Researchers have found tiny structures in another meteorite from Mars, suggesting the possibility of microbial life on the Red Planet. Nobody is saying this new discovery proves life, but placed in the broad context of a wet early Mars, it is one more piece of a mosaic.
The first such discovery was the Allen Hills meteorite controversy in 1996.
Friday, February 28, 2014
Thursday, February 27, 2014
Exoplanets Galore
NASA has announced confirmation of 715 new worlds detected by its Kepler spacecraft, bringing the total number of confirmed exoplanets to something approaching 1,800.
Most of the announced worlds are only slightly larger than Earth. This batch covered only the first two years of the Kepler mission. Astronomers expect to confirm several hundred more in the second two years of Kepler observations, including some Earth-like worlds in the habitable zones of their parent stars.
Most of the announced worlds are only slightly larger than Earth. This batch covered only the first two years of the Kepler mission. Astronomers expect to confirm several hundred more in the second two years of Kepler observations, including some Earth-like worlds in the habitable zones of their parent stars.
Wednesday, February 26, 2014
The Venus Option
Mars is seen by virtually everyone as the target for mankind's first interplanetary voyage. Mars has the possibility of life, after all-- either extinct or extant. Mars also has an incredible surface where humans can land, explore, and live.
Venus has neither the real possibility of life nor a ready surface. However, if our first interplanetary voyage will not involve a landing on the planet, Venus has some things to recommend it. First, when a trip would be undertaken, Venus would be closer to Earth than Mars ever is, making for a shorter mission. Second, solar power could be used more easily at Venus. Third, the major science to be done at Venus is the study of its atmosphere, which could be pushed forward by a properly equipped manned spacecraft in the area.
NASA is focused on Mars, but a private effort to Venus? Who knows?
Venus has neither the real possibility of life nor a ready surface. However, if our first interplanetary voyage will not involve a landing on the planet, Venus has some things to recommend it. First, when a trip would be undertaken, Venus would be closer to Earth than Mars ever is, making for a shorter mission. Second, solar power could be used more easily at Venus. Third, the major science to be done at Venus is the study of its atmosphere, which could be pushed forward by a properly equipped manned spacecraft in the area.
NASA is focused on Mars, but a private effort to Venus? Who knows?
Tuesday, February 25, 2014
Legs For Falcon 9
The next launch of SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket will feature landing legs attached to the first stage.
The rocket won't soft land after doing its main job, but the plan is for future rockets to do so, allowing them to be re-used and thus cutting the cost of space operations. The next launch will test the flight characteristics of the rocket with legs.
The rocket won't soft land after doing its main job, but the plan is for future rockets to do so, allowing them to be re-used and thus cutting the cost of space operations. The next launch will test the flight characteristics of the rocket with legs.
Monday, February 24, 2014
New Lunar Crater
Last September, a rock between 2 and 4.5 feet across slammed into the Moon at about 36,000 miles an hour, NASA revealed yesterday. The impact created a crater 131 feet across.
The event was visible with the naked human eye from Earth. Light created by the impact lasted eight seconds.
The event was visible with the naked human eye from Earth. Light created by the impact lasted eight seconds.
Sunday, February 23, 2014
Backwards On Mars
NASA knew the Martian surface is rough, but it seems to be taking a bigger toll on Curiosity's six steel wheels than expected. So, last week, controllers drove the rover backwards for a stretch in an attempt to relieve some of the stress.
The rover might be driven backwards periodically on the way to Mount Sharp, which it should reach in June.
The rover might be driven backwards periodically on the way to Mount Sharp, which it should reach in June.
Friday, February 21, 2014
Musk Gets Heinlein
The National Space Society is presenting Elon Musk its Robert A. Heinlein Award for his work as a space entrepreneur.
Musk founded and directs Space-X, which is making progress towards its goal of creating reusable spacecraft and launchers in order to drastically reduce the cost of space operations.
Musk founded and directs Space-X, which is making progress towards its goal of creating reusable spacecraft and launchers in order to drastically reduce the cost of space operations.
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