Brad Sylvester
Professional writer specializing in space news and all topics related to outer space.
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space, outer space, planets, stars, galaxies, NASA, mars, moon, ISS, meteors, asteroids, comets, galaxies, the sun, Mars, black holes, space craft, rocketsAffiliations
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Displaying Results 1 - 70 (of 70) for All Content
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Transit of Venus Coming TuesdayFun facts and safe vieweing tips for the transit of Venus.
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Geminid Meteor Shower FactboxThe Geminid Meteor Shower's dust stream is 5-500 times heavier than that of other meteor showers. Read about the Geminids' peak intensity and many other interesting facts about the Geminid Meteor Shower, including its unique origins.
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'Meteorite Men' Star Discusses Season Three Premier"Meteorite Men" returns to the Science Channel for a third season, this time with the Emmy award winning Photography Director, Per Larsson, who spent ten years with "the Amazing Race".Also published on: -
NASA: UARS Satellite Debris Poses 1 in 3,200 Chance of Hitting SomeoneA satellite with a mass of 5.7 metric tons will re-enter Earth's atmosphere in late September or early October. NASA predicts 26 pieces weighing as much as 300 pounds will survive to impact the ground.
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A Review of the Overview Effect: Space Exploration and Human EvolutionA review of the second edition of Frank White's "The Overview Effect: Space Explorationand Human Evolution.
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NASA to Conduct Space Research on Virgin Galactic Space CraftNASA and Virgin Galactic announce plans to use Virgin's space craft as low orbit research platforms for the Flight Opportunities Program.
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NASA Astrobiologists Make Discovery Impacting the Search for Extraterrestrial LifeNew evidence shows that basic building blocks of DNA have been deposited on Earth by meteorites, which means that they have almost certainly been deposited throughout the solar system as well. Did the find fertile ground elsewhere?
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Where Does the Space Program Go from Here?DA discussion with former NASA astronaut Dr. Scott Parazynski about the future of the space program and teh technical hurdles of a manned mission to Mars.
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Astronaut: We Should Have Kept the Space Shuttles FlyingVeteran NASA astronaut Scott Parazynski says America should not have given up, even temporarily, the ability to launch our own crews into space.
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An Astronaut's Perspective of the EarthAstronaut Scott Parazynski discusses how seeing the fragile Earth from space "really changes your global view of the planet" and how it might be a good idea to send some world leaders into space.
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Vesta, Ceres and the Arrival of DawnWhat's so interesting about the asteroids Vesta and Ceres that NASA felt it should send an exploration spacecraft out to investigate them more closely? Plenty.
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Science Fiction, Science Fact: Ion Propulsion SystemsThe basics of the ion propulsion system used by Star Trek raiders and NASA's Dawn asteroid exploration spacecraft.
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Saltwater Oceans on Saturn's Moon, EnceladusNASA's Cassini scientists have discovered strong evidence for the existence of salt water oceans on Saturn's moon Enceladus. Analysis suggests they might be similar to those of Earth and be suitable for extraterrestrial life.
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Humanity Again Ready to Make Giant Leaps into SpaceThe first time I heard about the plans for a reusable space shuttle, I felt that we were on the edge of making the next giant leap from Earth to Space. Today, as the space shuttle era comes to a close, I have that feeling again.
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3 Big Goals for NASA to Inspire America Again, from Former NASA ChiefForget the return to the moon mission, Virgin Galactic's CEO suggest NASA look farther afield for it's next big missions. He also tells us why NASA is still a good investment even as America's budget seems to be in crisis.
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Space Tourism 'Getting Closer,' Virgin Galactic CEO SaysVirgin Galactic CEO George Whitesides gives and exclusive update on the status of their test flight program, the timing of the first commercial tourist flights, and the first passenger list for SpaceShip Two.
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Former NASA Chief: Why It's Time to Retire the Space ShuttlesGeorge Whitesides, former NASA chief of staff and current CEO of Virgin Galactic talks about the end of the space shuttle era and America's role as a leader in space exploration.Also published on: -
Q-and-A: Former NASA Chief of Staff on Government's Role in Space ExplorationWhat roles should government and private companies play in the future of space exploration? NASA's former Chief of Staff and current CEO of Virgin Galactic offers his view.
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Expected Effects of the June 7 Solar Flare, by the NumbersTraveling at a speed of more than 3 million miles per hour, the solar flare's coronal mass ejection is expected to impact the Earth beginning June 9th. Learn more about its strength and expected effects. -
NASA Astrobiologist: Alien Fossils Discovered Inside MeteoritesDid respected NASA astrobiologits Richard Hoover discover the first conclusive proof of extraterrestrial life? He says yes. Journal of Cosmology asks for 5000 second opinions.
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What are solar flares?What are solar flares and how do they affect us here on Earth?
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Separating Apophis Earth Collision Myths from FactsHeadlines claim that Russian scientist Leonid Sokolov says the Earth is doomed by a collision with the large asteroid named Apophis in 2036, but did he? It turns out he and NASA are on the same page.
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Space Shuttle Engineer Discusses Challenger Failure, Return to SpaceA former Rockwell shuttle engineer remembers the return to space effort after the Challenger disaster and points to political decisions to choose inferior technical solutions that contributed to Challenger's demise.
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Challenger Disaster Created 'Flashbulb Memories,' Says Psychology ProfessorFor some of us, myself included, the memory of the Challenger disaster remains quite vivid. What is it about the event that makes it stand out in our memories?
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25 Years After Challenger: NASA Going ForwardTaking a moment to remember the legacy of the space shuttle Challenger and looking forward to the future of manned space travel after the shuttle program.
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Lessons Learned from the Challenger ExplosionOn the 25th anniversary of the Challenger disaster, the space shuttle Discovery sits in launch delay due to lessons learned from the errors leading to the Challenger's destruction.
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Space Shuttle Challenger Anniversary: Christa McAuliffeLearn more about Christa McAuliffe, the remarkable woman chosen from 11,000 candidates for NASA's Teacher in Space Project. While her life was cut short by the Challenger disaster, her vision lives on.
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Space Shuttle Challenger TimelineLooking back at some of the milestones and key achievements of the space shuttle Challenger and the crews of its ten missions.
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NASA: Thunderstorms Fire Antimatter Beams Through Research SatelliteResearchers studying findings from the Fermi Gamma-ray Space telescope have found evidence that antimatter beams ride up Earth's magnetic field lines from thunderstorms.
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Meteorite Hunting Secrets Revealed by 'Meteorite Men' StarSteve Arnold, star of the hit TV show "Meteorite Men," gives up the tricks of the meteor hunting trade.
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Meteorite Men Star Builds Career from Space RocksWith little more than an ordinary metal detector, Steve Arnold built a successful career in meteorite hunting that has landed him a starring role in the hit television show 'Meteorite Men.'
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Total Lunar Eclipse to Darken Winter SolsticeA total lunar eclipse occurring on the winter solstice give children and adults alike another reason to look to the sky with excited eyes during the Christmas season.
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'Meteorite Men' Star Clears Up Misconceptions About MeteorsDid you know that people who find freshly fallen meteorites report that they are cold or only slightly warm to the touch? The myth of a flaming rock striking the Earth is just one popular misconception about meteorites. -
Geminid Meteor Shower Peaks TonightWeather outlook and information for viewing the Geminid Meteor Shower of 2010. -
SpaceX Spacecraft Dragon Orbits Earth and ReturnsThe first of three planned test flight for the Dragon space capsule took place on Wednesday. SpaceX has a 12 flight contract from NASA to resupply the International Space Station when the space shuttle program is mothballed.
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NASA Reveals Astrobiology Finding in Press ConferenceA form of life that is alien to all other life forms we know on Earth has been discovered in arsenic-laden Mono Lake in California by a NASA astrobiology team.
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What is NASA's Secret Astrobiology Announcement?NASA set to make announcement of Thursday that they say will have an impact on the search for extraterrestrial life. Looking at the team of scientists involved might give some clues.
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AstrobiologyAstrobiology seeks to answer questions that go beyond 'Are we alone in the universe?' The study of astrobiology runs from the origins of life to the future of evolution. -
Don't Touch My Space Junk, Russian DudesRussia's Energia has plans for what they call a peaceeful effort to remove dangerous space junk from Earth orbit, but the entire system looks like a thinly veiled, space-based weapon.
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What Is Space Debris?NASA estimates that there are more than half a million man-made bits of space debris bigger than 1 centimeter in diameter whizzing around the Earth. These objects pose an increasing threat to satellties and astronauts. -
30-year-old Black Hole Born Millions of Years AgoNASA announced the discovery of what is believed to be the youngest nearby black hole ever observed. Observing fifty million year-old-light, scientists are able to watch the infancy of a black hole created by the collapse of a distant super nova.
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Space Shuttle Discovery fails to launch, againThe latest in a string of technical problems with the space shuttle Discovery has caused another launch postponement. Discovery will have one more chance to take-off before the launch window closes on Monday. -
New electrical problem threatens Discovery launchNASA announced today that a problem with the backup controller for space shuttle Discovery's engine 3 failed to turn on during a routine pre-flight check. -
NASA: Discovery is 'go' for penultimate shuttle missionAs Discovery rolls out to the launch pad for its last scheduled flight, Mission Commander Lindsey reflects on the legacy of the space shuttle program. STS-133 mission details.
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Human space travel marks 'a new beginning'As the last space shuttle missions get underway, private industry readies itself to take over near-Earth space flight.
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Leaky propellant lines won't delay space shuttle launchNASA uses Facebook to keep the public informed about a leak in a space shuttle maneuvering engine propellant line from its initial discovery through the final resolution of the problem. -
Space Shuttle Fun Facts and TriviaLearn about the space shuttle's Star trek connection and many more fun facts. Just how much room do the astronauts have inside the space shuttle's crew module? Find out here.Also published on: -
History and highlights of the space shuttle programThrough 30 years and more than 130 flights, NASA's Space Shuttle program has helped expand the bounds of human knowledge, despite the tragedies of the Challenger and Columbia.
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Katy Perry Sends Russel Brand Out of This WorldKaty Perry has purchased a ticket for Russel Brand to ride into space aboard Sir Richard Branson's Virgin Galactic space tourism vehicle. What does this mean for the future of space travel? -
Sen. Hutchison Proposes Backward Step for Future of Space TravelSenator Kay Bailey Hutchison is proposing to keep the space shuttles flying past their planned retirement. Her request is an expensive step backwards designed to keep government jobs in her district.
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Vernal Equinox Marks the First Day of SpringThe vernal equinox marks the first day of spring, but what does it mean and how does it work? Read a simple, but complete explanation.
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Space, What's in it for You?At a time when money is tight, some may wonder why we spend so much on NASA and space exploration. Beyond the science itself, there are a host of reasons why we need to lead the world into space.
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Mars Exploration Rover Spirit May Enter Deep SleepNASA now believes that the Mars Exploration Rover Spirit is inextricably stuck in the Martian sands with two unresponsive wheels as it faces the coldest temperatures it has yet endured.
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Space Shuttle Retrospective: the End of an EraMemories of NASA's space shuttle program, from the first time I heard about the program back in the 1970s to the final five planned space shuttle missions and beyond.
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Are We Alone? - SETI and the Drake Equation Seek Extraterrestrial IntelligenceIt is part of the human condition to seek connections with other life. SETI conducts physical searches for extraterrestrial intelligence while the Drake Equation seeks the answer mathematically.
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Endeavor STS-130 - Details of the Final Five Space Shuttle MissionsThe space shuttle Endeavor's STS-130 duties will include delivery of Tranquility module which will house the COLBERT treadmill and other sundry life-support equipment. Complete mission details.
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NASA Spots Possible Star Destroyer in Deep SpaceWhile not exactly the Death Star from Star Wars, the new evidence of the star destroyer discovered by NASA helps to support the theory that ULXs are intermediate sized black holes.
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Martian Rover Spirit Turns 6, Faces DeathExpected to last only 90 days, NASA's Martian Rover Spirit is stuck in loose sands and may not have enough power to operate its heaters to survive another winter on Mars.
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Geminid Meteor Shower Visible on Sunday, December 13thThis week-end the Geminid Meteor Shower will be putting on a great show for those willing to brave cold temperatures. Viewing instructions and details.
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What Is a Quasar?Quasars are the most powerful sustained sources of energy in the known universe. What are quasars and why are there no quasars near us?
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The International Space Station Can Be Seen Sunday Evening from the East CoastThe International Space Station will be visible from the east coast of the United States in the early evening hours on Sunday. See it up close here with a video shot from the space shuttle.
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China's Great Wall of Steel in the Blue SkyIn a celebration of the 60th anniversary of the founding of China's air force,Commander Xu Qiliang mused about building a "Great Wall of steel in the blue sky" to seek control of "the ground, the oceans and the electro-magnetic spheres."
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Percival Lowell's Canals of MarsMars, the red planet, has held our collective imagination captive almost since it was discovered. The canals of Mars, touted by Percival Lowell, have fueled more than a century of fascination.
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Moon Has Oxygen-rich Oceans of Liquid WaterEuropa may be the best hope for finding extraterrestrial life within our lifetime. With oceans of liquid water that are now thought to have high levels of oxygen, there are multiple ways that live could exist there.
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In Space, Water, Water EverywhereWith all the recent discoveries of water in space, it seems wherever we aim our telescopes, we'll find extraterrestrial water.
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Defusing NASA LCROSS Bombing the Moon RumorsRecent published news reports have communicated so many errors and fables about NASA bombing the moon that I finally had to set the record straight and point out some of the worst NASA moon bombing stories.
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How to Get a NASA Astronaut to Speak at Your EventNASA astronauts accept many speaking engagements throughout the year for groups that know the procedures and where to send an official request. For those who just want to stay in touch with NASA astronauts, many are frequent Twitter users.
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The New World vs. New Worlds in Outer SpaceColumbus' discovery of the New World and its colonization has some similarities, but many stark contrasts to the opening up of new worlds in space to permanent outpost. The one thing they have in common is that both will be motivated by greed.
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White House to Celebrate World Space Week with Star PartyIn 1999 the United Nations declared the first World Space Week and the event has been held annually ever since. This year President Obama will invite middle school children to a Star Party with telescopes on the White House lawn.
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NASA Firing LCROSS Missile into the MoonOn October 9th, NASA will be sending a heavy impact vehicle called the Centaur crashing into the south pole of the moon at high velocity. The LCROSS mission is designed to detect once and for all if there are significant amounts of water on the moon.