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| | Welcome (Back) to Rob O'Brien! | As director of USRA’s Center for Space Nuclear Research (CSNR) in Idaho Falls, Dr. Rob O’Brien has returned to manage the fellowship program within which he was once a visiting professional from the UK. In addition to developing next generation talent in space nuclear research, Rob will also lead the center to enable and influence the space nuclear power and propulsion programs of tomorrow. His new role unsurprisingly employs his passion for nuclear energy but you might be surprised to learn that this rocket scientist is also an astronomy photographer, electric guitar-builder, euphonium player and a fan of some familiar entertainment media.
Click to learn more about Rob and see one his astro photos | |
| | Total Solar Eclipse "Across the USRA" | On April 8, 2024, North America experienced a total solar eclipse—the last total solar eclipse viewable in the contiguous United States until 2044. At USRA, experts and educators participated in eclipse events both before and during the historical event. Read more about event participation by Ernie Wright, EfSI, and Andy Shaner, LPI. Also note that there are several organizations accepting donations for those eclipse glasses that you might not need for many years.
More about USRA's Total Solar Eclipse Participation | |
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| | USRA’s Ernest Wright Awarded NASA’s Exceptional Public Achievement Award | In recognition of his outstanding contributions to the field of lunar science visualization, Ernie Wright, a science visualizer at USRA’s EfSI, has been awarded NASA’s prestigious Exceptional Public Achievement Medal. The accolade, given to individuals (who are non-government employees) for exceptional achievements, celebrates Ernie’s pivotal role in rendering complex lunar concepts accessible to a broad spectrum of audiences.
More newsroom.usra.edu |
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| | Mapping Global Flash Drought Trends for Disaster Preparedness | Flash droughts (FDs), characterized by sudden and severe dry spells, are emerging as formidable challenges to global water and food security, complicating disaster preparedness efforts. With their rapid onset and lasting impact, understanding the mechanisms driving flash droughts at the watershed level is paramount. In a recent study published in Geophysical Research Letters, Dr. Maheshwari Neelam of USRA’s STI in Huntsville, Alabama, reveals a unique approach to analyze historical data.
More on newsroom.usra.edu |
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| | USRA Announces Collaboration with BCG and NASA to Launch a Generative Artificial Intelligence Lab for Science and Engineering | USRA announced a strategic collaboration involving the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) and NASA's Ames to launch a generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) lab for science and engineering. The lab will explore the short- and long-term benefits of new GenAI technologies related to Earth science, including Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES) weather data, life sciences, and engineering. These collaborations harness the talents of a unique team of leading innovators from industry (BCG), government (NASA), and academia (USRA) with decades of experience advancing the state-of-the-art in artificial intelligence.
More on newsroom.usra.edu |
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| | Rare Dust Particle from Ancient Extraterrestrial Meteorite Unveils Insights into Stellar Origins | In a groundbreaking discovery published in the prestigious Astrophysical Journal, scientists have identified a rare dust particle lodged within an ancient extraterrestrial meteorite, shedding new light on the origins of stars beyond our solar system. The research was led by Dr. Nicole Nevill of USRA at LPI, during her Ph.D. studies at Curtin University.
More on newsroom.usra.edu |
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| | USRA Scientists and Engineers Part of Team that Won the 2024 Prestigious Rossi Award | The coveted Bruno Rossi Prize for 2024 was recently awarded to Martin Weisskopf, Paolo Soffitta, and the remarkable IXPE team “for their development of the Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer whose novel measurements advance our understanding of particle acceleration and emission from astrophysical shocks, black holes and neutron stars.”
More on newsroom.usra.edu |
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| Recent and upcoming events |
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May | | Older Americans Month | |
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May | Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
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May | | Jewish-American Heritage Month | |
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May | | Mental Health Awareness Month | |
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May 1 | | South Asian Heritage Month begins | |
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May 12 | | Mother’s Day | |
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May 27 | | Memorial Day (USRA Holiday) |
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