LPL Spotlight Stories

OSIRIS-REx sample capsule parachutes down to Earth.

6 Months to Go Until Historic Asteroid Sample Delivery

March 24 marks 6 months until the University of Arizona-led OSIRIS-REx mission is scheduled to return material from the dawn of the solar system to Earth for study.
Malaspina Glacier located in southeast Alaska

3D Radar Scan Provides Clues About Threats to Iconic Alaskan Glacier

Mapping a large coastal glacier in Alaska revealed that its bulk sits below sea level and is undercut by channels, making it vulnerable to accelerated melting in an already deteriorating coastal habitat.
Artist's impression of CatSat with its antenna inflated in orbit around Earth.

Student-built Satellite Uses 'Beach Ball' for an Antenna

CatSat is a small satellite carrying a new communications concept – an inflatable antenna – into space. The project provides a rare opportunity for students at the University of Arizona to get hands-on experience with spaceflight technology.

 A rendering of the Giant Magellan Telescope's final design.

Economic Impact of UArizona Space Sciences Rivals that of Super Bowl

A new report spotlights the significant impact of University of Arizona space sciences activities, which generate $560.5 million every year for the local economy.
Students use the transmission electron microscope

Solar System 'Detectives' Search for Clues in 'Crumbs' Left Over from Early Solar System

NASA awarded nearly $3 million to the University of Arizona Kuiper Materials Imaging and Characterization Facility to support OSIRIS-REx sample science and much more.

 Old Main at Univesity of Arizona

NSF: UArizona Again Ranks Among Top 20 Public Research Universities, No. 1 in Astronomy and Astrophysics

UArizona saw an increase of more than $9 million over its fiscal year 2020 total and retained its No. 1 ranking in astronomy and astrophysics expenditures.
A view of the Cerberus Fossae system on Mars, showing fractures cutting through hills and craters.

Giant Mantle Plume Reveals Mars is More Active than Previously Thought

Orbital observations unveil the presence of an enormous mantle plume pushing the surface of Mars upward and driving intense volcanic and seismic activity.

 Hot, puffy gas giant: This illustration shows what exoplanet WASP-39 b could look like, based on current understanding of the planet

UArizona Scientists Thrilled by Unprecedented 'Portrait' of an Alien World

Thanks to the James Webb Space Telescope, scientists have identified a "mystery molecule" that previously stumped astronomers. They've also gained insights needed to interpret potential signs of habitability on other exoplanets.
Time-lapse photograph by Robert Weryk his home in London, Ontario, Canada of fireball streaking directly overhead and continued east until it broke up.

Catalina Sky Survey Predicted Impact of Small Asteroid Over Ontario, Canada

NASA Communications - November 22, 2022 In the early hours of Saturday, Nov. 19, the skies over southern Ontario, Canada

 Lead author and graduate student Tyler Meng standing with radar equipment on the Sourdough rock glacier in Alaska in August 2021.

Mapping Rock Glaciers to Understand Their Future on Earth and Mars

University of Arizona researchers developed a new method for analyzing rock glaciers, which could help scientists better understand these "hidden giants" on Earth and Mars.