Stories - AZPM

Image shows the OSIRIS-REx spacecraft approaching the asteroid Bennu in an April 14 rehearsal of the sample collection.

OSIRIS-REx passes milestone by rehearsing approach to asteroid

The first major rehearsal had the added challenge of COVID-19, which meant the mission's team could not be together for the test.

OSIRIS-REx photograph shows material being ejected from the surface of the asteroid Bennu in January 2019.

Discussions continue about mysterious particles around asteroid Bennu

Scientists say the objects, first detected in January, pose no threat to the OSIRIS-REx mission

Apollo 12 astronaut Alan Bean inspects Surveyor 3

UA's special connection with the second moon landing

The Apollo 12 mission relied on pinpoint calculations from a UA lunar scientist 50 years ago.

Three tiny satellites deployed from the International Space Station. Scientists warn satellites are becoming smaller and harder to track from Earth.

Scientist warns of tons of orbiting space junk, with more on the way

The debris is a byproduct of things we take for granted in our way life, Al Anzaldua says.

UA graduate student in geosciences Becki Beadling on a research vessel in teh Southern Ocean, deploying robotic floats that gather information for the SOCCOM project.

Ocean & Space

Learn about UA scientists in the Southern Ocean measuring climate change; and celebrating the past and future of space exploration at Spacefest X.

This screen grab from a NASA video released Aug. 12, 2019 shows four potential locations on Bennu for the OSIRIS-REx probe to collect soil samples.

OSIRIS-REx team IDs targets among boulders of asteroid's rough terrain

Asteroid Bennu's tricky surface has pushed the mission to take a new approach to sample collection.

Astronaut Charles M. Duke Jr., lunar module pilot of the Apollo 16 lunar landing mission, is photographed collecting lunar samples at Station no. 1 during the first Apollo 16 extravehicular activity at the Descartes landing site. This picture, looking eastward, was taken by Astronaut John W. Young, commander. Duke is standing at the rim of Plum crater, which is 40 meters in diameter and 10 meters deep. The parked Lunar Roving Vehicle can be seen in the left background.

Geoff Notkin on the past - and future - of space exploration.

Also on Arizona Spotlight: Mexican rock stars sing out about immigration; and a party to celebrate the "The Queen of the Night" at Tohono Chul.

50 years later, moon rocks are still yielding secrets

A Tucson lunar researcher says samples from the moon helped shape understanding of planetary development.

Madonna Thunderhawk and her daughter, Marcy Gilbert, at Standing Rock 2017. The pair were featured in "Warrior Women," a film about the women of the American Indian Movement in the '60s and '70s.

Arizona Spotlight for July 18th, 2019

Flagstaff Red Screen Film Festival presents indigenous stories for all to see; Retired astronaut Mark Kelly reflects on the 50th anniversary of the moon landing; and a Spotlight Session from Heather Hardy & Alvin Blaine.

Photo of sand dunes taken from Mars orbit.

Scientists observe shifting dunes on Mars

UA space scientists track the effect of wind on Martian sand dunes.

Astronaut Edwin "Buzz" Aldrin works on the moon's surface during the Apollo 11 moonwalk, July 20, 1969.

UA scientists mark moon landing's 50th anniversary

The university's lunar lab played key role in Apollo 11 mission planning.

Dr. Mae C. Jemison during her 1992 mission as crew member on the space shuttle Endeavor.

Dr. Mae C. Jemison: "Living Deeply and Looking Up"

Also on Arizona Spotlight: Artists wish UA students good luck during finals week; Exploring Persian fairy tales and women in mythology; Adiba Nelson on the challenges of being a mom.