Nasa Science

• NASA scientists used the Hubble and James Webb Space Telescopes to study Trans-Neptunian Objects, which are icy bodies located beyond the orbit of Neptune. • The research focused on how these distant solar system objects retain chemical or physical signatures that reflect their past environments. • These findings help astronomers understand the early history and evolution of the solar system's outermost regions.

• NASA is seeking virtual panelists and/or external reviewers for Atmosphere, a program designated as ROSES A.14. • The program is looking for participants to provide feedback and review proposals, with the goal of advancing scientific research in the field of atmosphere science. • This opportunity allows individuals to contribute to the development of NASA's atmosphere-related research projects and initiatives.

• Dr. Ernie Hildner, a solar physics expert, reflected on his career in a 2013 interview, which included serving as Chief of the Solar Physics branch at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center. • He spent 19 years as the Director of NOAA's Space Environment Center, now known as the Space Weather Prediction Center, where he oversaw significant scientific discoveries and technological advancements. • His work helped transform space weather from a niche research area into a vital operational service, impacting the way scientists and officials understand and prepare for solar activity.

• NASA’s Curiosity rover photographed a valley called Valle Grande in June 2026, discovering a vast field of honeycomb-like ground fractures. • The rover captured images of small polygonal fractures that measure between 4 and 8 centimeters across. • Researchers are analyzing the chemistry and imagery of these textures to determine the geological processes that formed them.

• NASA issued 10 new awards through its Planetary Instrument Concepts for the Advancement of Solar System Observations (PICASSO) program. • The PICASSO23 projects focus on creating technology to explore diverse environments ranging from the hot surface of Mercury to icy worlds at the Solar System's edge. • These awards expand the available portfolio of instruments that NASA can use to develop future planetary exploration missions.

• NASA issued Amendment 72 for the A.17 Hydrosphere solicitation to request research on the physics of Earth's water. • The program focuses on three specific scientific disciplines: ocean physics, terrestrial hydrology, and precipitation science. • This opportunity allows researchers to secure funding to study how water moves and interacts across the ocean, land, and atmosphere.

• NASA selected two science instruments for astronauts to deploy on the Moon's surface during the Artemis IV mission to the lunar south polar region. • These specific tools are designed to improve scientific knowledge of the lunar environment. • The data gathered will support NASA's long-term goals for further exploration of the Moon and future missions to Mars.