NASA’s Swift Mission Ends, Leaves Behind Scientific Bonanza
4 min read NASA’s Swift Mission Ends, Leaves Behind Scientific Bonanza NASA’s Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory has ended its science mission now that the spacecraft is orbiting less than 171 miles (275 kilometers) above Earth’s surface. The greater atmospheric drag at this height prevents the satellite’s telescopes from steadily gazing at their astronomical targets. Swift conducted its final observation on Oct. 20. It is expected to re-enter the atmosphere in the next few weeks. NASA’s Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory orbits above Earth in this artist’s concept. NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center Conceptual Image Lab “Swift delivered an incredible, lasting return on investment for the nation, designed for a two-year primary mission but productive for more than 10 times as long,” said Shawn Domagal-Goldman, director, Astrophysics Division at NASA Headquarters in Washington. “In that time, Swift played a major role in advancing our understanding of the changing universe and was part of a revolution in astrophysics that showed how critical rapid-response observations are to the entire community. To support rapid response to cosmic events in a post-Swift world, we’re exploring our ability
Bodycam video shows police shooting death of one-year-old Kohen Wiley – deconstructed
Police body camera and security footage released on 21 October shows the police shooting of Kohen Wiley on 14 June in Senatobia, Mississippi. The released video comes after the Mississippi attorney general announced that the shooting 'was justified'. After the release of the video, the police officer who shot into the vehicle and killed Kohen Wiley resigned from the Senatobia police department.
Thunderstorms, heavy rain and flash flooding predicted for much of Australia
Parts of Queensland, Victoria and South Australia can expect severe storms on Saturday, moving into NSW and Tasmania by Sunday * Get our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcast Severe thunderstorms and heavy rain will sweep across most Australian states this weekend, adding to the deluge in an already drenched Queensland. Flash flooding in south-east Queensland this week prompted hundreds of SES callouts and the closure of multiple schools. On Saturday morning, the Bureau of Meteorology had nine flood warnings in place for south Queensland. Continue reading...
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