{ "title": "Nightly News: 2026-10-21", "description": "That night's Nightly News edition.", "canonicalUrl": "https://darkskiesdirectory.com/nightly-news/2026-10-21", "breadcrumbs": [ { "name": "Home", "url": "/" }, { "name": "Nightly News", "url": "/nightly-news" }, { "name": "2026-10-21", "url": "/nightly-news/2026-10-21" } ], "updated": "2026-10-21T23:00:36.931Z", "data": { "date": "2026-10-21", "items": [ { "id": "2026-10-21-a-train-was-delayed-by-a-solar-storm-but-something-didn-t-add-up", "date": "2026-10-21", "slug": "a-train-was-delayed-by-a-solar-storm-but-something-didn-t-add-up", "headline": "A train was delayed by a solar storm. But something didn't add up.", "editorial_note_md": "A 178-year-old mystery surrounding a train delayed by a solar storm has been solved, with scientists determining the incident occurred in 1848. This finding is significant for sky-watchers because it sheds light on the history of space weather and its potential impact on modern technology. The discovery also serves as a reminder to be aware of the potential for solar storms to disrupt power grids, satellites, and communication systems.", "source_name": "ScienceDaily (Space & Time)", "source_url": "https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/10/261020085021.htm", "topics_json": "[\"aurora and space weather\"]", "published_at": "2026-10-21T23:00:36.931Z", "topics": [ "aurora and space weather" ] }, { "id": "2026-10-21-when-will-spacex-and-blue-origin-fly-to-the-moon-nasa-reveals-lunar-lander-timelines-and-an-artemis-iii-update", "date": "2026-10-21", "slug": "when-will-spacex-and-blue-origin-fly-to-the-moon-nasa-reveals-lunar-lander-timelines-and-an-artemis-iii-update", "headline": "When will SpaceX and Blue Origin fly to the moon? NASA reveals lunar lander timelines (and an Artemis III update)", "editorial_note_md": "NASA has revealed new details about its plans to return astronauts to the surface of the moon, including development timelines for SpaceX and Blue Origin's lunar landers. This is exciting news for sky-watchers who are eager to see humans return to the moon, as it brings the possibility of lunar missions closer to reality. The upcoming milestones, which include orbital refueling and uncrewed lunar landing tests, will be important to watch for as they pave the way for future crewed missions. Space enthusiasts can look forward to key demonstrations planned through early 2028.", "source_name": "Space.com", "source_url": "https://www.space.com/space-exploration/artemis/when-will-spacex-and-blue-origin-fly-to-the-moon-nasa-reveals-lunar-lander-timelines-and-an-artemis-iii-update", "topics_json": "[\"NASA/ESA/CSA missions and funding\"]", "published_at": "2026-10-21T23:00:34.456Z", "topics": [ "NASA/ESA/CSA missions and funding" ] }, { "id": "2026-10-21-oct-21-1897-yerkes-observatory-is-dedicated", "date": "2026-10-21", "slug": "oct-21-1897-yerkes-observatory-is-dedicated", "headline": "Oct. 21, 1897: Yerkes Observatory is dedicated", "editorial_note_md": "Yerkes Observatory was dedicated on October 21, 1897, marking a significant milestone in the history of astronomy. This dedication is notable for sky-watchers because it highlights the importance of investing in astronomical research and infrastructure, which has led to numerous groundbreaking discoveries. The establishment of Yerkes Observatory paved the way for future generations of astronomers to study the universe, and its legacy continues to inspire stargazers today. Visitors to Wisconsin can still plan a trip to visit the historic Yerkes Observatory.", "source_name": "Astronomy.com", "source_url": "https://www.astronomy.com/today-in-the-history-of-astronomy/oct-21-1897-yerkes-observatory-is-dedicated/", "topics_json": "[\"satellites and astronomy\"]", "published_at": "2026-10-21T23:00:32.198Z", "topics": [ "satellites and astronomy" ] }, { "id": "2026-10-21-the-sky-today-on-wednesday-october-21-catch-early-morning-orionids", "date": "2026-10-21", "slug": "the-sky-today-on-wednesday-october-21-catch-early-morning-orionids", "headline": "The Sky Today on Wednesday, October 21: Catch early-morning Orionids", "editorial_note_md": "The Orionid meteor shower peaked on the morning of October 21, bringing a display of shooting stars as Earth passed through a stream of dusty debris. This event is exciting for sky-watchers because it offers a chance to see a meteor shower at its most active. Sky-watchers can look for the Orionid meteor shower's remnants in the early morning hours, when the sky is typically darkest. The peak of the Orionid meteor shower is a great opportunity to spot meteors, especially for those who enjoy viewing celestial events in the early morning.", "source_name": "Astronomy.com", "source_url": "https://www.astronomy.com/observing/the-sky-today-wednesday-october-21-2026/", "topics_json": "[\"meteor showers\"]", "published_at": "2026-10-21T23:00:24.360Z", "topics": [ "meteor showers" ] }, { "id": "2026-10-21-nasa-conducts-rs-25-engine-test-in-support-of-future-artemis-missions", "date": "2026-10-21", "slug": "nasa-conducts-rs-25-engine-test-in-support-of-future-artemis-missions", "headline": "NASA Conducts RS-25 Engine Test in Support of Future Artemis Missions", "editorial_note_md": "NASA has conducted a test of the RS-25 engine, which will be used to support future Artemis missions. This is exciting news for sky-watchers who are interested in space exploration and the upcoming missions to the Moon. The successful testing of this engine brings NASA one step closer to returning humans to the lunar surface. Sky-watchers can look forward to following the progress of the Artemis program and its future milestones.", "source_name": "NASA (all news)", "source_url": "https://www.nasa.gov/image-article/rs-25-engine-test-in-support-of-future-artemis-missions/", "topics_json": "[\"space travel\"]", "published_at": "2026-10-21T23:00:18.436Z", "topics": [ "space travel" ] } ] }, "jsonld": { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Organization", "@id": "https://darkskiesdirectory.com/#organization", "name": "Dark Skies Directory", "url": "https://darkskiesdirectory.com", "logo": "https://darkskiesdirectory.com/apple-touch-icon.png", "member": [ { "@type": "Person", "@id": "https://darkskiesdirectory.com/#person-peter-benes", "name": "Peter Benes", "url": "https://benesthemenace.com", "jobTitle": "Editor", "sameAs": [ "https://benesthemenace.com", "https://travelpec.com/about" ], "worksFor": { "@id": "https://darkskiesdirectory.com/#organization" } }, { "@type": "Person", "@id": "https://darkskiesdirectory.com/#person-adrienne", "name": "Adrienne Kmetz", "url": "https://adriennekmetz.com", "jobTitle": "Editor", "sameAs": [ "https://adriennekmetz.com", "https://attentionoptimization.com" ], "worksFor": { "@id": "https://darkskiesdirectory.com/#organization" } } ] }, { "@type": "WebSite", "@id": "https://darkskiesdirectory.com/#website", "url": "https://darkskiesdirectory.com", "name": "Dark Skies Directory", "publisher": { "@id": "https://darkskiesdirectory.com/#organization" } }, { "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://darkskiesdirectory.com/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Nightly News", "item": "https://darkskiesdirectory.com/nightly-news" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "2026-10-21", "item": "https://darkskiesdirectory.com/nightly-news/2026-10-21" } ] } ] } }