#gaiamission — Public Fediverse posts

I've put up one of the most ambitious (and lengthy) articles I've written on the Milky Way.

The timing works out well because this year is the 75th anniversary of the detection of the 21 cm line, one of the events that started the Golden Age of galactic cartography.

https://kevinjardine.dev/blog/post-16/

#astronomy #GaiaMission #cartography

I've put up one of the most ambitious (and lengthy) articles I've written on the Milky Way.

The timing works out well because this year is the 75th anniversary of the detection of the 21 cm line, one of the events that started the Golden Age of galactic cartography.

https://kevinjardine.dev/blog/post-16/

#astronomy #GaiaMission #cartography

If I ran a Kickstarter to use Gaia DR4 to produce improved maps of the Milky Way for 2027, what would you like as a reward:

#astronomy #cartography #GaiaMission

If I ran a Kickstarter to use Gaia DR4 to produce improved maps of the Milky Way for 2027, what would you like as a reward:

#astronomy #cartography #GaiaMission

Oh, you definitely want to click on the video link at the top of this article. (I've always said that the #GaiaMission was about more than just stars.)
https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Space_Science/Gaia/Fly_through_Gaia_s_3D_map_of_stellar_nurseries

Oh, you definitely want to click on the video link at the top of this article. (I've always said that the #GaiaMission was about more than just stars.)
https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Space_Science/Gaia/Fly_through_Gaia_s_3D_map_of_stellar_nurseries

Space stations are normally rabbit warrens composed of corridors connecting specialized locations but in my Galactic Treasure Hunt I imagine that the star stations have artificial gravity and a surrounding force field to keep in the air, all the better to see the beautiful #GaiaMission derived sky.

Here we are at the quintuple star system Alula Australis.

Space stations are normally rabbit warrens composed of corridors connecting specialized locations but in my Galactic Treasure Hunt I imagine that the star stations have artificial gravity and a surrounding force field to keep in the air, all the better to see the beautiful #GaiaMission derived sky.

Here we are at the quintuple star system Alula Australis.

I've added a training course and a narration system to guide players through my Galactic Treasure Hunt game. Based on real #GaiaMission data as shown by several signs in the game.

For mobile, web or VR. Take a few minutes to try it out.

https://horizon.meta.com/world/652276037540703

I've added a training course and a narration system to guide players through my Galactic Treasure Hunt game. Based on real #GaiaMission data as shown by several signs in the game.

For mobile, web or VR. Take a few minutes to try it out.

https://horizon.meta.com/world/652276037540703

I posted this article about #GaiaMission and gamification on Reddit. Please upvote if you can.

https://www.reddit.com/r/Astronomy/comments/1lf6kx3/gamifying_gaia/

I posted this article about #GaiaMission and gamification on Reddit. Please upvote if you can.

https://www.reddit.com/r/Astronomy/comments/1lf6kx3/gamifying_gaia/

Hundreds of people have visited my #GaiaMission inspired Horizon Worlds experiences this last week, via mobile, web or VR headsets. Why not visit yourself and try out the Galactic Treasure Hunt?

https://horizon.meta.com/world/652276037540703

Hundreds of people have visited my #GaiaMission inspired Horizon Worlds experiences this last week, via mobile, web or VR headsets. Why not visit yourself and try out the Galactic Treasure Hunt?

https://horizon.meta.com/world/652276037540703

Very excited to announce *two* 3D immersive and multiplayer experiences for web, mobile or Quest VR headsets to explore our home galaxy, the Milky Way.

One is a treasure hunt game and the other is a Galactic space port.

More details here:

https://kevinjardine.dev/blog/post-11/

#astronomy #virtualreality #gaiamission

Very excited to announce *two* 3D immersive and multiplayer experiences for web, mobile or Quest VR headsets to explore our home galaxy, the Milky Way.

One is a treasure hunt game and the other is a Galactic space port.

More details here:

https://kevinjardine.dev/blog/post-11/

#astronomy #virtualreality #gaiamission

Working on adding travelling to 12 different locations within 1250 pc (4000 ly) to my fleet of Horizon Worlds VR starships.

#astronomy #gaiamission

Working on adding travelling to 12 different locations within 1250 pc (4000 ly) to my fleet of Horizon Worlds VR starships.

#astronomy #gaiamission

I've been experimenting with a combined 1250 parsecs map that shows dust, ionized hydrogen, ob star concentrations and major open clusters.

#astronomy #gaiamission

I've been experimenting with a combined 1250 parsecs map that shows dust, ionized hydrogen, ob star concentrations and major open clusters.

#astronomy #gaiamission

I've put up preliminary versions of my 1250 parsecs (4000 light-years) maps of the local galaxy. This includes full resolution bitmaps as well as a link to a page where you can download printable pdfs.

https://gruze.org/1250pc/

As always with my maps, they use the RGB colour scheme, not the CMYK system traditionally used by printers.

So make sure that your printer can handle that properly.

#astronomy #gaiamission

I've put up preliminary versions of my 1250 parsecs (4000 light-years) maps of the local galaxy. This includes full resolution bitmaps as well as a link to a page where you can download printable pdfs.

https://gruze.org/1250pc/

As always with my maps, they use the RGB colour scheme, not the CMYK system traditionally used by printers.

So make sure that your printer can handle that properly.

#astronomy #gaiamission

Hey, the [Gaia] probe took a photo of you, and it's hella cute!!

https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap250512.html

#NASA #APOD #Astronomy #PictureOfTheDay #ESA #GaiaMission

Hey, the [Gaia] probe took a photo of you, and it's hella cute!!

https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap250512.html

#NASA #APOD #Astronomy #PictureOfTheDay #ESA #GaiaMission

I've submitted my Horizon Worlds contest entry, a Gaia Mission based immersive VR/mobile/web space adventure where teams use starships to travel between local star systems and search for valuable alien artifacts.

My entry appears to be public, so here it is:

https://devpost.com/software/starship-port

#virtualreality #metaquest #astronomy #gaiamission #videogames

I've submitted my Horizon Worlds contest entry, a Gaia Mission based immersive VR/mobile/web space adventure where teams use starships to travel between local star systems and search for valuable alien artifacts.

My entry appears to be public, so here it is:

https://devpost.com/software/starship-port

#virtualreality #metaquest #astronomy #gaiamission #videogames

🔭✨ #GaiaMission a été définitivement éteint le 26 mars dernier.
Retour sur cette nouvelle étape du télescope spatial ESA au legs hors norme : https://reves-d-espace.com/le-telescope-spatial-gaia-est-definitivement-eteint/

🔭✨ #GaiaMission a été définitivement éteint le 26 mars dernier.
Retour sur cette nouvelle étape du télescope spatial ESA au legs hors norme : https://reves-d-espace.com/le-telescope-spatial-gaia-est-definitivement-eteint/

🔭✨ #GaiaMission a été définitivement éteint le 26 mars dernier.
Retour sur cette nouvelle étape du télescope spatial ESA au legs hors norme : https://reves-d-espace.com/le-telescope-spatial-gaia-est-definitivement-eteint/

🔭✨ #GaiaMission a été définitivement éteint le 26 mars dernier.
Retour sur cette nouvelle étape du télescope spatial ESA au legs hors norme : https://reves-d-espace.com/le-telescope-spatial-gaia-est-definitivement-eteint/

Gaia leaves for retirement orbit https://youtu.be/8RznHsG12t0?si=KYg_wzvCMCrEhmGG via @YouTube #GaiaMission #SpaceExploration #Astronomy

The Gaia satellite has been retired, but the #GaiaMission continues.
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/27/science/gaia-milky-way-spacecraft-retires.html?unlocked_article_code=1.7E4.ZM7M.EG-iIa0xvMul&smid=url-share&utm_source=Live+Audience&utm_campaign=06ad1f325c-nature-briefing-daily-20250327&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_b27a691814-06ad1f325c-50173876

The Gaia satellite has been retired, but the #GaiaMission continues.
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/27/science/gaia-milky-way-spacecraft-retires.html?unlocked_article_code=1.7E4.ZM7M.EG-iIa0xvMul&smid=url-share&utm_source=Live+Audience&utm_campaign=06ad1f325c-nature-briefing-daily-20250327&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_b27a691814-06ad1f325c-50173876

Venerdì sera (28 febbraio) se siete liberi, venite che parliamo della missione #gaiamission di #esa, di cosa voleva fare, di cosa di bello ha combinato in tutti questi anni (ora che si avvia alla meritata pensione), di come ci ha svelato una "nuova" Via Lattea. Quella di Gaia, appunto 😉

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ay6CePX0N90

Mon cadeau d'anniversaire 🥰
Il y a un petit #GaiaMission

Mon cadeau d'anniversaire 🥰
Il y a un petit #GaiaMission

Science observations have ended for the #GaiaMission, but the satellite is undergoing some end-of-life testing. ESA has reoriented the satellite, so it is much brighter than usual, making it a possible target for small telescopes. Observers from around the world are sharing their images (see link below), and the image below is a rather nice example.

https://www.cosmos.esa.int/web/gaia/ground-based-observations-of-gaia-spacecraft-2025

Science observations have ended for the #GaiaMission, but the satellite is undergoing some end-of-life testing. ESA has reoriented the satellite, so it is much brighter than usual, making it a possible target for small telescopes. Observers from around the world are sharing their images (see link below), and the image below is a rather nice example.

https://www.cosmos.esa.int/web/gaia/ground-based-observations-of-gaia-spacecraft-2025

The cardboard vs. neoprene horse race is neck and neck.

You still have time to vote.

https://mastodon.social/@galaxy_map/113922499282583022

#boardgames #astronomy #gaiamission

The cardboard vs. neoprene horse race is neck and neck.

You still have time to vote.

https://mastodon.social/@galaxy_map/113922499282583022

#boardgames #astronomy #gaiamission

🔭✨ Les opérations de #GaiaMission se sont terminées le 15 janvier.
Ce télescope spatial européen laisse un héritage sans précédent pour les astronomes.
À découvrir sur https://reves-d-espace.com/fin-de-mission-pour-gaia-un-heritage-hors-norme/

🔭✨ Les opérations de #GaiaMission se sont terminées le 15 janvier.
Ce télescope spatial européen laisse un héritage sans précédent pour les astronomes.
À découvrir sur https://reves-d-espace.com/fin-de-mission-pour-gaia-un-heritage-hors-norme/

What would be your preferred format for the Acrux star game board?

#boardgames #astronomy #gaiamission

What would be your preferred format for the Acrux star game board?

#boardgames #astronomy #gaiamission

The #GaiaMission, after "10.5 years of science operations, Gaia has made some three trillion observations of about two billion stars.." continues.

Observations have ended but data processing has not! Indeed, it takes years of processing to transform these observations into usable quantities (parallax, stellar magnitude, temperature, metallicity..). Next data release in 2026 will be based on half of these observations. The best is yet to come!

https://www.forbes.com/sites/brucedorminey/2025/01/27/esas-gaia-spacecraft-wraps-up-revolutionary-milky-way-mapping-mission/

The #GaiaMission, after "10.5 years of science operations, Gaia has made some three trillion observations of about two billion stars.." continues.

Observations have ended but data processing has not! Indeed, it takes years of processing to transform these observations into usable quantities (parallax, stellar magnitude, temperature, metallicity..). Next data release in 2026 will be based on half of these observations. The best is yet to come!

https://www.forbes.com/sites/brucedorminey/2025/01/27/esas-gaia-spacecraft-wraps-up-revolutionary-milky-way-mapping-mission/

We're now two-thirds of the way to the 100 euros we need to make the new improved Acrux star board game prototype. I'm hoping that we can raise the remaining amount today and I can start work on it this weekend.

Thank you to everyone who has contributed so far. We just need a few more tips to put us over the top (and for me to stop nagging you!)

Please help: https://tiptopjar.com/kevinjardine

#boardgames #astronomy #gaiamission

We're now two-thirds of the way to the 100 euros we need to make the new improved Acrux star board game prototype. I'm hoping that we can raise the remaining amount today and I can start work on it this weekend.

Thank you to everyone who has contributed so far. We just need a few more tips to put us over the top (and for me to stop nagging you!)

Please help: https://tiptopjar.com/kevinjardine

#boardgames #astronomy #gaiamission

I've added a tip jar link to my profile page. The idea here is that once I get 100 euros in tips, I will be able to print a revised and improved prototype of the Acrux board game.

This is the first time that I've tried anything like this so please tell me if it works for you.

https://tiptopjar.com/kevinjardine

#boardgames #astronomy #gaiamission

I've added a tip jar link to my profile page. The idea here is that once I get 100 euros in tips, I will be able to print a revised and improved prototype of the Acrux board game.

This is the first time that I've tried anything like this so please tell me if it works for you.

https://tiptopjar.com/kevinjardine

#boardgames #astronomy #gaiamission

П.С. Научная аппаратура продолжает функционировать, а ограничения в позиционировании не мешают адаптировать задачи к новым условиям в пределах доступных возможностей. Я остаюсь оптимистом и потеряю надежду только в случае выполнения миссией завершающей миссию официальной команды, или если проблемы с позиционированием полностью исключат возможность принимать исходящий от Гайи сигнал. Ведь даже отдельные фрагменты этого сигнала могут иметь научную ценность. #Космос #Гайа #Наука #Gaia #GaiaMission

П.С. Научная аппаратура продолжает функционировать, а ограничения в позиционировании не мешают адаптировать задачи к новым условиям в пределах доступных возможностей. Я остаюсь оптимистом и потеряю надежду только в случае выполнения миссией завершающей миссию официальной команды, или если проблемы с позиционированием полностью исключат возможность принимать исходящий от Гайи сигнал. Ведь даже отдельные фрагменты этого сигнала могут иметь научную ценность. #Космос #Гайа #Наука #Gaia #GaiaMission

It is truly the end of an era. After over a decade of observing, the 15th January marks the final day of science observations for the #Gaia #GaiaMission.

It's likely that you've never heard of Gaia, but it is responsible for producing the most accurate, precise 3D map of the Milky Way in existence.

Personally, Gaia provided crucial pieces of the puzzle in enabling a lot of my research and allowing me to get my PhD. So I’m very sad to see the mission end.

More info: https://www.cam.ac.uk/research/news/last-starlight-for-ground-breaking-gaia

It is truly the end of an era. After over a decade of observing, the 15th January marks the final day of science observations for the #Gaia #GaiaMission.

It's likely that you've never heard of Gaia, but it is responsible for producing the most accurate, precise 3D map of the Milky Way in existence.

Personally, Gaia provided crucial pieces of the puzzle in enabling a lot of my research and allowing me to get my PhD. So I’m very sad to see the mission end.

More info: https://www.cam.ac.uk/research/news/last-starlight-for-ground-breaking-gaia

This Saturday, my star-themed board game, Acrux, based on data from ESA's Gaia and Hipparcos survey missions, will have its public debut at the Dutch Board Games Association (Ducosim) game fair in Amersfoort. I am busy improving my prototype to make it look as good as possible! #boardgames #astronomy #gaiamission

Introducing new player boards and aids for the Acrux star board game. Looking less and less like a prototype and more like a real game.

#boardgames #astronomy #gaiamission