The Week in Pictures: September 21-27, 2013
Curiosity results from Mars, a "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" pulsar, the densest known galaxy, and more
X-ray: NASA/CXC/MSU/J. Strader, et al.; Optical: NASA/STScI
Hubble and Chandra find evidence for densest nearby galaxy
The ultra-compact dwarf galaxy M60-UCD1 is packed with an extraordinary number of stars.
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Bill Saxton; NRAO/AUI/NSF
Star morphs from radio to X-ray pulsar and back again
This star’s behavior appears to be fueled by a companion star and may give new insights into the birth of millisecond pulsars.
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NASA/JPL-Caltech/Malin Space Science Systems
Science benefits from diverse landing area of Mars rover
A key finding is that water molecules are bound to fine-grained soil particles, which has global implications. Learn more »
Deep space comet hunter mission comes to an end
Deep Impact was history’s most traveled comet research mission, going about 4.71 billion miles. Learn more »
NASA Curiosity rover detects no methane on Mars
Whether the martian atmosphere contains traces of the gas has been a question of high interest for years because methane could be a potential sign of life, although it also can be produced without biology.
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Cygnus rendezvous postponed to no earlier than Saturday
Due to a data format mismatch, the Orbital Sciences spacecraft couldn't berth to the International Space Station as planned.
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ArTeMiS team/Ph. André, M. Hennemann, V. Revéret et al./ESO/J. Emerson/VISTA Acknowledgment: Cambridge Astronomical Survey Unit
First light of powerful new camera on APEX
The new camera has already delivered a spectacularly detailed view of the Cat’s Paw Nebula. Learn more »
Mars rover Curiosity inspects pebbly rocks at martian waypoint
The rover used instruments on its arm to inspect rocks, which bear evidence of ancient wet environments.
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NASA/JPL-Caltech/University of Arizona
Long-stressed Europa likely off-kilter at one time
The jovian moon’s tilt could influence calculations of how much of the moon's history is recorded in its frozen shell, how much heat is generated by tides in its ocean, and even how long the ocean has been liquid. Learn more »