Showing 20 articles starting at article 881
< Previous 20 articles Next 20 articles >
Categories: Engineering: Robotics Research, Space: The Solar System
Published New study indicates limited water circulation late in the history of Mars
(via sciencedaily.com) A research team has investigated a meteorite from Mars using neutron and X-ray tomography. The technology, which will probably be used when NASA examines samples from the Red Planet in 2030, showed that the meteorite had limited exposure to water, thus making life at that specific time and place unlikely.
Published A first: Scientists grow plants in soil from the Moon
(via sciencedaily.com) Scientists have, for the first time, grown plants in soil from the Moon. They used soil collected during the Apollo 11, 12 and 17 missions. In their experiment, the researchers wanted to know if plants would grow in lunar soil and, if so, how the plants would respond to the unfamiliar environment, even down to the level of gene expression.
Published Lunar soil has the potential to generate oxygen and fuel
(via sciencedaily.com) Soil on the moon contains active compounds that can convert carbon dioxide into oxygen and fuels, scientists report. They are now exploring whether lunar resources can be used to facilitate human exploration on the moon or beyond.
Published Experiments measure freezing point of extraterrestrial oceans to aid search for life
(via sciencedaily.com) A planetary scientist worked with engineers to measure the physical limits for a liquid when salty water is at very high pressure. The results suggest where to look for extraterrestrial life in the ice-covered oceans of Jupiter's moon Europa and Saturn's moon Titan.
Published Earth's atmosphere may be source of some lunar water
(via sciencedaily.com) Hydrogen and oxygen ions escaping from Earth's upper atmosphere and combining on the moon could be one of the sources of the known lunar water and ice, according to new research.
Published Solar beats nuclear at many potential settlement sites on Mars
(via sciencedaily.com) While most missions to the moon and other planets rely upon solar power, scientists have assumed that any extended surface mission involving humans would require a more reliable source of energy: nuclear power. Improvements in photovoltaics are upending this calculus. A new study concludes that a solar power system would weigh less than a nuclear system, and would be sufficient to power a colony at sites over nearly half the surface.
Published Two largest Mars-quakes to date recorded from planet's far side
(via sciencedaily.com) The seismometer placed on Mars by NASA's InSight lander has recorded its two largest seismic events to date: a magnitude 4.2 and a magnitude 4.1 Mars-quake. The pair are the first recorded events to occur on the planet's far side from the lander and are five times stronger than the previous largest event recorded.
Published A roadmap for deepening understanding of a puzzling universal process
(via sciencedaily.com) Scientists have detailed a roadmap for untangling a key aspect of magnetic recognition that could deepen insight into the workings of the cosmos.
Published Why Venus rotates, slowly, despite sun's powerful grip
(via sciencedaily.com) If not for the soupy, fast-moving atmosphere on Venus, Earth's sister planet would likely not rotate. Instead, Venus would be locked in place, always facing the sun the way the same side of the moon always faces Earth.
Published Jupiter's moon has splendid dunes
(via sciencedaily.com) Scientists have long wondered how Jupiter's innermost moon, Io, has meandering ridges as grand as any that can be seen in movies like 'Dune.' Now, a research study has provided a new explanation of how dunes can form even on a surface as icy and roiling as Io's.
Published Neptune is cooler than we thought: Study reveals unexpected changes in atmospheric temperatures
(via sciencedaily.com) New research has revealed how temperatures in Neptune's atmosphere have unexpectedly fluctuated over the past two decades.
Published Differences between the Moon’s near and far sides linked to colossal ancient impact
(via sciencedaily.com) New research shows how the impact that created the Moon's South Pole -- Aitken basin is linked to the stark contrast in composition and appearance between the two sides of the Moon.
Published Arctic simulation of Moon-like habitat shows wellbeing sessions can improve mental health in extreme isolation
(via sciencedaily.com) Researchers are investigating the psychological impact of social isolation in harsh environments, such as on the Moon.
Published 'Ears' for rover Perseverance's exploration of Mars
(via sciencedaily.com) Scientists have built instruments to give humans eyes and a nose on Mars -- and now they are helping add ears as well.
Published Scientists connect the dots between Galilean moon, auroral emissions on Jupiter
(via sciencedaily.com) On November 8, 2020, NASA's Juno spacecraft flew through an intense beam of electrons traveling from Ganymede, Jupiter's largest moon, to its auroral footprint on the gas giant. Scientists used data from Juno's payload to study the particle population traveling along the magnetic field line connecting Ganymede to Jupiter while, at the same time, remotely sensing the associated auroral emissions to unveil the mysterious processes creating the shimmering lights.
Published 'Prenatal' protoplanet upends planet formation models
(via sciencedaily.com) An international research team has discovered a new planet so young that it has yet to emerge from the womb of matter where it is forming. This is the youngest protoplanet discovered to date. It's location and the surrounding patterns of matter suggest that an alternative method of planet formation may be at work. This discovery could help to explain the histories and features of extrasolar planets seen around other stars.
Published Perseverance records the first ever sounds from Mars
(via sciencedaily.com) NASA's Perseverance rover, which has been surveying the surface of Mars since February 2021, has for the first time recorded the acoustic environment of the Red Planet.
Published Mercury has magnetic storms
(via sciencedaily.com) An international team of scientists has proved that Mercury, our solar system's smallest planet, has geomagnetic storms similar to those on Earth. Their finding, a first, answers the question of whether other planets, including those outside our solar system, can have geomagnetic storms regardless of the size of their magnetosphere or whether they have an Earth-like ionosphere.
Published Mounds of ice in craters give new insight into Mars’ past climate
(via sciencedaily.com) Newly discovered deposits of layered ice in craters scattered around Mars' southern hemisphere provide insights into how the planet's orientation controlled the planet's climate over the past 4 million years, according to a new study. The findings help scientists understand what controlled Mars' past climate, which is essential for predicting when the planet could have been habitable.
Published On Jupiter's moon Europa, 'chaos terrains' could be shuttling oxygen to ocean
(via sciencedaily.com) Researchers have built the world's first physics-based computer simulation of oxygen transport on Europa, finding that it's possible for oxygen to drain through the moon's icy shell and into its ocean of liquid water -- where it could potentially help sustain alien life -- by hitching a ride on salt water under the moon's 'chaos terrains.' The results show that not only is the transport possible, but that the amount of oxygen brought into Europa's ocean could be on a par with the quantity of oxygen in Earth's oceans today.