Will Artemis 2 launch toward the moon next month? Watch NASA's mission update today

What Happened

This week, NASA is set to provide an update on its Artemis 2 mission, which aims to send four astronauts around the moon. The briefing, scheduled for March 12, will highlight the progress made toward the crewed mission. Meanwhile, astronomers have made a groundbreaking discovery, collecting rare evidence of two planets colliding around a star 11,000 light-years from Earth. Additionally, a powerful gamma-ray burst detected by NASA's Fermi satellite in 2023 has provided scientists with valuable insights into the extreme phenomena of the universe.

Why It Matters

The Artemis 2 mission is a crucial step toward NASA's goal of returning humans to the lunar surface by 2024. The mission will test the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and the Orion spacecraft, which will be used for future lunar missions. The discovery of the planetary collision, on the other hand, provides scientists with a unique opportunity to study the formation and evolution of planetary systems. The gamma-ray burst detection has also shed light on the extreme conditions that can lead to the creation of heavy elements, such as gold.

What Experts Say

> "The star's light output was nice and flat, but starting in 2016 it had these three dips in brightness. And then, right around 2021, it went completely bonkers," said Andy Tzanidakis, a doctoral candidate in astronomy at the University of Washington, referring to the unusual behavior of the star Gaia20ehk.

Key Numbers

• 4: Number of astronauts that will be sent on the Artemis 2 mission
• 11,000: Light-years from Earth to the star Gaia20ehk
• 2023: Year in which NASA's Fermi satellite detected the gamma-ray burst
• 2024: Target year for NASA's return to the lunar surface

Background

NASA's Artemis program aims to establish a sustainable presence on the lunar surface by 2028. The program includes several missions, including the Artemis 2 mission, which will test the SLS rocket and the Orion spacecraft. The discovery of the planetary collision is a significant finding in the field of exoplanetary science, which studies planets outside our solar system.

What Comes Next

The Artemis 2 mission update will provide valuable insights into the progress made toward the crewed mission. The discovery of the planetary collision will likely lead to further studies of the star Gaia20ehk and its planetary system. The gamma-ray burst detection will continue to provide scientists with a wealth of data to analyze and study.

Key Facts

• Who: NASA, astronomers at the University of Washington
• What: Artemis 2 mission update, discovery of planetary collision, gamma-ray burst detection
• When: March 12, 2023, 2021
• Where: Kennedy Space Center, University of Washington, Gaia20ehk star system
• Impact: Significant developments in space exploration, insights into extreme phenomena in the universe