The Countdown, Episode 2: a Mars Party, Star vs. Black Hole, Thunderous Gamma Rays, Meteoroid Fireworks, Money for Space Taxis
By Eric R. Olson
This article was published in Scientific American’s former blog network and reflects the views of the author, not necessarily those of Scientific American
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Story 5
NASA's Curiosity rover touched down on Mars early Monday morning, setting off a worldwide celebration.
Links:
NASA's Curiosity Rover Lands Safely on Mars
Video: NASA Lands Car-Sized Rover Near Martian Mountain
Curiosity Targets Gale Crater
Mars Party of the Decade Reaches Fever Pitch
Story 4
Black holes have the size and mass to devour entire stars, although this has never been observed--until now.
Links:
Satellites Watch Stellar Death Throes
Story 3
Scientists are beginning to understand how thunder clouds produce powerful gamma rays--and antimatter.
Links:
Thunderclouds Make Gamma Rays—and Shoot Out Antimatter, Too [Preview]
Story 2
Early in the morning on August 12th, you'll be able to see the Perseid meteor shower, named for the constellation Perseus.
Links:
August Perseid Meteor Shower Has Long Legacy, Bright Future
Perseid Meteor Shower Weather Forecast
EarthSky’s Meteor Shower Guide for 2012
Story 1
NASA recently granted three companies 1.1 billion dollars to develop private space taxis, which will ferry astronauts to and from low-Earth orbit.
Links:
NASA Chooses SpaceX to Return US Astronauts to Space
NASA Awards $1.1 Billion in Support for 3 Private Space Taxis
NASA Press Release
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