Curiosity rover finds new evidence of ancient Mars rivers, a key signal for life
Wednesday, 25 October 2023 09:36
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New analysis of data from the Curiosity rover reveals that much of the craters on Mars today could have once been habitable rivers.
"We're finding evidence that Mars was likely a planet of rivers," said Benjamin Cardenas, assistant professor of geosciences at Penn State and lead author on a new paper announcing the discovery. "We see signs of this all over the planet."
In a study pub How NASA is protecting Europa Clipper from space radiation
Wednesday, 25 October 2023 09:36 Write a comment
To explore the mysterious ice-encrusted moon Europa, the mission will need to endure bombardment by radiation and high-energy particles surrounding Jupiter.
When NASA's Europa Clipper begins orbiting Jupiter to investigate whether its ice-encased moon, Europa, has conditions suitable for life, the spacecraft will pass repeatedly through one of the most punishing radiation environments in o ET phone Dublin? Astrophysicists scan the Galaxy for signs of life
Wednesday, 25 October 2023 09:36 Write a comment
Astrophysicists from Trinity College Dublin are scanning the Universe for "technosignatures" emanating from distant planets that would provide support for the existence of intelligent, alien life.
Using the Irish LOFAR telescope and its counterpart in Onsala, Sweden, the team - led by Professor Evan Keane, Associate Professor of Radio Astronomy in Trinity's School of Physics, and Head of t A simulation to visualize the evolution of Alpine ice cover over the last 120,000 years
Wednesday, 25 October 2023 09:36 Write a comment
The last glacial period began around 115,000 years ago, and was punctuated by cold and warmer cycles, resulting in the advance and retreat of glaciers that shaped the landscape of the European Alps and their surroundings, carving out valleys.
A new computer model makes it possible to reconstruct this evolution with unprecedented precision. It provides a direct visualization of the phenomen International ocean satellite monitors how El Nino is shaping up
Wednesday, 25 October 2023 09:36 Write a comment
Not all El Nino events are created equal. Their impacts vary widely, and satellites like the U.S.-European Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich help anticipate those impacts on a global scale by tracking changes in sea surface height in the Pacific Ocean.
Water expands as it warms, so sea levels tend to be higher in places with warmer water. El Ninos are characterized by higher-than-normal sea leve Open doors for the ESA-ESTEC Open Day
Wednesday, 25 October 2023 08:00 Write a comment
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On Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 October 2023, the European Space Agency opened the doors to the European Space Research and Technology Centre, ESTEC, in the Netherlands. Where science meets science fiction, the theme of this year's open day was ‘Science Fiction Gets Real’, highlighting how science fiction has inspired scientists and engineers to join ESA, and turn once imaginary concepts into science fact. The single largest ESA establishment invited the public to meet astronauts, view spacecraft, and peer behind the scenes of Europe’s space adventure, along with a full schedule of events and talks from Space
ULA sets Christmas Eve launch date for first Vulcan Centaur
Tuesday, 24 October 2023 20:39
Next generation Moon camera tested in Europe
Tuesday, 24 October 2023 20:14 Write a comment
When astronauts return to the Moon, they will take more pictures of the lunar surface than any humans before. To develop the best camera for the job, European astronauts and scientists are lending a helping hand to NASA’s Artemis imagery team.
DoD developing strategy to tap commercial space market
Tuesday, 24 October 2023 19:14
Space rocks and asteroid dust are pricey, but these aren't the most expensive materials used in science
Tuesday, 24 October 2023 16:18 Write a comment
After a journey of seven years and nearly 4 billion miles, NASA's OSIRIS-RExspacecraft landed gently in the Utah desert on the morning of Sept. 24, 2023, with a precious payload. The spacecraft brought back a sample from the asteroid Bennu.
Roughly half a pound of material collected from the 85 million-ton asteroid (77.6 billion kg) will help scientists learn about the formation of the solar system, including whether asteroids like Bennu include the chemical ingredients for life.
NASA's mission was budgeted at US$800 million and will end up costing around $1.16 billion for just under 9 ounces of sample (255 g).
European Service Module for Artemis II connected to Orion vehicle
Tuesday, 24 October 2023 13:15 Write a comment
The second European Service Module was connected to the rest of the Orion spacecraft which will be used in the Artemis II mission that will bring astronauts around the Moon and back for the first time in over 50 years.
ITU to consider lunar communications regulations
Tuesday, 24 October 2023 10:29
Crunch time for Phoebus
Tuesday, 24 October 2023 10:00 Write a comment
Launching things into space is hard. Aside from the engines and software, orbital calculations and the launch pad, the tanks that hold the fuel are a masterful example of engineering in their own right – and ESA will soon be testing the next generation of rocket tanks: Phoebus.
