Space Station Research Contributes to Artemis IIHave you ever heard the saying, “You have to learn how to walk before you can run?” The same can be true in human space exploration. To push capabilities further and ensure safe, successful missions, NASA must test ideas and solve challenges ahead of time. While Earth-based research and engineering helps NASA progress through various […]
Icy Hudson RiverDuring a stretch of frigid weather in late January 2026, ice choked the Hudson River along Manhattan’s western shore. The OLI (Operational Land Imager) on Landsat 8 captured this image of the wintry landscape around midday on Jan. 28. This image uses representational color to distinguish ice (light blue) from open water and snow. Vegetation appears red. Much of […]
A Grand, Snow-Rimmed CanyonA dusting of white highlighted the Colorado Plateau around the deep gorge, while shadows created a visual illusion.
NASA Sets Coverage for Agency’s SpaceX Crew-12 Launch, DockingEditor’s Note: This advisory was updated on Feb. 9, 2026, to reflect NASA’ s new launch coverage plans for the agency’s SpaceX Crew-12 mission. Teams now are targeting no earlier than Thursday, Feb. 12. NASA will stream live coverage of the upcoming prelaunch, launch, and docking activities for the agency’s SpaceX Crew-12 mission to the […]
Strong Solar FlareThis Feb. 4, 2026, image from NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) captures a strong solar flare erupting from the star. Solar flares are powerful bursts of energy that can, along with other types of solar eruptions, can impact radio communications, electric power grids, navigation signals, and pose risks to spacecraft and astronauts. The flare pictured […]
Boreal Forests Are Shifting NorthThe boreal forest—the world’s largest terrestrial biome—is warming faster than any other forest type. New research uses Landsat data to track how the forests shift.
A Winter Blanket Covers North CarolinaIn late January 2026, a strong, moisture-laden storm dropped snow across nearly the entire state, spanning from the Appalachians to the Atlantic Coast.
NASA Selects Two Earth System Explorers MissionsTwo next-generation satellite missions announced Thursday will help NASA better understand Earth and improve capabilities to foresee environmental events and mitigate disasters. “NASA uses the unique vantage point of space to study our home planet to deliver life-saving data into the hands of disaster response and decision-makers every day for the benefit of all, while […]
Career Spotlight: Welder (Ages 14-18)What does a welder do? A welder uses tools that join two or more parts through forces such as heat or pressure. Metals are the materials most commonly used in welding, but it’s also possible to weld thermoplastics or wood. Welders use their hands, skills, and problem-solving abilities to create something new. At NASA, welders […]
NASA’s SpaceX Crew-12 to Study Adaptation to Altered GravityNASA’s SpaceX Crew-12 mission is preparing to launch for a long-duration science mission aboard the International Space Station. During the mission, select crew members will participate in human health studies focused on understanding how astronauts’ bodies adapt to the low-gravity environment of space, including a new study examining subtle changes in blood flow. The experiments, […]