NIST’s talented scientists envision the far future of science and technology

Accurately predicting the future in emerging technology fields that are constantly evolving is no easy feat. Too much changes too quickly and rare discoveries can become commonplace almost overnight. When we write our annual predictions for government and technology in the Nextgov/FCWwe generally limit our forecast to the next year, which allows for some protection, … Read more

The Voyager 2 interstellar probe’s science instrument was turned off to save power

Voyager 2 Interstellar Probe Science Instrument Turned Off To Save Power

Voyager 2 Interstellar Probe Takes Off – NASA The Voyager 2 mission has been working to delay the shutdown as long as possible. Four other instruments aboard the interstellar spacecraft continue to operate. Mission engineers at NASA have turned off the plasma science instrument aboard the Voyager 2 spacecraft as the probe’s power supply gradually … Read more

NASA shuts down Voyager 2 science instrument as power diminishes

A spacecraft with a white dome dominating its structure against a red and brown background

NASA engineers have shut down one of Voyager 2’s science instruments due to the spacecraft’s power supply dwindling as it explores interstellar space. Voyager 2 launched into space on August 20, 1977 and left the solar system on November 5, 2018. It is currently 12.8 billion miles (20.5 billion kilometers) from Earth and is using … Read more

Louisiana promotes computer science education for all in K-12

As digital technology and artificial intelligence play an ever-increasing role in everyday life, Louisiana wants students from kindergarten through high school to learn the basics of computer science. In May, the state legislature passed a law that will eventually require all public schools to offer computer science courses. And next week, the state board of … Read more

NASA disables one of Voyager 2’s science instruments

Voyager 2. Credit: NASA

The two Voyager spacecraft have been hurtling through space since 1977, powered by decaying pieces of plutonium that produce less and less energy each year. With less electricity available, NASA has decided to shut down an experiment on Voyager 2, the plasma science instrument. This device measures the amount and direction of ionized particles passing … Read more

Citizen scientists create buzz with new insect discovery

A student’s drawing and theory of how a Portuguese Moth Fly was found in their Australian schoolyard. Credit: CSIRO More than 60% of Australia’s known insects are unnamed and a mystery to science. Of the approximately 500,000 Australian species, approximately half are insects, but many are uncategorized. A group of sharp-eyed schoolchildren from Queensland are … Read more