Noctilucent clouds, also called polar mesospheric clouds, sit just high enough in the atmosphere to capture the tiniest bit of sunlight. NASA’s Aeronomy of Ice in the Mesosphere (AIM) spacecraft took this photo of the distinctive looking clouds over Antarctica this week. NASA Earth Observatory map by Jesee Allen
Space Balloons
The BACCUS mission out of the University of Maryland is sending balloons into space from a launch pad in Antarctica to investigate the components of cosmic rays particles. These particles will be able to tell scientists about the density and chemical makeup of the space between stars. Because the instruments in the balloons are powered by sunlight, it’s ideal to launch them now – when Antarctica has almost 24 hours of sunlight a day.
‘Shroom Furniture
First mushroom leather, now mushroom furniture. A group of researchers (and apparent mushroom enthusiasts) are using the mycelium “roots” of mushrooms, agriculture waste, and microorganisms to create cute looking mushroom furniture.
Climate Change, In Timelapse
Google released its updated version of Google Timelapse. It lets viewers see the effects of climate change on the world, including rising sea levels, melting glaciers, and receding forests. Take a look at it here.
Space Sunset
Sunsets on Earth are already gorgeous. In space, they get even better. An astronaut on the ISS snapped this image showing the contrast between an already darkened Earth surface and the sun setting in the distance.
Nocturnal Clouds
Noctilucent clouds, also called polar mesospheric clouds, sit just high enough in the atmosphere to capture the tiniest bit of sunlight. NASA’s Aeronomy of Ice in the Mesosphere (AIM) spacecraft took this photo of the distinctive looking clouds over Antarctica this week.
