Gong News

If you missed the total solar eclipse on August 21, 2017, you have another chance to witness this rare and spectacular phenomenon on April 8, 2024.  Graphic of a   total solar   eclipse A  total solar   eclipse  occurs when the moon passes between the earth and the sun, blocking the sun's light and casting a shadow on the earth.  During a total solar eclipse, the moon completely covers the sun and reveals its outer atmosphere, called the corona , which is normally invisible to the naked eye. The 2024 total solar eclipse will be different from the 2017 one in several ways. Here are some of the main differences and similarities between the two eclipses: Path of Totality The path of totality is the narrow strip of land where the moon's shadow falls and the sun is completely obscured. The path of totality for the 2024 eclipse will be wider than the 2017 one, meaning more people will be able to see the total eclipse.  The 2024 path of totality will s...

NASA’s Ingenuity helicopter is a technological marvel that has captured the imagination of people around the world. This post is an overview of the spacecraft. A graphic of NASA’s Ingenuity Helicopter flying over Mars Design and Specifications   The Ingenuity helicopter is a small, lightweight aircraft that weighs only 1.8 kilograms and is equipped with two rotors that spin in opposite directions. Powered Flight on Mars   The Ingenuity helicopter has completed 71 flights since first taking to the skies above the Red Planet on April 19, 2021 , far exceeding its originally planned technology demonstration of up to five flights. Achievements on Mars   The many highlights of Ingenuity’s historic and successful activities on Mars include: The first aircraft to achieve powered, controlled flight on another planet, a feat that’s been called a “Wright Brothers moment”. Completing 128.3 flying minutes, covering 10.5 miles (17.0 km), and reaching altitudes as high as 78.7 ft (24....