From the United States to the Mediterranean coastlines, wildfires have been breaking records this summer, with places in Greece, Lebanon, Turkey, and Italy seeing some of the worst fires in decades. As climate change-induced drought and severe heatwaves complicate the … [Read more...] about How NASA technology is helping firefighters tackle wildfires on the ground
satellites
New algorithm can count elephant populations via satellite images
For decades, the best way for conservationists to monitor threatened elephant populations has been via an aircraft survey. The problem is that elephant populations live in habitats that span international borders, which can make it difficult to obtain permission for aircraft … [Read more...] about New algorithm can count elephant populations via satellite images
Economists propose an “orbit tax” to solve the problem of space junk
Although it can seem like an endless void from Earth, the truth is that our near-space area is getting quite crowded, with more than half a million objects now orbiting the planet at speeds high enough to destroy satellites and do serious damage to the International Space … [Read more...] about Economists propose an “orbit tax” to solve the problem of space junk
Scientists are deploying satellites to monitor whale strandings from space
Back in 2015, Chile saw one of the largest mass mortality of baleen whales in recorded history, tallying at least 343 whales. But the remote location of the stranding meant that it went unreported for weeks, after which whales went missing and decomposition made it hard to … [Read more...] about Scientists are deploying satellites to monitor whale strandings from space
Virgin has found a way to make satellite launches more eco-friendly
If you haven’t already heard, Virgin Orbit successfully dropped a 70-foot rocket from a modified Boeing 747 jumbo jet at 35,000 feet. Although that sounds more like a dreadful occurrence that would happen during a war, it’s actually a good thing. Here’s why. Currently, … [Read more...] about Virgin has found a way to make satellite launches more eco-friendly