The 365 Days of Astronomy Awesome Astronomy - The End of British Astronomy?
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Feb 4, 2026 They decry major UK cuts threatening blue‑sky physics and astronomy funding and urge public action. They celebrate US Congress restoring NASA funding and dig into Artemis II mission plans, crew, and launch preparations. There are personal updates, a Drake Equation recap, observing tips for naked‑eye planets and deep‑sky targets, plus lunar viewing highlights.
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Write Your MP To Protect Science Funding
- If you're concerned about UK science cuts, write to your local MP to explain why science matters and the jobs and spin-offs at risk.
- Jenifer Millard urges citizens to give concrete examples of technology spin-offs when contacting representatives.
Congress Boosted NASA To Safeguard Planetary Missions
- US Congress increased NASA funding to $24.4B (vs Trump's proposed $18.8B), reversing proposed cuts and protecting many planetary missions.
- The funding lifts NASA to roughly $27.5B in FY2026 (highest since 1998 inflation-adjusted), saving missions like DAVINCI+ and VERITAS.
SLS Orion Rolled To Pad In 12 Hour Process
- The SLS and Orion stack rolled to Launch Complex 39B on 17 January, a 12-hour, 4.2-mile slow crawl requiring stops and checks.
- Teams integrated systems at the pad, checked capsule systems, replaced a faulty emergency-escape brake, and prepared for the wet dress rehearsal.