Space and astronomy news highlights include upcoming solar eclipse preparations, meteor showers, and analysis of past lunar impacts.

NASA is launching an airborne mission from Iceland, utilizing high-altitude research aircraft to capture rare data and imagery of the sun during the upcoming solar eclipse.

The Perseid meteor shower is currently peaking in the northern hemisphere, with astronomers expecting 50 to 100 meteors per hour under favorable viewing conditions.

Residents and astrotourists in Spain are preparing for the total solar eclipse on August 12, which is expected to draw significant crowds to rural areas like Somosierra.

The UK is preparing for its first visible solar eclipse of the century, with experts releasing guides on optimal viewing times and safety protocols.

New scientific analysis of the SpaceX rocket impact on the moon has revealed the detection of sodium and lithium gases within a large plume generated by the crash.

Despite intense observation by amateur and professional astronomers, researchers have concluded that the impact of a four-ton SpaceX rocket stage on the lunar surface went largely unobserved.

The first self-driving navigation system on a Mars rover has been declared a success, marking a milestone in autonomous planetary exploration.

New upgrades to Europe's free satellite services are enhancing the ability of authorities to track and monitor wildfires in real-time from space.