Space News (April 2020)

In these difficult times, the space sector tends to attract less attention it used to (and rightly so); but looking at the stars and forgetting for a moment the troubles we have on Earth is something that helps me cope with all the stress & worries. So, that’s what I found worth sharing.

Hubble Telescope turns 30. I have already written about NASA’s Hubble on the occasion of its 25 years of service in space, and I am glad to witness now a new achievement of this technical wonder. For more about what we owe to Hubble read this, otherwise, you can watch the special Space Channel has prepared for the event.

Covid-2019 doesn’t stop Space X, and the Falcon 9 is ready to lift off again, to launch the next batch of Starlink satellites into space this week. “The upcoming launch, called Starlink 6, will mark the fifth Starlink mission this year and the company’s seventh batch of operational satellites — launched 60 at a time — since 2019.” (Details here).

Stargazers, get ready. This week the Lyrid meteor shower will be at its best, together with other features of the night sky, including some famous constellations and stars to watch. “This is the time of year when, as the last of twilight fades away, the dim Little Dipper extends straight to the right from Polaris. High above the end-stars of the Little Dipper’s bowl, you’ll find the end-stars of the Big Dipper’s bowl.”

For more precise indications, this is a good link to bookmark. Enjoy!

3 Comments

  1. sjhigbee

    Thank you so much for lifting our eyes and attentiona way from the crisis here on Earth:). Stay safe, Steph.

    Reply
    1. Steph P. Bianchini (Post author)

      Thanks Sarah –and please take care. I’m afraid here in the UK we’re not out of the woods yet 🙁

      Reply
      1. sjhigbee

        Oh, I agree… You stay safe, too!

        Reply

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