Blog

Space Station Research Contributes to Artemis II

Have you ever heard the saying, “You have to learn how to walk before you can run?” The same can be true in human space exploration. To push capabilities further and ensure safe, successful missions, NASA must test ideas and solve challenges ahead of time. While Earth-based research and engineering helps NASA progress through various […]

Posted February 9, 2026

Earth

Water on Earth

Icy Hudson River

During a stretch of frigid weather in late January 2026, ice choked the Hudson River along Manhattan’s western shore. The OLI (Operational Land Imager) on Landsat 8 captured this image of the wintry landscape around midday on Jan. 28. This image uses representational color to distinguish ice (light blue) from open water and snow.

Posted February 9, 2026

Earth Observatory

Snow

Topography

A Grand, Snow-Rimmed Canyon

A dusting of white highlighted the Colorado Plateau around the deep gorge, while shadows created a visual illusion.

Posted February 9, 2026

Missions

Commercial Crew

Humans in Space

International Space Station (ISS)

Space Operations Mission Directorate

NASA Sets Coverage for Agency’s SpaceX Crew-12 Launch, Docking

Editor’s Note: This advisory was updated Feb. 10, 2026, to reflect changes to NASA’s live launch coverage for the agency’s SpaceX Crew-12 mission. Teams now are targeting launch no earlier than Friday, Feb. 13. Editor’s Note: This advisory was updated on Feb. 9, 2026, to reflect NASA’ s new launch coverage plans for the agency’s […]

Posted February 6, 2026

Strong Solar Flare

This Feb. 4, 2026, image from NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) captures a strong solar flare erupting from the star. Solar flares are powerful bursts of energy that can, along with other types of solar eruptions, can impact radio communications, electric power grids, navigation signals, and pose risks to spacecraft and astronauts.

Posted February 6, 2026

Landsat

Boreal Forests Are Shifting North

The boreal forest—the world’s largest terrestrial biome—is warming faster than any other forest type. New research uses Landsat data to track how the forests shift.

Posted February 6, 2026

Earth Observatory

Extreme Weather Events

Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS)

Snow

Terra

A Winter Blanket Covers North Carolina

In late January 2026, a strong, moisture-laden storm dropped snow across nearly the entire state, spanning from the Appalachians to the Atlantic Coast.

Posted February 6, 2026

Earth Science Division

Goddard Space Flight Center

Science Mission Directorate

NASA Selects Two Earth System Explorers Missions

Two next-generation satellite missions announced Thursday will help NASA better understand Earth and improve capabilities to foresee environmental events and mitigate disasters.

Posted February 5, 2026

Learning Resources

Grades 9 - 12

Career Spotlight: Welder (Ages 14-18)

What does a welder do? A welder uses tools that join two or more parts through forces such as heat or pressure. Metals are the materials most commonly used in welding, but it’s also possible to weld thermoplastics or wood. Welders use their hands, skills, and problem-solving abilities to create something new. At NASA, welders […]

Posted February 5, 2026

Humans in Space

Human Research Program