Wanna be a Martian? In preparation for IRL Mars exploration, the simulated mission involves a four-person volunteer crew living and working inside a 1,700-square-foot, 3D-printed habitat based at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston. Starting in Spring 2025, crew tasks include simulated spacewalks, robotic operations, habitat maintenance, exercise, and crop growth. The habitat, called the …
Glow-in-dark mushrooms are called “ghost mushrooms.” There are over 70 species of bioluminescent mushrooms. Ghost mushrooms were often mistaken as a mystical fire or a ghastly ghost when seen in the forest at night—called Foxfire or Fairy Fire. Ghost mushrooms produce a light that can be seen from a distance ranging in color from green, …
The oldest known longleaf pine (Pinus palustris) is located in the Weymouth Woods Sandhills Nature Preserve in North Carolina. This tree is estimated to be over 470 years old, making it one of the oldest living longleaf pines in existence. How to find the world’s oldest longleaf pine The oldest known longleaf pine can be …
Why is it called the Arctic? The word Arctic is derived from the Greek árktos which means “of the bear.” It refers to Ursa Major, a constellation of stars known as the Great Bear. While unviewable in Antarctica due to its position in the Southern Hemisphere, this gave it the name “anti-Bear” or “of no …
Are you a lover of the night sky? Do you find yourself constantly looking up at the stars in wonder and awe? Stargazing is like a magical portal to the universe, where you can escape everyday life and embark on a cosmic journey from anywhere. Not only is stargazing a peaceful and relaxing activity, but it …