Tampa Bay Sun FC vs Dallas Trinity FC: An Inaugural Evening!

Posted inFlorida Sports, Soccer, Tampa Bay Sun FC
#31 Riley Parker on the Attack
Tampa Bay Sun #31 Riley Parker on the Attack | Photo by: TJ Waller

An Evening of Tampa Fun

Going to a sporting event is always fun. I particularly enjoy soccer, though, because I learned how to play in Germany when I was 10 and grew up playing all the way through high school. The Tampa Bay Sun v Dallas Trinity match, however, packed more fun into a single event than I’m sure anyone could have expected!

Yes Virginia, There Are Still Flamingos in Florida!

Posted inFlorida Wildlife, Things to Do and See in Florida
American Flamingo
American Flamingos at MIWR. Photo: TJ Waller for FMN

As a professional photographer who also photographs wildlife, one of the most asked questions I get is, “Are there still wild flamingos in Florida?”. My usual answer is, “Yes, but not for a while.” Now – at least for a little while – I can answer with a solid, “Yes! At the Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge!”

NASA’s New ISS APP is Now Out!

Posted inISS, NASA
Spot the Station App

NASA’s new Spot the Station App. Image by: TJ Waller

The International Space Station (ISS), humanity’s celestial abode, is now even more accessible to the public thanks to NASA’s latest innovation – the Spot the Station mobile app. This easy to use app, now available for download on both iOS and Android platforms, is set to revolutionize the way we engage with the ISS, offering a unique and enhanced experience for ISS enthusiasts and photographers worldwide.

Lake Eola: Orlando’s Tranquil Oasis

Posted inThings to Do and See in Florida
Starry Starry Night Over Orlando
Starry Starry Night Over Orlando

I am not a city boy. In fact, I try to avoid cities as much as possible. But recently I discovered a bit of calm among the chaos. Nestled in the heart of downtown Orlando, Lake Eola is a tranquil oasis that has become an iconic symbol of the city’s beauty and vitality. This picturesque lake, which spans 23 acres, serves as a hub for both tourists and locals, offering a serene escape from the urban hustle and bustle. Lake Eola is not just a body of water; it’s a community gathering place, a recreational destination, and a cultural hotspot that reflects the essence of Orlando.

Orlando City SC: Securing a Spot in the 2024 Concacaf Champions Cup

Posted inFlorida Sports, Orlando City SC - Lions, Soccer

By: TJ Waller

Orlando City Lions
Orlando City Lions

Orlando City SC, affectionately known as the Lions, has achieved yet another significant milestone on their journey to success. I had the privilege of witnessing and capturing the exhilarating 3-2 victory over the New England Revolution, securing a coveted spot for the club in the highly anticipated 2024 Concacaf Champions Cup. This remarkable feat marks their second consecutive appearance in this prestigious tournament, reaffirming their position as one of Major League Soccer’s (MLS) top contenders.

Exploring NASA’s Deep Space Optical Communications on the Psyche Mission

Posted inFalcon Heavy, KSC, NASA, Space News

By: TJ Waller

NASA Psyche Liftoff
NASA Psyche Liftoff

In the vast expanse of space exploration, the need for efficient data transmission between spacecraft and Earth has always been a challenge. Traditional radio communications have served us well, but as our ambitions grow, so does the demand for higher data rates. NASA’s Psyche mission aims to push the boundaries of data transmission with the Deep Space Optical Communications (DSOC) project. In this article, I will explore the fascinating world of DSOC, its significance for future missions, and how it could revolutionize our understanding of the cosmos.

United Launch Alliance Successfully Launches NROL-107 Silent Barker

Posted inAtlas V, Space News, United Launch Alliance

BY: TJ WALLER

ULA NROL-107 Silent Barker Lift Off
ULA NROL-107 Silent Barker Lift Off

Introduction

In a significant achievement for the United States Space Force’s Space Systems Command (SSC) and the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), the United Launch Alliance (ULA) has successfully launched the NROL-107/SILENTBARKER mission; marking ULA’s 98th launch for national security. This joint national security mission was carried out by an Atlas V 551 rocket, adding another feather to ULA’s cap of 157 launches with a 100 percent success rate. The not-so-silent Silent Barker lifted off at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station on Sunday, September 10, 2023 at 8:47 AM EDT, and drew an exceptionally large crowd of spectators, media and photographers all along the Space Coast!

Crew-6 Astronauts Return Safely to Earth After 186 Days in Space

Crew-6 Astronauts Return Safely to Earth After 186 Days in Space

Posted inKSC, Space News
NASA Crew-6 Walk Out

Crew-6 Crew Dragon Splashdown

The Crew-6 astronauts, consisting of NASA astronauts Stephen Bowen and Woody Hoburg, UAE astronaut Sultan Alneyadi, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Andrey Fedyaev, have successfully completed their mission on the International Space Station (ISS) and safely returned to Earth. After spending a remarkable 186 days in space, the crew members splashed down in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Jacksonville, Florida, at 12:17 a.m. EDT. This moment marked the conclusion of their six-month scientific endeavor.

Orlando City SC to Face Messi

Posted inFlorida Sports, Orlando City SC - Lions, Soccer

BY: TJ Waller

The Orlando City Lions will finally get to pit their skills against Inter Miami’s forward Lionel Messi in a few weeks on September 24. The Lions have historically dominated their series against Miami, boasting a record of 6 wins, 3 losses, and 2 draws in 11 meetings. However, it’s worth noting that none of those victories were achieved when facing Messi.

“We will be ready.” Lions coach Oscar Pareja remarked when discussing the prospect of going up against Messi. “We know who we are, we going to go get that victory because our heart is prepared to do it.”