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  • Breaking Space News: Nov 10 - 16, 2024

Breaking Space News: Nov 10 - 16, 2024

Out Now - Pentagon's UFO Report. Also in Space News This Week: Arctic Island Disappears, JPL Layoffs, Ghana's Space Policy, USA-Roscosmos Disagree and Collaborate, Sony's Satellites, Starlink in Chad and Morocco, Earth's 'Snowball' Era, Solar-Polar Tornadoes, and Quite a Lot More.

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Lagrangian Despatch
November 17, 2024 • Estimated Reading Time: 43 minutes

Explorer, welcome back!🚀

Updates: In the Spotlight section (our favorite), starting today, apart from covering current events and research in the space sector we will also curate articles that delve (no I did not use chatGPT for this) into the lesser-known facts/aspects of our solar system and universe. This week read about Jupiter. Let us know what you think! We talk back on Discord, Instagram, LinkedIN, and TikTok.

Don’t forget to go here for the best reading experience/in case your newsletter gets clipped at the bottom.

Enjoy the Space!

SCIENCE

 

ESA's Hera Mission Completes Deep-Space Maneuvers, Set for Mars Flyby and Asteroid System Exploration

The European Space Agency's (ESA) Hera mission has successfully completed its first major deep-space maneuver since its launch on October 7. On October 23, Hera fired its three orbital control thrusters for 100 minutes, changing its velocity by approximately 146 meters per second. A second, shorter burn on November 6 added an additional boost of around 20 meters per second. These maneuvers have set Hera on a trajectory for a gravity assist at Mars in March 2025, which will significantly shorten its journey to the Didymos binary asteroid system.

An animation of ESA's Hera probe firing its thrusters to propel it towards Mars. (Credit: ESA-Science Office via Space.com)

The gravity assist will not only accelerate Hera towards its target but also allow for some bonus science opportunities. Hera's trajectory will take it within 300 kilometers of Mars's small moon, Deimos, providing a rare chance to study this mysterious moon. The mission aims to analyze the results of NASA's DART mission, which impacted Didymos's moonlet Dimorphos in 2022, to better understand asteroid deflection techniques.

Hera's journey is a critical step in advancing planetary defense and deepening our understanding of binary asteroid systems. The spacecraft is expected to arrive at the Didymos system in late 2026, where it will conduct detailed surveys and answer key questions about the impact and internal structure of Dimorphos.

"Hera’s Propulsion Module, containing propellant tanks within a central titanium cylinder, includes the piping and thrusters needed for its two-year journey across deep space and maneuvers around Dimorphos and Didymos. It was assembled with the Core Module at OHB Bremen. (Credit: OHB)

Humanoid Robot Might Join China's Chang'e 8 Mission in 2028

The Chang'e 8 mission, planned by China for 2028, is intended to land in the vicinity of the Moon's south pole. Its objectives include testing technologies for resource utilization, such as the 3D printing of lunar regolith into bricks, and conducting experiments related to terrestrial ecosystems. A particularly noteworthy aspect of this mission is the potential inclusion of a humanoid robot, which would introduce a fascinating component to the spacecraft's design. This mission is designed to serve as a precursor to China's proposed International Lunar Research Station, which is slated for construction in the 2030s with collaboration from Russia and other international partners.

A picture of the lunar lander Chang'e-4 probe, taken by the Yutu-2 rover in 2019. (Credit: China National Space Administration via Xinhua News Agency)

Mesyatsev Island in the Arctic Vanishes Amid Rising Temperatures in the North Pole

A group of Russian school children and college students discovered that Mesyatsev Island in the Arctic has completely disappeared after comparing recent satellite images with older ones for an educational project. The island, which was essentially a floating slab of ice and grit, had broken away from the larger Eva-Liv Island and had been gradually melting due to rising temperatures. By September 2024, the island had vanished entirely, highlighting the dramatic impact of climate change on Arctic ice formations.

Mesyatsev Island, a 2021 picture from a drone. (Credit: Aleksandra Barymova/Marine Research Center of Lomonosov Moscow State University)

Satellite images from August 19, 2015 (left) and September 13, 2024 (right) reveal the disappearance of Mesyatsev Island. (Credit: Russia Geographical Society / RISKSAT)

Hayabusa2 Mission’s Sample Grains from Asteroid Ryugu Reveal Early Solar System Magnetic Field

This short clip shows Hayabusa 2's second touchdown on asteroid Ryugu, on 11 July 2019 at 01:06 UTC, as seen from the spacecraft's small monitor camera (CAM-H). The sequence plays at roughly 10 times normal speed. (Credit: JAXA)

Recent studies on asteroid Ryugu, brought to Earth by Japan's Hayabusa2 mission, have unveiled crucial insights into the early solar system. Scientists at MIT discovered that Ryugu's tiny grains indicate a weak magnetic field existed in the outer solar system over 4.6 billion years ago. This weak field, estimated at 15 microtesla, likely played a role in forming asteroids and possibly even giant planets like Jupiter and Neptune. For comparison, Earth's magnetic field at its surface typically ranges from about 25 to 65 microteslas. These findings suggest that magnetic fields were instrumental in shaping both the inner and outer regions of the solar system, driving the accretion of matter that formed planets, asteroids, and moons.

GOVERNANCE

 

Jet Propulsion Lab Layoffs Highlight NASA's Fiscal Struggles

NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) is undergoing significant workforce reductions due to budget constraints. In a recent announcement, JPL revealed plans to lay off approximately 325 employees, which accounts for about 5% of its workforce. This decision follows a previous round of layoffs in February, where 530 employees were let go. The cuts are spread across technical, project, business, and support areas, reflecting the lab's efforts to stabilize its workforce amid funding challenges.

JPL is a research and development lab federally funded by NASA and managed by Caltech. (Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech)

JPL Director Laurie Leshin emphasized that these measures are painful but necessary to align with the fiscal year 2025 budget. Despite the reductions, Leshin expressed confidence that JPL will emerge more stable and well-positioned for future projects. The lab continues to navigate a dynamic funding environment, with ongoing projects like the Mars Sample Return mission facing financial uncertainties.

This situation highlights the broader pressures facing NASA's budget and the need for innovative solutions to sustain space exploration efforts. Analysts remain optimistic, citing the potential for private sector involvement to alleviate some of the financial burdens.

Ghana Introduces National Space Policy and Establishes Space Agency

Ghana has launched its National Space Policy, aiming to leverage space technology for economic growth, national security, and sustainable development. Spearheaded by the Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation (MESTI), the policy establishes the Ghana Space Agency (GSA) to coordinate space activities, promote innovation, and foster international collaboration.

The policy is designed to integrate space science into critical areas such as resource management, climate monitoring, agricultural development, and infrastructure planning. By leveraging satellite technology, Ghana aims to enhance agricultural productivity, improve disaster response, and manage natural resources more effectively. The initiative aligns with Ghana's broader development goals and its participation in the African Square Kilometre Array (SKA) project, a collaborative effort to build the world's largest radio telescope network.

Minister Ophelia Mensah Hayford highlighted the policy's potential to drive sustainable practices, technological advancement, and international cooperation. The GSA is expected to create job opportunities and stimulate economic growth by developing human capital and investing in space technology infrastructure.

ISS Faces Ongoing Challenges with Air Leak and Aging Infrastructure

The International Space Station (ISS) has been grappling with a persistent air leak in the Russian Zvezda service module for the past five years. NASA and Russia's Roscosmos disagree on the leak's root cause and severity. While Roscosmos attributes the cracks to high cyclic fatigue from micro-vibrations, NASA believes multiple factors, including pressure and mechanical stress, are involved. NASA has raised concerns about the structural integrity of the module, fearing a potential catastrophic failure. The leak rate reached its highest level in 2024, prompting increased precautions, including sealing off the affected area when not in use.

The space station is pictured from the SpaceX Crew Dragon Endeavour during its departure and flyaround on Nov. 8, 2021. (Credit: NASA)

Meanwhile, NASA is also contending with the aging infrastructure of the ISS. The station, which has been in orbit for over two decades, requires constant maintenance and repairs. This includes dealing with aging spacewalk hardware, as none of the spacesuits are new. The combination of these challenges underscores the complexities of maintaining the ISS as it continues to age.

Despite these issues, both NASA and Roscosmos remain dedicated to ensuring the safety and operational integrity of the ISS. The agencies are collaborating to monitor and address the leak, while also exploring potential solutions to extend the station's lifespan.

US FAA Forms Committee to Update Launch Rules Amid Elon Musk’s New Cabinet Role

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recently announced a record-breaking 148 licensed commercial space operations in fiscal year 2024, a significant increase from the previous year. To manage this growth and streamline the licensing process, the FAA is forming an Aerospace Rulemaking Committee (SpARC) consisting of industry and academic experts. The committee will focus on updating the Part 450 rule, which governs launch and reentry licensing, aiming to enhance clarity, flexibility, efficiency, and innovation while maintaining public safety. The SpARC is expected to submit its recommendations by late summer 2025.

The ship and Super Heavy booster bring prepared for the next Starship test flight scheduled for as soon as Nov. 18. (Credit: SpaceX)

The majority of recent developments have been propelled by SpaceX, which has conducted over 100 orbital missions this year, mainly to expand its Starlink broadband megaconstellation in low Earth orbit. Elon Musk, the founder and CEO of SpaceX, has often expressed criticism towards the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and its regulations, arguing that the current framework hinders the American launch industry. Musk may now have the opportunity to make regulatory changes, as President-elect Donald Trump has appointed him to co-chair the newly established Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), an entity designed to ‘dismantle government bureaucracy and reduce regulations.’

In May 2023, fragments from a SpaceX satellite fell across western Uganda, causing property damage in the Kyegegwa, Sembabule, and Kyenjojo districts. Ugandan forensic experts traced the debris to a defunct SpaceX satellite, raising concerns about the safety and liability of space debris. The incident prompted discussions about potential legal action under the United Nations Outer Space Treaty, which holds launching nations accountable for damages caused by their space objects. While no injuries were reported, the event highlighted the growing risks associated with space debris.

Parts of the satellite debris that impacted parts of Western Uganda. (Credit: Business Insider Africa)

The forensic report was prepared by the National Forensic Sciences University Uganda (NFSU) and the Airforce, and it has determined that the SpaceX satellite debris consisted of military-grade materials, including carbon fiber and specialized alloys, capable of withstanding the intense heat of re-entry. The report attributed the incident to ‘defunct human-made objects in Earth's orbit’, emphasizing the growing concerns over space debris management, the potential risks posed by non-operational satellites, and, the need for improved management and international cooperation.

China Unveils Reusable Rocket, Launches Oceanography Satellite, and Seeks US Cooperation

China has introduced a fully reusable rocket concept, which was unveiled at the 2024 Zhuhai Airshow. The Long March 9 rocket, designed by China's main space contractor, aims to support significant space exploration goals, including a lunar research station and space-based solar power stations. The two-stage, fully reusable design is expected to reduce costs and increase launch frequency.

A model of the reusable upper stage of a Long March 9 rocket on display at the 2024 Zhuhai Airshow. (Credit: CCTV/framegrab)

In tandem with these advancements, China launched its first Haiyang-4 oceanography satellite to enhance maritime monitoring capabilities. This satellite will provide crucial data for oceanographic research, disaster prevention, and resource management.

Amidst these developments, Zhou Guolin, minister counselor for science and technology at the Chinese Embassy in Washington, expressed willingness to cooperate with the United States on space exploration. Speaking at the Beyond Earth Symposium, Zhou highlighted the importance of international collaboration, despite historical limitations due to the Wolf Amendment, which restricts bilateral cooperation between NASA and Chinese organizations. Zhou emphasized that pragmatic exchanges, such as cooperation on Mars probes, have continued, and expressed optimism for future collaboration.

Pentagon Report and Congressional Hearing Address UFO Phenomena

In a recent development, the Pentagon released its latest report on unidentified aerial phenomena (UAPs), commonly known as UFOs. The report, covering incidents from May 2023 to June 2024, included 757 new cases, with explanations found for nearly 300 of them. The majority were identified as balloons, birds, drones, or satellites, but 21 cases remain unexplained. Despite heightened public interest and speculation about extraterrestrial origins, the report emphasized that there is no evidence of alien life or technology.

An unidentified aerial phenomenon (UAP) in a U.S. military video. (Credit: Pentagon)

Meanwhile, Congress held a hearing on UAPs, where whistleblowers testified about their encounters and the need for greater transparency. These testimonies included claims of unidentified objects exhibiting advanced technology and behaviors that defy conventional explanations. While the Pentagon's report did not support these claims, it acknowledged the importance of continued investigation and transparency to address public concerns and potential national security implications.

MILITARY

 

Rocket Lab, Sierra Space, Kratos, and ABL Space Drive US Space Defense Advancements

The U.S. space defense sector is witnessing significant advancements with several key players securing contracts and achieving milestones. Rocket Lab has been awarded an $8 million contract by the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory to advance digital engineering processes for its Archimedes rocket engine. This engine will power the Neutron, a new reusable medium-lift launch vehicle, signaling the military's interest in Rocket Lab's capabilities for government missions.

Missile-tracking satellite illustration. (Credit: Sierra Space)

Sierra Space has cleared an early design review for its missile-warning satellites, part of a $740 million contract with the Space Development Agency (SDA). These 18 satellites, intended for a low Earth orbit constellation, will enhance the U.S. military's missile detection and tracking capabilities. The project is a crucial component of the SDA's Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture.

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions has secured a $116.7 million contract from the SDA to develop a ground system supporting missile-defense operations. This system will facilitate real-time data coordination across a constellation of missile-tracking satellites, improving the U.S. military's ability to detect and respond to missile threats.

In a strategic shift, ABL Space Systems announced its exit from the commercial launch market to focus on missile defense programs for the Pentagon. The company plans to repurpose its RS1 rocket for military applications, aiming to offer cost-effective solutions for missile defense programs.

US Navy, DARPA Deliver Robotic Suite for Northrop Grumman's Satellite Servicer

The U.S. Naval Research Laboratory (NRL), in partnership with the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), has successfully developed a spaceflight-qualified robotics suite capable of servicing satellites in orbit. This development, known as the Robotic Servicing of Geosynchronous Satellites (RSGS) Integrated Robotic Payload, was recently delivered to Northrop Grumman's SpaceLogistics for integration with its Mission Robotic Vehicle (MRV). The MRV, equipped with NRL's robotic arms, is set for a 2026 launch and aims to extend the lifespan of satellites in geostationary orbit by performing repairs, repositioning, and debris removal. This advancement promises to transform satellite operations, reduce costs, and enhance capabilities for both commercial and government satellites.

Steven Butcher, TSC engineer, inspects the RSGS payload after testing at NRL’s Naval Center for Space Technology, Washington, D.C., Oct. 4, 2024. (Credit: U.S. Navy photo by Sarah Peterson)

COMMERCIAL

 

Blue Origin's New Glenn to Launch AST SpaceMobile's Broadband Satellites

A rendering of an AST SpaceMobile BlueBird mobile broadband satellite for smartphone connectivity. (Credit: AST SpaceMobile)

According to AST SpaceMobile, its gigantic phased array antennas are supported by over 3,450 patent and patent-pending claims. (Credit: AST SpaceMobile)

Blue Origin is gearing up for the maiden flight of its New Glenn rocket, a towering 270-foot (82-meter) reusable launch vehicle, from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in November. The rocket will carry AST SpaceMobile's next-generation BlueBird satellites, designed to provide continuous cellular broadband service globally. AST SpaceMobile's CEO Abel Avellan highlighted New Glenn's capacity to deploy up to 60 Block 2 BlueBird satellites by 2026, offering ten times the bandwidth capacity of current satellites, aiming for 100% U.S. nationwide coverage from space. AST SpaceMobile has secured launch services agreements to enable coverage across key markets, including the United States, Europe, Japan, and the U.S. Government.

AST SpaceMobile selected Blue Origin's New Glenn together with existing launch vehicles to launch next generation BlueBird satellites from Cape Canaveral. (Credit: Business Wire)

China’s CAS Space Launches Oman's Inaugural Satellite, Its First International Customer

Chinese commercial space firm CAS Space successfully launched 15 satellites, including the Sultanate of Oman's first satellite, OL-1, on November 10. The launch, conducted by CAS Space's Kinetica-1 (Lijian- 1) rocket, from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, marks CAS Space's first international payload delivery, overcoming export regulations and competition from SpaceX. The OL-1 satellite, developed in collaboration with Oman Lens, is equipped with advanced remote sensing and AI technologies to provide high-resolution imagery and in-orbit, real-time data analysis of Oman's landscapes, infrastructure, and natural resources. This milestone marks the beginning of a constellation of satellites aimed at enhancing Oman's Earth observation capabilities.

Credit: Foreign Ministry of Oman

Funding Boosts for US-Based Starfish Space, Firefly Aerospace, and GITAI

The commercial space sector saw significant investments and funding, driving advancements in satellite servicing and space transportation. Booz Allen Ventures has invested $29 million in Starfish Space, a startup specializing in satellite life extension and end-of-life disposal. This investment aims to enhance the resilience and sustainability of space infrastructure through innovative satellite servicing technologies.

Firefly Aerospace's Alpha rocket. (Credit: Firefly Aerospace)

Meanwhile, Firefly Aerospace has successfully raised $175 million in an ‘oversubscribed’ Series D funding round, led by RPM Ventures. The funds will support the production of Firefly's Alpha launch vehicle and the development of the Elytra spacecraft, which provides on-orbit services and a deep space communication network. This funding underscores Firefly's position as a leader in responsive space missions.

GITAI aims to autonomously execute in-space servicing, assembly, and manufacturing with its S2 robotic arm system in the vacuum of space. (Credit: GITAI)

GITAI, a space robotics specialist, has secured an additional $15.5 million in venture capital to expand its in-orbit servicing market. The company is developing robotic arms and rovers for lunar infrastructure construction and has secured contracts with NASA and DARPA. GITAI's advancements highlight the growing importance of robotic solutions in space operations.

Intuitive Machines Advocates Infrastructure-First Approach for Artemis Program

Intuitive Machines, a key player in lunar exploration, has called for a shift in NASA's Artemis program to an "infrastructure-first" approach. CEO Steve Altemus, in an earnings call, emphasized the need for an affordable, incremental roadmap to accommodate budget constraints and delays. This strategy focuses on developing infrastructure and data services to support future missions and a sustainable lunar economy. Altemus believes that prioritizing infrastructure will ensure steady progress and build experience in lunar operations before human missions. Intuitive Machines, which specializes in lunar infrastructure, is working on multiple lunar lander missions and a lunar communications network under a decade-long, $4.82 billion contract with NASA.

Sony and Astro Digital to Launch High-Speed Laser Communication Satellites in 2026

Sony has partnered with Astro Digital to design, manufacture, and launch two micro-satellites equipped with Sony Space Communications Corporation's (SSCC) Lasercom optical terminals. These satellites, based on Astro Digital's Corvus platform, will leverage optical disc technology pioneered by Sony for CD players. Scheduled for a 2026 launch, the satellites aim to establish high data-rate optical links in low Earth orbit. This collaboration builds on Sony's earlier SOLISS mission with JAXA, which successfully demonstrated optical communication technology in 2020.

An optical communications device Sony helped develop was installed on Kibo, the Japanese experimental module on the International Space Station, in 2020. (Credit: NASA)

The project showcases a compact, low-power solution for high-speed communications, highlighting the growing demand for efficient laser communication systems as the number of satellites in space increases.

SpaceX's Starlink has received approval from Chad to improve internet access across the central African country, where only 12% of the population had internet access in 2022. The licensing agreement, which has been in discussion since 2021, aims to bridge the digital divide by providing high-speed internet in remote areas lacking fiber optic infrastructure. Meanwhile, Morocco is preparing to license both Starlink and OneWeb for satellite internet services starting in 2025, as part of its "Digital Morocco 2030" strategy to enhance digital infrastructure and accessibility.

SPOTLIGHT

 

Jupiter's Exotic Atmosphere

Ever wondered why we haven’t landed a probe down to the surface of Jupiter- the largest planet in our solar system, yet? Apart from covering current events and research in the space sector we also curate articles that delve into the lesser-known aspects of our solar system and universe. Today, find out how much you know about our ‘gas giant’

A photo of the southern hemisphere of Jupiter, taken by NASA’s Juno spacecraft in 2017. (Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/SwRI/MSSS/Gerald Eichstadt/Sean Doran)

Jupiter, the largest planet in our solar system, is a gas giant with no solid surface. Unlike Earth, Jupiter is composed mostly of hydrogen and helium, creating a roiling, stormy atmosphere. NASA's Juno probe has been studying Jupiter for over nine years, revealing that the planet's atmosphere transitions from gas to liquid hydrogen and eventually to metallic hydrogen under extreme pressure. This exotic form of hydrogen, with free-roaming electrons, creates Jupiter's strong magnetic field. The lack of a solid surface means there's no place to land on Jupiter, making it a unique and mysterious world in our cosmic neighborhood. For an in-depth exploration, check out the full article on The Conversation.

Cornell University Researchers Develop Spectral Library to Aid JWST in Identifying Water on Distant Exoplanets

Credit: Caitlin Cook/Cornell University

Scientists at Cornell University have developed a library of basalt-based spectral signatures to evaluate the presence of water on exoplanets. By studying the chemical processes in Earth's hot mantle, they have created a database that could help reveal the composition of planets outside our solar system. The aim is to identify hydrated minerals, such as amphibole and serpentine, which indicate water interaction. The research, led by Professor Esteban Gazel and former postdoctoral researcher Emily First, focuses on how basaltic materials interact with water to form new hydrated minerals detectable in infrared spectra.

A polarized microscope photo of basaltic rock. (Credit: Esteban Gazel Lab)

The JWST's mid-infrared spectrometer will detect these signatures, but extensive analysis is required due to the telescope's vast distance and the time needed to focus on distant systems. The research about the database was published in the journal Nature Astronomy.

New Technique to Detect Potential Planet-Killer Comets Years in Advance

Recent advancements in space research have introduced a groundbreaking technique to detect potentially hazardous comets, known as "long-period comets" (LPCs), years before they pose a threat to Earth. By analyzing the "crumb trails" of meteoroids left behind by these comets, scientists can trace their paths and identify their parent comets. This method leverages the fact that when comets approach the sun, intense solar heat vaporizes their ice, ejecting rocks and dust into meteoroid streams that parallel the comet's path.

The Oort Cloud is a distant, spherical shell of icy objects surrounding our solar system, thought to be the source of long-period comets that can take thousands or even millions of years to complete an orbit around the Sun. This distant region is located far beyond the orbit of Pluto and the Kuiper Belt, stretching from around 2,000 to 100,000 astronomical units (AU) from the Sun. One AU is the average distance between Earth and the Sun, approximately 93 million miles or 0.00001581 light years. (Credit: via Starwalk.space)

This technique is particularly significant because LPCs, which have orbits spanning hundreds or even thousands of years, are challenging to detect early. The upcoming Legacy Survey of Space and Time (LSST) project at the Vera Rubin Observatory in Chile is expected to enhance the detection of these comets, providing crucial lead time for planetary defense. Initial tests have shown promising results, with researchers successfully linking 17 known meteor showers to their parent LPCs. The study, titled, "How Meteor Showers Can Guide the Search for Long Period Comets" has been accepted for publication in The Planetary Science Journal, is available as a preprint via arXiv. It was led by Samantha Hemmelgarn from Northern Arizona University, with senior author Peter Jenniskens from the SETI Institute and NASA Ames Research Center.

By improving our ability to spot these celestial "Hansels," scientists hope to better prepare for potential impacts, ensuring Earth's safety from these cosmic threats.

China’s Zhurong Rover Finds Evidence of Ancient Ocean on Mars, Uncovers Possible Shoreline

China's Zhurong rover on Mars may have uncovered evidence of an ancient shoreline in the Utopia Planitia region. The rover, which landed in 2021, has been exploring the Martian surface and analyzing geological features. By combining data from its onboard cameras and ground-penetrating radar with remote sensing data from orbiting satellites, scientists have identified several water-related features, including crater-like pitted cones, troughs, sediment channels, and mud volcano formations. These findings support the long-standing hypothesis that an ancient ocean once covered the Martian north around 3.68 billion years ago.

The Zhurong landing site is marked with a red cross on the geologic map by Tanaka et al. Different colors represent various geologic units. The study area, approximately 1800 km by 800 km, is highlighted in a red box. The thick black line denotes the Deuteronilus contact, which may indicate a shoreline in the region. The background map displays a shaded relief of the MOLA topography. (Credit: Wu et al, 2024)

MOLA stands for Mars Orbiter Laser Altimeter. It was an instrument on the Mars Global Surveyor spacecraft that mapped the topography of Mars. MOLA used laser pulses to measure the distance from the spacecraft to the Martian surface, allowing scientists to create detailed elevation maps of the planet.

The research, published in the journal Scientific Reports, suggests that the ocean existed for a relatively short period before freezing and eventually drying out. The team's analysis indicates that the water was heavily silted, forming distinct geological layers. While some scientists remain skeptical, citing erosion and other factors, the discovery provides valuable insights into Mars' climatic history and its potential to harbor microbial life. This discovery not only adds to our understanding of Mars' past but also raises intriguing questions about the planet's evolution and the possibility of ancient life.

New Technique That Captures Light "Echoes" Might Reveal Insights into Black Hole Dynamics

Astrophysicists from the Institute for Advanced Study have developed an innovative technique to detect light echoes around black holes, potentially revolutionizing our understanding of these enigmatic objects. The method, which isolates faint echo signatures from stronger direct light, could provide direct evidence of photons circling black holes due to gravitational lensing. This effect occurs when light passes near a black hole and is bent by its strong gravitational field, causing light to take multiple paths and arrive at different times, creating an "echo".

Due to gravitational lensing, the photons from a single flash of light near a black hole follow winding paths. Some follow the trajectory of the blue line, where they take a direct path to the observer. Others orbit around the black hole once, following the path of the red dashed line. Others still orbit the black hole twice following the green dashed line. Because the different paths all have different time delays, the photons arrive one after another in sequence, and the original flash of light will appear to echo. (Credit: George N. Wong)

The team's high-resolution simulations demonstrated that their technique could measure the mass and spin of black holes, such as the supermassive black hole in the M87 galaxy. This breakthrough could enhance our understanding of black hole physics and their role in galaxy evolution. The researchers believe their method will be applicable to other black holes, offering a new tool for probing these cosmic giants. The research was published in The Astrophysical Journal Letters.

New Insights into Mars' Water History from Lafayette Meteorite

Researchers at Purdue University have made a new discovery using the Lafayette meteorite, which originated from Mars. The team, led by Marissa Tremblay, found evidence that the meteorite interacted with liquid water on Mars approximately 742 million years ago. This interaction was likely due to the melting of subsurface ice caused by magmatic activity. The findings, published in Geochemical Perspectives Letters, provide the most precise date yet for water-rock interaction on Mars and suggest that localized hydrological cycles were active during the Amazonian period.

The Lafayette Meteorite was chipped off the surface of Mars and then sped through space for roughly 11 million years. It eventually found its way into a drawer at Purdue University in 1931 and has since been teaching scientists about Mars. (Credit: Purdue Brand Studio.)

The Lafayette meteorite, discovered in a drawer at Purdue University in 1931, is a nakhlite meteorite, which is a type of Martian meteorite made from igneous rocks.

Daytime infrared image of Elysium Mons, the largest volcano in Mars' Elysium region, from the 2001 Mars Odyssey spacecraft's THEMIS instrument. Hecates Tholus and Albor Tholus are partially visible. Elysium Mons is a possible source of the Lafayette meteorite. (Credit: NASA/JPL–Caltech/Arizona State University)

The Amazonian period is the most recent geological era on Mars, starting around 3 billion years ago and continuing to the present day. It is characterized by low rates of meteorite and asteroid impacts, cold, hyperarid conditions, and ongoing volcanic activity in certain regions. The Amazonian period has seen the formation of many of Mars' surface features, including impact craters, lava flows, and glacial activity. The research was published in the journal Geochemical Perspective Letters.

Snowball Earth Hypothesis: Researchers Uncover Geological Evidence of Ancient Global Glaciation

A rendering of what "Snowball" Earth may have looked like about 700 million years ago. (Credit: NASA)

New evidence from Colorado supports the theory that Earth experienced a "Snowball" phase over 600 million years ago, when massive glaciers extended all the way to the equator. Geologists from the University of Colorado Boulder have uncovered compelling evidence in the form of Tava sandstones in the Rocky Mountains. These rocks, which were forced underground by the weight of enormous glaciers, provide the first physical proof that Snowball Earth reached the heart of continents at the equator.

Reddish-brown bands of Tava sandstone cut through other rocks. (Credit: Liam Courtney-Davies)

A slope along Arapaho Pass in Colorado's Front Range where orangish Tava sandstone pokes up to the surface. (Credit: Christine Siddoway)

The study, led by Liam Courtney-Davies, used laser ablation mass spectrometry- an analytical technique used to determine the elemental and isotopic composition of solid samples, to date the rocks, revealing they were buried between 690 and 660 million years ago. This period, known as Snowball Earth, is believed to have occurred between 720 and 635 million years ago, drastically altering the planet's climate and potentially paving the way for the emergence of multicellular life.

The findings, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, not only bolster the Snowball Earth hypothesis but also offer insights into the relationship between Earth's climate and major evolutionary transitions.

Sun's Poles Host Powerful Swirling Magnetic Tornadoes, Study Finds

New research suggests that the Sun, much like Earth, has swirling polar vortices. However, unlike Earth's atmospheric vortices, these solar vortices are driven by powerful magnetic fields. The study, led by the U.S. National Science Foundation National Center for Atmospheric Research (NSF NCAR), indicates that these magnetic tornadoes form around 55 degrees latitude and migrate towards the poles. This discovery could enhance our understanding of the Sun's magnetic behavior and improve predictions of disruptive space weather. Future missions to the Sun may provide the first direct observations of these intriguing phenomena. The research was published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

This visualization shows polar vortices forming, migrating toward the Sun's poles, and then disappearing. (Credit: Mausumi Dikpati/NCAR)

Astrophysicists Uncover Mechanism Behind Universe’s Magnetism

The magnetic field in the Whirlpool Galaxy (M51), captured by NASA's SOFIA observatory and superimposed on a Hubble image. The infrared image shows dust grains' magnetic alignment following the galaxy's spiral shape while also being pulled towards a neighboring galaxy. (Credit: NASA, SOFIA, HAWC+, Alejandro S. Borlaff; JPL-Caltech, ESA, Hubble)

Astrophysicists have long pondered the origins of magnetic fields in the universe. A recent study proposes a novel mechanism involving "dust batteries," where charged dust grains in the early universe generated seed magnetic fields. These weak fields, amplified by subsequent dynamo actions, could explain the magnetic fields observed in galaxies today. This breakthrough offers a new perspective on how cosmic magnetic fields, which play a crucial role in shaping galaxies and star formation, originated. The research was submitted to The Astrophysical Journal in October.

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