Using the pressure of the sun’s rays to propel spacecraft, solar sails will allow future unmanned missions to be longer and cheaper while reaching the outer solar system—and possibly beyond.
#Moonshot #Space #BloombergQuicktake.
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Advances in astronomical observations have resulted in the discovery of an extraordinary number of extrasolar planets, some of which are believed to have a rocky composition similar to Earth. Learning more about their interior structure could provide important clues about their potential habitability.
Led by Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), a team of researchers aims to unlock some of these secrets by understanding the properties of iron oxide —one of the constituents of Earth’s mantle—at the extreme pressures and temperatures that are likely found in the interiors of these large rocky extrasolar planets. The results of their experiments were published today in Nature Geoscience.
“Because of the limited amount of data available, the majority of interior structure models for rocky exoplanets assume a scaled-up version of the Earth, consisting of an iron core, surrounded by a mantle dominated by silicates and oxides. However, this approach largely neglects the different properties the constituent materials may have at pressures exceeding those existing inside the Earth,” said Federica Coppari, LLNL physicist and lead author on the study. “With the ever-increasing number of confirmed exoplanets, including those believed to be rocky in nature, it is critical to gain a better understanding of how their planetary building blocks behave deep inside such bodies.”
The government turned off the money spigot, and now OmegA will never see the light of day.
It’s never easy. It’s always exciting. Our next Mars landing happens on Feb. 18, and you’re invited to take part as NASA’s Perseverance Mars Rover begins its exploration of mysterious Jezero Crater. Here’s how to join in the # CountdownToMars : http://go.nasa.gov/3tVrB8T
On the 12th of January 2021, NASA released the last panorama of Mars captured by the Curiosity Rover near Mount Sharp. This spectacular view presented on the highest quality is a combination of 122 photos.
Days ago, Insight Lander ended Its journey on Mars. In February Perseverance Rover will begin its trip!
Enjoy this mesmerizing view on Mars, with interesting details explained in this video!
Pluto, the dwarf planet, resides around 3.1 billion miles from the Sun, while Farfarout is an incredible 12.2 billion miles from the Sun.
A novel computer algorithm, or set of rules, that accurately predicts the orbits of planets in the solar system could be adapted to better predict and control the behavior of the plasma that fuels fusion facilities designed to harvest on Earth the fusion energy that powers the sun and stars.
