Rare giant explosions on sun's surface could help NASA find out what we need to live on Mars

NASA Discovers Mysterious Martian 'Hole' That Could Shelter Future Astronauts

NASA Discovers Mysterious , Martian 'Hole' That Could , Shelter Future Astronauts. 'LiveScience' reports that scientists have discovered a mysterious pit on the side of an ancient volcano on Mars. The discovery has generated excitement due to what it may reveal beneath the Red Planet's surface. Images of the pit were first captured by NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter. . The hole's origins and depth remain unknown. This pit, found on an extinct lava flow of Arsia Mons, appears to be a vertical shaft that scientists believe could lead to a much larger cavern. . The pit could also be a deep lava tube formed at a time when Arsia Mons was still active. Due to the thin atmosphere and lack of a magnetic field, scientists have looked to pits and caves to potentially shelter astronauts in the future. . 'LiveScience' reports that if Mars ever hosted life, those organisms may have sheltered in pits like this one, which could offer protection and even allow life to flourish. . If future missions reveal that the pit leads to a large open cave, it could provide the perfect landing site for crewed missions to Mars in the future.

NASA astronauts voice confidence that Boeing Starliner will bring them home

Recently Spotted Asteroid Set for Near Miss With Earth

Recently Spotted Asteroid, Set for Near Miss With Earth. ABC reports that an asteroid is set to make a close pass by Earth this weekend. Asteroid 2024 MK should be visible with the proper equipment and timing. . Asteroid 2024 MK should be visible with the proper equipment and timing. . The space rock will make its closest approach past Earth early on June 29, passing at just three-quarters of the distance between the Earth and the Moon. The asteroid, which was first spotted two weeks ago by an observatory in South Africa, is estimated to be about 393 feet to 853 feet wide. According to asteroid expert Davide Farnocchia, who works for NASA's Center for Near-Earth Object Studies, asteroids the size of 2024 MK only pass by about every 25 years. We’re going to see a few of those during our lifetimes, but it’s not something that happens every other day, Davide Farnocchia, NASA Center for Near-Earth Object Studies, via ABC. On June 27, a 7,579-foot asteroid just passed the Earth at a slightly greater distance and was only visible with professional telescopes. The upcoming 2024 MK will be visible with a small telescope but will not be visible to the naked eye. . ABC reports that skywatchers in the Southern Hemisphere will have the best odds of spotting the asteroid. The next major asteroid is set for April 13, 2029, when Apophis will pass Earth and be visible with the naked eye to viewers in Europe, Africa and Asia.