California's "Big Melt" from its historic snowpack is set to accelerate when temperatures reach as much as 20 degrees above average this week, forecasters warn.
By the numbers: The statewide snowpack contained a snow water equivalent (SWE) on Monday that was 256% of average for the date, and temperatures are forecast to break 80°F in parts of the Sierra Nevada for the first time this year by Thursday.
Private companies think there's money to be made in the solar system, and they're using scientific missions to figure out how.
Why it matters: Historically, missions to other worlds — like Mars, Venus and the Moon — have been the purview of governments. But with launch costs coming down and space technology, in general, getting cheaper and easier to develop, companies are joining the fold.
Japan's ispace lost communication with its Moon lander during the company's attempt to become the first to successfully land a privately built spacecraft on the lunar surface on Tuesday.
Why it matters: The landing is presumed to have failed. Multiple private companies are aiming for the Moon as international attention turns to it. Tuesday's unsuccessful landing attempt shows just how difficult it still is to land there.
