# NASA invites media to view a research aircraft and interview scientists in Fairbanks — May 09, 2026

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/space-news-and-weather-today-auroras-rocket-launches-night-sky-viewing-6693379/nasa-invites-media-to-view-a-research-aircraft-and-interview-scientists-in-fairbanks-may-09-2026
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/space-news-and-weather-today-auroras-rocket-launches-night-sky-viewing-6693379/nasa-invites-media-to-view-a-research-aircraft-and-interview-scientists-in-fairbanks-may-09-2026.md
Podcast: [Space News and Weather Today – Auroras, Rocket Launches & Night Sky Viewing](https://stenobird.com/podcast/space-news-and-weather-today-auroras-rocket-launches-night-sky-viewing-6693379)
Published: 2026-05-09T07:03:10+00:00
Episode link: https://www.spreaker.com/episode/nasa-invites-media-to-view-a-research-aircraft-and-interview-scientists-in-fairbanks-may-09-2026--71934129
Audio file: https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/71934129/space_report_20260509.mp3
Processing state: processed
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Duration seconds: 122

## Resource

NASA's Arctic Boreal Vulnerability Experiment prepares for research flights in Alaska to study climate change impacts. The episode also covers upcoming SpaceX launches and optimal conditions for viewing the night sky.

## Highlights
- Main idea: NASA is deploying research aircraft in Fairbanks to assess northern ecosystem sensitivity to climate change
- Practical takeaway: Look north after dark for potential aurora activity due to high solar sunspot activity
- Practical takeaway: Venus is visible in the western sky after sunset, alongside the star Arcturus
- Launch update: A SpaceX Falcon 9 is prepared for flight at Vandenberg Space Force Base with a landing attempt
- Failure mode: Avoid heavy cloud cover if you are hunting for the northern lights, as clear skies are required for visibility

## Topics

NASA, SpaceX, Climate Change, Astronomy, Solar Activity, Aurora Borealis, Astrophysics, Satellite Launches

## Chapters
- 0:20 — NASA Arctic Research Mission: Details on the Arctic Boreal Vulnerability Experiment and NASA's research aircraft in Fairbanks, Alaska.
- 0:50 — Galactic Collision & Deep Space: A look at the future merger between the Milky Way and Andromeda galaxies.
- 1:00 — Night Sky Viewing Guide: Where to find Venus and the orange giant star Arcturus in the evening sky.
- 1:20 — SpaceX Launch Update: Status of the Falcon 9 mission at Vandenberg Space Force Base.
- 1:50 — Solar Activity & Aurora Forecast: Solar sunspot updates and the probability of seeing the northern lights.

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## Transcript

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