Space Today

NASA unveils new rules to protect the moon and Mars from Earth germs
NASA has unveiled new policies to protect the moon and Mars (and Earth) from contamination as human spaceflight advances.
The 'morning star' Venus is at its brightest for 2020 this week. Here's how to see it.
After putting on a great show in our evening sky during the first half of this year, dazzling Venus puts on a spectacular showing for early morning risers for the balance of 2020.
What color is the sunset on other planets?
It depends on whether the planet's atmosphere is predominantly filled with gas or dust particles.
Satellite sees 'Godzilla' dust plume sweep across the Atlantic Ocean
Each year, dust from the Sahara Desert blows off Africa and across the Atlantic, but most years that plume isn't so massive it's nicknamed "Godzilla."
Most of the Milky Way's life-hosting planets may have formed early on
Rocky planets that formed early in our Milky Way galaxy's 13.2-billion-year history have a better chance of supporting life than worlds that were later to the party, a new study suggests.

Comet NEOWISE Delights at Dawn
Skywatchers are treated to a naked-eye comet as NEOWISE emerges into the the dawn sky. The post Comet NEOWISE Delights at Dawn appeared first on Sky & Telescope.
Three Missions Head for Mars
The summer of 2020 will see three spacecraft launch toward the Red Planet, each one with distinct objectives. The post Three Missions Head for Mars appeared first on Sky & Telescope.
Two Bright Supernovae Light Up Nearby Galaxies
Two bright new supernovae — 2020nlb in M85 and 2020nvb in NGC 4457 — are now within the range of amateur telescopes in the western sky at nightfall. The post Two Bright Supernovae Light Up Nearby Galaxies appeared first on Sky & Telescope.
Alignment of a Star and a Planet
Unlike in our solar system, not all planets orbit in the same direction as their stars rotate. A nearby planetary system may reveal how these orbits form. The post Alignment of a Star and a Planet appeared first on Sky & Telescope.
Close Encounters in the Milky Way — and What They Mean for Planets
New research shows stellar flybys are common in our galaxy’s crowded center. That could have both good and bad (but mostly bad) effects on growing planets. The post Close Encounters in the Milky Way — and What They Mean for Planets appeared first on Sky & Telescope.

Ex-Im Bank to step up support for space industry challenged by Chinese competitors
Congress stood up the “Program on China and Transformational Exports" which Ex-Im is now working to implement SpaceNews
Apstar-6D launches on Long March 3B rocket
The first satellite for a Chinese company planning a global system of geostationary satellites, launched July 9 on a Long March 3B rocket. SpaceNews
House Republicans criticize NASA spending bill
As the head of NASA emphasized what he saw as bipartisan support for the agency in Congress, several Republican members of the House criticized colleagues for a fiscal year 2021 spending bill they believe inadequately funds the agency. SpaceNews
Three companies selected to develop military GPS handheld devices
Collins Aerospace, Raytheon and Technology Advancement Group were awarded contracts to develop military GPS handheld devices. SpaceNews
Descartes Labs wins U.S. Air Force contract for geospatial data analytics
The Air Force will use Descartes Labs' platform to draw intelligence from imagery collected by satellites and by autonomous aerial vehicles. SpaceNews