Astronomers from the Max Planck Institute for Astronomy have constructed the first detailed 3D map of the properties of cosmic dust in our home galaxy. For their map, the astronomers used 130 million spectra from ESA’s Gaia mission, results from the LAMOST spectral survey, and machine learning. Dust makes distant astronomical objects appear more reddish and dimmer than they really are, so the new map will be an important tool for astronomers to make sense of their observations.  The study has also revealed unusual properties of cosmic dust that will lead to further research.

Geological resources like metals are vital for renewable energy and storage technologies but require significant energy and water, raising environmental concerns. An international research team led by AIST identified the safe operating space for geological resource production within regional water limits. They highlighted troubling trends for resources like copper which is one of the key metals for a decarbonized future. This study aims to inform policies for sustainable resource production within limits of available water.

Blazars are active galaxies that emit narrow jets of ionised matter from their centres, aimed towards Earth. Depending on properties of the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the jets, astronomers divide such objects into different, clearly defined classes. However, with the BL Lacertae blazar, located in the background of the Lizard constellation, things turn out to be not quite so simple.

UC Riverside scientists identify a new way to detect life in outer space with currently existing telescopes. The method hinges on worlds that look nothing like Earth, and gases rarely considered in the search for extraterrestrials.

Four crew members will embark on a new long-duration science expedition when they launch to the International Space Station (ISSInternational Space Station) on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon spacecraft as part of NASA’s SpaceX Crew-10 mission. While on station, the crew will engage in a wide variety of research sponsored by the ISS National Laboratory®, including materials and physical sciences experiments and biomedical research. Findings from these investigations will benefit humanity and drive commerce in low Earth orbit(Abbreviation: LEO) The orbit around the Earth that extends up to an altitude of 2,000 km (1,200 miles) from Earth’s surface. The International Space Station’s orbit is in LEO, at an altitude of approximately 250 miles..

SAN ANTONIO — March 12, 2025 — Four small suitcase-sized spacecraft, designed and built by Southwest Research Institute headquartered in San Antonio, launched from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California on March 11. NASA’s Polarimeter to Unify the Corona and Heliosphere, or PUNCH, constellation has spread out in a low-Earth orbit along the day-night line, providing a clear view in all directions for its two-year primary mission.