EarthSky News - February 22 - Top Stories This Week

February 22 Top Stories This Week

When space expanded faster-than-light  Planck mission data supports theory of cosmic inflation, the idea that, in the moments following Big Bang, space expanded faster than the speed of light. Mystery plumes on Mars puzzle scientists  Amateur astronomers spotted them first, but they show up in Hubble images, too. Astronomers are scratching their heads ... 100 to compete for one-way Mars trip  Mars One has announced its selection of 50 men and 50 women who will compete via reality TV for a one-way Mars trip, as early as 2024. More bright spots in new Ceres images  More mysterious bright spots in latest images from Dawn spacecraft, now on approach to Ceres. "We did not expect to be this puzzled," said mission leader. Get 'em while they last!  Awesome EarthSky lunar calendars for 2015 now 50% off! We have just a few left.  First come, first serve. Plus … Stars and planets in the daytime  People often ask if stars are up there, beyond our blue sky, during the day. The answer is yes, sure, because Earth is surrounded on all sides by stars. Plus ... More favorite photos of February 20-21 planets and moon Don't miss these beauties ...

TODAY'S IMAGE More favorite photos of February 20-21 planets and moon Photo from Anthony Lynch Photography in Ireland