Samantha Mathewson
Samantha Mathewson joined Space.com as an intern in the summer of 2016. She received a B.A. in Journalism and Environmental Science at the University of New Haven, in Connecticut. Previously, her work has been published in Nature World News. When not writing or reading about science, Samantha enjoys traveling to new places and taking photos! You can follow her on Twitter @Sam_Ashley13.
Latest articles by Samantha Mathewson
Meet the SpaceX Crew-8 astronauts launching to the ISS on March 2
By Samantha Mathewson published
Four new astronauts are scheduled to launch to the International Space Station on March 2 as part of NASA's SpaceX Crew-8 mission.
Can you capture the comet's tail? Scientists need help from astrophotographers
By Samantha Mathewson published
Researchers are calling on amateur astronomers to help photograph the broken tail of a comet on track to pass by Earth this spring.
Do you want to spend a year inside a mock Mars base for science? If so, NASA wants you.
By Samantha Mathewson published
NASA is seeking applicants for its year-long CHAPEA 2 mock Mars mission, which is expected to kick off in spring 2025. Applications are open to the public through April 2, 2024.
Intuitive Machines' Odysseus lander is aiming for a crater near the moon's south pole. Here's why
By Samantha Mathewson published
Intuitive Machines' Odysseus mission is targeting a touchdown near the moon's south pole this week for a historic lunar landing. Why was this location chosen?
See the sun's surface rage as solar maximum approaches (photo)
By Samantha Mathewson published
Photos by the European Space Agency's Solar Orbiter probe show activity ramping up on the sun's surface as it approaches solar maximum this year.
Very Large Telescope snaps gorgeous shot of Milky Way's star-studded core (photo)
By Samantha Mathewson published
A new view from the European Southern Observatory's Very Large Telescope captures the abundant star-forming region at the center of the Milky Way.
Australia seeks public help to design its 1st moon rover, Roo-ver
By Samantha Mathewson published
The Australian Space Agency is building a moon rover called "Roo-ver," slated to launch as early as 2026.
Water found on the surface of an asteroid for the 1st time ever
By Samantha Mathewson published
Water molecules have been detected on the surface of an asteroid for the first time, revealing new clues about the distribution of water in our solar system.
A tiny asteroid just snuck between the Earth and moon
By Samantha Mathewson published
A newly discovered asteroid has passed safely between the Earth and moon during a very close encounter this week.
Lava from Iceland volcano spied from space (satellite photo)
By Samantha Mathewson published
Solidified lava surrounds the small Icelandic town of Grindavík in a new photo from the European Space Agency's Copernicus Sentinel-2, following recent volcanic eruptions.
See Earth's atmosphere glow gold in gorgeous photo taken from the ISS
By Samantha Mathewson published
A golden glow illuminates Earth's horizon in a stunning new image captured from the International Space Station.
Ax-3 astronaut snaps dizzying photo of ISS's jam-packed interior
By Samantha Mathewson published
A new view from inside the International Space Station's Destiny module captures a dizzying number of experiments underway in orbit.
Hubble Space Telescope's view of a galactic collision gets turned into beautiful song
By Samantha Mathewson published
NASA has composed a lovely melody to represent the cosmic collision of two galaxies.
NASA's Perseverance rover confirms presence of ancient lake on Mars and it may hold clues to past life
By Samantha Mathewson published
NASA's Perseverance rover is equipped with a radar imager, allowing researchers to create a subsurface profile of Jezero Crater to better understand its geological past.
Hubble Space Telescope sees colliding galaxies aglow with stars
By Samantha Mathewson published
The spiral galaxies UGC 05028 and UGC 05029, collectively known as Arp 300, are in the process of merging. This has fueled rapid star formation.
NASA satellite sees an aurora in infrared light (image)
By Samantha Mathewson published
Generally, photos of auroras capture bright, colorful bands dancing across the night sky, but a new satellite view captures the spectacular glow of an aurora in a new light.
US Space Force satellite data shines light on mystery of Arctic warming
By Samantha Mathewson published
Satellite data show melting Arctic sea ice has reduced the amount of sunlight the region reflects, triggering an unprecedented rise in local temperatures.
At last! NASA finally frees lid of asteroid Bennu sample capsule after battling stuck fasteners
By Samantha Mathewson published
NASA technicians have finally removed the two stubborn fasteners that prevented them from accessing all of the asteroid samples returned to Earth by OSIRIS-REx in September.
Japanese earthquake on Jan. 1 shifted coastline over 800 feet, satellite photos show
By Samantha Mathewson published
A 7.6-magnitude earthquake struck Japan on Jan. 1, causing uplift that extended the coastline along areas of the Noto Peninsula by up to 820 feet (250 meters), as new satellite images show.
NASA awards another $100 million for private space stations
By Samantha Mathewson published
NASA has awarded nearly $100 million in additional funding to commercial space station partners that are developing low Earth orbit destinations.
NASA funds Venus sample-return, interstellar probes and other far-out space tech
By Samantha Mathewson published
Through its NIAC program, NASA has awarded funding to 13 innovative space technology concepts that could shape future missions to Venus, Mars and worlds beyond our solar system.
Satellites reveal 75% of world's industrial fishing vessels are 'hidden'
By Samantha Mathewson published
New satellite imagery has helped detect previously unmapped global fishing vessels, revealing nearly 75% of the world's industrial activity at sea was "hidden" from public view.
Exoplanet-hunting instrument measures Jupiter's wild wind speeds
By Samantha Mathewson published
A Very Large Telescope instrument designed to study exoplanets has turned its focus to our own cosmic neighborhood to measure Jupiter's wind speeds.
Male astronauts headed to Mars could thrive on this vegetarian salad
By Samantha Mathewson published
It turns out the optimal space meal for male astronauts is a tasty vegetarian salad, using ingredients grown in space that offer micronutrients needed to compensate for extra calories burned.
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