Astronomy

A miniature DVD attached to the deck of the Phoenix lander contains the names of about 250,000 people from more than 70 nations, plus selections of Mars-related literature, arts and music.

New observations from NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter indicate that the crust and upper mantle of Mars are stiffer and colder than previously thought.

Entry, descent and landing begins at 4:46 p.m. PDT on May 25, when the flight team will listen for radio signals indicating that Phoenix has entered the top of the Martian atmosphere.

According to The Mayan Mesoamerican Long Count calendar- which would mark its thirteenth and final cycle before resetting to 0 (13.0.0.0), in this age of Ophiuchus, this date may also signify the impending end of the world.

To arrive at the link, the authors built and analyzed a database of more than 29,000 data series pertaining to observed impacts on Earth's natural systems.

First and foremost I believe in God as the creator of the world, states Fr. Jose Gabriel Funes who heads the Vatican Observatory.

'America's long-term space exploration goals support economic growth right here, right now in California communities, and throughout the country.'

The briefings will take place in the NASA Headquarters' James E. Webb Auditorium, 300 E St., S.W., Washington. They will be carried live on NASA Television.