A new study indicates Jupiter's moon Europa may have plate tectonics. If that's accurate, Europa would be the only would besides Earth to be active in that way.
Plate tectonics on Europa would also strengthen the case for life there.
Monday, September 8, 2014
Saturday, September 6, 2014
Asteroid 2014 RC
Asteroid 2014 RC is a 60-foot rock discovered just last week. On Sunday it will whiz past Earth at about 21,000 miles out-- closer than communications satellites in geosynchronous orbit.
NASA is confident this pass poses no threat, but it's the latest in a steady trickle of near misses that should argue for an increased effort in planetary defense.
NASA is confident this pass poses no threat, but it's the latest in a steady trickle of near misses that should argue for an increased effort in planetary defense.
Friday, September 5, 2014
Europa's Geysers
Scientists had thought flying a probe through Europa's geyser plumes would be an easy way to sample the depths of the moon's ocean. Now, however, those plumes seem to have disappeared.
It's possible, though, that they're still there, or that they go off and on. Astronomers monitor the geysers using the Hubble Space Telescope, which means they're not under constant surveillance.
It's possible, though, that they're still there, or that they go off and on. Astronomers monitor the geysers using the Hubble Space Telescope, which means they're not under constant surveillance.
Thursday, September 4, 2014
Breakdown Weathering
A new study suggests meteoritic impacts may not be the only way lunar soil is altered. Cosmic radiation also delivers energy to the surface that can manifest as electrical phenomena that changes the soil. The process is known as breakdown weathering.
It especially happens in cold traps within permanently shadowed regions, where water ice also exists.
It especially happens in cold traps within permanently shadowed regions, where water ice also exists.
Wednesday, September 3, 2014
China And The Moon
China is playing to send a probe into lunar orbit and return it to Earth later this year. The flight will test re-entry capabilities in preparation for a lunar sample return mission.
A Chinese spokesman also confirmed China is looking at a manned lunar landing.
A Chinese spokesman also confirmed China is looking at a manned lunar landing.
Tuesday, September 2, 2014
Smash Up Derby
Astronomers have spotted the aftermath of a huge collision around a young Sun-like star 1,400 light years away. They think the collision was between two large asteroids or two proto-planets, similar to what happened early in our Solar System.
They know it happened about two years ago, as earlier images show no debris.
They know it happened about two years ago, as earlier images show no debris.
Monday, September 1, 2014
Solar Flares
NASA has documented six huge solar flares over the past week. It is a fairly unusual level of activity.
Luckily, none of the flares were in the direction of Earth. Such explosions can potentially disrupt our electrical grid system.
Luckily, none of the flares were in the direction of Earth. Such explosions can potentially disrupt our electrical grid system.
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