APOD: 2026 September 22 - Chance Triple Alignment: Plane, Space Station, Sun - NASA Science

• Scientists used a 13-ion quantum simulator to recreate a particle-forming process linked to the extreme physics of the early universe, allowing them to simulate matter "popping into existence". • The breakthrough, published September 23 in Nature Physics, demonstrates the potential of trapped ion quantum computers to explore fundamental physics questions, such as how matter formed and evolved after the Big Bang.

• India's Mangalyaan orbiter successfully entered into orbit around Mars on September 24, 2014, marking the country's first interplanetary mission. • The mission was achieved at a fraction of the cost of a NASA Mars mission, making it a notable achievement in space engineering.

• Physics World released its free-to-read Big Science Briefing 2026 focusing on how large-scale scientific research addresses the climate crisis. • Sustainability will be a primary theme at the Big Science Business Forum taking place in Maastricht from October 27 to 30.

• Scientists analyzed the interstellar object 3I/ATLAS to determine if it contains evidence of extraterrestrial life. • This object is only the third interstellar visitor ever discovered by researchers.

• SpaceX rescheduled the Crew-13 astronaut launch to the International Space Station for Oct. 1. • The mission was delayed from its original Sept. 12 target date due to a leak discovered on the Dragon spacecraft.

• Wolf Cukier, a 17-year-old New York student, discovered a planet circling two stars 1,300 light-years away on the third day of his NASA Goddard internship in 2019. • The planet, called TOI 1338, is about 6.9 times the size of Earth and orbits its two stars every 95 days, with one star being about 10 percent more massive than our sun and the other being cooler and dimmer.

• The James Webb Space Telescope has made new observations near Sagittarius A*, our nearest supermassive black hole, revealing water in the area. • The discovery provides a unique glimpse into the environment surrounding a supermassive black hole, with the James Webb Space Telescope capturing detailed data about the region.

• NASA activated the 300-megapixel camera on the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope and received the first test images, which are currently out of focus due to ongoing testing and calibration. • The camera's initial images are part of the process to prepare the telescope for its scientific mission, with a goal of capturing high-quality images to aid in discoveries about planets and dark energy.

• Scientists have discovered an exoplanet called GJ 3090 b that orbits its star in the opposite direction to the star's rotation. • The planet's orbit is highly misaligned, with the researchers expressing surprise at its retrograde orbit, which means it moves around its star in the wrong direction.

• Researchers around the globe utilize advanced tools, including specialized microscopes, to push the boundaries of what we can observe and drive scientific innovation. • The use of high-end laboratory setups with specialized microscopes allows for the examination of cellular structures with unprecedented clarity, relying on meticulous experimentation and peer review.

• Leading global researchers have revealed the latest scientific breakthroughs, exploring cutting-edge methodologies and their profound implications. • The discoveries, brought to light by expert researchers, continuously reshape our understanding of the universe, introducing new ideas and perspectives.