Wednesday, February 28

Contents:

1. US's Odyssey Loses Power, Japan's SLIM Makes It Through Lunar Night

2. Fact of the Day

3. Quote of the Day

4. Word of the Day

We have some space news from both Japan and the US today, as some unexpected things have happened with both of their moon landers. NASA's Odyssey, which just touched down a few days ago, is stopping operation early due to communication issues. After its rough landing on the surface, operators have had trouble collecting data from the lander due to the fact that it is tipped over onto its side, and they are expected to permanently lose contact with the vehicle very soon as it loses power. The solar panels are facing the wrong way, meaning that the Sun's light won't reach them to supply the lander with solar energy. Meanwhile, Japan's Smart Lander for Investigating Moon (SLIM) touched down on January 19, and has re-awakened in a miraculous wake up that Japan never expected. After landing in a tough position where the solar panels were facing the wrong way (just like the Odyssey), the lander couldn't generate enough power to keep itself running. However, after sending some grainy images of its landing spot and then shutting down, it came back to life on January 29 and was nicknamed the 'Moon Sniper' due to the precision with which it landed-- just 165 feet from its target spot! Then, on January 31, SLIM entered the lunar night, where temperatures plunge to almost -208˚ Fahrenheit, and entered a dormant period. Japan didn't expect the lander to wake up, as it wasn't designed to survive such cold temperatures, but it managed to make it through and has re-established communications with Earth.

Fact of the Day: Wearing a tie can reduce blood flow to the brain by 7.5%. If the tie is tied too tightly, it can increase eye pressure and even cause headaches, nausea, and dizziness.

Quote of the Day: Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, the mind can achieve.

(Napoleon Hill)

Word of the Day (Merriam-Webster): Translucent (adj)- Translucent describes something that is not completely clear or transparent but is clear enough to allow light to pass through.

In a Sentence: They admired the translucent gemstones on the display at the museum.