The Chang'E-5 mission returned samples that revealed a previously unknown iron-rich and high-calcium surface of basalts, challenging previous assumptions about the lunar geology community. The samples were primarily composed of pyroxene, contradicting earlier studies that indicated a high abundance of olivine.
Cornell researchers have helped NASA's Dragonfly mission prepare for a smooth landing on Saturn's moon Titan by analyzing radar images of the Selk crater region. The team characterized the landscape, gauging the rim height of the crater and understanding its geology.
A Curtin-led research team found asteroid impacts on the Moon millions of years ago coincide with large meteorite impacts on Earth, such as the one that wiped out dinosaurs. The study also reveals that major impact events on Earth were accompanied by smaller impacts, providing new insights into asteroid dynamics.
The 2022 EXPLORE Lunar Data Challenge identifies hazards on the Moon's surface using images from the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter. Participants train models to recognize craters and boulders, then create a map of optimal rover routes to avoid hazards.
A four-legged robot trained through artificial intelligence has mastered jumping to navigate the Moon's rugged terrain. The robot can collect samples and deploy scientific instruments, overcoming limitations of traditional rovers in loose soil and steep slopes.
Scientists have discovered new evidence of phosphorus availability in Enceladus's ocean, making it a prime target in the search for extraterrestrial life. The discovery suggests that Enceladus's subsurface ocean is likely habitable due to its high levels of dissolved phosphorus.
A new study suggests that Saturn's tilted axis is due to the loss of an ancient moon, Chrysalis, which collided with the planet around 160 million years ago. The collision caused the satellite to break apart, releasing fragments that formed the planet's rings and leaving Saturn out of Neptune's gravitational resonance.
Researchers propose that a violent event 150 million years ago destroyed a moon called Chrysalis, causing Saturn's iconic rings to form recently. This event could also explain Titan's eccentricity and Saturn's obliquity, providing a possible solution to long-standing puzzles in planetary formation.
West Virginia University and NASA are teaming up to provide hands-on STEM experiences for middle and high school students through the Plant the Moon Challenge project. The six-state consortium aims to increase diversity in science, engineering, technology, and math education by supporting teachers and students in underserved communities.
Researchers have discovered that L-cryptochrome, a molecule in marine animals, can interpret moonlight to entrain the monthly clock for sexual maturation and reproduction. This ability helps organisms adjust their behavior and physiology by light.
Researchers found large impacts can fracture a planet's crust, introducing porosity that increases its potential for life. This discovery has implications for early Earth and Mars, suggesting life could have survived in pore spaces during intense impact periods.
Scientists at the University of Delaware have developed a new type of cement that can be used to build structures on the moon or Mars. The geopolymer cement is made from clay-like topsoil materials found on these planets and has been shown to be durable enough for vertical launch pads.
A study published in Science Advances reports that the Moon inherited helium and neon from Earth's mantle, supporting the Giant Impact theory. The discovery was made possible by the use of a state-of-the-art noble gas mass spectrometer, Tom Dooley, which detected high concentrations of these gases in lunar meteorites.
Researchers found shadowed areas within lunar pits that maintain a comfortable temperature of around 63 degrees Fahrenheit, making them suitable for human habitation. The discovery could provide safer base camps for lunar exploration and long-term stays.
A new method developed by Iris Fernandes increases topography mapping accuracy on the moon, making it possible for safe landing and robotic movement. The method uses shadows in images to extract exact topography details, eliminating previous computational inefficiencies and assumptions.
Scientists from Johns Hopkins APL have compiled the first complete map of hydrogen abundances on the Moon's surface using data collected over two decades ago. The map identifies two types of lunar materials containing enhanced hydrogen and corroborates previous ideas about lunar hydrogen and water.
Researchers found the moon's crust was highly porous, about one-third as porous as pumice, due to massive impacts that shattered much of the crust. The team estimated the moon experienced double the number of impacts as seen on its surface, which limits constraints on solar system formation and evolution.
A Southwest Research Institute-led team used the Hubble Space Telescope to create near-global UV maps of Europa, revealing concentrations of sulfur dioxide on the moon's trailing side. The results provide insights into the composition of Europa's subsurface ocean and its potential for life.
Researchers reveal the likely composition of Charon's dynamic methane atmosphere and propose a possible source for its red polar zone. The team's novel experiments and atmospheric modeling suggest that ultraviolet light breaking down methane molecules is key to understanding the moon's unique albedo.
The Chang'E-5 team found hydroxyl signals in lunar rocks and soil, indicating the presence of indigenous water on the Moon's surface. The bulk of this water is contained in apatite minerals, suggesting a lunar origin.
Researchers found that baby leatherback hatchlings are less sensitive to light than loggerheads, leading to circling behavior and delayed ocean entry. This difference may be an adaptation for detecting prey or habitats in the open ocean.
Researchers from CU Boulder suggest that ancient moon volcanoes may have spewed out huge amounts of water vapor, forming stores of ice on the lunar surface. This discovery adds to evidence that the moon may be awash in more water than previously believed, with potential implications for future lunar missions.
Researchers at the University of Florida have grown plants in soil from the Moon, a major milestone in lunar exploration. The study found that plants can sprout and grow in lunar regolith, but also experience stress due to its unique chemical composition.
Sandia researchers have designed a reliable and resilient microgrid for NASA's Artemis lunar base, which will sustain astronauts, mining, and fuel processing. The system utilizes distributed energy resources like solar panels and wind turbines, with a focus on efficient power management and scalability.
Researchers have discovered that lunar soil can convert carbon dioxide into oxygen and fuels, paving the way for sustainable space exploration. The team proposes an 'extraterrestrial photosynthesis' strategy using lunar soil to electrolyze water and produce desired products.
A new study by University of Alaska Fairbanks Geophysical Institute scientists finds that hydrogen and oxygen ions escaping from Earth's upper atmosphere could combine on the moon to create lunar water and ice. The research estimates up to 3,500 cubic kilometers of surface permafrost or subsurface liquid water created from these ions.
Researchers have developed a model to explain how Titan's distinct landscapes form, including dunes, plains, and labyrinth terrains. The study reveals that seasonal liquid transport cycles drive the movement of grains over the moon's surface, creating an Earth-like environment with hydrocarbon sand dunes.
Scientists have found a new way dunes can form on Io's surface, which is icy and roiling. The researchers used mathematical equations to simulate the forces on a single grain of basalt or frost and calculate its path.
Researchers propose that a colossal ancient impact near the Moon's south pole created a heat plume that concentrated rare-Earth elements on the nearside, contributing to the formation of volcanic plains. This explanation sheds light on the Moon's most enduring mystery.
SwRI scientists studied particle population and auroral emissions on Jupiter, confirming a decade-old theory that electrons accelerated in both directions create the multi-spot dance of auroral footprints. The research also provided insights into the interaction between Ganymede's magnetic field and Jupiter's massive magnetosphere.
Researchers propose that chaos terrains on Europa's surface could shuttle oxygen to the moon's subsurface ocean, where it could sustain life. The computer model showed that 86% of oxygen is transported through the ice via a 'porosity wave', potentially raising hopes for finding life in Europa's ocean.
Researchers from UAB and UCL propose using the Earth-Moon System as a natural gravitational wave detector, capable of detecting signals from the early universe. By analyzing minute deviations in the Moon's orbit, they aim to uncover secrets about the cosmos.
Researchers found that black swifts rise to extreme heights at night during a full moon, reaching altitudes of up to 4000 meters. During a lunar eclipse, the birds simultaneously lost altitude, suggesting moonlight plays a crucial role in their flight dynamics.
Two Singapore-designed artworks are orbiting the Earth on the ISS as part of Moon Gallery, a project consisting of 64 artworks from around the world. The artworks were successfully launched into space and will come back to Earth after 10 months, allowing scientists to study their behavior in microgravity.
Researchers from HSE University have developed a mathematical model that explains the levitation of charged dust particles over the sunlit lunar surface for almost any latitude. The study takes into account the Earth's magnetotail and its impact on particle movement, leading to vertical oscillation and eventual levitation.
A team of researchers led by Dr. Zhiyong Xiao discovered centimeter-sized translucent glass globules on the Moon's surface during the Chang'E-4 mission. The findings suggest that impact glasses sourced from iron-poor materials, such as pure anorthosites, could be a promising resource for in-situ glass production.
Researchers have updated the lunar chronology model using radiometric ages of new Chang'E-5 samples and crater counting data from the landing area. The new model provides a more accurate timescale, essential for understanding lunar and planetary history.
Researchers are developing systems to detect, characterize and track objects in cislunar space, or the space between Earth and the moon, to prevent lunar traffic jams and congestion.
A new, reliable kill switch has been developed to eliminate genetically modified microbes that pose environmental risks. By inserting multiple kill switches into the microbial DNA, a success rate of one in billion microbes was achieved during experiments.
New research investigates electrolysis efficiency on the Moon and Mars, finding that lower gravity reduces oxygen production by 11%. The study provides valuable insights for establishing life support systems and power budgets for future human settlements.
Researchers discovered a complex relationship between Jupiter's magnetic field, volcanic activity on its moon Io, and the planet's powerful aurorae. The study revealed an electromagnetic 'tug-of-war' lights up aurorae in Jupiter's upper atmosphere.
Researchers found that only certain types of planets can form large moons in respect to their host planets. They propose that smaller planets are better candidates to host fractionally large moons. This study provides constraints for future observations and sheds light on the formation of Earth's unique moon.
A Southwest Research Institute scientist found compelling evidence for a liquid internal ocean on Mimas, a small Saturn moon. The discovery expands the definition of habitable worlds and suggests that worlds like Earth with surface oceans may not be unique in the galaxy.
Scientists have proposed a new model for the Moon's crust formation, suggesting that a 'slushy' magma ocean played a key role. The research suggests that crystals remained suspended in liquid magma over hundreds of millions of years, eventually forming the lunar crust.
Researchers at Brown University propose a new explanation for the Moon's lack of a strong magnetic field, suggesting that sinking rock formations could have intermittently generated strong magnetic fields. This process could have occurred over the first billion years of the Moon's history, producing intermittent strong magnetic fields.
Research from LSU and University of Florida found a correlation between lunar phases and shark attacks, with more incidents occurring during periods of higher illumination. The study analyzed global data from the International Shark Attack File and suggests that lunar forces may play a role in shark behavior.
The Chang'E-5 lander has made the first onsite detection of water on the Moon, providing evidence of hydroxyl and/or H2O presence. The discovery was made using reflectance spectral data from the lunar surface acquired by the lander.
Researchers found that local gravitational tides modulate the cyclical behavior of organisms, even in the absence of other rhythmic influences. The study questions the validity of free-run experiments and highlights the importance of considering gravitational oscillations in biological research.
The MIT team developed a levitating rover design using ion thrusters, capable of producing enough repulsive force to hover on the moon and larger asteroids. The concept uses tiny ion beams to charge up the vehicle and boost its natural surface charge.
Researchers at TalTech in Estonia have developed monograin layer solar cell technology that can be used to generate electricity on the Moon. The technology uses pyrite, a mineral found in lunar regolith, and has the potential to provide sustainable power for future lunar outposts.
A new study published in Nature Communications reveals chemical heterogeneities in Apollo 17 sample troctolite 76535, indicating an early rapid cooling of the Moon. This finding challenges previous estimates of a 100-million-year cooling duration and supports initial rapid cooling of magmas within the lunar crust.
Researchers at CU Boulder found that lunar pits and caves showcase remarkably stable conditions, making them attractive options for establishing a long-term human presence on the moon. The environments can help astronauts weather some of the moon's worst extremes but may not be ideal spots to find water.
A team of scientists has discovered a thick layer of paleoregolith on the lunar surface, which could provide insight into the Moon's early asteroid impact and volcanic history. The findings suggest the paleoregolith formed much faster than previously estimated, with implications for understanding meteoric activity in the solar system.
Researchers analyze new seismic data from the Mars InSight mission to plan for future planetary seismographs. The findings provide insights into Martian seismic activity, signal processing, and instrument operation, paving the way for upcoming missions to the Moon, Mars, and Jupiter's moon Titan.
The Department of Modern and Classical Languages at George Mason University has received a grant of $398,227 to support the Global Exchange Office's Project GO. The program aims to help future global officers gain fluency in critical languages while learning intercultural communication tools.
Researchers have confirmed the existence of lunar carbon dioxide cold traps that could contain solid carbon dioxide, a key resource for sustaining robot or human presence on the moon. The discovery has major implications for future lunar exploration and international policy.
Researchers have genetically engineered bacteria to detect specific chemicals in the gut, which can help maintain balanced neurotransmitter levels. The bacteria, called Escherichia coli Nissle 1917, produce enzymes that degrade or synthesize target chemicals, potentially alleviating mental health issues.
A team of astronomers from the University of Arizona suggests that near-Earth asteroid Kamo`oalewa could be a miniature moon, with its spectrum matching lunar rocks from NASA's Apollo missions. The asteroid's orbit is similar to Earth's but with a slight tilt, making it unlikely to have originated from a typical near-Earth asteroid.
Scientists from the University of Münster used precise isotope measurements to determine that the Moon's heavy bombardment 3.9 billion years ago was caused by continuous impacts of leftover asteroids from the main phase of Earth's formation. The study rules out a sudden increase in impact rate due to outer solar system bodies.
A recent international workshop aimed to turn plans for a crewed lunar observatory into reality. The workshop, led by Vanderbilt astrophysicist Karan Jani, brought together experts from GW science, planetary science, and lunar exploration to discuss the geophysical properties of the moon and opportunities for observation.