{
  "id": 17258029,
  "title": "How to Follow NASA's Latest Missions, Become a Bat Monitor, Stay Safe and Respectful on Trails, and Report Artifact and Meteorite Findings",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/30/how-to-follow-nasas-latest-missions-become-a-bat-monitor-stay-safe",
  "topic": "science",
  "section": "Science",
  "published": "2026-10-30T17:12:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Discover Magazine",
    "slug": "discover-magazine",
    "url": "https://www.discovermagazine.com/how-to-follow-nasa-s-latest-missions-become-a-bat-monitor-stay-safe-and-respectful-on-trails-and-report-artifact-and-meteorite-findings-49878"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "1. Explore Active Missions with NASA's Eyes\nNASA offers a tool called NASA's Eyes that lets you follow along with spacecraft as they journey through the Solar System. You can use this interactive 3D platform to see where missions are currently located, track their past journeys, and explore locations like planets, moons, asteroids, and even distant stars. Additionally, you can examine close-up views of celestial bodies and comprehend the vast distances covered by space exploration.\n\n2. How to Become a Bat Monitor\nBecoming a bat monitor doesn't require a background in wildlife biology. Volunteers can contribute to the study of bats by helping researchers identify species present in specific areas, monitor their activity patterns, and track population changes over time. Many monitoring programs rely on acoustic detectors to capture the ultrasonic sounds bats produce. Other initiatives may involve counting bats leaving their roosts or following designated monitoring routes.\n\nTo get started as a bat monitor, first check for local monitoring programs through state or provincial wildlife agencies, conservation authorities, nature centers, universities, or bat conservation organizations. You can also connect with the North American Bat Monitoring Program (NABat) to participate in community-science projects. Some programs may provide volunteers with acoustic detectors and training on proper deployment techniques. Remember never to handle a bat unless you are properly trained and authorized to do so. Your observations can significantly contribute to larger datasets used to track bat populations across North America, which is crucial given the various threats facing these creatures.\n\n3. Hiking Trail Safety and Responsibility\nWhen venturing on hiking trails, it's essential to follow Leave No Trace principles, which involve leaving the environment unspoiled for future generations. This means avoiding taking rocks, sticks, or wildflowers, as well as leaving behind any garbage or food waste. Uphill hikers have the right of way when hiking downhill, so it's polite to step aside to let them pass. If you encounter someone on the trail, pass to the left side and alert them to your presence by saying \"on your left.\"\n\nTo ensure safety while on the trail, adhere to all posted rules, stay on designated paths to prevent accidents or damage to fragile ecosystems, and bring appropriate gear and supplies, such as food, water, sturdy footwear, and any necessary hiking essentials. By respecting nature and following proper trail etiquette, you can enjoy a safe and enjoyable outdoor experience.",
  "summary": "Check out October 2026's roundup of \"Explore with Discover \" weekly science tips and learn more about the natural world around you.",
  "key_points": [
    "Explore NASA's Eyes to track spacecraft journeys through the Solar System.",
    "Become a bat monitor by helping identify species, monitor activity, and track population changes.",
    "Follow Leave No Trace principles for safe and responsible hiking on trails."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}