Astronomy

[YesNo]

I would think that a nova would destroy any planets with life in nearby solar systems. I wonder if binary star systems are needed for these novas to occur.

[Dreamwoven]

The Lunar Reconnaissance orbiter is another of those quiet missions that rarely gets a mention on the news. This post on earthsky said that the orbiter has gone into a very low orbit (12 miles above the surface) to explore and map the dark side of the moon.I will work at this height for some time:
"Team members made the decision to change the orbit after determining that the new orbit configuration poses no danger to the spacecraft. They say LRO can operate for many years at this orbit."

[Iain Sparrow]

I would think that a nova would destroy any planets with life in nearby solar systems. I wonder if binary star systems are needed for these novas to occur.

Yes indeed, a nova would exterminate all organic life in that solar system.
If memory serves, supernovas occur more often in binary systems, only because the needed mass threshold is more likely with two stars; one star pulling material away from the other. But solitary stars explode too, if large enough.

[Iain Sparrow]

The Lunar Reconnaissance orbiter is another of those quiet missions that rarely gets a mention on the news. This post on earthsky said that the orbiter has gone into a very low orbit (12 miles above the surface) to explore and map the dark side of the moon.I will work at this height for some time:
"Team members made the decision to change the orbit after determining that the new orbit configuration poses no danger to the spacecraft. They say LRO can operate for many years at this orbit."

I think the problem is that mapping the dark side of the Moon, just isn't 'sexy' enough for the nightly news.

[YesNo]

I was also looking for more information about Ceres, but I couldn't find anything new. Yes, the dark side of the moon isn't as sexy as those bright spots on Ceres.

[Dreamwoven]

I've continued each day to check the NASA Dawn website, too. Nothing so far. I think that, like the moon orbiter, it may be able to make out more detail once its orbit is low enough. Obviously, orbiting such a small planet it will take time to get into the lowest orbit.

[Dreamwoven]

You may be right, Iain, the moon is not attractive enough for a news bulletin. I think the moon orbiter is looking for frozen water, hence the south pole of the moon.

[Dreamwoven]

4-inch cubesats for exploring deep space.

[YesNo]

Here is a new picture of Ceres. It looks like the larger reflective surfaces are composed of smaller ones: http://www.nbcnews.com/science/space...planet-n357161

[YesNo]

4-inch cubesats for exploring deep space.

Just when I thought bigger was better, it looks like small has advantages as well.

[Dreamwoven]

Mammutus clouds from EarthSky

[YesNo]

They look like cotton balls in the sky.

[Dreamwoven]

It seems that the distinction between asteroids and comets in the asteroid belt might be becoming blurred: http://astronomynow.com/2014/11/11/a...velops-a-tail/

[YesNo]

The more information one gets the more original categories break down. Ceres could even be a dwarf planet.

[Dreamwoven]

There is a wikipedia page on him. He does look interesting. This one on music of the spheres is a blog devoted to the subject.