Author: Robin S. Washington

The much-anticipated launch of Boeing’s Starliner crew ferry ship was unfortunately delayed today, as an Atlas 5 rocket carrying astronauts was scrubbed just two hours before takeoff. The issue stemmed from a problematic valve in the rocket’s upper stage, leading to disappointment for commander Barry “Butch” Wilmore and co-pilot Sunita Williams as they prepared for liftoff. Funded by NASA, the development of both the Starliner and SpaceX’s Crew Dragon aimed to provide the agency with multiple options for ferrying crews to the International Space Station. Despite this setback, engineers are now diligently working to identify the cause of the valve…

A new algorithm called THOR has revolutionized the way asteroid hunters discover near-Earth objects. According to a recent study, THOR has identified a staggering 27,500 previously overlooked asteroids by analyzing old photos of space, more than all telescopes combined last year. Among the newly discovered asteroids, 100 were near-Earth asteroids that could potentially collide with our planet. The majority of these asteroids were found in the main asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter, highlighting the significance of THOR’s capabilities. Researchers are calling this discovery a “sea change” in how astronomical research can be conducted. THOR is capable of identifying 80%…

Astronomy enthusiasts and star gazers on the East Coast of the U.S. are in for a treat this month as two celestial events are set to take place in the night sky. On May 23rd, the full Moon will appear close to the red star Antares in the constellation of Scorpius. What makes this event even more special is that those on the East Coast will witness the Moon passing in front of Antares in an event known as an occultation. Over the course of a couple of hours, the Moon will obscure and then reveal Antares as they both…

Tesla’s Stock Surges as CEO Elon Musk Receives Approval for Full Self-Driving in China Tesla’s (TSLA) stock experienced a significant boost, jumping up to 15%, after reports surfaced that CEO Elon Musk had gained approval from Chinese officials to roll out the automaker’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) autonomous software in China. This approval came during Musk’s recent visit to Beijing where discussions took place over the weekend. The approval includes a partnership with Chinese tech company Baidu, which will provide street-level mapping data to power FSD in China. This collaboration not only aids in regulatory approval but also helps in minimizing…

NASA astronauts Barry “Butch” Wilmore and Sunita Williams are gearing up to embark on a historic mission aboard a Boeing Starliner capsule on May 6. This long-awaited mission is crucial in demonstrating that Boeing’s spacecraft is capable of safely transporting a crew to and from low-Earth orbit. The upcoming test flight has been delayed multiple times due to software glitches and fuel valve issues. However, the astronauts recently completed a full launch-day dress rehearsal and are now focused on final preparations for the highly anticipated liftoff. If successful, Wilmore and Williams will spend approximately a week at the International Space…

Rock legend David Bowie’s influence is still being felt in the world of science, as the European Space Agency’s Mars Express spacecraft recently captured a captivating image of spider-like formations on the Red Planet’s surface. The iconic musician’s Ziggy Stardust persona, which included his backing band The Spiders from Mars, continues to inspire a generation of music lovers and now, it seems, even scientists. The ESA’s discovery of these Martian spiders, while not actual arachnids, is a fascinating glimpse into the unique geology of our neighboring planet. These spider-like structures are formed by the release of carbon dioxide ice, which…

Apple enthusiasts have a lot to look forward to as the tech giant recently announced its upcoming “Let Loose” event. In the meantime, there are some exciting deals to take advantage of in the world of MacBook Air and MacBook Pro. The M3-powered 13-inch MacBook Air lineup has received a significant discount, making it more accessible to consumers. Additionally, the powerful 16-inch MacBook Pro with the M2 Pro chip is now available at an all-time low price. For those in need of a high-performance machine, the last-gen MacBook Pro is currently on sale for $1,998.99, a $500 discount, on Amazon.…

In a recent development, intelligence agencies have successfully executed a covert operation in a foreign country. The mission, shrouded in secrecy, aimed at gathering valuable information crucial for national security efforts. The agents involved in the operation displayed exceptional skill and bravery, highlighting the importance of intelligence gathering in modern warfare. The success of the operation underscores the covert tactics employed by intelligence agencies to avoid detection by enemy forces. Despite the risk involved, the mission was completed successfully, with the obtained information expected to provide valuable insights for the country’s security measures. The government has chosen to keep specific…

The highly anticipated launch of Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft with its first crew on board is set to take place on May 6, marking a significant milestone for the company and NASA. NASA astronauts Barry “Butch” Wilmore and Suni Williams have arrived at the Kennedy Space Center in preparation for the historic mission. The Crew Flight Test mission, which has been delayed for four years due to technical issues with the Starliner spacecraft, is finally ready to proceed. The astronauts have expressed confidence that the issues have been resolved and are eager to face the challenges that may arise during the…

A group of American finance and tech moguls are gearing up to make multi-billion dollar bids for popular social media app TikTok, following President Joe Biden’s directive for its Chinese owners to sell the platform. Among the suitors are notable names such as former treasury secretary Steven Mnuchin, former Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick, and billionaire investor Bill Ackman. ByteDance, the Chinese parent company of TikTok, has been given a year to offload the app but has expressed reluctance to do so. One of the major hurdles for potential buyers is the uncertainly around acquiring the algorithm that makes TikTok…