Your Body Is Wired Like A NASA Space Telescope. Sort Of.

Today at 1:21 in the morning, we welcomed the winter solstice, marking the longest night of the year. As the Earth tilts its furthest from the Sun in the Northern Hemisphere, we are reminded of the beauty and mystery of our cosmos.

This celestial event has been celebrated across cultures for centuries, symbolizing renewal and the gradual return of light. As we gaze up at the starry sky tonight, let's embrace the magic of the universe and allow the festive spirit to illuminate our hearts, just like the twinkling lights above.

Wishing you all a joyful winter season filled with wonder and warmth!

Epic Journey Across America!

We passed through the majestic mountains of Colorado, the vast plains of Kansas, the lush Hoosier forests, and the breathtaking Appalachian scenery. Every moment was an adventure, filled with awe-inspiring landscapes and unforgettable experiences.

Here's to new beginnings and the road ahead!

From the high deserts of Nevada to the rolling hills of Virginia, we made an incredible trek! In just 3 days, we covered 2,311 miles in 37 hours and 26 minutes of just driving, witnessing the diverse beauty of this country.

First sunset of the spring

Last night I caught some stunning shots of the Waxing Gibbous Moon with an impressive 88% illumination. However, I couldn't spot much on Mars' surface—just a little too elusive for my telescope.

Spain Launches Its First Military Satellite: A Leap Forward in Space Technology*

On January 30th, Spain marked a historic milestone with the successful launch of its first military satellite, SPAINSAT NG 1. The satellite was launched from Cape Canaveral aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket and is now positioned in geostationary orbit, approximately 35,786 kilometers above Earth—nearly three times the planet's diameter.

Operated by the Spanish company Hisdesat, SPAINSAT NG 1 is hailed as the most advanced satellite in Spain and the first in Europe equipped with cutting-edge technology antennas. This innovation includes X-band antennas and beam-hopping technology, enabling the satellite to redirect electronic signals without physical movement. Additionally, it boasts the ability to detect and neutralize interference on Earth, ensuring secure communications for Spanish military forces and NATO.

The satellite is expected to remain operational until 2037, providing reliable and secure communication capabilities. Looking ahead, its twin satellite, SPAINSAT NG II, is scheduled for launch around September or October 2025. Together, these satellites will cover two-thirds of the planet, securing communications from Denmark to Singapore.

This achievement underscores Spain's growing presence in the space sector and its commitment to advancing technological innovation.

Today, I was deeply honored by the Clark County Board of Commissioners for my work in educating our community about the wonders of the universe. I owe this recognition to the unwavering support of my family, friends, and the incredible organizations that have partnered with me over the years.

It's been an incredible journey fueled by curiosity and a passion for space. I am humbled by this recognition and committed to continuing my mission of promoting scientific literacy.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who has been part of this journey, with special thanks to Commissioner Gibson and Commission District Liaison Blanca Vazquez for their incredible support and encouragement. Your enthusiasm makes all the difference.

Let's keep looking up and exploring the cosmos together!

Thought of the day, Spring's Whisper in the Air

Though the celestial clock has yet to chime the official start of spring at 20:06 tonight, (Pacific time) the symphony of life around us is already tuning up to the melody of the season. #SpringIsHere in every sunbeam and sprouting leaf, and we're all invited to the early show!

Astronomically speaking, we're on the cusp of the vernal equinox, when day and night graciously share the stage in near-perfect balance. The Earth's tilt is about to bring us into a period of equal light and dark.

As we orbit our dependable star, we find ourselves in the embrace of warmer days, courtesy of the increasing angle of the sun's rays. It's a beautiful reminder that our planet's dance with the sun is as rhythmic as it is precise.

So while we count down the hours to the astronomical alignment that heralds the official start of spring, let's not wait to celebrate the changes all around us. The universe doesn't need an invitation to begin anew, and neither do we!

Feel the anticipation in the air? That's the universe conspiring to bring forth blossoms, longer days, and the freshness of a world reborn. Let's step outside and join the cosmic ballet!

Exciting Discovery Alert!

Hey space enthusiasts, did you know that NASA's TESS has just uncovered a cosmic wonder?

NASA's exoplanet hunter just discovered a "weird" world named Phoenix that's defying expectations! This hot Neptune-sized planet is surprisingly small, old, and hot - and it's still got an atmosphere despite being super close to its red giant star.

According to the scientists, Phoenix should be a bare rock due to its proximity to the star, but instead, it is emerged from the flames with a nice and puffy atmosphere. It's a real mystery how it's managed to hang on!

Phoenix is part of a rare class of planets that orbit close to their stars, and its discovery shows just how diverse exoplanets can be. The team predicts that Phoenix will eventually spiral into its star in about 100 million years.

What can we learn from this peculiar planet? For one, it's giving us new insights on the late-stage evolution of planetary systems - including our own Earth! Who knows what secrets Phoenix holds about our planet's future?

So, let's get excited about this cosmic discovery and see what other mysteries NASA's TESS spacecraft will uncover!

I left an illustration shows the exoplanet Phoenix in the glare of its red giant parent star. (Image credit: Roberto Molar Candanosa/Johns Hopkins University)

Interview with Univision Nevada about the parcial solar eclipse event 2024

Just got back from an amazing time at the Death Valley Dark Sky Festival! I had the privilege of supporting the event with my telescope, and the experience was unforgettable.

The skies were incredibly clear and dark on Friday and Saturday nights, perfect for stargazing despite the chilly weather. We had the chance to see Jupiter and its satellite, Mars, Venus, as well as deep-sky objects like M42, M36, M31, M44, and M45.

During the day on Saturday and Sunday, from 10 to 4, I was at the Visitor Center with my solar telescope, observing the Sun.

We welcomed over 1000 stargazers each night and more than 500 visitors during the day. I absolutely love this event and can't wait for the next one!