Astro Hawk (Ian Kluft) ✅🚀🛰️

About me: Software Engineer network/cybersecurity, pilot/CFI, Libertarian, electronics, Ham, rocket/balloon tracker

Hi! I'm Ian Kluft. Astro Hawk (Ian Kluft) ✅🚀🛰️ (npub1zvs…lw4r) is my #space account.
#NewSpace #aerospace #astronomy #rocketry #commsat #GPS #fedi22

AstroHawk originally stood for "Adventurous Space Tweep Reinforcing Operations Hatching Advancement Worth Kudos" at one time on other social media, promoting NewSpace.

Also me: Ian Kluft ✅✈️🎈🌋 (npub1x2q…05f8) (aviation/science) & Ian Kluft ✅🖥️📡 (npub1u6g…ajsh) (tech/local)

Location: Portland🏔️, Oregon🦫, USA🇺🇸, Earth🌎, Sol☀️, Milky Way🌌
About: https://ikluft.github.io/
Social media: https://ikluft.github.io/socialmedia.html#AstroHawk

Public Key

npub1zvsgehky7udtf67xrg4ue52escvk334c5j8eqvmsxmjvapgxhlrqp9lw4r

NIP-05 Address

astrohawk_at_spacey.space@momostr.pink

Profile Code

nprofile1qqspxgyvmmz0wx45a0rp527v69vcvxtgc6u2frusxdcrdexws5rtl3spz3mhxue69uhhyetvv9ujuerpd46hxtnfduqs6amnwvaz7tmwdaejumr0dsuaezwg

Publishing to

relay.damus.io

nos.lol

Author Public Key

npub1zvsgehky7udtf67xrg4ue52escvk334c5j8eqvmsxmjvapgxhlrqp9lw4r

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Published at

2026-06-07T08:34:29Z

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Event JSON

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Last Notes

2026-03-26 22:57:03 UTC

"Two space telescopes see Saturn in a different light" by @npub1mhj…yjrn / @npub1krw…4h9n - #NASA released imagery of Saturn in near-infrared from #WebbSpaceTelescope / #JWST and visible spectrum from #HubbleSpaceTelescope, each giving different insights into the gas giant's clouds and weather. https://cosmiclog.com/2026/03/25/two-space-telescopes-see-saturn-in-a-different-light/ #astronomy #space

2026-02-25 21:45:19 UTC

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Medical training details like that provide us a glimpse into why it takes so long for each astronaut and crew to train for a spaceflight. They also have to learn all the ISS systems. They have to take turns as CapCom (Capsule Communicator name originating from Apollo era) because when the station calls or gets called, they're always talking with an astronaut. And the list goes on...

2026-02-25 21:00:20 UTC

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And that's your area of expertise!

2026-02-25 20:47:38 UTC

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"NASA reveals the astronaut who required 1st medical evacuation from the International Space Station" by [@Spacecom](https://flipboard.com/@Spacecom ) - With the astronaut's permission, #NASA disclosed that #Crew11 pilot (2nd in command) Mike Fincke was the astronaut with a medical issue that led to early return from #ISS. The issue was urgent but not an emergency, requiring medical equipment not available on station. Details remain private and we should all respect his #privacy, as with anyone. https://www.space.com/space-exploration/human-spaceflight/nasa-reveals-the-astronaut-who-required-1st-medical-evacuation-from-the-international-space-station #space

2026-02-11 22:23:21 UTC

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I'd say don't hesitate to go. But in the middle of Summer right now, perhaps gravitate toward coastal areas or keep them available as Plan B on hot days. Also, I posted a video of my trip to give others ideas of places to see. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6BZrHoR4Dv8

2026-02-11 22:13:00 UTC

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Yeah, a year ago when I was in Victoria, the heat wasn't quite that bad, but enough at 38C/100F+ to redirect my sightseeing plans to stay in Melbourne's Central Business District where regular stops in air-conditioned buildings and subways were part of the plan.

2026-02-11 22:01:42 UTC

"Summer Heat Hits Southeastern Australia" by NASA Earth Observatory - The record heat of the Australian summer reaching 50C/122F in Andamooka and Port Augusta, South Australia was also observed by #NOAA & #NASA satellites. (The "port" in the name indicates it is not an inland location.) https://science.nasa.gov/earth/earth-observatory/summer-heat-hits-southeastern-australia/ #weather #Australia #HeatWave #space
https://cdn.masto.host/spaceyspace/media_attachments/files/116/054/211/032/678/628/original/8bdc6f71c6db7da9.png

2026-01-15 16:55:02 UTC

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I was asked if the night splashdown of #Crew11 #CrewDragon #Endeavour indicated extra urgency. Actually, that's normal. #NASA has done night splashdowns after Demo-2 (test pilots before Crew-1) in 2020 off Tallahassee FL was mobbed by gawking civilian boats. It was _extremely_ hazardous for untrained people to approach a spacecraft after re-entry until hazmat-suited specialists with sensors verified deadly-toxic propellants had dispersed. https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:SpaceX_Demo-2_Landing_(NHQ202008020020).jpg #ISS #space
https://cdn.masto.host/spaceyspace/media_attachments/files/115/900/838/172/115/609/original/0f8aebcaf06f7ce2.png

2026-01-15 09:01:45 UTC

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"NASA’s SpaceX Crew-11 Dragon Splashdown at 3:41 am EST" by #NASA Commercial Crew - #SpaceX #CrewDragon #Endeavour safely splashed down in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of San Diego, California at 00:41 US Pacific Time. For crew privacy, NASA is not releasing info on which astronaut had the urgent medical condition that led to early return of #Crew11. https://www.nasa.gov/blogs/commercialcrew/2026/01/15/nasas-spacex-crew-11-dragon-splashdown-at-341-a-m-est/ #ISS #space
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2026-01-10 22:21:21 UTC

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"ISS astronaut medical evacuation latest news: SpaceX readies Dragon spacecraft for Crew-11 return to Earth" by [@Spacecom](https://flipboard.com/@Spacecom ) - Space-dot-com is posting recurring updates to #NASA #Crew11 medical evacuation status. #SpaceX #CrewDragon #Endeavour scheduled to undock from #ISS Wed Jan 14 and splashdown in the Pacific off California early Jan 15. https://www.space.com/live/astronaut-medical-evacuation-on-iss-jan-10-2026 #space

2026-01-09 04:55:02 UTC

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"NASA decides to bring Crew-11 home early, but not an emergency" by Space Policy Online / Marcia Smith - More detail on #NASA decision to bring #Crew11 home from #ISS early due to an unspecified medical issue. A search of history shows how rare this is, but not entirely without precedent. Re-entry schedule TBA for #SpaceX #CrewDragon #Endeavour and crew of 4. https://spacepolicyonline.com/news/nasa-decides-to-bring-crew-11-home-early-but-not-an-emergency/ #space

2026-01-08 23:02:09 UTC

"Crew-11 to return early due to a medical concern with astronaut" by @npub1h8t…uj52 - #Crew11 astronauts are returning early from 6-month stay on orbit due to unspecified medical issue with unspecified astronaut. But due to lifeboat requirements, when a spacecraft has to leave, everyone attached to that craft ( #SpaceX #CrewDragon #Endeavour in this case) goes with it. This is the first time #NASA has ended an #ISS crew rotation early for a medical issue. https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2026/01/crew-11-to-return-early-medical-astronaut/ #space

2025-12-30 20:52:55 UTC

"High Altitude Cooking Instructions" by XKCD comic (Fediverse mirrors @npub1n23…agga @npub1wmu…nnec ) - https://xkcd.com/3187/ #cooking #space #WTF #humor
https://cdn.masto.host/spaceyspace/media_attachments/files/115/806/497/801/617/645/original/7e8cc302d86e5206.png

2025-12-17 22:20:06 UTC

"Senate confirms Jared Isaacman as NASA administrator in do-over after Musk feud" by [@AssociatedPress](https://flipboard.com/@AssociatedPress ) - In addition to the article's news...
Isaacman is the fourth #NASA Administrator to have previously flown in space.
He is unique among them to have chartered and piloted a commercial spacecraft for a non-NASA spaceflight. (Previous ones flew on Space Shuttles.)
He is the second NASA Administrator who never worked for the federal government or at NASA before.
https://apnews.com/article/isaacman-trump-musk-feud-nasa-confirmation-senate-19f8cbea9a0271a762992d8825751e73 #space

2025-11-01 23:53:14 UTC

PBS NOVA series premiers two new episodes for the 25th anniversary of the International Space Station
"Operation Space Station: High-Risk Build" premiers Wed Nov 5 https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/video/operation-space-station-high-risk-build/
"Operation Space Station: Science and Survival" premiers Wed Nov 12 https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/video/operation-space-station-science-and-survival/
#NASA #space #history #spacegeek
https://cdn.masto.host/spaceyspace/media_attachments/files/115/477/116/132/141/299/original/1110cf5252be26f9.png

2025-10-21 00:11:47 UTC

"Emperor Palpatine" by XKCD comic (Fediverse mirrors @xkcd @xkcdbot ) - Sometimes extrapolating data tells you why that data shouldn't be extrapolated. But XKCD did with a comparison of Emperor Palpatine's age in the #StarWars movies, compared with the age of actor Ian McDiarmid. If they made another Star Wars movie, he guesses the same actor at 81 would play Palpatine as a toddler. I say they'd just have to settle for an actor named Ian. 😀 https://xkcd.com/3157/ #SciFi #math #oops #WTF #humor
https://cdn.masto.host/spaceyspace/media_attachments/files/115/409/203/423/731/330/original/9821ca070497d69d.png

2025-09-27 18:49:57 UTC

"A Rocket in the Sun" is #NASA #astronomy picture of the day #APOD for Sept 27, 2025. The picture shows a #SpaceX #Falcon9 rocket launched from Pad 39A at Kennedy Space Center as it crosses the disc of the Sun from the telescope/camera perspective in Orlando. Though extremely difficult to capture only with perfect location and timing, the view was set up on purpose because the rocket carried three #space #science probes. https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap250927.html
https://cdn.masto.host/spaceyspace/media_attachments/files/115/277/748/944/416/960/original/3636c4ec3739635e.png

2025-09-26 00:47:10 UTC

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Meh. Wait for the news. Don't make up the rumors.

2025-09-26 00:18:34 UTC

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Don't be so sure. In Boca Chica he had to buy up enough land and move in enough employees to obtain a local majority. Trying to do that for such a large swath across Florida would dwarf the covert land acquisition campaign for Disney World. He's undoubtedly hoping just to win without such an expense.

2025-09-25 23:38:55 UTC

"SpaceX Wants to Fly Its Gigantic Starship Directly Over Florida" by [@Gizmodo](https://flipboard.com/@Gizmodo ) - #SpaceX proposes #Starship orbital launch trajectory from South Texas which would fly over northern Florida roughly from Cedar Key to Palm Coast. It is not unpopulated, but likely chosen as a relatively sparse area. FAA will hold a public input meeting Oct 7 and accept comments until Oct 20. Expect northern Florida residents to object. https://gizmodo.com/spacex-wants-to-fly-its-gigantic-starship-directly-over-florida-2000663730 #NewSpace #aviation #avgeek #spacegeek #regulation
https://cdn.masto.host/spaceyspace/media_attachments/files/115/267/544/217/799/615/original/400e774d01dbfb38.png

2025-08-30 19:58:47 UTC

"Sea Level" by XKCD comic (Fediverse mirrors @npub1n23…agga @npub1wmu…nnec ) - Things we take for granted that actually make our world amazing. https://xkcd.com/3135/ #Earth #SciFi #science #astronomy
https://cdn.masto.host/spaceyspace/media_attachments/files/115/119/444/830/232/578/original/35b969529b00a29b.png

2025-08-20 18:44:50 UTC

"1st Portuguese spaceport could soon emerge as nation grants license for launch center in the Azores" by @Spacecom - Europe has been looking for more launch sites that allow launching eastward without going over populated areas. The Portuguese government licensed a joint venture of small aerospace companies to try in the Azores. Suborbital launches maybe in 2026. Orbital launch attempt no earlier than 2027. Best of luck to them. https://www.space.com/space-exploration/1st-portuguese-spaceport-could-soon-emerge-as-nation-grants-license-for-launch-center-in-the-azores-photos #NewSpace #Europe #space #business

2025-08-06 18:49:21 UTC

"Houston, you’ve got a space shuttle… only NASA won’t say which one" by @npub15wh…e9hw - Houston is apparently still hurt by its own failure to submit a credible bid for display of a NASA space shuttle orbiter. Now legislation directs NASA to select one to move to Houston. Speculation points at removing Discovery from the Smithsonian Air & Space Museum, though NASA no longer owns it. NASA still owns Atlantis, at KSC. But it isn't in position to move. https://arstechnica.com/space/2025/08/houston-youve-got-a-space-shuttle-only-nasa-wont-say-which-one/ #NASA #space #USpol

2025-08-06 05:10:02 UTC

"India’s NavIC constellation in jeopardy as majority of satellites become defunct" by GPS World (Fediverse presence not found #FPNF - if you know them, invite them) - India's GNSS satellite constellation is experiencing failures faster than they've been able to replace broken birds. https://www.gpsworld.com/indias-navic-constellation-in-jeopardy-as-majority-of-satellites-become-defunct/ #GNSS #space #positioning #navigation #timing #PNT

2025-08-02 05:49:20 UTC

"Fireflies, Meteors, and Milky Way" is #NASA #astronomy picture of the day (#APOD), photo by Daniel Korona - Extremes of near and far perspective in one image. You may be able to catch a firefly, probably not a meteor, and definitely not a distant star. https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap250802.html #photography #astrophotography
https://cdn.masto.host/spaceyspace/media_attachments/files/114/957/600/927/115/062/original/93fc1e0fbd900a2d.png

2025-08-01 02:22:19 UTC

"First Australian-made rocket crashes after 14 seconds of flight in a failed attempt to reach orbit" by [@AssociatedPress](https://flipboard.com/@AssociatedPress ) - First Australian-built orbital rocket failed on its first launch attempt. Launch site near Bowen QLD🇦🇺. Gilmour Space company pleased with engineering progress made on 14-second flight. Most space rockets fail on the first attempt. So now we watch for what they learn and how they proceed. https://apnews.com/article/rocket-crash-launch-australia-gilmour-space-5df36f956621db85c360157400b88c09 #NewSpace #Australia #rocketry #business #spacegeek

2025-07-27 01:01:54 UTC

"One Fifth of NASA’s Workforce Take Voluntary Departure Options" by Space Policy Online - 21% of federal workers at #NASA (not including JPL, who work for CalTech or subcontractors) accepted voluntary exit. These were weighted more toward experienced long-timers the agency would not have chosen to cut. Concerns were raised. Extent of the damage to institutional knowledge is not fully known. https://spacepolicyonline.com/news/one-fifth-of-nasas-workforce-take-voluntary-departure-options/ #aviation #space #USpol

2025-07-21 22:25:13 UTC

"Asteroid 2025 OS safely buzzed by Earth this weekend" by EarthSky Science (Fediverse presence not found #FPNF: if you know them, invite them) - On Friday, newly-discovered #Asteroid #2025OS passed by at a distance of 2534mi/4078km from Earth's surface. Very close. But at 3-6m diameter, it isn't a danger. We need more experience catching these before the last moment. https://earthsky.org/space/asteroid-safely-buzzed-earth-this-weekend/ #space #astronomy #LowFlyingRocks
https://cdn.masto.host/spaceyspace/media_attachments/files/114/893/565/143/792/063/original/9decaf3f96352bf2.png

2025-07-20 16:56:45 UTC

56 years ago, July 20, 1969: Apollo 11 lunar landing - Humanity's first serious and competent attempt to land a crew on the #Moon succeeded. And the crew returned safely. Article at Smithsonian National Air & Space Museum: https://airandspace.si.edu/explore/stories/apollo-11-moon-landing #Apollo11 #NASA #space #history
https://cdn.masto.host/spaceyspace/media_attachments/files/114/886/577/477/029/867/original/0d347fcfaab0d331.png
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2025-06-21 20:36:20 UTC

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The 1979 Moonraker movie showed a space shuttle launch from Vandenberg in California. In reality, #NASA had plans to launch shuttles from Vandenberg. The shuttle pad was at Space Launch Complex 6 (SLC6, pronounced "Slick 6"). At the time of the Challenger accident in 1986, Vandenberg was to be the site of the next shuttle launch. USAF then cancelled its plans for the shuttle and closed SLC6. No shuttle was ever launched from California. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vandenberg_Space_Launch_Complex_6 #aviation #avgeek #space #spacegeek
https://cdn.masto.host/spaceyspace/media_attachments/files/114/723/214/095/554/723/original/818fe8c3276f8615.png

2025-06-21 05:26:51 UTC

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Trivia: the Moonraker movie envisioned many space shuttles in orbit at the same time. In reality, #NASA never flew more than one orbiter at a time. The closest they got was after the Feb 2003 Columbia accident, at every shuttle launch the other pad had the next shuttle ready to go in case it might have been needed at a moment's notice for an on-orbit rescue mission. Construction of ISS was completed without ever needing that contingency plan. #aviation #avgeek #space #spacegeek #scifi

2025-06-21 04:14:11 UTC

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Trivia: the skydiving fight scene in the opening of Moonraker was filmed in Napa County, California. Lake Berryessa is recognizable in the background. Filming took many jumps to make the appearance of one. https://boldentrance.com/moonrakers-freefall-the-template-for-all-skydiving-action-sequences/ #aviation #avgeek #space #spacegeek #scifi

2025-06-21 04:07:49 UTC

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More info about Moonraker for those who didn't know about it or didn't remember... 46 years was a long time ago. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moonraker_(film) #aviation #avgeek #space #spacegeek #scifi
https://cdn.masto.host/spaceyspace/media_attachments/files/114/719/373/025/899/006/original/23aa99190c03e020.png

2025-06-21 03:57:41 UTC

Poll: the upcoming week will be 46 years since the 1979 James Bond film "Moonraker" debuted in theaters. It made good money for Bond films of the time. But mixed reviews indicated expectations of spy thriller movies didn't mesh with science fiction in 1979. In hindsight, it was a good try at depicting space shuttles as special effects 2 years before STS-1. So how did it play for you depending whether or not you're an aviation & space geek? #aviation #avgeek #space #spacegeek #scifi

2025-06-04 18:28:17 UTC

"A GPS Blackout Would Shut Down the World" by [@WIRED](https://flipboard.com/@WIRED ) - Article examines dangers of dependency on #GPS for #PNT ( #positioning #navigation #timing ) without adequate backup systems in case of failure. https://www.wired.com/story/youre-not-ready-for-a-gps-blackout/ #GNSS #space #tech

2025-06-03 06:41:19 UTC

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Once again, the aurora numbers (Kp) crashed as the US West Coast got to astronomical twilight. Luckily, I hadn't started the drive out of the city lights. But if any of us decide to go out for an attempt to catch aurora, we have to take an attitude of accepting risk that it might not happen when we get to the viewing spot. https://www.spaceweather.gov/communities/aurora-dashboard-experimental #SpaceWeather #aurora #NorthernLIghts #AuroraBorealis #AuroraAustralis #astronomy
https://cdn.masto.host/spaceyspace/media_attachments/files/114/618/058/165/384/808/original/7a16da7628e724e9.png

2025-06-03 03:04:46 UTC

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"G3 Warning Extended Through 03 Jun 2025" by NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center - Continued CME activity from the Sun leads to extension of G3 geomagnetic storm alert through 0900 2025-06-03 UTC. G3 equates to Kp=7. https://www.spaceweather.gov/news/g3-warning-extended-through-03-jun-2025 #SpaceWeather #aurora #NorthernLIghts #AuroraBorealis #AuroraAustralis #astronomy
https://cdn.masto.host/spaceyspace/media_attachments/files/114/617/198/238/984/886/original/7a7ce4396ede9b05.png

2025-06-02 06:20:58 UTC

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The SoftServe aurora forecast thinks the storm is crash-ending right now if you didn't already get pictures. Keep monitoring but set expectations lower. https://www.softservenews.com/Aurora.htm #SpaceWeather #aurora #NorthernLIghts #AuroraBorealis #AuroraAustralis #astronomy
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2025-06-02 06:15:29 UTC

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Now that it's dark on the West Coast, I've been watching to see if the aurora are likely to get down to Oregon. I would need Kp=7+. Currently it's Kp=5. Watching. If it goes above 6 I'll take a risk on it and drive out of the city lights to try to get pictures. https://www.spaceweather.gov/communities/aurora-dashboard-experimental #SpaceWeather #aurora #NorthernLIghts #AuroraBorealis #AuroraAustralis #astronomy
https://cdn.masto.host/spaceyspace/media_attachments/files/114/612/285/788/424/672/original/c5e3da53617e4e26.png
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2025-06-01 23:31:23 UTC

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"Severe G4 geomagnetic storm sparks northern lights across US and beyond" by [@Spacecom](https://flipboard.com/@Spacecom ) - Check Kp level forecasts for your local nighttime hours. https://www.space.com/stargazing/auroras/severe-g4-geomagnetic-storm-sparks-northern-lights-across-us-and-beyond-photos #SpaceWeather #aurora #AuroraBorealis #AuroraAustralis #astronomy

2025-05-31 23:08:09 UTC

"White House says it will announce new pick for NASA chief" by [@CNN](https://flipboard.com/@CNN ) - No reasons stated. The announcement that a new #NASA Administrator nominee is coming means Jared Isaacman's nomination is being withdrawn. By outward appearance it seems inevitable that billionaire egos have limited shelf life together. https://www.cnn.com/2025/05/31/politics/nasa-jared-isaacman-trump-pull #NASA #space #politics #USpol

2025-05-31 21:10:18 UTC

"Severe geomagnetic storm watch for June 1-2" by NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center - G3 to G4 level solar storm means expected Kp=7 to 8 aurora. In the US aurora could be visible as far south as Northern California or Alabama. Watch the night skies in case it arrives while your skies are dark. https://www.spaceweather.gov/news/upgrade-g4-watch-1-2-june #SpaceWeather #aurora #AuroraBorealis #AuroraAustralis #astronomy
https://cdn.masto.host/spaceyspace/media_attachments/files/114/604/447/530/856/701/original/4d6b272d21582db5.png

2025-05-27 22:43:40 UTC

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Even the news media shows increasing lack of experience with maps as people who quickly draw map diagrams for their story make amateurish south-up views. 🤦

2025-05-27 22:33:08 UTC

"GNSS under attack: Recognizing and mitigating jamming and spoofing threats" by GPS World - As costs come down on GPS signal jamming and spoofing techniques, it no longer requires nation-state resources for doing it any more. As attacks become more common, defenses such as signal filters for countermeasures increase too. Self-driving cars and farm machinery may adopt RAIM already in use in aircraft. https://www.gpsworld.com/gnss-under-attack-recognizing-and-mitigating-jamming-and-spoofing-threats/ #GNSS #GPS #Galileo #jamming #spoofing #tech #aviation

2025-05-16 21:02:47 UTC

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Don't let yourself get jealous of Simon's feats or it will drive you crazy. He does cool stuff. 😀 Yeah, I was lucky enough to get a look on board SOFIA twice, once in its Palmdale hangar in 2009 and once at NASA Ames in 2011. We've all got some moments where our pursuits of aviation and space interests have netted come cool catches, and true stories to tell. 😎 (And for anyone else reading this, take the example to pursue your interests.)

2025-05-13 05:37:21 UTC

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My best pictures from the May 2024 #aurora storm were from Memaloose State Park near Mosier, Oregon (1 hr east of Portland on I-84), overlooking the Columbia River and getting some #AuroraBorealis reflection in the water. It was only the 2nd time I had seen aurora, and first time from the ground. It was a lot better than out a 767 window with stone-age camera tech of 2003. https://spacey.space/@AstroHawk/112421710110639749 #AuroraBorealis #astronomy #SpaceWeather

2025-05-13 05:29:01 UTC

Hard to believe it's been a year since the G5 (Kp=9+) geomagnetic storm that brought #AuroraBorealis down to Oregon and beyond. I got pictures of Multnomah Falls with red #aurora behind it, which is looking south. We should normally not see polar lights to the south at 45.5N. https://spacey.space/@AstroHawk/112421293272835687 #AuroraBorealis #astronomy #SpaceWeather

2025-04-30 17:41:57 UTC

"Jupiter Core" by XKCD comic (mirror bots @npub1n23…agga @npub1wmu…nnec ) - He starts with actual theories and then, as usual, gets distracted and his attention wanders off... Some shiny stuff.🪙🏴‍☠️ So far no squirrels.🐿️🐕 https://xkcd.com/3083/ #astronomy #planetary #space #WTF #humor
https://cdn.masto.host/spaceyspace/media_attachments/files/114/428/096/179/831/980/original/761b33344dc76902.png

2025-04-11 21:48:40 UTC

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I can inspire more for your #space to-do list. I used to live near NASA Ames in California - aviation stuff there as an original NACA center that was re-orged into NASA. So that's the one I've been to many times. (I've been to KSC a bunch of times... 3 times for launches, 3 times for scrubs, one time without a launch.) I've also visited NASA Marshall in Huntsville AL. NASA Armstrong near Palmdale/Lancaster CA normally has no public access due to Edwards AFB military perimeter.
https://cdn.masto.host/spaceyspace/media_attachments/files/114/320/928/839/730/083/original/accae5d1713745a9.jpg
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2025-04-10 19:10:11 UTC

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More of my pictures from a year ago today at Johnson Space Center in Houston, 2 days after seeing #SolarEclipse2024. #astronomy #NASA #space #spacegeek #travel
https://cdn.masto.host/spaceyspace/media_attachments/files/114/315/236/304/526/420/original/f03091f77f06c615.jpg
https://cdn.masto.host/spaceyspace/media_attachments/files/114/315/238/137/418/722/original/6d8268b137391134.jpg
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2025-04-10 17:15:09 UTC

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One year ago, April 10, 2024... 2 days after #SolarEclipse2024, I visited NASA Johnson Space Center in Houston. That part of my itinerary was intended to be an easy success in case the weather turned the eclipse viewing into a failure. Fortunately, that succeeded too. https://spacey.space/@AstroHawk/112252673054720555 #astronomy #NASA #space #spacegeek #travel

2025-04-09 20:36:22 UTC

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One year ago, the day after the April 8, 2024 total #SolarEclipse2024, I continued south from Dallas to Houston to see NASA Johnson Space Center, with a quick peek before the visitor center closed for the day. I returned for more there the next day. That day was the road trip's farthest point with dinner at the coast in Galveston. After that everything was on the journey back home. #spacegeek #travel
https://cdn.masto.host/spaceyspace/media_attachments/files/114/309/635/009/597/128/original/5de41addf2bcd5f0.jpg
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2025-04-08 22:12:33 UTC

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One year ago... #weather is what you get. Forecasted storms were late, cleared just enough just in time to see #SolarEclipse2024 totality in Mesquite TX. Since cumulus clouds grow with daytime solar heating, the partial eclipse leading up to totality apparently cooled the air enough to inhibit them. Not everyone was as lucky that day. Spring is unpredictable - actual cloud cover along the path of totality differed from average expectations. https://spacey.space/@AstroHawk/112237121736018901 #eclipse #astronomy #travel

2025-04-08 21:54:28 UTC

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One year ago, April 8, 2024, was the total #SolarEclipse2024 across North America. I watched from the Totality Dallas festival in Mesquite, Texas. Located at a regional park in the eastern Dallas metro, it had longer totality (4 minutes) than the big sold-out event in downtown. https://spacey.space/@AstroHawk/112236220385840532 #astronomy #travel

2025-04-08 00:46:02 UTC

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I also posted a similar quote online for the 2017 total solar eclipse, which I watched from Madras, Oregon. For viewing a total solar eclipse, it's a big deal to reach the path of totality. From that point, it's mostly up to the weather. But the eclipse will come to you once you're there. #astronomy #eclipse #travel

2025-04-08 00:36:18 UTC

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Marcia quoted me in her article, "I have arrived in the path of totality!" After the interview, we chatted about where we met before. I remembered her from 10 years earlier in 2014 at NASA's CRS-3 launch (SpaceX Falcon 9 & Cargo Dragon to ISS) where I had a "NASA Social" one-time social media pass and she was one of the pro media covering it. NASA TV showed us at adjacent seats asking questions in the post-launch news conference. https://spacey.space/@AstroHawk/112232761322006141 #astronomy #spacegeek #eclipse #travel

2025-04-08 00:26:05 UTC

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One year ago was the day before the April 8, 2024 Total #SolarEclipse2024. I got to Mesquite, Texas (eastern Dallas metro) around mid-day to try to arrive ahead of the crush of traffic as everyone came from everywhere to the path of totality. Even before I found a place to get lunch, I met a news crew preparing to cover the next day's festivities in downtown. I was interviewed by AP aerospace reporter Marcia Dunn. https://spacey.space/@AstroHawk/112231193378607141 #astronomy #spacegeek #eclipse #travel

2025-04-06 19:33:28 UTC

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A year ago I was on the way to see the Total #SolarEclipse2024. With snowfall expected to close I-84 in eastern Oregon's Blue Mountains, I had to leave a day early on the road trip to stay ahead of it. The snow followed just behind me until the Rocky Mountains in New Mexico where the storm weakened enough that a slightly late 9:30am departure allowed the sun to melt snow & ice on the pass on I-40. Overnight stops were in Boise ID, Price UT, Albuquerque NM and Wichita Falls TX. #astronomy #travel
https://cdn.masto.host/spaceyspace/media_attachments/files/114/292/684/304/806/115/original/b0f4fc7aef859bcd.png

2025-03-27 19:08:44 UTC

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With what it will add to the local economy, call it a good problem to have. 😎

2025-03-20 21:37:30 UTC

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"The Solar Eclipse Analemma Project" is #NASA #astronomy Picture of the Day #APOD - A clever composite photo of positions of the Sun in the sky from near Stephenville, Texas over a year between March #Equinox of 2024 (a year ago) & 2025 (today). For the April 8, 2024 image of the Sun, it shows #SolarEclipse2024 at totality as seen from that location. https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap250320.html
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2025-03-20 21:27:49 UTC

Happy March #Equinox! Today the northern and southern hemispheres are equally illuminated by the Sun. Though it would not be correct to say the day and night are equal, since the Sun's huge size offers extra daylight at sunrise and sunset beyond where its center lines up with the horizon. So begins astronomical Spring in the north and Autumn in the south. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Equinox #astronomy #weather

2025-03-19 03:25:56 UTC

"China Practicing ‘Dogfighting in Space,’ US Space Force Says" by Air & Space Forces Magazine (#FPNF Fediverse presence not found - if you know them, invite them) - USSF presentation pointed out commercial public data which showed China experimenting with close maneuvering between military satellites. https://www.airandspaceforces.com/china-practicing-dogfighting-space-force/ #military #space #spacegeek

2025-03-14 21:20:34 UTC

"Planet Definitions" by XKCD comic (mirror bots @npub1n23…agga @npub1wmu…nnec ) - All the definitions of a planet, whether they've earned representation or not. https://xkcd.com/3063/ #astronomy #planetary #asteroid #geology #oops #WTF #humor
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2025-02-27 00:04:58 UTC

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#Space #trivia: Every #LunarEclipse is subtly different. Actual shades of red of the Moon🔴 in a lunar eclipse vary because, in the shadow of the Earth, the only light shining there is refracted through Earth's atmosphere. It's projecting all of Earth's🌎 sunrises🌅 and sunsets🌇 onto the Moon🌕 at once. Variations in particulate matter such as smoke🔥 or volcanic ash🌋 in our atmosphere make the exact shade of red unique each time. #astronomy #Moon #eclipse #science #STEM #education
https://cdn.masto.host/spaceyspace/media_attachments/files/114/072/915/183/709/935/original/8c37dbb0b1678563.jpg

2025-02-26 03:08:48 UTC

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#Space #trivia: each #LunarEclipse is a chance for anyone to see the curvature of the Earth without travel to high altitude on an aircraft or spacecraft. You can see for yourself that the Earth is round from the shadow we cast on the Moon, which is not the same as the regular phases of the Moon. #astronomy #Moon #eclipse #science #STEM #education
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2025-02-26 02:44:52 UTC

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#NASA posted info about the March 14, 2025 UTC (March 13 in western time zones) total #LunarEclipse. https://science.nasa.gov/solar-system/moon/what-you-need-to-know-about-the-march-2025-total-lunar-eclipse/ #astronomy #Moon #eclipse
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2025-02-26 01:53:45 UTC

Next week, 10-day #weather forecasts will start to give us hints where skies will be clear enough to see the March 13-14 (depending on your time zone) total #LunarEclipse. It will be visible mostly in N & S America. (Opposite areas will get Sept 7 total lunar eclipse.) Lunar eclipses are visible across the entire nighttime side of the Earth, where skies are clear enough to see the #Moon. Lunar eclipses coincide with a full moon🌕, by definition. https://eclipse.gsfc.nasa.gov/LEplot/LEplot2001/LE2025Mar14T.pdf #astronomy #Moon #eclipse
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2025-02-21 20:07:15 UTC

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Trivia: the rock band Queen released a celebratory music video in advance of the accomplishment of #NASA's #NewHorizons Jan 1, 2019 fly-by of Ultima Thule (later officially named Arrokoth) in the #KuiperBelt. Why? The band's guitarist Dr Brian May was one of the astronomers on the New Horizons team. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j3Jm5POCAj8 #astronomy #space #music

2025-02-21 19:49:23 UTC

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They did. That secondary mission is already completed. The fly-by of Arrokoth (previously nicknamed Ultima Thule) occurred on Jan 1, 2019. I spotted @npub10m8…6gmu on the video coverage of mission control for the flyby, which doubled as a space-themed New Years Eve party because of coincidentally reaching it on the holiday. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/486958_Arrokoth

2025-02-21 07:23:07 UTC

"Leaving Pluto in the dust: New Horizons probe gearing up for epic crossing of 'termination shock'" by [@Spacecom](https://flipboard.com/@Spacecom ) - NH probe conserving fuel in case another #KBO #KuiperBelt object is found within range for a fly-by. But collecting #science data while crossing the "termination shock" at the end of the solar wind's influence around 2027 or later is currently the next plan for #NASA #NewHorizons. https://www.space.com/space-exploration/new-horizons/leaving-pluto-in-the-dust-new-horizons-probe-gearing-up-for-epic-crossing-of-termination-shock #astronomy #space

2025-02-10 23:23:06 UTC

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"Incoming Asteroid" by XKCD comic (mirror bots @npub1n23…agga @npub1wmu…nnec ) - The smaller the asteroid/meteoroid, the more common it is. There are literally tons of incoming small meteors every day. The bigger they get, fortunately the less common. https://xkcd.com/3049/ #asteroid #astronomy #LowFlyingRocks #2024YR4
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2025-02-07 02:49:31 UTC

"Don’t panic, but an asteroid has a 1.9% chance of hitting Earth in 2032" by @npub15wh…e9hw - The reason not to panic is astronomers are narrowing down a potentially threatening near-Earth #asteroid orbit with accumulating observations. The Earth occupies some small percent of the potential paths while the orbit remains uncertain. Historically, so far narrowing such orbits has eliminated Earth from the path. No guarantees. Monitor news. https://arstechnica.com/space/2025/02/thanks-to-nasa-you-probably-wont-have-to-worry-about-this-asteroid-killing-you/ #2024YR4 #astronomy #LowFlyingRocks

2025-01-16 22:57:20 UTC

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Thanks for sharing that's there. I've noticed other memorials too.
At Palo Alto Airport KPAO, one of the flight schools has a conference room named after Kalpana Chawla because she was a flight instructor there (on the side from a civilian day job at NASA Ames) before she was accepted to the astronaut program.
At NASA KSC in the giant Vehicle Assembly Building VAB, there's a sign with the STS-107 patch image several stories up indoors on a wall, where recovered Columbia debris is stored.

2025-01-16 22:49:20 UTC

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Happens to all of us. I figured you'd want to know.

2025-01-16 22:48:14 UTC

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Typo alert... should be "sadly now vandalized..." I'll wait to boost it after edit.

2025-01-16 22:14:23 UTC

"NASA’s Day of Remembrance Honors Fallen Heroes of Exploration" press release: the #NASA #DayOfRemembrance will be January 23. Events are listed for 7 NASA centers. But probably every NASA site will observe in some way. This is always held in late January due to the coincidental timing within a week of the anniversaries of Apollo 1 fire (3 lost) 1967-01-27, Challenger explosion (7 lost) 1986-01-28 and Columbia re-entry accident (7 lost) 2003-02-01. https://www.nasa.gov/news-release/nasas-day-of-remembrance-honors-fallen-heroes-of-exploration/ #space #history
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2025-01-13 06:21:20 UTC

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Multiple delays in the #BlueOrigin's #NewGlenn🚀 #NG1 launch, now appears to be 01:51 EST / 22:52 PST. https://go4liftoff.com/launch/new-glenn-maiden-flight?returnURL=%2Flaunches%3Fitem_count%3D20%26upcoming%3Dtrue%26tbd%3Dtrue NewSpace #business #spacegeek

2025-01-11 21:28:04 UTC

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"Heading for orbit at last: Track Blue Origin’s countdown to New Glenn rocket’s first launch" by GeekWire / @npub1krw…4h9n - Maiden launch of #BlueOrigin's #NewGlenn🚀 #NG1 scheduled Sunday 1am US/Eastern (Saturday 10pm US/Pacific for West Coast viewers and BO HQ in Seattle area). https://www.geekwire.com/2025/blue-origin-new-glenn-first-launch-orbit/ #NewSpace #business #spacegeek

2025-01-09 19:20:23 UTC

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#NewGlenn🚀 launch has engineering risks. Most first flights of a new rocket fail. That's a realistic expectation for #BlueOrigin's first attempt at an orbital launch and booster landing. Some risks are mitigated by BO experience with vertical-landing rockets on suborbital #space flights. Also the BE-4 rocket engines have already been successfully flight tested on ULA Vulcan. But there's added risk jumping from suborbital to heavy-lift orbital in one step. #NewSpace #business #spacegeek

2025-01-09 19:14:45 UTC

"Blue Origin postpones first launch of New Glenn rocket due to high seas for landing" by GeekWire / @npub1krw…4h9n - First launch attempt for #BlueOrigin #NewGlenn rocket🚀 postponed from Friday to Sunday due to bad weather forecast for booster landing. https://www.geekwire.com/2025/blue-origin-reschedules-first-launch-new-glenn-rocket/ #NewSpace #space #business #spacegeek

2024-12-31 19:05:44 UTC

"Very bright fireball seen over Seattle, Victoria and Vancouver" by The Watchers (no Mastodon/Fediverse acct - if you know them, bug them about it) - Bright fireball was reported 18:17 local on Sat Dec 28 over western & central Washington State, also seen near Victoria and Vancouver BC. Estimated path of the #bolide was over Puget Sound from near Everett to Mt Vernon WA. No reports of sounds or debris fall. https://watchers.news/2024/12/31/very-bright-fireball-seen-over-seattle-victoria-and-vancouver/ #astronomy #asteroid #LowFlyingRocks
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2024-12-26 02:31:48 UTC

"Sun Avoidance" by XKCD comic (mirror bot @npub1n23…agga ) - #Space probes ranked by distance as skill at avoiding the #Sun, makes a surprise negative spin putting #NASA Parker Solar Probe in last place due to its record-breaking solar passes.😎 https://xkcd.com/3029/ #SolarSystem #astronomy
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2024-12-24 04:18:40 UTC

"G1 (Minor) Geomagnetic Storm Watch Issued for December 25th" by #NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center - G1 geomagnetic storm (Kp=5) expected on Christmas day with incoming CME (Coronal Mass Ejection) from the Sun. https://www.spaceweather.gov/news/g1-minor-geomagnetic-storm-watch-issued-december-25th #aurora #AuroraBorealis #AuroraAustralis #astronomy #SpaceWeather
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2024-12-23 20:36:02 UTC

"Christmas Tree Aurora" is #NASA #astronomy pic of the day APOD (mirror bot @npub1rl0…jfaq ) - Towering view of green, blue & purple aurora over Iceland in Dec 2023, at the beginning of the solar maximum which lasted through much of 2024 but is now declining. https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap241223.html
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2024-12-18 03:54:58 UTC

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"NASA Adjusts Crew-10 Launch Date" by NASA (mirror bot @npub1r4l…hs4j ) - 1 month delay in #Crew10 launch due to commissioning work on a new #SpaceX #CrewDragon spacecraft from the Hawthorne factory. So #Crew9 return (including 2 #Starliner test pilots) is delayed from February to March so outgoing crew can update incoming crew. https://blogs.nasa.gov/commercialcrew/2024/12/17/nasa-adjusts-crew-10-launch-date/ #NASA #CommercialCrew
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2024-12-12 01:07:17 UTC

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"NASA believes it understands why Ingenuity crashed on Mars" by @npub15wh…e9hw / @npub1vx0…adrj - First ever investigation into an aircraft crash on another planet has concluded. #NASA #MarsHelicopter🚁 #Ingenuity had difficulty auto-navigating on flat featureless terrain. Unable to detect and counteract its wind drift, it touched down with horizontal motion that tipped it over, and damaged all its rotor blades on impact, and ripped one off. https://arstechnica.com/space/2024/12/nasa-believes-it-understands-why-ingenuity-crashed-on-mars/ #Mars #aviation #avgeek #drone

2024-12-09 21:32:26 UTC

"Rare double lunar impact flashes captured hours apart on the same night" by The Watchers - Astronomer in Japan captured two small #asteroid impacts on the #Moon🌔 about 3 hours apart on the same night, while his telescope was tracking the Moon to observe occultation of Saturn (passing behind it). https://watchers.news/2024/12/09/two-lunar-impact-flashes-december-2024/ #astronomy
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2024-12-06 03:05:57 UTC

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The #history of the cult takeover of the town of Antelope, Oregon in the early 1980s was documented in the 2012 episode "Rajneeshpuram" of "Oregon Experience" by Oregon Public Broadcasting (OPB). The new Dark Sky Community certification is part of the town's effort to forge a new path forward and put that farther behind them. https://www.opb.org/television/programs/oregon-experience/article/rajneeshpuram/ #PNW

2024-12-06 02:52:26 UTC

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The "Dark Sky Community" certification seems like a nice niche for the town of Antelope, Oregon to pursue. Many probably still recognize its name from history 40 years ago when a cult took over the town. The cult was shut down after its bioterror attack in The Dalles OR, attempting to interfere in Wasco County's 1984 election. So many people had moved away, leaving Antelope struggling to recover for decades. So it's good to hear a positive story from there. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antelope,_Oregon #PNW

2024-12-06 02:33:30 UTC

"Antelope, Oregon certified as the first International Dark Sky Community in Oregon", press release by DarkSky International - Attention to detail about even the smallest sources of light pollution earned the rural northeastern Oregon town this distinction. The town hopes to promote tourism for #stargazing and #astronomy. https://darksky.org/news/antelope-oregon/ #travel #PNW
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2024-12-03 22:21:36 UTC

"Close approach of asteroid 2020 XR" by European Space Agency🇪🇺 #ESA (unofficial mirror bot @npub14ll…6yxf ) - #Asteroid #2020XR, 300-700m diameter, will safely pass by Earth at a distance of 2.21M km/1.37M mi at 0526 UTC on Dec 4. https://www.esa.int/ESA_Multimedia/Images/2024/12/Close_approach_of_asteroid_2020_XR #astronomy #LowFlyingRocks

2024-12-03 16:05:10 UTC

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"Small asteroid to hit Earth’s atmosphere over Siberia today" by EarthSky - #Asteroid #C0WEPC5 expected to harmlessly impact/airburst over Russia at 1615UTC (in 10 minutes). https://earthsky.org/space/small-asteroid-to-hit-earths-atmosphere-over-siberia-russia-dec-3-2024/ #astronomy #LowFlyingRocks #bolide

2024-12-03 15:59:03 UTC

"Asteroid COWEPC5 to impact Earth over Russia on December 3" by @npub1z36…spzt - Asteroid impact 1615 UTC (in 15 minutes). Diameter less than 1m expected to burn up and fragment on entry. https://watchers.news/2024/12/03/asteroid-cowecp5-impact-earth-siberia-russia-december-3-2024/ #astronomy #LowFlyingRocks #bolide
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2024-12-02 03:29:51 UTC

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"Asteroid 2024 XA flew past Earth at 0.02 LD, the closest flyby of the year and second closest on record" by @npub1z36…spzt - Newly-discovered #asteroid #2024XA was closest fly-by so far of 2024 at ~1350km above Earth's surface. First observed 5 hours before fly-by. Orbit solution computed after passing nearest point to Earth. https://watchers.news/2024/12/01/asteroid-2024-xa/ #astronomy #LowFlyingRocks
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2024-12-01 22:18:07 UTC

#Asteroid #2024XA (1-3m diameter) was discovered today after it had already made a near pass by Earth, approximately 1350km above the surface at 2024-Dec-01 09:46 GMT. The nearest point was at the high end of Low Earth Orbit satellites' altitudes, well below GPS and geosynchronous satellites. https://ssd.jpl.nasa.gov/tools/sbdb_lookup.html#/?sstr=2024%20XA #astronomy #LowFlyingRocks
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2024-11-26 00:05:37 UTC

"James Webb Space Telescope 'pushed to its limits' to see most distant galaxies ever" by [@Spacecom](https://flipboard.com/@Spacecom ) / @npub1mnd…upc3 - #WebbSpaceTelescope🔭 infrared sensors are setting more new records looking beyond the distance that all available light red-shifts below the visible spectrum to IR. Galaxies observed appear to be from only 200 million years after the Big Bang. https://www.space.com/james-webb-space-telescope-earliest-galaxies-glimpse #NASA #JWST #astronomy
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2024-11-18 18:02:40 UTC

"Asteroid 2024 VR4 flew past Earth at 0.07 LD" by The Watchers (no Fediverse acct yet) - #Asteroid #2024VR4 was discovered after Nov 11 pass ~23000km/14000mi from Earth's surface. 👀 https://watchers.news/2024/11/17/asteroid-2024-vr4/ #astronomy #LowFlyingRocks
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2024-11-09 21:55:10 UTC

"Astranis to develop resilient GPS satellites for USSF " by GPS World - Initial contract from Space Force for concept development, planned to lead to 8 satellites for launch in 2028 to aid resilience to jamming for #GPS🇺🇸 signals https://www.gpsworld.com/astranis-to-develop-resilient-gps-satellites-for-ussf/ #USSF #GNSS #space
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2024-10-21 23:43:00 UTC

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It's in the best interest of public safety not to say where #SpaceX #CrewDragon splashdowns will occur. Civilian boats which approached Demo-2 capsule in Aug 2020 were oblivious to danger of hydrazine thruster exhaust. Hydrazine is so toxic, if you smell it, it's a lethal dose. ☠️
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2024-10-21 22:31:51 UTC

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#NASA no longer announces which Florida splashdown site is targeted for re-entering #SpaceX #CrewDragon after civilian boats mobbed the Demo-2 crew capsule in Aug 2020, south of Panama City, Florida. Also, re-entries are now usually in the middle of the night to conceal the location. (NASA image) #NewSpace
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