Maybe Follow The Salt

NASA's basic strategy for seeking life is to follow the water.  A new study of Mars, however, suggests that if life ever arose there, that life might have gravitated towards salty areas as the planet dried up, because salt holds moisture.

So, future Martian rovers might follow the salt.

Philae Lost

The European Space Agency is discontinuing attempts to communicate with its comet lander, Philae.

ESA last heard from Philae in June, but it will continue to listen for signals.

Space Defense

The Pentagon's 2017 budget proposal asks for an increase on money to secure U. S. space assets against potential attack.  Last year, that line item was $5.5 billion.

The U. S.  military and economy are more dependent on space assets than any other nation.

Greenhouse Effect

A new study suggests heating caused by a greenhouse effect can render a planet hostile to life just as easily as if the planet orbited too close to its sun.

Scientists are developing tools, techniques, and a base of understanding that will allow them to zero in on possible life bearing worlds.

Gravitational Waves

Scientists have finally directly detected gravitational waves-- one more confirmation of Einstein's General Relativity.

The detection comes in the centennial year of the theory.

Possible Delay For Europa

Based on President Obama's budget proposal, NASA's mission to Europa may be delayed until the late 2020s instead of a 2022 launch.

Congress can still increase funding, however.

Asteroid Strike

A new study finds a kilometer-wide asteroid striking Earth on land could bring about a mini-ice age.  A rock ten times that big could cause a mass extinction.

The case for a strong planetary defense program is solid.  An asteroid strike is the only natural disaster we have a chance to stop.