Flying saucer' arrives at NASA for Artemis 3 moon mission in time for World UFO Day | Space photo of the day for July 2, 2026

Moon and Space: Developments in Exploration and Wonder

A new era of space exploration, lunar observations, and celestial events

The moon is a constant source of fascination, and recent developments in space exploration and lunar observations are shedding new light on our closest celestial neighbor. From NASA's Artemis 3 mission to the Buck Moon, here's what you need to know.

The moon has long been a source of wonder and fascination for humans. Recently, NASA's Space Launch System (SLS) rocket has been gearing up to launch the Artemis 3 mission in mid-2027, which aims to return humans to the moon. The mission's core stage, currently on NASA's Pegasus barge, features a weather cover that resembles a classic flying saucer.

What Happened

• NASA's Artemis 3 mission is set to launch in mid-2027, with the goal of returning humans to the moon.
• The mission's core stage is currently on NASA's Pegasus barge, which is a large cargo ship designed to carry the massive core stage of the SLS megarocket.
• The July full moon, also known as the Buck Moon, occurred on July 29, 2026, and was visible in the eastern sky at sunset.

Why It Matters

• The Artemis 3 mission marks a significant step in NASA's plans to return humans to the moon and eventually send humans to Mars.
• The Buck Moon is a significant lunar event, as it is the first full moon of summer in the Northern Hemisphere and is often associated with the growth of young deer's antlers.
• The moon's proximity to Earth is also of interest, as it is currently drifting away from our planet at a rate of about 3.8 centimeters (1.5 inches) per year.

What Experts Say

"The moon is currently drifting away from Earth at a rate of about 3.8 centimeters [1.5 inches] per year, which is coincidentally roughly the same speed at which human fingernails grow." — Seth McGowan, president of the Adirondack Sky Center & Observatory

Key Numbers

• 31 feet: the distance the moon was closer to Earth in 1776 compared to today
• 3.8 centimeters (1.5 inches): the rate at which the moon is drifting away from Earth per year
• 2027: the year NASA plans to launch the Artemis 3 mission

Background

• The moon has been a constant source of fascination for humans, with its phases and eclipses being observed and recorded for centuries.
• NASA's Artemis program aims to return humans to the moon by 2024 and establish a sustainable presence on the lunar surface by 2028.
• The Buck Moon is one of the traditional names for the full moon in July, which is often associated with the growth of young deer's antlers.

What Comes Next

• NASA plans to launch the Artemis 3 mission in mid-2027, which will mark a significant step in the agency's plans to return humans to the moon.
• The sun's recent solar flares and coronal mass ejections may lead to increased geomagnetic activity and northern lights displays in the coming days.
• As the moon continues to drift away from Earth, scientists will continue to study its phases and eclipses to better understand our closest celestial neighbor.