NASA

NGC 2264 seen by Spitzer (Image Image Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/P.S. Teixeira (Center for Astrophysics))

0

NASA’s Spitzer space telescope captured a new image of the so-called Christmas Tree Cluster, so nicknamed for its shape. That appearance is enhanced by a remarkable star formation with the consequent presence of protostars that emit a light that appears pink or red to Spitzer that gives the area an effect similar to the Christmas tree’s balls. It’s part of a set of objects collectively known as NGC 2264 which also includes the Snowflake Cluster, the Cone Nebula and the Fox Fur Nebula.

Boeing's CST-100 Starliner spacecraft landing (Image NASA TV)

1

A little while ago Boeing’s CST-100 Starliner spacecraft landed at the White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico, ending its Boe-OFT (Boeing Orbital Flight Test) mission. Unlike the previous American spacecraft, this one doesn’t splash down in the ocean but lands on the ground. The ground staff intervened in an exercise of the assistance activity that will take place in manned missions.

Boeing's CST-100 Starliner spacecraft blasting off atop an Atlas V rocket (Image NASA TV)

1

A little while ago, Boeing’s CST-100 Starliner spacecraft blasted off atop a ULA Atlas V rocket from the Cape Canaveral base in its Boe-OFT (Boeing Orbital Flight Test) mission. After about 15 minutes it successfully separated from the rocket’s last stage. After a little more than half an hour the first of a series of maneuvers for orbit insertion was schduled but a problem emerged that required that the possible options to be assessed to have the CST-100 Starliner go for a proper orbit insertion and on its way to carry out its mission. Boeing has control of the spacecraft, which is in a stable orbit, so it’s not in danger.

Jupiter's south pole seen by JIRAM

1

A new cyclone was discovered at the south pole of the planet Jupiter by NASA’s Juno space probe. In particular, it was the JIRAM instrument that captured the first images in which you can see that the configuration of the cyclones existing in that area changed from a pentagon of cyclones surrounding a central one to a hexagon, still around a central one. The new cyclone seems small compared to the ones already existing but its surface is comparable to that of Texas. This discovery was made during a Jupiter flyby that follows a maneuver needed to prevent Juno from ending up in the planet’s shadow for 12 hours. Without being powered by solar panels, its batteries would have completely drained and its temperature would have dropped to lethal levels.