Twin ARTEMIS probes to study moon in 3-D
Two NASA probes, part of the THEMIS mission, will map the lunar surface and its magnetic field. The ARTEMIS mission aims to acquire a full 3D view of the moon's magnetic fields and surrounding environment.
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First ARTEMIS spacecraft successfully enters lunar orbit
The ARTEMIS P1 spacecraft has entered lunar orbit after a two-year journey that relied on gravity boosts and minimal fuel. Engineers closely monitor the spacecraft's position, preparing for further adjustments.
Cassini samples the icy spray of Enceladus water plumes
The Cassini mission has found evidence of large-scale saltwater reservoirs beneath Enceladus' icy crust, suggesting a possible subsurface ocean. The data reveal that most of the ejected solids are salt-rich grains, which are thought to originate from liquid saltwater rather than surface ice.
Strongest evidence yet indicates icy Saturn moon hiding saltwater ocean
A new study led by the University of Heidelberg and involving the University of Colorado Boulder has found strong evidence for a large-scale, subterranean saltwater ocean on Enceladus. The research suggests that the plumes shooting water vapor and ice particles into space originate from an ocean beneath the icy surface of the moon.
NASA details achievements of lunar spacecraft
The Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter has successfully completed its one-year exploration mission, providing unprecedented detail of the moon's surface and subsurface. The orbiter's instruments have captured over 192 terabytes of data, including the most precise topographic maps to date of the moon's complex landscape.
NASA's LRO takes extreme close-up of eclipse
NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) will observe the total lunar eclipse on June 15, capturing detailed images and data on how different areas of the moon's day side cool off during the event. The Diviner instrument will record temperature changes in various regions, revealing information about the uppermost few millimeters of th...
Parts of moon interior as wet as Earth's upper mantle
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University have discovered that parts of the moon's interior contain as much water as the Earth's upper mantle. The presence of this water challenges the current theory of the moon's formation and strengthens the idea that the moon and Earth share a common origin.
Scientists detect Earth-equivalent amount of water within the moon
A team of scientists from Brown University has detected an Earth-equivalent amount of water within the moon, rivaling the amount found in the Earth's upper mantle. The discovery was made through measurements of lunar melt inclusions and suggests that the Moon's formation theory may need to be reevaluated.
Lunar water brings portions of Moon's origin story into question
Scientists have discovered magma trapped within lunar crystals contain 100 times more water than earlier measurements, changing the prevailing theory about the Moon's origin. The findings could also shed light on the origin of water ice detected in craters at the lunar poles.
Moon's rough 'wrinkles' reveal clues to its past
Researchers create comprehensive maps of the moon's slopes and roughness, revealing insights into crater formation and volcanic activity. The study provides clues about the impact processes that shaped the moon's surface over billions of years.
NASA's Galileo reveals magma 'ocean' beneath surface of Jupiter's moon
A new analysis of NASA's Galileo data confirms the existence of a molten magma layer on Jupiter's moon Io, explaining its intense volcanic activity and shedding light on the Earth and moon's formation. The 'ocean' of magma is estimated to be 30 miles thick and features blistering temperatures of over 2,200 degrees Fahrenheit.
Beams of electrons link Saturn with its moon Enceladus
Researchers at University College London have discovered powerful electron beams flowing back and forth between Saturn and its moon Enceladus, a finding that suggests a universal process similar to Jupiter's moon Io. This discovery was made using the Cassini spacecraft and its CAPS-ELS instrument.
Cassini spacecraft observes seasonal rains on Titan
The Cassini spacecraft has observed methane rain on Titan's equatorial deserts, revealing the first current evidence of rain soaking Titan's surface at low latitudes. This finding suggests that recent weather on Titan is similar to Earth's tropical regions.
NASA Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter delivers treasure trove of data
The LRO mission has released a comprehensive collection of data, including global maps with resolutions as low as 100 meters per pixel. The dataset includes more than 192 terabytes of raw information, equivalent to approximately 41,000 typical DVDs.
A race against time to find Apollo 14's lost voyagers
Hundreds of 'moon trees,' planted by Apollo 14 astronaut Stuart Roosa in 1971, are living out their lives across the US. As some die or succumb to disease, NASA's Dave Williams is racing against time to find and record the remaining trees' locations.
Surprise hidden in Titan's smog: Cirrus-like clouds
Researchers using NASA's Cassini spacecraft have discovered thin, wispy clouds of ice particles similar to Earth's cirrus clouds on Titan's atmosphere. These clouds provide valuable insights into the workings of Titan's atmosphere and its one-way cycle that delivers hydrocarbons to the ground.
UT researcher discovers water on moon originated from comets
Researchers at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, have discovered that water on the moon may have originated from comets smashing into the moon soon after its formation. This finding suggests that the moon can act as a stepping stone for further space exploration, enabling missions to fuel up with liquid hydrogen and oxygen.
The hunt for the lunar core
Researchers at Arizona State University have discovered a core with an iron-rich center, resembling Earth's core, using array processing techniques on Apollo seismic data. The discovery sheds light on the lunar interior's composition and structure, providing insights into the Moon's ancient origins.
A total lunar eclipse and winter solstice coincide on Dec. 21
A total lunar eclipse will be visible to sky watchers across North America on December 21, coinciding with the winter solstice. The eclipse will last approximately three hours and twenty-eight minutes, with totality lasting seventy-two minutes.
NASA's LRO creating unprecedented topographic map of moon
The Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter is producing the most accurate and complete map of the moon's complex landscape, revealing contours and slopes with precision. The dataset is being used to study lunar processes, including crater density and resurfacing, as well as the formation of multi-ring basins.
How Iapetus got its ridge
A team of researchers, including Washington University professor William B. McKinnon and associate professor Andrew Dombard, propose that Iapetus had a sub-satellite created by a giant impact, which eventually broke apart and formed the ridge. The study suggests that tidal forces played a crucial role in shaping the moon's unique feature.
The end of planet formation, as told by trace elements from the mantles of Earth, the moon and Mars
A team of scientists found that the abundance of metal-loving elements in Earth's, Moon's, and Mars' mantles were delivered by massive impactors during the final phase of planet formation. The largest impactor on Earth may have modified its obliquity by approximately 10 degrees.
Astronomers use moon in effort to corral elusive cosmic particles
A team of astronomers used the Moon to search for ultra-high-energy neutrinos from distant regions of space. They reported their findings in the December edition of the journal Astroparticle Physics, setting a new upper limit on the amount of such particles arriving from space.
Cassini reveals oxygen atmosphere of Saturn's moon Rhea
The Cassini mission has discovered an oxygen atmosphere on Saturn's moon Rhea, which is extremely thin and sustained by high-energy particles bombarding its icy surface. The formation of oxygen and carbon dioxide could be a pre-requisite for life, with complex chemistry potentially common throughout the solar system.
New analysis explains formation of bulge on far side of moon
A new study led by researchers at UC Santa Cruz reveals that the lunar farside highlands' elevated topography may be attributed to tidal forces acting early in the moon's history. The shape of the bulge can be described by a simple mathematical function, accounting for about one-fourth of the moon's shape.
2 THEMIS probes redirected to moon to study magnetosphere, solar wind interactions
The ARTEMIS mission involves two micro-satellites orbiting the moon, providing a three-dimensional perspective on energetic particle acceleration near the moon's orbit. The mission will also explore the space environment of the moon and its interaction with the solar wind.
LRO's LAMP ultraviolet spectrograph observes LCROSS blast, detects surprising gases in impact plume
The Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter's LAMP instrument has detected hydrogen, carbon monoxide, atomic mercury, calcium, and magnesium in the LCROSS impact plume, revealing volatile substances trapped near the Moon's poles. This finding is crucial for planning robotic and manned Moon bases.
Scientists find evidence for widespread water ice on the moon
Researchers detected large areas of water ice in the lunar south pole using NASA's Diviner instrument. This discovery suggests that these regions are suitable for future human missions, as subsurface water ice is more stable and protected from radiation.
NASA-engineered collision spills new Moon secrets
Scientists discovered a crater formed by a NASA-engineered collision that showed the Moon's soil contains more complex compounds than previously believed. The study found water, hydroxyl, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, ammonia, free sodium, and silver in the lunar regolith.
How to weigh a star using a moon
New work by astrophysicist David Kipping reveals that astronomers can calculate a star's mass using its orbiting planet and moon. By measuring the size of the planet and moon relative to the star and their orbital periods, scientists can use Kepler's Laws of Motion to determine the density of the star.
SourceCenter for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateOct 15, 2010
Saturn's icy moon may keep oceans liquid with wobble
Researchers propose that Enceladus' libration, a slight wobble as it rotates, could be responsible for generating heat and keeping its ocean liquid. This finding is significant in the search for life, as it suggests that the moon's environment may be stable enough to support development.
Titan's haze may hold ingredients for life
AUA-led team finds complex organic molecules, including amino acids and nucleotide bases, in Titan's atmosphere. These findings suggest that Titan's atmosphere could be a reservoir of prebiotic molecules that serve as the springboard to life.
Europa's hidden ice chemistry
Researchers found that water and sulfur dioxide react as ice with surprising speed and high yield at temperatures hundreds of degrees below freezing. This unexpected reaction could revamp current thinking about Europa's chemistry and geology, potentially leading to new discoveries on the moon and other icy bodies.
Research lays foundation for building on the moon -- or anywhere else
Researchers created a technique using computer models that can analyze tiny samples of soil to predict its behavior in relation to foundations. This technology could be applied to build structures on the moon or remote locations where traditional testing is impractical.
Scientists report new insights into the moon's rich geologic complexity
Researchers have discovered previously unseen compositional differences in the moon's crustal highlands and confirmed the presence of material surprisingly abundant in silica. This has provided scientists with global, high-resolution infrared maps of the moon, enabling them to identify silicates commonly found within its crust.
NASA'S LRO exposes moon's complex, turbulent youth
The moon was bombarded by two distinct populations of asteroids or comets in its youth, resulting in a more complex surface than previously thought. The Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) spacecraft provided unprecedented global topographic maps using the Lunar Orbiter Laser Altimeter (LOLA), highlighting lunar craters with clarity.
Moon's craters give new clues to early solar system bombardment
Researchers created a comprehensive catalog of large craters on the moon to study the chaotic early days of the inner solar system. The analysis suggests that larger projectiles dominated the bombardment, ending around 3.8 billion years ago.
NASA's LRO reveals 'incredible shrinking moon'
Newly discovered cliffs on the moon indicate that it shrank globally in the geologically recent past and might still be shrinking. The cliffs, called lobate scarps, are relatively young and have a semi-circular or lobe-shaped appearance.
Incredible shrinking moon is revealed by the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter
The Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Camera has detected 14 previously unknown lobate scarps on the moon, indicating recent contraction of the lunar interior. The newly discovered scarps show a globally distributed distribution and are estimated to have formed about 100 meters in the recent past.
Caltech team finds evidence of water in moon minerals
A Caltech team has found structurally bound hydroxyl groups, indicating the presence of water in a lunar mineral. The discovery is significant for understanding the moon's composition and its history.
UT researchers discover water on the moon is widespread, similar to Earth's
Researchers at the University of Tennessee have discovered water on the inside and outside of the moon, with similarities to volcanic systems on Earth. The finding challenges the long-held theory that the moon was bone-dry and has deep implications for its formation.
Scientists find moon whiskers
Researchers at the Carnegie Institution's Geophysical Laboratory detected and dated Moon carbon in the form of graphite, which survived from the late heavy bombardment era 3.8 billion years ago. The discovery provides a record of the meteoritic carbon input to the Earth-Moon system when life was emerging on Earth.
Moon whets appetite for water
Scientists have found a much higher water content in the Moon's interior, with concentrations ranging from 64 parts per billion to 5 parts per million. The research suggests that water was preserved from the hot magma present when the Moon formed 4.5 billion years ago.
SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 14, 2010
Astronomers discover 'defiant' new supernova
The discovery of SN2005E reveals a supernova whose origin cannot be explained by any previously known mechanism. It is rich in helium and surprisingly different from typical white dwarf systems.
Lunar polar craters may be electrified
Researchers found that solar wind flowing over lunar polar craters creates a complex electrical environment, affecting surface chemistry and dust cling. The team's calculations reveal that the inside walls and floor acquire a negative electric charge due to electron-ion separation, posing challenges for future exploration.
Lost light from the moon may be sent astray by dusty reflectors
Researchers investigating lunar reflector performance report decreased signal strength during full moon, suggesting dust may be a culprit. The issue arises from uneven heating of glass cubes left behind by Apollo astronauts, which distorts the shape of reflected laser pulses.
1980s video icon glows on Saturn moon
Cassini collected temperature map data that shows hot regions resembling 'Pac-Man' eating a dot and striking bands of light and dark in crater walls. Surface texture variations are suspected to be the cause, with denser ice conducting heat away from the surface.
Biggest, deepest crater exposes hidden, ancient moon
Asteroid impacts over billions of years have left the Moon with a pockmarked surface, but a new crater may expose a portion of the lower crust. The Apollo Basin, formed by a smaller asteroid impact, measures 300 miles across and is believed to reveal the lunar crust's early history.
The global health system: Lessons for a stronger institutional framework
A global health system must accomplish five core functions: agenda-setting, financing and resource allocation, research and development, implementation and delivery, and monitoring and evaluation. The World Health Organization (WHO) plays a crucial role in this framework.
MIT: New research suggests that near-Earth encounters can 'shake' asteroids
Asteroids that come within a quarter of the distance between Earth and the moon experience seismic shakes strong enough to create fresh surface material. The finding helps answer decades-long questions about meteorite origins and opens a new field of asteroid seismology.
WUSTL-led moon mission is finalist for NASA's next big space venture
The WUSTL-led MoonRise mission is one of three finalists for a $650 million NASA space science venture. The mission aims to retrieve two pounds of lunar rocks and return them to Earth, providing new insights into the early history of the Earth-Moon system.
Sun and moon trigger deep tremors on San Andreas Fault
Researchers found that tides strongly modulate tremors on the San Andreas Fault, suggesting high fluid pressure lubricates the rock. This lubrication allows for slip with little effort, increasing stress on shallower fracture zones.
NASA unveils latest results from lunar mission, helps prepare for next stage of scientific discovery
LRO's instruments are providing groundbreaking data on the moon's geology, temperature, and radiation. The camera has mapped Apollo landing sites with high resolution, while the Diviner instrument discovered polar craters that can be brutally cold, trapping compounds like water and organic molecules.
Planetary scientist Francis Nimmo to discuss habitability of icy moons at AGU
Recent NASA missions suggest conditions necessary for life may exist on the icy satellites of Saturn and Jupiter, particularly Europa and Enceladus. Liquid water beneath their surfaces could harbor life, with tidal forces keeping oceans from freezing up due to eccentric orbits.
Cassini closes in on the centuries-old mystery of Saturn's moon Iapetus
The Cassini spacecraft confirmed that reddish dust infalling on Saturn's moon Iapetus is responsible for its 'yin-yang' appearance. Water ice migration and evaporation also contribute to the extreme brightness differences between the two hemispheres.
Chang'E-1 has blazed a new trail in China's deep space exploration
The Chang'E-1 orbiter has provided significant insights into the moon's surface topography, gravity fields, and interior structures. Researchers have discovered impact basins, volcanic deposit highlands, and a massive mascon in the South Pole-Aitken basin.
How the Moon produces its own water
The Moon absorbs electrically charged particles to produce water, confirming a key process on the lunar surface. The discovery enables scientists to create images of the Moon and other airless bodies using hydrogen atoms as tracers.
NASA Goddard visualization team previews lunar impact
Scientists aim to detect hydrogen in lunar soil, which may be icy leftovers or accumulated from the solar wind. The LCROSS mission will create a debris cloud near the moon's south pole to observe its behavior.
New aluminum-water rocket propellant promising for future space missions
Researchers develop ALICE, a frozen mixture of water and nanoscale aluminum powder, offering a more environmentally friendly alternative to conventional propellants. The new propellant could be used for launch, long-distance space missions, and hydrogen fuel cells.
New research shows water present across the moon's surface
Scientists have found evidence of water on the moon's surface using a NASA instrument, which detects wavelengths of light reflecting off the lunar soil. The discovery suggests that water may originate from an astronomical phenomenon called the solar wind, forming trace amounts in the lunar soil.