Latest Science News
NASA's Artemis II Mission Successfully Leaves Earth Orbit for Moon Flyby
Artemis II launched on April 1 from Kennedy Space Center, marking the first crewed lunar mission in over 50 years with astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen aboard Orion spacecraft. A key translunar injection burn on Thursday propelled the crew beyond Earth orbit toward the Moon on a 10-day voyage
. The mission tests systems and gathers data for future Artemis landings
.
Rare Sungrazer Comet C/2026 A1 (MAPS) Approaches Sun on April 4
Comet C/2026 A1 (MAPS), discovered in January, will pass within 158,000 km of the Sun's surface at 13:30 UTC today, risking disintegration but potentially becoming spectacularly bright afterward. If it survives, it may be visible in the evening sky post-sunset around April 9 with a large tail
. James Webb observations revised its nucleus size to under 0.4 km
.
Artemis II Crew Conducts Critical System Checks Post-Launch
After liftoff on April 1, the Artemis II crew deployed solar arrays and performed checkouts in high Earth orbit before the translunar burn. The mission will travel over 400,000 km from Earth, farther than any prior human voyage
. Updates continue from the 10-day flight around the Moon
.
Global Study Links Pollution and Inequality to Accelerated Brain Aging
A study across 34 countries in Nature Medicine shows air pollution, poor housing, and socioeconomic inequality speed up brain biological aging, while equality and healthcare access slow it. Interactions of environmental, social, and political factors amplify effects on brain connectivity
. Multimodal imaging and nonlinear modeling revealed these complex links
.
Contrails Persist Despite Reduced Airplane Soot Emissions
German Aerospace Center research in Nature finds newer, cleaner jet engines still form contrails as effectively, complicating aviation's climate impact beyond CO2. Soot particles nucleate ice in exhaust vapor under right conditions, persisting for hours and warming the planet
. Decarbonization efforts continue but contrail mitigation remains challenging
.
Unusually High Meteor Fireball Reports in March 2026
The American Meteor Society reported an exceptional number of fireballs and meteorites in North America and Europe last month, with maps showing events having 25+ witnesses. Valid trajectory solutions highlight the unusual pattern in meteor activity
. This data aids understanding of near-Earth objects
.
Artemis II to Carry AVATAR Experiment with Astronaut Organ Chips
NASA's Biological and Physical Sciences Division directs AVATAR, flying organ chips grown from astronaut cells on Artemis II to study space effects. The experiment advances biological research in deep space
. It integrates with the mission's science objectives
.
Planetary Scientist Discusses Scientific Gains from Artemis II
Artemis II circles the Moon, precursor to landings in Artemis IV, testing technologies for lunar return. Insights into Moon's formation from giant impact with Earth inform planetary science
. LASP instruments prepare for future Artemis missions
.
Comet C/2026 A1 (MAPS) Could Rival Recent Comets if It Survives
As a Kreutz sungrazer, C/2026 A1 risks evaporation like many, but survival could yield a bright show, first of two visible comets this April alongside C/2025 R3. Visibility challenges pre-pass due to solar glare
. ESA notes potential for spectacular display post-encounter
.
Venus and Jupiter Dominate April Night Skies Amid Comet Watch
Super bright Venus leads early evening western sky, with Jupiter high in the west; watch for post-perihelion C/2026 A1 visibility. Guide to April skies highlights these events
. Optimal viewing follows the comet's Sun pass today
.
Artemis II Marks Humans' Farthest Journey from Earth
The crew will exceed 400,000 km distance, gathering data on Orion's performance with humans aboard for first time. Mission supports Artemis program's path to sustained lunar presence
. Ground teams monitor intensive eight-day operations ahead
.