Tracking the nuclear-level asteroid impacts in our atmosphere over the past 13 years

In 2008, Japanese astronauts took cherry tree seeds with them to the International Space Station. After 8 months and 4,100 times around the globe, the seeds came home and were planted in various locations around Japan. Four years later, some of the “space cherry trees” are now blossoming with just five petals—compared with around 30—a full six years ahead of schedule. Hypothesizing about the radical growth, one researcher said “there is the possibility that exposure to stronger cosmic rays accelerated the process of sprouting and overall growth.”

A short film about lunar litter by Arlen Parsa

via, uniquedaily

The Northern Lights recently took the form of a dragon’s head in images captured by photographer Juan Carlos Casado in the Arctic Circle.

Captured by NASA’s high-powered NuSTAR telescope

The first and only sculpture on the Moon

A new project by Ai Weiwei & Olafur Eliasson

The instant a touch is made, things are set in motion. Make a drawing to reach out and be touched. Drawing together we are drawn together. This is how we make a difference in the world, on micro and macro levels, individually and collectively. Touch the moon by drawing on it – a vision, doodle, statement, a greeting, thought. . . your drawing is a hinge between you, everyone else, and the universe.

By connecting in spaces for imagination – by determining what to share and how to share it – we can create a greater outcome. Through messages and non-verbal communication, in a language unique to each person, the collective work becomes a testament to personal freedom, creativity, and activity.

Celebrate with us the gathering of creative powers from around the globe to mark the passage from nothing to something and from thinking into doing. Savour this moment of transformation. Leave your fingerprint and see the shared moon grow as others reach out too. Let’s show the world that together our marks matter. Creativity defies boundaries.

Ideas, wind, and air no one can stop.

Ai Weiwei and Olafur Eliasson

The New York premiere of INVADER’s short film is tomorrow night (10/29) at Landmark Theatres Sunshine Cinema. Two screenings, 8pm and 9pm, and FREE admission.

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The UN is taking steps to defend planet Earth from humongous space rocks by creating “The International Asteroid Warning Group” which will be manned by members of the “Association of Space Explorers,” and directed by the “Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space.”

If you had an extra $75k, would you get into a luxury helium balloon (equipped with a bar) for a 90-minute rise to the edge of the atmosphere? Well, if you said yes, you’re in luck. World View is trying to make this possible for 2016.

via, fastcompany

Red Bull Stratos “through the eyes of Felix Baumgartner.”

The NASA Art Program

Also known as the “World’s First Pop Art Satellite.” Shoulda made it a KAWS Space Companion.

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Animated antiquated astronomical diagrams.

The distance from us that Asteroid 1998 QE2 will be at when it ‘narrowly’ misses Earth this evening. The asteroid also has its own baby moon.

PBS Off Book gets galactic

The Man Who Pierced the Sky by William Langewiesche

When Felix Baumgartner set out to make a living by stunt jumping—from cliffs, buildings, and bridges—the young Austrian had no idea where it would take him: to a pressurized capsule nearly 24 miles above New Mexico, last October 14, preparing to free-fall farther than any man in history, and at supersonic speed. Detailing Baumgartner’s quest, William Langewiesche explores what drove him to ever greater heights.

“A comet wipes out most of life on Earth, leaving two Valley Girls to fight the evil types who survive.”

via, Bleached / GvB

That’s how old this green meteorite from Mercury is.