# Exploration
Last year
2022
Voices
Dr Niamh Shaw: Why space travel is much more than a billionaire’s pastime
The space exploration advocate makes the case for continuing to look up and learn from the cosmos.
All time
# ideal touchdown
Japan probe lands 300 million km away in hunt for clues to origin of life
Meanwhile, Israel began a mission to make its first Moon landing.
# deep dive
How Irish researchers will explore Atlantic Ocean over next two years
18 state-of-the-art seismometers will measure movement at the floor of the ocean.
# Exploration
Walkers invited to journey along five ancient routes and pick up their 'Pilgrim passport'
The event takes place over Heritage Week this month.
# into orbit
Why science and space exploration needs more than those with a degree
They may seem like areas that require a lot of knowledge and training, but the reality isn’t as black or white as that.
# what is that
The world's deepest living fish is 'unlike anything scientists have seen before'
It has “large wing-like fins and a head resembling a cartoon dog”.
# Survey
How will 'unprecedented' levels of oil and gas exploration affect wildlife?
The Government has announced a new plan to carry out surveys of areas of potential exploration.
# Exploration
Remember those people who want to live on Mars? They'd die after 68 days
It’s hardly worth the air miles.
# hms terror
British explorer ship lost in 1846 found in Canada
The occupants of this and a second ship had died of cold and hunger on Beechey Island.
# Hey Rosetta
'World Cup final' event as 6 billion km comet-chaser nears its target
“Rosetta, meet Churyumov-Gerasimenko”.
# Life on Mars
NASA aims to produce oxygen on Mars with 2020 rover experiment
As part of experiments carried out by NASA’s Mars 2020 rover, researchers will look at whether Martian air could be converted for astronauts to breathe.
# fracked
"We are not going to win overnight." - Anti-fracking activists as company prepares to start drilling
The company says no fracking will take place at the site in Belcoo, Co. Fermanagh.
Voices
Opinion: Ireland should be at forefront of modern science – Ireland should join CERN
International project collaboration, such as the pan-EU radio telescope LOFAR, would benefit Irish businesses and tourism, as well as our IT and science graduates.
# gas man
Losses mount at O'Reilly's Providence Resources
The company blamed increased losses on administration expenses.
# Pat Rabbitte
Ireland will receive more taxes from oil and gas exploration under new terms
However, it has been criticised for ‘not going far enough’, with tax increases falling short of what was recommended by an Oireachtas committee.
Voices
Column: Is space exploration worth the money?
Might the money spent on space exploration by governments and scientific institutes be better used for “real world” problems? Conor Farrell takes a look.
# Stranded
Helicopter to rescue passengers on science ship trapped in Antarctica
The 52 passengers will be taken by helicopter to a nearby ship, while the 22 crew members are expected to remain with the trapped vessel.
# Fracking
Pros and cons of fracking in Ireland to be examined by two-year research study
The EPA notes that although there are currently no hydraulic fracturing (fracking) projects under way in Ireland, the gas exploration method “is an emerging issue”.
# new lease
10 more years! New Tara Mines lease means 650 jobs are retained
The Navan zinc and lead mine, which is the largest Zinc mine in Europe, has been in operation since 1977.
# Black gold
Government asks experts for advice on Ireland's underexplored oil and gas
Minister Pat Rabbitte says he wants to strike a balance between attracting investment and maximising returns from the State’s natural resources.
# Exploration
Just four commercial gas discoveries since the 70s but minister remains positive
Junior miniser Fergus O’Dowd has said that the state should provide an environment that encourages companies to take the risks involved in exploration.
# Space race
5, 4, 3, 2, 1...NASA launches its latest mission to the Moon
The robotic mission will collect information about the lunar atmosphere and surface to help scientists with their moondust problems.
# sponsored by emirates
The Guide to Long Haul Flights
Planning on taking some holidays? Read this before you jet off.
# ICEBRIDGE
Aircraft-mounted cameras capture stunning views of polar regions
NASA is in the fifth year of its mission to survey the Arctic and Antarctic. Its cockpit cameras have gathered some spectacular footage…
Voices
Column: We need education about porn, not censorship
While pornography can create dangerous misconceptions about sex, shutting down all such exploration only reinforces the notion that sex is something dirty and shameful, writes Genevieve Shanahan.
# Exploration
€20 million seismic survey hopes to reveal Ireland's true oil and gas wealth
Offshore explorers have welcomed the new push to figure out exactly what may lie under Ireland’s western waters,
# Natural Resources
Rabbitte: Fracking could be good for Ireland – but only if it’s safe enough
The natural resources minister also denies suggestions that Ireland is “giving away” its oil and gas reserves.
# Apples and Oranges
Rabbitte: No point comparing Ireland's oil prospects to Norway's
The Minister for Communication and Natural Resources has said a Norwegian-style 80 per cent tax on oil finds would not work, saying: “We’re comparing apples with oranges.”
# Space
NASA has watched the sun for three years...here's what it has seen
Scientists are using the data in their efforts to predict space weather.
# Yee-haw!
'Several hundred million barrels' of oil may lie in new Petrel site off Kerry
Petrel Resources says it is holding talks with prospective partners after a second site in the Porcupine Basin suggests oil.
# Curiosity
Life on Mars: it was possible
Nasa Curiosity Rover, which is living on the Red Planet, has taken samples of rock for analysis by scientists back home.
# Drilling
Providence surrenders licence for site off coast of Dublin
The company said the government in 1999 failed to transpose EU legislation into law which left it open to legal challenges.
# gold mine
More positive results from tests at Monaghan gold mine site
Results mean that processing of the gold should go more smoothly.
# Fracking
Natural gas field in west Clare confirmed as prospective fracking site
UK-based company Enegi will now apply to the government for an exploration license before the end of February next year.
# Shell to Sea
UN Special Rapporteur "concerned" about Shell to Sea protesters
Margaret Sekaggya said there is “tangible frustration amongst local residents who are standing up for their rights”.
# oil grab
Why we should be concerned about oil drilling in the Arctic
A land grab for oil and gas reserves is happening in the Arctic states – but the scenario of an oil leak there could be catastrophic for everyone.
# Liquid Assets
Shell to Sea claims 'devastating mismanagement' of oil and gas resources
The group has released a report saying exploration companies believe oil and gas within Irish waters is worth €1.6 trillion.
# Oh The Humanity
The first song played on another planet is...
(Mars, we’re sorry.) What would you have picked to be the first song from space?
