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Repurposed ICBM Launched Secret US Spy Satellites From California

Repurposed ICBM Launched Secret US Spy Satellites From California

Yahoo04-06-2025
A Northrop Grumman Minotaur IV rocket launched the NROL-174 mission from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. It was the first launch of a Minotaur IV from the site since 2011, the NRO said via X. Credit: Staff Sgt. Joshua LeRoi / Space Launch Delta 30 | edited by Space.com
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Perseids: How to watch one of 2025's most spectacular meteor showers
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Perseids: How to watch one of 2025's most spectacular meteor showers

If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, BGR may receive an affiliate commission. One of the best meteor showers of 2025, the Perseids, is set to kick off this month, as the shower will reportedly be active from July 14 to September 1. Despite having such a long activity time, though, the meteor shower isn't expected to peak until well into August — the night of August 12 to 13 to be exact. While the peak will see upwards of 75-80 meteors per hour, that might not actually be the best time to see them. That's because the Moon is expected to be 84% full at that time, which means it will be an exceptionally bright night sky. You'll still be able to see the meteors, though, especially after 11 p.m. local time, when its peak begins. Today's Top Deals XGIMI Prime Day deals feature the new MoGo 4 and up to 42% off smart projectors Best deals: Tech, laptops, TVs, and more sales Best Ring Video Doorbell deals However, many skywatchers recommend going outside and catching a look at the best meteor shower of 2025 before then. In fact, the best time to see the Perseids will likely be between July 21 and 27. That's when the Moon phases will be moving toward the New Moon, which is darkest Moon of the month. Specifically, the Old Farmer's Almanac says that on July 24, the New Moon will be in full effect, making it easier to see the bright meteors as they streak across the sky. The Perseids are one of the best showers of the year simply because of how active and bright they are. We experience this shower when Earth passes through the debris trail left by Comet Swift-Tuttle. This is also the largest known object to repeatedly pass by Earth, and the debris trail it leaves behind moves at around 133,200 miles per hour through space. While the fragments are typically only the size of a grain of sand, they light up when entering Earth's atmosphere. While seen in all latitudes, the best meteor shower of 2025 will be most visible from the Northern Hemisphere. Despite being one of the best, it is far from the biggest meteor shower of the year. That isn't expected to occur until December. However, in a few years, the Perseid meteor shower is expected to be even more astounding, as reports that the 2028 shower will evolve into a storm. More Top Deals Memorial Day security camera deals: Reolink's unbeatable sale has prices from $29.98 See the

Dazzling photos show the July full 'buck moon' reach peak illumination
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Yahoo

time11-07-2025

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Dazzling photos show the July full 'buck moon' reach peak illumination

July's full moon, known as the 'buck moon,' put on a show for viewers by sitting unusually low on the horizon on July 10. It was the farthest full moon from the sun in 2025. The name 'buck moon' is in reference to male deer, or bucks, which start to rapidly grow their antlers this time of year. This year's buck moon reached its peak illumination at 4:37 p.m. ET on Thursday, which is when it was fully visible and low on the horizon for stargazers in North America. This full moon was so visibly low on the horizon because of the summer solstice, which kicks off the summer and marks when the sun starts traveling at its highest point in the day. When the sun is at its high peak, the moon travels along a lower path throughout the night, according to Due to its low position in the sky, buck moons tend to look a little orange because of Rayleigh scattering, which is the same thick atmosphere that makes us see sunsets as very orange. A full moon happens when the sun, Earth and moon are in alignment and form a straight line. Since the moon and the sun are on either side of Earth, the sun's light shines on the moon entirely, making it look fully illuminated from the Earth's perspective, according to the Farmers' Almanac. Even if you missed the buck moon on July 10, the full moon will still be clearly visible over the next few nights, according to There are only five full moons left in 2025, the next one being the 'sturgeon moon' on Aug. 9, and three supermoons in October, November and December, according to a schedule by the Farmers' Almanac.

Is there a rocket launch today? Why SpaceX launches have been paused in California
Is there a rocket launch today? Why SpaceX launches have been paused in California

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Is there a rocket launch today? Why SpaceX launches have been paused in California

Southern Californians accustomed to seeing (or hearing) loud spacecraft thundering into the sky may be wondering why it's been so quiet lately at the Vandenberg Space Force Base. Nearly two weeks have gone by without a rocket launch from the Santa Barbara County spaceport – an unusual duration for an active launch site that typically oversees about one or two liftoffs a week. So, what's the deal? Vandenberg Space Force Base: 4 things to know about site of California rocket launches Here's what California residents and space enthusiasts should know about the pause in launch activity from Vandenberg, which – rest assured – is temporary, officials say. Multiple websites dedicated to tracking rocket launch schedules list a bevy of upcoming spaceflights, but none anytime soon for the Vandenberg Space Force Base in Califiornia. That may sound strange for a spaceport where rocket launches are only becoming more and more common. But turns out, it's not an oversight. What gives? Well, it's all part of a "scheduled pause" due to routine maintenance at Space Launch Complex 4 East (SLC-4E,) a spokesperson for Space Launch Delta 30, which manages launch operations, confirmed to the USA TODAY Network. The complex is home to the launch pad where SpaceX routinely launches its Falcon 9 rockets to deliver Starlink satellites into orbit. SpaceX conducted all six of the rocket launches in June from the Vandenberg Space Force Base – all but one of which was a Starlink mission. On June 23, the commercial spaceflight company founded by billionaire Elon Musk launched Transporter 14 – a rideshare mission to deliver 70 payloads for paying customers into orbit. Most prominently, the Falcon 9 transported a spacecraft carrying the remains of 166 individuals for Houston company Celestis' most recent memorial spaceflight. The mission was followed June 28 by SpaceX's final Starlink orbital delivery mission of the month. The next Starlink mission from Vandenberg may be targeted for liftoff as early as Sunday, July 13, multiple rocket launch trackers show. However, the mission was not yet noted in a Federal Aviation Administration operations plan advisory as of Wednesday, July 9. Interestingly, as of July 9, a SpaceX rocket launch was scheduled for July 13 on the East Coast − a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket will deliver more Starlink satellites into orbit from Cape Canaveral, Florida. Neither Vandenberg nor SpaceX have officially confirmed when launches will resume. The USA TODAY Network left a message Wednesday, July 9, seeking more information. Eric Lagatta is the Space Connect reporter for the USA TODAY Network. Reach him at elagatta@ This article originally appeared on Ventura County Star: Next California rocket launch? About 'scheduled pause' at Vandenberg

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