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The Stratospheric Terahertz Observatory launches from McMurdo Scientific Station in the Antarctic.

UA Astronomers Study Milky Way via Balloon over South Pole

Scientists looking for clues to origins of universe in 'interstellar medium.'
Scanning electron microscope images of two samples from El Tatio, Chile: (b) (scale bar = 20 micrometers) shows silica-encrusted microbial filaments and sheaths, and spindle-shaped diatoms (arrows); (d) (scale bar = 50 micrometers) shows silicified sheaths of Calothrix, a type of blue-green algae.

Chilean Desert Dust Deepens Case for Life on Mars

Though not proof, it's strong cause to return to explore Martian soil.
This dazzling infrared image from NASA's Spitzer Space Telescope shows hundreds of thousands of stars crowded into the swirling core of our spiral Milky Way galaxy. In visible-light pictures, this region cannot be seen at all because dust lying between Earth and the galactic center blocks our view.

Rare Comet Trio Has Astronomers Crowdsourcing Observers

Planetary Science Institute hoping for continuous help from amateurs and professionals.
The Moon

Look to Skies to See 'Super Moon' Sunday Night

Moon's orbit brings it close to Earth during its full phase.

Will Arizona Election be Fraud Free? Yes, and Here's How

Plus, meet the new CEO of the Downtown Tucson Partnership.
The UA's HiRISE camera's image of the European Space Agency's Schiaparelli Martian lander that crashed Oct. 19, 2016.

UA Space Camera Details Crash Site of Europe's Martian Lander

Meanwhile, the European Space Agency's orbiter is successfully circling the planet.
Artist's rendering depicting the Juno spacecraft at Jupiter.

Jupiter Spacecraft Captures Image of Towering Polar Storms

First pass of giant planet nets unexpected scientific data
University of Arizona planetary scientist Ewen Whitaker

UA Scientist Who Made Map for Apollo Moon Landings Dies

Ewen Whitaker dies at 94; was a pioneer of planetary science for NASA.
The Steward Observatory on the University of Arizona campus

UA's Steward Observatory Celebrates 100th Anniversary

University ranked No. 1 among US space astronomy programs.
A CAD rendering of the E-THEMIS instrument.

Thermal Camera to Help Search for Jupiter Moon's Ocean

ASU-developed device will give a starting point for quest for constituents of life on Europa.

OSIRIS-REx Spacecraft, Instruments Healthy

Asteroid mission science instruments send back data from space.
This image of the dwarf planet was captured from New Horizons on July 13, 2015, about 16 hours before the moment of closest approach. The spacecraft was 766,000 kilometers from the surface.

Lowell Scientist Explains Red Splotch on Pluto’s Moon

Frozen methane builds up at the winter pole, like layers of spray paint.
Asteroid 2016 RB1 flew past Earth on Sept. 7, 2016 going an estimated 18,000 mph.

UA Astronomer Sees Asteroid 2 Days Before It Whizzes by Earth

NASA-funded Sky Lab's observers have ID'd half of known near-Earth objects.

OSIRIS-REx, Cruising, Sends First Photos of Journey

University of Arizona mission's spacecraft is healthy as it speeds at more than 12K mph.
Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, damaged by SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket fire Sept. 1, 2016.

OSIRIS-REx Launch Threatened for a Time by SpaceX Explosion

Quick work by Air Force saved University of Arizona spacecraft.
An Atlas V rocket with the OSIRIS-REx spaceraft atop, lifts off from Kennedy Space Center Sept. 8, 2016.

UA Mission to Asteroid: 'Hopes, Dreams, Hard Work'

Flawless liftoff leaves scientific team ecstatic; much work lies ahead.

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