataset derived from imagery collected from the Vantor (formerly Maxar) fleet of optical satellites.”
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What Is the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope? (Grades 5-8)
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Preparations for Next Moonwalk Simulations Underway (and Underwater)This article is for students grades 5-8.
The Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope is NASA’s newest astrophysics observatory. The telescope will scan large sections of space. Roman will help astronomers answer questions about dark energy, dark matter, exoplanets, and more.
The Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope is NASA’s newest space telescope that will study dark energy, exoplanets, and astrophysics.NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center______________________________________________________________________
Words to Know
Astrophysics: a branch of space science that applies physics and mathematics to study the universe.
Lagrange point: a position in space where the gravitational forces of a two-body system, such as the Sun and Earth, are balanced. This point creates an “orbital parking spot” where minimal fuel is needed to maintain a spacecraft’s position.
Infrared light: light that is completely invisible to the human eye but can be felt as heat. It’s the area on the electromagnetic spectrum where wavelengths are longer than visible red light, but shorter than microwaves.
Dark energy: the mysterious force that is causing the universe to expand at an accelerated rate.
Exoplanet: a planet outside of our solar system.
Dark matter: the mysterious gravitational “glue” that holds cosmic structures together.
______________________________________________________________________
When and Where Will the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope Launch?The Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope is scheduled to launch Aug. 30, 2026. It will launch aboard a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket. Liftoff will take place from Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
Where Will the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope Go in Space?The Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope will orbit about 930,000 miles (1.5 million kilometers) away from Earth. It will orbit around a special place in space called the second Sun-Earth Lagrange point, or L2. This gravitational sweet spot is perfect for unobstructed views of the universe.
What Instruments Does the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope Have?The Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope will peer through dust and across vast stretches of space using infrared light. Roman’s primary mirror is 7.9 feet (2.4 meters) across. The large surface of the telescope mirror gathers lots of light. More light equals finer details.
The primary mirror will send light to Roman’s two science instruments: the Wide Field Instrument and the Coronagraph Instrument.
The Wide Field Instrument is a 300-megapixel infrared camera. It allows scientists to look very far back in time because the light captured by the camera has been traveling for billions of years before reaching the instrument. Seeing the universe in its early stages will help unravel how it has expanded throughout its history. This will give scientists hints about how the universe may continue to evolve.
The Coronagraph Instrument uses technology that blocks the glare from a star. This lets astronomers see planets in orbit around it. This instrument is the most powerful coronagraph ever flown in space. It will allow astronomers to see planets that are almost a billion times fainter than their host star.
On Nov. 25, 2025, technicians joined the inner and outer segments together and the observatory was complete.NASA / Sydney Rohde What Will Scientists Study With the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope?Scientists using the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope will focus on three main topic areas: dark energy, exoplanets, and dark matter.
Dark energy is a mysterious part of the universe. Scientists aren’t sure what it is, but it makes up about 68% of the universe’s total contents. It is believed to be responsible for the accelerating rate at which our universe is expanding. But recent observations seem to show that the pressure from dark energy is shifting over time. Scientists hope to use the Roman Space Telescope to help solve the mystery of dark energy’s true nature.
Exoplanets are planets outside of our solar system. Scientists have discovered more than 6,000 exoplanets. But they believe that billions could exist. Most of the exoplanets detected so far are wildly different than the planets in our solar system. Scientists expect Roman to find more unusual exoplanets. It will also allow astronomers to find planets in the habitable zone of their stars. This will be key to finding planets similar to Earth.
Dark matter is the invisible glue that holds the universe together. Scientists aren’t sure what dark matter is made of. Roman will allow scientists to peer back in time to trace how galaxies and galaxy clusters formed. If dark matter consists of heavy, sluggish particles, it would clump together readily and Roman should see galaxy formation early in cosmic history. If dark matter is made up of lighter, faster-moving particles, it should take longer to settle into clumps and for large-scale structures to develop. If astronomers can narrow down the candidates for dark matter particles, we’ll be one step closer to finally detecting them directly in experiments on Earth.
Who Was Nancy Grace Roman?Nancy Grace Roman was NASA’s first chief astronomer and the first female executive at the agency. Roman championed the making of the first space-based telescope — the Hubble Space Telescope. She was involved in every crucial decision about the telescope from its funding to where it was built to the details of its instruments. Her vital role in making the project a reality led her to be known as “the mother of the Hubble Space Telescope.”
Roman was born May 16, 1925, in Nashville, Tennessee. She died Dec. 25, 2018.
Nancy Grace Roman was NASA’s first chief astronomer. She is knows as “the mother of the Hubble Space Telescope.”NASA Career CornerMore than a thousand technicians and engineers assembled Roman from millions of individual components. Here are a few examples of the careers that shaped NASA’s newest space telescope:
Instrument technician: These experts install, calibrate, and maintain sensors and control systems. They troubleshoot issues that might come up with delicate systems and equipment. This career path often starts with an apprenticeship or hands-on training alongside experienced technicians. An associate’s degree is often required.
Mechanical engineer: This branch of engineering focuses on complex machines and engines. Mechanical engineers design, build, test, and improve mechanical systems. They play an essential role in making a complex observatory like the Roman Space Telescope a reality. A career in engineering demands a strong understanding of math and complex problem-solving and usually requires an advanced college degree.
Astrophysicist: These scientists study the physics of the universe. They are interested in learning how the universe began, how it is evolving, and how it works. Becoming an astrophysicist requires advanced college degrees.
NASA also needs people who work in photography, management, social media, videography, and much more. Learn about some of the people who have made the Roman mission possible here!
More About the Nancy Grace Roman Space TelescopeMission Website: Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope
Video Game: Roman Space Observer
Roman Space Telescope Education and Outreach Materials
Explore More For Students Grades 5-8NASA Completes Astronaut-Deployed Science Instrument for Lunar Surface
NASA has declared “wrenches down” on the first completed payload designed for Artemis astronauts to deploy on the Moon’s surface. Engineers working on NASA’s Lunar Environment Monitoring Station, or LEMS, have completed hardware development and testing and the payload is ready for its permanent home near the lunar South Pole. With the hardware complete, LEMS is ready to support one of the Artemis program’s core goals: enabling sustained lunar science and exploration.
The LEMS instrument package contains two highly sensitive seismometers that will monitor ground vibrations from moonquakes and meteorite impacts, providing scientists with insights into the Moon’s interior and the seismic hazards astronauts might encounter at the surface. Its modular design allows the system to be adapted or expanded to host new instruments in the future, creating a reusable platform that can evolve as scientific priorities grow.
The payload will remain in a clean room at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, where it was built, until it is assigned to an Artemis mission for deployment to the lunar surface.
“The completion of the LEMS scientific instrument is a major step in a new era of lunar surface science. Innovative science experiments will uncover, measure, and reveal the Moon’s secrets while astronauts open new frontiers for discovery,” said Joel Kearns, deputy associate administrator for exploration, Science Mission Directorate, NASA Headquarters in Washington. “And, behind the scenes, countless teams across NASA and our partners are pushing the boundaries of what surface instruments can do, building the tools that will make future exploration possible and safer.”
A scientist wearing NASA’s xEMU prototype space suit is testing the handling of a mockup version of NASA’s Lunar Environment Monitoring Station, or LEMS. The testing took place at the Active Response Gravity Offload System, a simulated reduced gravity environment at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston. NASA JohnsonThe LEMS payload builds on a legacy of lunar seismic tracking. Apollo astronauts deployed a network of seismometers on the Moon’s nearside equatorial region between 1969 and 1972. Those instruments operated until 1977, recording about 13,000 moonquakes and other ground vibrations that helped scientists begin to understand the composition of the Moon’s interior. For decades, researchers have hoped to spread more seismometers, updated with new technologies, across the lunar surface.
Now, LEMS will carry the first seismometers to be deployed by future astronauts to listen for faint ground vibrations, collecting new clues to the Moon’s internal structure and ongoing seismic activity. The sensors will be the most compact, sensitive, and energy-efficient seismometers ever built for planetary exploration.
LEMS itself is about the size of a small suitcase, weighing 11 pounds in the Moon’s low-gravity environment. It will carry not just these seismic sensors, but everything it needs to function independently of humans after deployment. LEMS is built to manage its own power production via a lightweight, flexible solar array that conforms to the shape of the LEMS unit. It also will manage its operational activities to ensure continuous data collection based on a preset plan, and monthly data transmission to Earth. The payload will do all this while maintaining a stable internal temperature throughout the massive day-to-night temperature swings of the South Pole region.
Mechanical Engineer Brie Ludwig inspects the Lunar Environment Monitoring Station (LEMS) in preparation for testing in a thermal vacuum chamber at Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, on March 31, 2026. LEMS is a compact, autonomous, and self-sustaining seismometer suite designed to carry out continuous, long-term monitoring of the lunar seismic environment at the South Polar region. NASA/Denny Henry“When we conceived of LEMS, we weren’t just thinking about the next mission, we were thinking about the next generation of lunar exploration,” said Mehdi Benna, a University of Maryland Baltimore County scientist who leads LEMS from NASA Goddard. “Our vision was to create a scientific buoy for the Moon. Like an ocean buoy on Earth, LEMS is designed to be easy to build, adaptable to different scientific objectives, and capable of operating independently for years.”
Before any surface science could happen, Benna and his team had to ensure that LEMS could survive the trip to the Moon and the harsh environment of its surface. Over the past five months, LEMS and its components have been subjected to a demanding series of environmental and operational tests. Engineers verified LEMS can endure the violent shaking of launch, the journey to the lunar surface, and the Moon’s temperature and radiation environment. The team also showed that the instrument package’s mechanical and electrical design is safe for astronaut handling.
The LEMS payload was built to operate through the lunar night, which lasts two Earth weeks, without external power assistance or a heat source. Past lunar surface instruments relied on radioisotope heaters for warmth and power. But LEMS instead will withstand temperatures that dip to minus 400 degrees Fahrenheit in some areas by using advanced insulation materials, low-thermal-conductivity cables that minimize heat loss, and a thermal regulator that conducts heat away during the day to prevent overheating and helps retain heat at night.
These innovations reduce mass and power needs, setting the stage for lighter, energy-efficient instruments that can operate continuously at future Artemis landing sites and the NASA-led Moon Base.
The LEMS payload is led by University of Maryland Baltimore County and University of Maryland College Park. Technical implementation is led by NASA Goddard. The University of Arizona, in partnership with Silicon Audio, Inc., supplied LEMS’ two state-of-the-art seismometers. Morehead State University in Kentucky provided LEMS’ telecommunication system and will operate the instrument on the surface. Washington University in St. Louis will manage the instrument’s data processing and dissemination to the larger scientific community.
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Observing across the starry “plains” of space, NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope has taken new images of NGC 2392, nicknamed the Lion Nebula. The nebula’s “mane” is clear and detailed in this image released on Aug. 10, 2026, due to Webb’s high-resolution imaging.
See more images of the Lion Nebula from Webb.
Image: NASA, ESA, CSA, STScI; Image Processing: Alyssa Pagan (STScI)
NASA Telescopes Create Colorful ‘Craft’ From Nearby Nebula
Like a collage made of layered sheets of colored cellophane, a vibrant new image layers observations of a famous star-forming nebula from NASA space telescopes. The resulting cosmic “craft” reveals new details about the star formation region known as 30 Doradus, or the Tarantula Nebula.
Located in the Large Magellanic Cloud, a small neighbor galaxy to the Milky Way about 160,000 light-years from Earth, the Tarantula has thousands of young stars embedded in a vibrant honeycomb-like structure of gas and dust.
X-ray: NASA/CXC/Ohio State Univ./J. Rodriguez et al; Infrared: NASA/ESA/CSA/STScI; Optical: NASA/ESA/STScI; Image Processing: NASA/CXC/SAO/P. EdmondsLike a collage made of layered sheets of colored cellophane, a vibrant new image layers observations of a famous star-forming nebula from NASA space telescopes. The resulting cosmic “craft” reveals new details about the star formation region known as 30 Doradus, or the Tarantula Nebula.
Located in the Large Magellanic Cloud, a small neighbor galaxy to the Milky Way about 160,000 light-years from Earth, the Tarantula has thousands of young stars embedded in a vibrant honeycomb-like structure of gas and dust.
The new composite image contains X-rays from NASA’s Chandra X-ray Observatory, which has repeatedly observed the Tarantula Nebula over the course of its mission, in the layer that appears in blue. The X-ray data reveals gas blown away by winds from the surfaces of young, massive stars and heated to millions of degrees by shock waves, like sonic booms from supersonic jets.
The red represents infrared data from NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope showing thousands of young stars, plus swaths of cool dust that will provide the ingredients to form new stars and planets. Optical data in the green layer from NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope uncovers hydrogen gas that is warmer than seen with Webb, as well as some individual stars through the nebula.
The composite image shows the full Hubble and Webb images of this region, as well as a large section of the Chandra image, all recently published in a research paper in the Astrophysical Journal. In some regions the blue Chandra layer stands alone, and in others it combines with either the red Webb data or the green Hubble data. In the middle region all three images overlap to provide a holistic view in red, orange, yellow, green, and blue.
Previously, astronomers had studied the amount and the impact of energy produced by winds from young, massive stars in the Tarantula Nebula. Scientists expect that much of this energy should heat gas so that it produces X-rays. However, the research paper shows that there is much less X-ray-emitting gas in the nebula than expected. This led researchers to ask: Where has this energy gone and what tamed the Tarantula Nebula?
By studying the data from Chandra, Hubble, and Webb, combined with data from NASA’s retired Spitzer Space Telescope, the team concluded the Tarantula may be losing energy from several sources.
First, up to half of the hot gas is leaking through the shell walls of the gas and dust structures and escaping the nebula. Next, there is stirring and mixing between the cold gas near the shell walls and some of the hot gas, lowering the overall temperature of the gas. Finally, comparisons with computer simulations suggest the Tarantula may be losing energy through conduction. This involves direct physical contact between hot and cooler material, like with a frying pan on a burner, causing the hot and cooler material to equalize in temperature. In the case of the Tarantula Nebula, the hot gas would be conducting heat by being in direct contact with the cooler gas in the shells, especially in the densest regions. This scenario does not necessarily involve mixing the hot and cooler gas.
The combination of these three channels for losing large amounts of energy leads to this colorful and complex display revealed by NASA’s telescopes working together.
Tarantula Nebula / 30 Doradus, cropped version. X-ray: NASA/CXC/Ohio State Univ./J. Rodriguez et al; Infrared: NASA/ESA/CSA/STScI; Optical: NASA/ESA/STScI; Image Processing: NASA/CXC/SAO/P. EdmondsThe paper describing these results was led by Jennifer Rodriguez of The Ohio State University in Columbus. Additional authors on the paper include Laura Lopez, Ohio State; Lachlan Lancaster, Columbia University in New York City; Anna Rosen, San Diego State University; Omnaraynai Nayak, Space Telescope Science Institute in Baltimore; Sebastian Lopez, Ohio State; Tyler Holland-Ashford, NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland; and Trinity Webb, Ohio State.
NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, manages the Chandra program. The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory’s Chandra X-ray Center controls science operations from Cambridge, Massachusetts, and flight operations from Burlington, Massachusetts.
To learn more about Chandra, visit:
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Building the Moon Base: NASA Stories at the Ion
As NASA prepares to return astronauts to the lunar surface for longer stays and increasingly complex operations, building the Moon Base will require new ideas, advanced technologies, and expertise across many fields.
During NASA Stories at the Ion on July 30, Shatel Bhakta, principal systems engineer for NASA’s Moon Base Program, presented “Building the Moon Base: Challenges and Opportunities at the Lunar South Pole.” He discussed the work required to establish a sustained human presence at the Moon.
Through its growing partnership with Rice University and the Ion, NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston hosts recurring talks connecting agency experts with entrepreneurs, researchers, students, and industry leaders. The series gives Houston’s innovation community a closer look at the people and ideas shaping the future of exploration.
Shatel Bhakta, principal systems engineer for NASA’s Moon Base Program, presents during NASA Stories at the Ion. At left is Laura Neder, head of platform for the Rice Alliance for Technology and Entrepreneurship and the Ion District. NASA/Sumer LogginsLaura Neder, head of platform for the Rice Alliance for Technology and Entrepreneurship and the Ion District, welcomed attendees and introduced Monte Goforth, acting director of Business Development and Technology Integration at Johnson. Goforth delivered opening remarks on the value of sharing NASA’s work beyond the agency and bringing people together to support future exploration before introducing Bhakta.
Bhakta outlined how NASA is working toward long-duration human exploration of the lunar South Pole through the agency’s Moon Base Program.
As part of that effort, NASA is taking a step-by-step approach to Moon Base development. Early robotic missions and technology demonstrations will help NASA gather data about the lunar environment, test systems, and reduce risks before expanding infrastructure and human operations.
“This is probably going to be the most challenging endeavor NASA has ever undertaken,” Bhakta said.
Meeting that challenge will require collaboration between NASA and its commercial and international partners to develop solutions for operating in extreme environmental conditions.
Unlike the Apollo landing sites, areas near the lunar South Pole contain steep slopes, deep craters, and lighting conditions that change throughout the year. The Sun remains low on the horizon, creating shifting shadows that can complicate navigation and leave solar panels without sunlight for extended periods, increasing the need for energy storage and other power sources.
Because of the region’s rugged terrain, crews, rovers, and other surface systems may not always have a clear line of sight to Earth. NASA will need communications infrastructure to relay signals across the lunar South Pole.
Bhakta explained that Moon Base may not be a single cluster of connected structures. Terrain, lighting, power, and landing constraints could require habitats and other systems to be distributed across the lunar surface.
Attendees listen as Shatel Bhakta, principal systems engineer for NASA’s Moon Base Program, discusses the challenges of establishing a sustained human presence at the Moon. NASA/Sumer LogginsLunar regolith, or Moon dust, remains one of the greatest challenges. Without mitigation, the sharp and clingy substance could damage equipment and spacesuits while posing health risks to astronauts. Its electrostatic properties can also change depending on lighting and environmental conditions.
Understanding how lunar regolith behaves will be essential to ensuring crews can safely live and work on the lunar surface.
Some permanently shadowed regions near the lunar South Pole may not have received direct sunlight for billions of years and may contain water ice and other volatile materials. These resources could support future exploration, but using them will require new mobility, power, and processing systems.
The Moon will also serve as a proving ground for missions farther into the solar system. Operating on the lunar surface will help NASA learn how crews, equipment, and infrastructure perform away from Earth before future human missions to Mars.
As NASA develops these capabilities, Bhakta explained that keeping the Moon Base architecture adaptable will require understanding how individual systems connect and work together.
“Don’t deal with the technology directly,” Bhakta said. “Deal with the interfaces.”
From left, Monte Goforth, acting director of Business Development and Technology Integration at NASA’s Johnson Space Center; Shatel Bhakta, principal systems engineer for NASA’s Moon Base Program; and Laura Neder, head of platform for the Rice Alliance for Technology and Entrepreneurship and the Ion District, pose during NASA Stories at the Ion. NASA/Sumer LogginsBuilding the Moon Base will take more than engineers and scientists. NASA will need communicators, business professionals, researchers, and people from many other fields to help solve problems and share the agency’s work.
“There are many ways to contribute,” Bhakta said. “Don’t be afraid that your skill set does not fit in.”
Moon Base build-up will offer multiple entry points for industry and international collaborators to participate, innovate, and contribute. From early demonstrations to long-term surface operations, there are multiple solicitations currently open.
Find more information at:
www.nasa.gov/moonbase-solicitations
About the AuthorSumer Loggins Share Details Last Updated Aug 11, 2026 Related Terms Explore More 5 min read NASA Completes Astronaut-Deployed Science Instrument for Lunar SurfaceNASA has declared “wrenches down” on the first completed payload designed for Artemis astronauts to…
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NASA Shares Station Research Today Supporting Moon, Mars Tomorrow
The International Space Station has been busy throughout 2026, as it continues to be a bustling workspace for astronauts conducting a variety of scientific experiments that lay the groundwork for missions to the Moon and beyond.
NASA’s Artemis II mission in April was the first crewed flight around the Moon in more than 50 years, marking a major milestone for humanity’s return to the lunar surface. While the mission validated key systems needed for future deep space human exploration, work aboard the International Space Station continues to support those goals. Astronauts on the orbiting laboratory are testing technologies, studying how the human body adapts to long-duration spaceflight, and conducting experiments to help ensure crews can live and work safely in deep space. Research aboard the space station, coupled with Artemis and Moon Base programs, will continue to demonstrate how NASA is preparing for sustained astronaut exploration of the Moon and, eventually, Mars.
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ESA (European Space Agency) astronaut Sophie Adenot activates the European Enhanced Exploration Exercise Device (E4D), marking the start of a two-year technology demonstration.ESA/NASAAstronauts aboard the International Space Station demonstrate and optimize innovative technologies to support exploration missions, reduce the technology footprint, and fine-tune systems ahead of travel beyond low Earth orbit.
Exercise equipment is important for long-duration spaceflight. On average, astronauts lose between 1% and 1.5% of their bone density each month while in microgravity, increasing the potential risk for fractures and other bone-related issues. Regular exercise can help counteract these effects and keep astronauts healthy. The European Enhanced Exploration Exercise Device (E4D) is a compact, versatile system now being tested aboard the space station for exploration crews. The system supports a variety of exercises, can simulate different gravity levels and may lead to even more compact exercise technology for exploration crews.
During deep space missions, astronauts may need medical care but could be too far from Earth to receive a resupply spacecraft with additional equipment. To prepare for that possibility, researchers are testing medical technologies aboard the station. One of these investigations, the Intravenous Fluid Generation – Mini (IVGEN Mini),evaluates producing intravenous (IV) fluids using the station’s potable water supply. Because commercially available IV fluids have a shelf life of only about 16 months, successful demonstrations of this technology could help meet medical needs while reducing launch mass and volume.
Medical care is one hurdle crews may face during future missions, while another is the limited time astronauts have to complete tasks that require human intervention. Robotic technologies, such as the Test facility for lab-aUtomation System in Kibo (TUSK), may help address these time constraints. This investigation studies how microgravity affects delicate robotic operations that rely on precise movement. Insights could help improve the design of future automated systems that can execute tasks independently, freeing up astronauts’ valuable time during future missions.
Studying the body in space NASA astronauts Jessica Meir and Chris Williams collect frozen research samples from inside the International Space Station’s Destiny laboratory module.ESA/Sophie AdenotAstronauts also serve as test subjects. They collect biological samples, conduct medical exams, and perform scans to understand how bodies adapt to life in space. This research helps scientists and medical personnel understand the effects of spaceflight and protects crew health as missions extend farther into the solar system.
Past research shows weightlessness during spaceflight can sometimes disrupt astronauts’ normal blood flow, which may increase health risks for conditions, such as blood clots.The Spaceflight Thrombosis and Risk Factors (Venous Haemostasis) experiment examines changes in blood flow to identify unique physiological correlations and create preventative measures for at-risk crew members.
Astronauts also may experience changes to their cardiovascular and respiratory systems during spaceflight, which could affect blood pressure regulation. Research with the Causal Analysis of Cardiorespiratory Coupling on the ISS (CARDIOBREATH) uses the Bio-Monitor “smart shirt” to track heart rate, blood pressure, breathing rate, and activity during exercise sessions aboard the orbiting complex. Results will improve understanding of cardiovascular health in microgravity and inform treatments for cardiorespiratory risks during and after long-duration missions.
Maintaining mental health in space is as important as physical health. Prolonged isolation and confinement can impact a crew member’s sleep, morale, and decision-making. The Mind/Body Practices for Deep Space Exploration (RelaxPro) experiment evaluates non-invasive practices, such as meditation, to develop a structured system to reduce stress and improve sleep on future missions.
Spacecraft are a critical aspect of deep space missions, providing shelter from the harsh environment of space, along with oxygen, water, and other life-support systems. Testing systems aboard the International Space Station allows researchers to refine technologies for next generation spacecraft traveling beyond low Earth orbit.
The Fiber-optic Active Dosimeter (Lumina) demonstrates real-time radiation monitoring using optical fibers that darken when exposed to radiation. Monitoring ionizing radiation keeps astronauts safe and remains one of the key challenges for future deep space exploration.
Many spacecraft use cryogenic, or extremely cold, fuels for propulsion. These fuels must remain cold to stay in liquid form, but temperature fluctuations in space can cause them to slowly evaporate and escape the tank, affecting fuel efficiency. The Zero Boil-Off Tank Noncondensables (ZBOT-NC)investigation evaluates how gases that do not liquify at low temperatures impact pressure control, evaporation, and condensation rates inside propellant tanks. Data from this experiment will help validate models and support the design of more efficient cryogenic fuel storage systems.
As the crew’s living environment, the spacecraft must also be monitored for microbial activity to help ensure a safe and healthy habitat. The Genomic Enumeration of Antibiotic Resistance in Space (GEARS) investigation surveys the space station for antibiotic-resistant organisms to better understand how bacteria may adapt in space. The study uses DNA sequencing techniques to advance onsite identification and diagnostic capabilities that will be important for future missions.
International Space Station science still is buzzing for the remainder of 2026. To learn more about ongoing research aboard the space station, visit:
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Curiosity Blog, Sols 4968-4974: Rock Climbing Towards the Discontinuity
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Curiosity Blog, Sols 4968-4974: Rock Climbing Towards the Discontinuity NASA’s Mars rover Curiosity acquired this image, a frame of the “Longquimay” mosaic showing fine-scale sedimentary textures in a bedrock block near the supersurface, using its Mars Hand Lens Imager (MAHLI), located on the turret at the end of the rover’s robotic arm. Curiosity acquired the image on Aug. 1, 2026 — Sol 4972, or Martian day 4,972 of the Mars Science Laboratory mission — at 23:35:43 UTC. NASA/JPL-Caltech/MSSSWritten by Lucy Lim, Planetary Scientist at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center
Earth planning date: Friday, July 31, 2026
As mentioned in the previous blog, Curiosity has been exploring a large-scale feature in Gale’s sedimentary record suspected to be an “erosional supersurface.” The “supersurface” represents a period in time when a net depositional environment changed to a net erosional one before returning to a depositional regime, thus producing a discontinuity in the rock record. The erosion can involve wind, water, or both. Sometimes there are clues about these environmental changes in the layers below and above the supersurface. So far we’ve been seeing some patterns that look like aeolian features and also some “lens” deposits that sometimes appear consistent with fluvial origins. We need higher-resolution imaging of these features.
This week Curiosity came within detailed imaging range of a section of the “Cerro Paine Grande” vertical exposure just below the candidate supersurface before climbing on top of it. Mastcam was the star of the show on both planning days this week, capturing large stereo mosaics of the vertical face of the outcrop and a 360-degree panorama after the rover climbed on top of it.
NASA’s Mars rover Curiosity acquired this image, showing the rover arm in action in the “Longquimay” workspace at the top of a steep climb. Curiosity captured the image using its Right Navigation Camera on Aug. 2, 2026 — Sol 4972, or Martian day 4,972 of the Mars Science Laboratory mission — at 00:49:52 UTC. NASA/JPL-CaltechRoving to the top took full advantage of Curiosity’s climbing capabilities, leaving the rover at an approximate 24-degree tilt in its final parking spot. The rover planners managed to reach the right posture for contact science at the same time — quite a feat, and one that approached the mission’s contact science tilt record of 27 degrees!
Meanwhile, MAHLI and our geochemical instruments provided detailed characterization of the rock layers beneath the discontinuity. I was the Geology and Mineralogy Theme Lead for the Sol 4968 (Monday) planning cycle, during which “Puyehue” in the light-toned bedrock block of the workspace was co-targeted with APXS, MAHLI, and ChemCam LIBS. The other two targeted LIBS observations in the plan went to a similar-looking nearby bedrock block (“Lago Palena”) and an intriguing layered block off to the side of the workspace (“Piedras Juntas”). Another APXS measurement went to a sand target, “Cormudesi,” which will help us assess the consistency of sand compositions along the rover’s traverse.
In the Sol 4972 workspace atop the slope, the bedrock was sharply divided between a smooth bedding-parallel surface on the local top of the outcrop and the darker-toned, rougher, angled exposure of the same rocks. The light-toned top surface was measured by MAHLI, APXS, and the LIBS at target “Sierra de Sangre,” whereas the darker-toned laminated face was targeted by APXS and MAHLI at “Laguna del Laja.” The fine-scale sedimentary structures in the textured material were also documented by a MAHLI mosaic (“Longquimay”) supported by Mastcam M100 imaging.
Rounding out the week’s science observations were several long-distance ChemCam RMI mosaics on more distant targets such as sedimentary structures above the rover’s current stratigraphic position, and finally our regular cadence measurements of the modern Martian environment, including atmospheric opacity and a ChemCam passive-sky survey to monitor abundances of minor atmospheric gases.
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APOD: 2026 August 11 – Six Moons of Saturn
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Six Moons of SaturnExplanation: How many moons does Saturn have? While the total will likely continue to grow, as of June 2026 the ringed gas giant had 293 confirmed moons. That’s easily more than any other planet of the Solar System, including ruling gas giant Jupiter with a mere 115 confirmed moons. Most of Saturn’s known moons are small, irregular satellites. Many are only few kilometers to a fraction of a kilometer across and grouped in tilted outer orbits. Six of its largest satellites can be seen here, though, in this sharp telescopic Saturnian family portrait taken on August 5. Larger than Earth’s Moon and even slightly larger than inner planet Mercury, Titan, with a diameter of 5,150 kilometers, is at lower right. You can also spot icy major moons Mimas, Tethys, Enceladus, Dione, and Rhea in the frame. Saturn’s first known natural satellite, Titan was discovered in 1655 by Dutch astronomer Christiaan Huygens. During the space age Voyager and Cassini discoveries have added to the swelling ranks of Saturnian moons.
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