NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory

At NASA, we’re on the hunt for asteroids that could come a little too close for comfort. Learn how in a new documentary, which features astronomers and scientists from JPL's Center for Near-Earth Object Studies (CNEOS) and our upcoming NEO Surveyor mission, the first space telescope specifically designed to hunt asteroids and comets that may be potential hazards to Earth. "Planetary Defenders" is now streaming: https://lnkd.in/gX8tZarT 

Every rock that the Perseverance rover collects tells a story about Mars's ancient past, but Sample 25 is especially compelling. Why? Two features – known as "leopard spots" and "poppy seeds" – indicate that chemical reactions associated with life could have been happening here. By bringing these samples to labs on Earth, we could get closer to answering one of scientists' most enduring questions about our solar system: Has life existed anywhere else?

April is Citizen Science Month – and it’s a great time to join NASA in advancing space research! We invite people of all backgrounds to contribute to real science from wherever they are. With just a device and an internet connection, you can help spot clouds on Mars, find hidden planets in our universe, and more! Learn how to get involved: go.nasa.gov/citizenscience

“Here on the crater rim, there are new and intriguing rocks everywhere the rover turns. It has been all we hoped for and more.” –Katie Stack Morgan, Perseverance project scientist. Since January, the rover has been exploring the rim of Jezero Crater. In this short time, it has already sealed three sample tubes with rock cores, performed up-close analysis of seven rocks, and analyzed another 83 from afar by zapping them with a laser. This has been the mission’s fastest science-collection tempo since Perseverance landed on Mars more than four years ago. What are we learning? Find out: go.nasa.gov/3E3E4kR

The Deep Space Network recently marked 60 years of operations in Australia! The network, which communicates with spacecraft all over our solar system, consists of three complexes around the globe: Goldstone, California; Madrid, Spain; and Canberra, Australia. On March 19, the complex in Australia celebrated its 60th anniversary. Now, preparations are underway for a new dish that will increase the network’s capacity. It is set to go online in 2029. go.nasa.gov/425X0sc

“Every time we spot a dust devil, it helps us refine our climate models of Mars.” The Perseverance rover recently captured video of dust devils, a phenomenon that has been observed by multiple Mars missions since the 1970s. Atmospheric scientist Priya Patel explains what dust devils can teach us about weather on the Red Planet.

What’s Up for April, skywatchers? The Lyrid meteor shower will peak overnight on the evening of April 21, there will be planets at dusk and dawn throughout the month, and learn how to observe a distant globular cluster known as M3 with binoculars or a telescope. More skywatching tips: go.nasa.gov/whatsup

After spending time inside NASA’s Johnson Space Center's historic Chamber A for environmental tests, we're excited to welcome NEO Surveyor's instrument enclosure back to JPL for the next portion of its assembly! More on the work that will take place over the coming weeks: go.nasa.gov/3XZyZAP Ever wonder what spacecraft assembly looks like? Now you can watch as NEO Surveyor (and its "roomie" ASTHROS) come together in our clean room with a 24/7 live cam: https://lnkd.in/gvjNzfNi

Inspiring the next generation of problem solvers 💡 For many students, the FIRST Robotics competition is more than just a game – it’s a chance to learn directly from STEM professionals. Engineers and scientists worked alongside high school students as they competed in this year's intense, ocean-themed robotics challenge. For the LA regional competition, JPL has coordinated volunteers – and provided coaching and mentoring to teams, judges, and other competition support – for 25 years. go.nasa.gov/4iQBkps

The deadline is approaching to apply for NASA’s 37th annual Planetary Science Summer School program, a three-month-long career development program for doctoral students, recent Ph.D.s, postdocs, and junior faculty who have a strong interest in science-driven robotic space exploration missions.   Participants learn the process of developing a hypothesis-driven robotic space mission in a concurrent engineering environment while getting an in-depth, first-hand look at mission design, life cycle, costs, schedule and the trade-offs inherent in each.   View details and eligibility requirements, and submit your application by March 18: https://lnkd.in/eRiabxGC