Jesse Emspak
Jesse Emspak is a freelance journalist who has contributed to several publications, including Space.com, Scientific American, New Scientist, Smithsonian.com and Undark. He focuses on physics and cool technologies but has been known to write about the odder stories of human health and science as it relates to culture. Jesse has a Master of Arts from the University of California, Berkeley School of Journalism, and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Rochester. Jesse spent years covering finance and cut his teeth at local newspapers, working local politics and police beats. Jesse likes to stay active and holds a fourth degree black belt in Karate, which just means he now knows how much he has to learn and the importance of good teaching.
Latest articles by Jesse Emspak
Massive stellar pairs spewing X-rays offer a glimpse into the Milky Way's past
By Jesse Emspak published
Massive binary star systems in the galaxy form at the edges of open clusters or the leading edge of a spiral arm, a team of astronomers found.
What goes up must come down: Study looks at risk of orbital debris casualties
By Jesse Emspak published
It's only a matter of time before someone is killed by falling space junk.
Space rock alert: Should you worry about an asteroid impact?
By Jesse Emspak published
NASA is testing one technique it might use should a large asteroid threaten to collide with Earth. But just how high are the odds of such a dangerous space rock after all? You don't need to panic.
Super Flower Blood Moon 2021: Where, when and how to see the supermoon lunar eclipse
By Jesse Emspak last updated
On May 25-27, much of the world will see a lunar eclipse that coincides with the moon's closest approach to Earth — making it a "supermoon" eclipse that will turn the moon reddish.
Super Blue Blood Moon 2018: Here Are The Best Photos and Videos
By Jesse Emspak published
A blue moon, a supermoon, and a blood moon (i.e. a lunar eclipse) are happening around the same time in January 2018: Here’s when.
Metal Tires for Mars: 'Shape Memory' Could Help Rovers Roll
By Jesse Emspak published
NASA scientists have built a flexible tire made of metal that springs back to its original shape after being bent or deformed. The tire could be used on Mars or even on Earth.
Full Cold Moon Tonight Heralds December's Supermoon: What to Expect
By Jesse Emspak published
December's Full Cold Moon rises tonight (Dec. 3), bringing the only "supermoon" of the year on its heels.
Scorching-Hot Alien Planet May Have Earth-Like Atmosphere
By Jesse Emspak published
A planet circling a star in the constellation Cancer might have an atmosphere similar to Earth's — but with daytime temperatures hot enough to melt titanium.
Venus and Jupiter Will Meet in the Early Morning Sky Monday: How to See It
By Jesse Emspak published
Here's how to see the Venus-Jupiter conjunction on Nov. 13, 2017.
Venus-Jupiter Conjunction 2017: When, Where and How to See It Monday
By Jesse Emspak published
On Nov. 13, Venus and Jupiter will rise together in the morning sky, only a few hours after the planets reach conjunction at 1:05 a.m. Eastern Time. Here's how to see it.
How Big Would an 'Alien Megastructure' Have to Be?
By Jesse Emspak published
Any aliens building around Tabby's star would have to be thinking very big.
The Moon Will Hide a 'Bull's Eye' Star Tonight: How to See It
By Jesse Emspak published
Tonight (Nov. 5), the moon will temporarily hide the orange star Aldebaran, the brightest star in the constellation Taurus, in what astronomers call an occultation.
November's Full Beaver Moon to Shine Bright Tonight and Saturday
By Jesse Emspak published
November's Full Beaver Moon will shine bright overnight tonight and early Saturday (Nov. 3 and 4), a day before the moon reaches perigee, its closest distance to Earth each month.
Oceans on Jupiter? Gas Giants Might Start Out As 'Steam Worlds'
By Jesse Emspak published
A new study suggests that Jupiter and other gas-giant planets might once have been "steam worlds" — warm ocean planets a bit bigger than Earth, with water-vapor atmospheres.
NASA Moon Probe Celebrates 100th Lunar Day
By Jesse Emspak published
October means baseball playoffs, Halloween and, for NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, 100 lunar days on the moon.
Caught In the Act! Five Black Hole Couples Found Merging (Videos)
By Jesse Emspak published
Astronomers have pinpointed five pairs of merging black holes using three different space and ground-based instruments and two sky surveys.
Sputnik's Beeping Legacy: Satellite's Simplicity Made It Iconic 60 Years Ago
By Jesse Emspak published
In October 1957, amateur radio operators monitored the first signal from a spacefaring civilization — and it was us.
Awesome Comet Close-Ups from Rosetta Probe Available for Download (Video)
By Jesse Emspak published
A set of stunning images available for download shows what it's like to ride up close and personal to a comet.
No, We Can't Control Hurricanes from Space
By Jesse Emspak published
As Hurricane Irma winds down, some have asked why we can't control hurricanes.
Crushed Crystal Reveals a Spookier Entanglement State
By Jesse Emspak published
A new quantum state has been demonstrated in a pressure exposed to crushingly high pressures, which could pave the way for new forms of electronics.
Take a Ride with Astronaut Mike Massimino to Science Channel's 'The Planets'
By Jesse Emspak published
Let former NASA astronaut Mike Massimino be your guide on a tour of the solar system, on the Science Channel's new show "The Planets."