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Categories: Geoscience: Volcanoes, Space: The Solar System
Published Astronauts may one day drink water from ancient moon volcanoes


If any humans had been alive 2 to 4 billion years ago, they may have looked up and seen a sliver of frost on the moon's surface. Some of that ice may still be hiding in craters on the lunar surface today.
Published Validation brings new predictive capability to global megafire smoke impacts


New research modeling smoke from two recent megafires sets the stage for better forecasting of how emissions from these global-scale events will behave and impact temperatures. As huge wildfires become more common under climate change, increased attention has focused on the intensity and duration of their emissions, which rival those of some volcano eruptions.
Published Mars' emitted energy and seasonal energy imbalance


Seasonal imbalance between the solar energy absorbed and released by the planet Mars could be a cause of the Red Planet's dust storms, according to new research. Understanding how the system works on Mars could help scientists predict how climate change could affect Earth.
Published New study indicates limited water circulation late in the history of Mars


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 Hunga volcano eruption provides an explosion of data


The massive Jan. 15, 2022, eruption of the Hunga submarine volcano in the South Pacific Ocean created a variety of atmospheric wave types, including booms heard 6,200 miles away in Alaska. It also created an atmospheric pulse that caused an unusual tsunami-like disturbance that arrived at Pacific shores sooner than the actual tsunami.
Published A first: Scientists grow plants in soil from the Moon


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 Ice-capped volcanoes slower to erupt, study finds


The Westdahl Peak volcano in Alaska last erupted in 1992, and continued expansion hints at another eruption soon. Experts previously forecasted the next blast to occur by 2010, but the volcano -- located under about 1 kilometer of glacial ice -- has yet to erupt again. Using the Westdahl Peak volcano as inspiration, a new volcanic modeling study examined how glaciers affect the stability and short-term eruption cycles of high-latitude volcanic systems -- some of which exist along major air transportation routes.
Published Lunar soil has the potential to generate oxygen and fuel


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


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 Researchers home in on Thera volcano eruption date


Tree-ring, ice core and volcano experts teamed up to identify one of the most climatically impactful volcanic eruptions in 4,000 years -- Aniakchak II. In the process, they narrowed down potential dates for the Thera volcano eruption.
Published Earth's atmosphere may be source of some lunar water


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


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


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


Scientists have detailed a roadmap for untangling a key aspect of magnetic recognition that could deepen insight into the workings of the cosmos.
Published Volcanoes at fault if the Earth slips


A new study has attributed the root cause of the 2016 Kumamoto earthquakes to specific geological damage. A relatively large dip-slip displacement was discovered at the site. The Futagawa strike-slip fault is a vertical break in the ground tracing a line southwest originating from Mount Aso.
Published Why Venus rotates, slowly, despite sun's powerful grip


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


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 A swarm of 85,000 earthquakes at the Antarctic Orca submarine volcano


In a remote area, a mix of geophysical methods identifies magma transfer below the seafloor as the cause.
Published Neptune is cooler than we thought: Study reveals unexpected changes in atmospheric temperatures


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


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.