UM Clasp – University of Michigan Space Institute

Leinweber Lab Becomes Design Hub for Moon Garden Equipment

Posted on February 5, 2025 (March 13, 2025) by U-M Space Institute

If you walk by the new Leinweber Innovation Lab inside the Climate & Space Research Building on a Wednesday evening, you might notice the BLiSS student team hard at work in each of the lab’s studios. There, members of their subteams are working in parallel to design tools that could help solve challenges in NASA’s future Artemis missions to the moon. The lab’s four open studio spaces were the perfect fit for the BLiSS student team to help future moon missions.

A Vision for Safer Space Exploration with the CLEAR Center

Posted on January 30, 2025 (February 26, 2025) by U-M Space Institute

The CLEAR Center, a Space Weather Center of Excellence at the University of Michigan, works to improve forecasting of solar energetic particles that emerge from a solar eruption, with speeds nearly reaching the speed of light, which follow the spiral shape of the solar wind’s magnetic fields into interplanetary space.

Parker Solar Probe Makes Closest Approach to Sun in History

Posted on December 28, 2024 (February 13, 2025) by U-M Space Institute

Putting another triumph and spectacle in sight for NASA and University of Michigan researchers, the Parker Solar Probe made its closest approach to the Sun on December 24, 2024.

Data Confirms the Sun’s Magnetic Field Accelerates Solar Wind

Posted on December 19, 2024 (February 6, 2025) by U-M Space Institute

A new study led by University of Michigan researchers published in The Astrophysical Journal confirms the sun’s magnetic field accelerates solar wind as it relaxes.

“This is How Close NASA’s Parker Solar Probe will Fly by the Sun”

Posted on December 19, 2024 (January 16, 2025) by U-M Space Institute

The Parker Solar Probe, a NASA Mission led by Dr. Justin Kasper at the University of Michigan, made headlines in the ABC News article “This is how close NASA’s Parker Solar Probe will fly by the sun.” | December 19, 2024

“Touching a Star; NASA Probe Set to Make Record-Setting Solar Approach!”

Posted on December 16, 2024 (January 16, 2025) by U-M Space Institute

The NASA Parker Solar Probe, a mission led by Principal Investigator Justin Kasper of the University of Michigan Department of Climate and Space, is making headlines in its “mission to touch the Sun.” The probe was featured in the article “Touching a star; NASA probe set to make record-setting solar approach!” by FOX

“Marquette High School Students Research Solar Flares”

Posted on November 20, 2024 (December 12, 2024) by U-M Space Institute

Dr. Mojtaba Akhavan-Tafti, a research faculty member at U-M Climate and Space, was featured in the article, “Marquette High School students research solar flares” for Upper Michigan Source. The article highlights the importance of engaging youth in space science. | November 20, 2024

“Crimson Trail Lights the Way at This U.P. Dark Sky Park”

Posted on November 6, 2024 (December 12, 2024) by U-M Space Institute

Dr. Mojtaba Akhavan-Tafti, an associate research scientist at U-M Climate and Space, was featured in the article, “Crimson Trail Lights the Way at This U.P. Dark Sky Park” for MLive. The article highlights innovations in sustainable lighting for stargazing. | November 6, 2024

“NASA, NOAA: Sun Reaches Maximum Phase in 11-Year Solar Cycle”

Posted on October 16, 2024 (October 31, 2024) by U-M Space Institute

Elsayed Talaat, director of space weather operations at NOAA and a U-M Climate and Space alumnus, was featured in “NASA, NOAA: Sun Reaches Maximum Phase in 11-Year Solar Cycle” for the NASA Newsroom. Representatives from NASA, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and the international Solar Cycle Prediction Panel announced that the Sun Continue Reading »

“The Seven Most Interesting Discoveries We’ve Made by Exploring Saturn”

Posted on September 16, 2024 (November 13, 2024) by U-M Space Institute

Dr. Cheng Li, an assistant professor at U-M Climate and Space, was featured in “The Seven Most Interesting Discoveries We’ve Made by Exploring Saturn” for Smithsonian Magazine. Li unveiled the cause of Saturn’s giant storms that sometimes last for months. | September 16, 2024