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In this week's news roundup, we dig into measles misinformation, ozone recovery and new findings on using nasal cartilage to treat knee injuries.

Challenges to measuring space-induced brain changes

CSA (Canadian Space Agency) astronaut David Saint-Jacques undergoes an MRI for Wayfinding. CSA

Researchers found that an upward shift in the brain during spaceflight makes it hard to distinguish different types of tissue, causing errors in determining changes in brain volume. Previous studies have interpreted these changes as evidence of adaptation to space. This finding suggests that unique methods are needed to analyze astronaut brain structure.

Wayfinding, a CSA (Canadian Space Agency) investigation, looked at how the brain adapts to space and readapts after return to normal gravity using a variety of assessments, including neuroimaging. The researchers propose that previous data could be reanalyzed based on the errors identified by this paper.  

Catching micrometeoroids

JAXA’s (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) Tanpopo panels were mounted on the Exposed Experiment Handrail Attachment Mechanism (ExHAM) at top center of this image. JAXA/Takuya Onishi

An impact track made by a micrometeoroid on a panel outside the International Space Station contained iron and orthopyroxene crystals. This finding, along with previous studies, suggests that micrometeoroids containing these elements are abundant in low Earth orbit and more measurements are needed to determine their origins and potential for carrying life.

At least 90% of meteoroids at one astronomical unit or AU (93 million miles or the distance between Earth and the Sun) do not reach Earth’s surface, so investigating those in low Earth orbit is key to understanding their nature. The JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) Tanpopo experiment placed blocks of a special gel outside the station to capture solid microparticles to test the theory that they could transport life among celestial bodies. Most meteoroids at one AU may have originated from Jupiter family comets.

On March 13-14, 2025, skywatchers in the Americas will witness a total lunar eclipse that mirrors one Christopher Columbus is said to have used to his advantage over five centuries ago.

Marking another step towards new insights into Earth’s forests and their role in the carbon cycle, ESA’s groundbreaking Biomass satellite has arrived at Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana, to be prepared for liftoff on a Vega-C rocket at the end of April.

James Gentile always wanted to fly. As he prepared for an appointment to the U.S. Air Force Academy to become a pilot, life threw him an unexpected curve: a diagnosis of Type 1 diabetes. His appointment was rescinded. 

With his dream grounded, Gentile had two choices—give up or chart a new course. He chose the latter, pivoting to aerospace engineering. If he could not be a pilot, he would design the flight simulations that trained those who could. 

Official portrait of James Gentile. NASA/Robert Markowitz 

As a human space vehicle simulation architect at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, Gentile leads the Integrated Simulation team, which supports the Crew Compartment Office within the Simulation and Graphics Branch. He oversees high-fidelity graphical simulations that support both engineering analysis and flight crew training for the Artemis campaign. 

His team provides critical insight into human landing system vendor designs, ensuring compliance with NASA’s standards. They also develop human-in-the-loop simulations to familiarize teams with the challenges of returning humans to the lunar surface, optimizing design and safety for future space missions. 

“I take great pride in what I have helped to build, knowing that some of the simulations I developed have influenced decisions for the Artemis campaign,” Gentile said.  

One of the projects he is most proud of is the Human Landing System CrewCo Lander Simulation, which helps engineers and astronauts tackle the complexities of lunar descent, ascent, and rendezvous. He worked his way up from a developer to managing and leading the project, transforming a basic lunar lander simulation into a critical tool for the Artemis campaign. 

What began as a simple model in 2020 is now a key training asset used in multiple facilities at Johnson. The simulation evaluates guidance systems and provides hands-on piloting experience for lunar landers. 

James Gentile in the Simulation Exploration and Analysis Lab during a visit with Apollo 16 Lunar Module Pilot Charlie Duke. From left to right: Katie Tooher, Charlie Duke, Steve Carothers, Mark Updegrove, and James Gentile. NASA/James Blair

Before joining Johnson as a contractor in 2018, Gentile worked in the aviation industry developing flight simulations for pilot training. Transitioning to the space sector was challenging at first, particularly working alongside seasoned professionals who had been part of the space program for years. 

“I believe my experience in the private sector has benefited my career,” he said. “I’ve been able to bring a different perspective and approach to problem-solving that has helped me advance at Johnson.” 

Gentile attributes his success to never being afraid to speak up and ask questions. “You don’t always have to be the smartest person in the room to make an impact,” he said. “I’ve been able to show my value through my work and by continuously teaching myself new skills.” 

As he helps train the Artemis Generation, Gentile hopes to pass on his passion for aerospace and simulation development, inspiring others to persevere through obstacles and embrace unexpected opportunities. 

“The most important lessons I’ve learned in my career are to build and maintain relationships with your coworkers and not to be afraid to step out of your comfort zone,” he said.  

James Gentile with his son at NASA’s Johnson Space Center during the 2024 Bring Youth to Work Day.

His journey did not go as planned, but in the end, it led him exactly where he was meant to be—helping humanity take its next giant leap. 

“I’ve learned that the path to your goals may not always be clear-cut, but you should never give up on your dreams,” Gentile said. 

Mysterious planetary mass objects that wander the cosmos alone could be created when young star systems clash. They aren't planets or stars, but are in a cosmic class of their own.

There's a new lander on the Moon.

AI has helped physicists discover a simpler way of achieving quantum entanglement. This finding could make it easier to develop quantum communication technologies.

Is there enough legal framework to avoid arguments between nations as space exploration and commercial activity rapidly increase?

Is there life out there? The existence of other technological species is highly likely

Astronomers at the International Astronomical Union report that we have now detected more than 200 gravitational-wave events, most the merger of two black holes.

The post Status Report: Gravitational Waves appeared first on Sky & Telescope.

The Perseids peak on Sunday night, August 11-12 and just might be joined by a colorful display of northern lights. 

The post Tonight's Perseid Meteor Shower May Be Dipped in Aurora Sauce appeared first on Sky & Telescope.

It's time again for the annual August meteor-shower fest, the Perseids. This year's display should be a beauty with only minor moonlight and a special surprise at dawn.

The post Woo-hoo — The Perseid Meteor Shower Is Coming! appeared first on Sky & Telescope.

The Perseid meteor shower peaks late Sunday night August 11th and maybe Monday night too. Jupiter and Mars have a close conjunction on the morning of the 14th, looking radically different in the same telescopic view.

The post This Week's Sky at a Glance, August 9 – 18 appeared first on Sky & Telescope.

The year’s long-awaited Perseid meteor shower will be accompanied by a graceful planetary conjunction. It’s well worth staying up all night to watch.

The post Prepare for the Perseids and a Pretty Planetary Pairing appeared first on Sky & Telescope.

Fifteen years ago, the Hubble Space Telescope gazed intently at the infrared glow of galaxies in a tiny fraction of the sky. New research shows how this patch of space has changed since then.

The post The Hubble Ultra-Deep Field, 15 Years Later appeared first on Sky & Telescope.

New data on the brightest pulsar observed with a telescope on the International Space Station suggests neutron star interiors are "squishy."

The post Neutron Stars Might Be Squishy Inside appeared first on Sky & Telescope.