Mars and Other Space News from the San Diego Chapter

Phoenix "battens down the hatches" for its first dust storm — by Gerry Williams — last modified 2008-10-14 03:00

Looks like the weather is starting to get unfriendly for Phoenix. According to an entry in the Phoenix blog, a dust storm has blotted out enough of Phoenix' sunlight that the lander had to "hunker down for the weekend until the storm clears, taking minimal observations to conserve power." Apparently the storm was expected to clear up over the weekend (how's that for convenient timing?)

Insurance from the skies! — by Gerry Williams — last modified 2008-10-14 03:00

What are the odds of getting hit by a meteorite?

Death by meteorite — by Gerry Williams — last modified 2008-10-14 03:00

I recently wrote about the odds of getting hit by a meteorite. But what are the odds of getting killed by one?

Space Tourist Richard Garriott Launched on Space Station Vacation… — by Gerry Williams — last modified 2008-10-14 03:00

Written by Ian O'Neill

Mars Satellite's First Weather Report — by Gerry Williams — last modified 2008-10-14 03:00

Written by Nancy Atkinson

Astronomy Picture of the Day — by Gerry Williams — last modified 2008-10-14 03:00

Discover the cosmos! Each day a different image or photograph of our fascinating universe is featured, along with a brief explanation written by a professional astronomer.

The Sun Is Setting On Phoenix — by Gerry Williams — last modified 2008-10-14 03:00

by Staff Writers Moffett Field CA (SPX) Oct 14, 2008

Opportunity Takes A Victory Lap — by Gerry Williams — last modified 2008-10-14 03:00

by Staff Writers Pasadena CA (SPX) Oct 14, 2008

Giant Cyclones Seen on Saturn — by Gerry Williams — last modified 2008-10-14 03:00

By SPACE.com Staff posted: 13 October 2008 02:31 pm ET

Smaller and More Recent Features on Mars Can Now Be Dated — by Gerry Williams — last modified 2008-10-14 03:00

The crater-counting system that scientists have used since the 1970s to determine the age of large geologic features on Mars will also allow them to date small features, such as riverbeds and lava flows, according to William K. Hartmann, a senior scientist at the Tucson-based Planetary Science Institute.

The First Far-Side Gravity of the Moon and Global Topography by KAGUYA (SELENE) — by Gerry Williams — last modified 2008-10-14 03:00

Astronomers are announcing today that the precise gravity field of the lunar far side and the global lunar topography map were obtained by KAGUYA spacecraft. The report is being presented by Dr. Sho Sasaki of National Astronomical Observatory of Japan, in Ithaca, New York, to the 40th annual meeting of the Division for Planetary Sciences of the American Astronomical Society. The result is of great interest because it shows evidence of the difference of the interior and thermal history between the lunar far side and near side.

ASU Mars instrument gets new lease on life as NASA extends Mars Odyssey mission — by Gerry Williams — last modified 2008-10-14 03:00

PRESS RELEASE Date Released: Monday, October 13, 2008 Source: Arizona State University - Comments

NASA ISS On-Orbit Status 13 October 2008 — by Gerry Williams — last modified 2008-10-14 03:00

STATUS REPORT Date Released: Monday, October 13, 2008 Source: NASA HQ - Comments

NASA ISS On-Orbit Status 12 October 2008 — by Gerry Williams — last modified 2008-10-14 03:00

STATUS REPORT Date Released: Sunday, October 12, 2008 Source: NASA HQ - Comments

NASA ISS On-Orbit Status 11 October 2008 — by Gerry Williams — last modified 2008-10-14 03:00

STATUS REPORT Date Released: Saturday, October 11, 2008 Source: NASA HQ - Comments

Mars's polar skies found to be an almost balmy -93C — by Gerry Williams — last modified 2008-10-14 03:00

Published Date: 13 October 2008 By John von Radowitz

Moon slugfest — by Gerry Williams — last modified 2008-10-14 03:00

Huma Siddiqui Posted: Oct 13, 2008 at 0140 hrs IST Updated: Oct 13, 2008 at 0140 hrs IST

McCain, Obama Wrangle Over Space — by Gerry Williams — last modified 2008-10-14 03:00

Though the topic was nearly overshadowed by the economy, funding for NASA became another focus of bickering between presidential candidates last week.

NASA Will Push Ahead On Mars Science Lab — by Gerry Williams — last modified 2008-10-14 03:00

Oct 13, 2008 By Frank Morring, Jr.

Space Tourist, Astronauts to Dock at Station — by Gerry Williams — last modified 2008-10-14 03:00

By Clara Moskowitz Staff Writer posted: 12 October 2008 ET