Astronomy

Giant Magellan Telescope Expands Global Science Impact with Taiwanese Partner

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, February 21, 2024
Giant, Astronaut, Engineering, Smithsonian Institution, A&M, House Committee, University of Arizona, ASIAA, Extremely large telescope, Education, Hubble Space Telescope, University, NASA, Australian National University, Electronics, Harvard University, University of Chicago, Life, Giant Magellan Telescope, Chairperson, Astronomy, Carnegie Institution for Science, Telescope, National university, Weizmann Institute of Science, News, Knowledge, Democracy, Texas A&M University, Arizona State University, Research

PASADENA, CA, Feb. 21, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Giant Magellan Telescope today welcomes Academia Sinica Institute of Astronomy and Astrophysics (ASIAA), a distinguished Taiwanese research institute, into its international consortium.

Key Points: 
  • PASADENA, CA, Feb. 21, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Giant Magellan Telescope today welcomes Academia Sinica Institute of Astronomy and Astrophysics (ASIAA), a distinguished Taiwanese research institute, into its international consortium.
  • ASIAA's inclusion expands the consortium to 14 international research institutions, underscoring Giant Magellan’s significance to the global astronomy community and the consortium’s commitment to prioritizing global collaboration for the advancement of science.
  • “We are thrilled to welcome ASIAA into our international consortium of distinguished partners,” said Dr. Walter Massey, Board Chair of the Giant Magellan Telescope.
  • This collective investment in the Giant Magellan Telescope is a testament that science can transcend boundaries and bind humanity together for good.”
    The astronomical research and instrumental development capabilities in Taiwan have received international recognition.

Giant Magellan Telescope Expands Global Science Impact with Taiwanese Partner

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, February 20, 2024
Giant, Astronaut, Engineering, Smithsonian Institution, A&M, House Committee, University of Arizona, ASIAA, Extremely large telescope, Education, Hubble Space Telescope, University, NASA, Australian National University, Electronics, Harvard University, University of Chicago, Life, Giant Magellan Telescope, Chairperson, Astronomy, Carnegie Institution for Science, Telescope, National university, Weizmann Institute of Science, News, Knowledge, Democracy, Texas A&M University, Arizona State University, Research

PASADENA, CA, Feb. 20, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Giant Magellan Telescope today welcomes Academia Sinica Institute of Astronomy and Astrophysics (ASIAA), a distinguished Taiwanese research institute, into its international consortium.

Key Points: 
  • PASADENA, CA, Feb. 20, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Giant Magellan Telescope today welcomes Academia Sinica Institute of Astronomy and Astrophysics (ASIAA), a distinguished Taiwanese research institute, into its international consortium.
  • ASIAA's inclusion expands the consortium to 14 international research institutions, underscoring Giant Magellan’s significance to the global astronomy community and the consortium’s commitment to prioritizing global collaboration for the advancement of science.
  • “We are thrilled to welcome ASIAA into our international consortium of distinguished partners,” said Dr. Walter Massey, Board Chair of the Giant Magellan Telescope.
  • This collective investment in the Giant Magellan Telescope is a testament that science can transcend boundaries and bind humanity together for good.”
    The astronomical research and instrumental development capabilities in Taiwan have received international recognition.

NVIDIA Accelerates Quantum Computing Exploration at Australia’s Pawsey Supercomputing Centre

Retrieved on: 
Sunday, February 18, 2024
HPC, PCI Express, Grace Hopper, QPU, NVIDIA, Library, Quantum, Calibration, Radio, Astronomy, GPU, Medicine, Research, CPU, Video game

SYDNEY, Australia, Feb. 18, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- SCA2024 -- NVIDIA today announced that Australia’s Pawsey Supercomputing Research Centre will add the NVIDIA® CUDA Quantum platform accelerated by NVIDIA Grace Hopper™ Superchips to its National Supercomputing and Quantum Computing Innovation Hub, furthering its work driving breakthroughs in quantum computing.

Key Points: 
  • SYDNEY, Australia, Feb. 18, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- SCA2024 -- NVIDIA today announced that Australia’s Pawsey Supercomputing Research Centre will add the NVIDIA® CUDA Quantum platform accelerated by NVIDIA Grace Hopper™ Superchips to its National Supercomputing and Quantum Computing Innovation Hub, furthering its work driving breakthroughs in quantum computing.
  • The NVIDIA Grace Hopper Superchip — which combines the NVIDIA Grace CPU and Hopper GPU architectures — provides extreme performance to run high-fidelity and scalable quantum simulations on accelerators and seamlessly interface with future quantum hardware infrastructure.
  • “CUDA Quantum, together with the NVIDIA Grace Hopper Superchip, allows innovators such as Pawsey Supercomputing Research Centre to achieve these essential breakthroughs and accelerate the timeline to useful quantum-integrated supercomputing.”
    “Pawsey Supercomputing Centre’s research and test-bed facility is helping to advance scientific exploration for all of Australia as well as the world,” said Mark Stickells, executive director at the Pawsey Supercomputing Research Centre.
  • Pawsey is committed to making the NVIDIA Grace Hopper platform available to the Australian quantum community, as well as its international partners.

Texas Students to Hear from NASA Astronaut Aboard Space Station

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, March 7, 2024
Engineering, Social media, NASA, Astronaut, Multimedia, STEM, EST, River authority, Mission control center, Moon, Mathematics, Astronomy, San Antonio College, NASA TV, RSVP, Student, Education minister, San Antonio River Authority, International Space Station, Television, Science, Southwest Research Institute, Research, Communications satellite

WASHINGTON, March 7, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The San Antonio River Authority and students from the Advanced Learning Academy in San Antonio, Texas, will have an opportunity Friday, March 8, to hear from NASA astronaut Loral O'Hara aboard the International Space Station.

Key Points: 
  • WASHINGTON, March 7, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The San Antonio River Authority and students from the Advanced Learning Academy in San Antonio, Texas, will have an opportunity Friday, March 8, to hear from NASA astronaut Loral O'Hara aboard the International Space Station.
  • The space to Earth call will air live at 12:30 p.m. EST March 8, on NASA+ , NASA Television, the NASA app , and the agency's website .
  • Astronauts living in space aboard the orbiting laboratory communicate with NASA's Mission Control Center in Houston 24 hours a day through the Space Communications and Navigation ( SCaN ) Near Space Network.
  • Important research and technology investigations taking place aboard the International Space Station benefits people on Earth and lays the groundwork for future exploration.

National Air and Space Museum Prepares Activities and Educational Resources for April's Solar Eclipse

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, March 7, 2024
Airspace, Mall, Caregiver, Student, NOAA, Education, NASA, Bangladesh Technical Education Board, NSF, Smithsonian Affiliations, Podcast, National Mall, Parent, Astronomy, Watha T. Daniel, Telescope, Atmosphere of Earth, Hexcel, Grumman, Emmy Awards, Communications satellite

Beginning in late March, the museum will hand out limited supplies of solar eclipse glasses at the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C., and its Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia.

Key Points: 
  • Beginning in late March, the museum will hand out limited supplies of solar eclipse glasses at the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C., and its Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia.
  • Solar eclipse glasses are provided by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) and NASA.
  • On April 8, the museum will host the " Solar Eclipse Festival on the National Mall " in Washington, D.C.
  • The National Air and Space Museum is part of the Smithsonian Institution and has locations in Washington, D.C., and Chantilly, Virginia.

Japanese Company GA technologies Announces Jun Ernesto Okumura as its Executive Officer of the Chief Data Officer

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, March 5, 2024
Growth, Kyoto University, Data science, Astronomy, CDO, Okumura, KPI, Executive, Data analysis, Knowledge, Postgraduate education, Research, Faculty

（Headquarters: Minato District, Tokyo; CEO：Ryo Higuchi; Securities code: 3491; Hereinafter as "the Company"）announces the assumption of Jun Ernesto Okumura as the Executive Officer of the Chief Data Officer (CDO) of the Company starts on March 5th, 2024.

Key Points: 
  • （Headquarters: Minato District, Tokyo; CEO：Ryo Higuchi; Securities code: 3491; Hereinafter as "the Company"）announces the assumption of Jun Ernesto Okumura as the Executive Officer of the Chief Data Officer (CDO) of the Company starts on March 5th, 2024.
  • Mr. Okumura has been working as a data analyst and an AI engineer in a prestigious Internet business company.
  • He worked on projects of data analysis, development of the matching algorithm, restructure of the data infrastructure while working in a company providing matching service.
  • Mr. Okumura shall be utilizing his knowledge and experience to accelerate the growth of multiple services of the Company.

Arizona Science Center Partners with Cosm to Reimagine Dorrance Planetarium into Next-Generation 8K+ LED Dome

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, February 27, 2024
Engineering, LOS, Education, STEM, Digistar, Jane, Social environment, Learning, Arizona Science Center, Astronomy, Mathematics, Hazel, Ecosystem, Imagination, Science, Software, LED, Partnership, Amusement park

PHOENIX and LOS ANGELES, Feb. 27, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Arizona Science Center, Arizona's premier destination for science and discovery, today announced a significant investment in its Dorrance Planetarium. In partnership with Cosm, a leading immersive technology, media, and entertainment company, the technology will transform this visitor experience. As one of the most advanced planetariums in North America and an early adopter of category-defining immersive technology, the reimagined Dorrance Planetarium, powered by Cosm Technology, will feature an 18-meter diameter, CX System LED dome display with 8K+ resolution, making it the most technologically advanced planetarium in North America and a global leader in engaging science experiences. 

Key Points: 
  • "The reimagination of the Dorrance Planetarium at Arizona Science Center with this amazing technology will inspire, educate, and immerse visitors for decades to come.
  • Originally opened in 1997, Arizona Science Center's Dorrance Planetarium has welcomed more than two million guests.
  • The integration of Cosm's CX System and the innovative transformation of Dorrance Planetarium position the Arizona Science Center as a long-lasting educational focal point for the state of Arizona.
  • "We are honored and excited that Arizona Science Center selected Cosm and our LED CX System for the renovation of The Dorrance Planetarium.

NASA Tech Contributes to Soft Moon Landing, Agency Science Underway

Retrieved on: 
Saturday, February 24, 2024
NDL, Collection, Altitude, Astronaut, Geology, Photoelectric effect, Commercial Lunar Payload Services, CST, Intuitive Machines, Radar, Multimedia, Retroreflector, NASA, Odysseus, Radio, Astronomy, Communication, NASA Headquarters, Artemis, SpaceX, Science Mission Directorate, Spacecraft, Science, CLPS, Research, Water, Environment, Communications satellite

Carrying six NASA science research and technology demonstrations, among other customer payloads, all NASA science instruments completed transit checkouts en route to the Moon.

Key Points: 
  • Carrying six NASA science research and technology demonstrations, among other customer payloads, all NASA science instruments completed transit checkouts en route to the Moon.
  • A NASA precision landing technology demonstration also provided critical last-minute assistance to ensure a soft landing.
  • "Some of the NASA science instruments on this mission will bring us insight on lunar plume interactions and conduct radio astronomy.
  • NASA is committed to supporting its U.S. commercial vendors as they navigate the challenges of sending science and technology to the surface of the Moon.

NASA Artemis Science, First Intuitive Machines Flight Heads to Moon

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, February 15, 2024
Collection, Altitude, Astronaut, Geology, Photoelectric effect, Commercial Lunar Payload Services, Multimedia, Intuitive Machines, Radar, Retroreflector, NASA, SpaceX launch vehicles, EST, Solar System, Radio, Astronomy, Communication, Kennedy Space Center, SpaceX, Spacecraft, Science, CLPS, Lidar, CubeSat, Water, Environment, Communications satellite

Through this flight to the Moon, they will provide insights into the lunar surface environment and test technologies for future landers and Artemis astronauts.

Key Points: 
  • Through this flight to the Moon, they will provide insights into the lunar surface environment and test technologies for future landers and Artemis astronauts.
  • At 1:05 a.m. EST on Thursday, Intuitive Machines' Nova-C lander launched on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Launch Complex 39A at the agency's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
  • Once on the Moon, NASA instruments will focus on investigating space weather/lunar surface interactions and radio astronomy.
  • The NASA science aboard will spend approximately seven days gathering valuable scientific data about Earth's nearest neighbor, helping pave the way for the first woman and first person of color to explore the Moon under Artemis.

An astronomer’s lament: Satellite megaconstellations are ruining space exploration

Retrieved on: 
Sunday, February 11, 2024
Voyager 1, Ozone, Proxima Centauri, Starlink, Syndrome, Government, Radio, Voyager, Astronomy, Telescope, Orbit, Neptune, AST SpaceMobile, SpaceX, Regulation, Spacecraft, Atmosphere, Knowledge, Science, Sunlight, Attitude, Research, Human, Communications satellite

Since 2019, I’ve watched my unencumbered enthusiasm for rocket launches soften to tepid interest, and finally sour to outright dread.

Key Points: 
  • Since 2019, I’ve watched my unencumbered enthusiasm for rocket launches soften to tepid interest, and finally sour to outright dread.
  • The final nail in the coffin for my love of rocket launches came with SpaceX’s Starlink satellite megaconstellations.
  • Read more:
    Soon, 1 out of every 15 points of light in the sky will be a satellite

Crowded orbits

  • SpaceX has launched thousands of their own Starlink communication satellites, as well as hundreds of satellites for their direct competitors.
  • As an astronomer, I’m painfully aware of what these thousands of new satellites have done to the night sky worldwide.
  • Starlink satellites are the most numerous and occupy some of the lowest orbits, so they make up the majority of the satellites seen in the sky.

Lost information and knowledge

  • Astronomers are the canaries in the coal mine for this rapidly expanding experiment in orbit: we see these satellites increasingly affecting our research every day.
  • I have watched over the past five years as satellite streaks in my own research images from the Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope have changed from an unusual occurrence to lost data in nearly every image.
  • Astronomy is the only way to learn about the universe, the overwhelming majority of which can never be explored by humans.
  • There are a handful of telescopes in Low Earth Orbit that also have to contend with light pollution from Starlink and other megaconstellations.

Government regulation needed

  • Regulation on the number of satellites in orbit would force corporations toward technology improvements and service models that use fewer satellites, keeping orbit usable for future generations.
  • Read more:
    It's not too late to save the night sky, but governments need to get serious about protecting it

    Ask your government representatives to support satellite regulation, and expansion of rural broadband.

  • With proper regulation, our oldest form of space exploration can continue.


Samantha Lawler receives research funding from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada.