Tenth transiting 'Tatooine'
Astronomers at SDSU announce the discovery of Kepler-453 b, the 10th known 'circumbinary' planet. The new planet orbits two stars and has a surprisingly tilted orbit, making transits visible only 9% of the time.
Astrodynamics
Articles tagged with Astrodynamics
Scientists solve planetary ring riddle
A breakthrough study by the University of Leicester team, led by Professor Nikolai Brilliantov, reveals that planetary rings have a universally similar particle distribution. The researchers solved the 'amazing' mathematical inverse cubes law of particle size distribution, suggesting that Saturn's rings are in a steady state that does ...
SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 5, 2015
NASA's MMS formation will give unique look at magnetic reconnection
The Magnetospheric Multiscale (MMS) mission is gathering data on magnetic reconnection, a phenomenon that happens when the Earth's magnetic field connects and disconnects from the solar wind. The tetrahedral formation of MMS spacecraft allows scientists to study this process in three dimensions.
Nation's first operational satellite in deep space reaches final orbit
DSCOVR will provide enhanced measurements of solar wind conditions to warn of potentially harmful solar activity, predicting geomagnetic storm magnitude on a regional basis. The satellite's unique vantage point at Lagrange point 1 allows for early warnings of large magnetic eruptions from the sun.
Pluto's moons seen in highest detail yet
A new study published in Nature provides the first detailed look at Pluto's five known moons, revealing fascinating details about their orbits and rotational patterns. The research found that three of the smaller moons, Nix, Styx, and Hydra, are locked together in resonance, making their orbits more regular and predictable.
NOAA's GOES-R satellite begins environmental testing
The GOES-R satellite has begun environmental testing to simulate the harsh conditions of launch and the space environment. This includes vibration, acoustics, and temperature testing to ensure the satellite is properly protected from electromagnetic phenomena in space.
Comet Wild 2: A window into the birth of the solar system?
Researchers from University of Hawai'i - Mānoa discover that larger dust particles in comet Wild 2 are similar to rocks found in primitive meteorites called chondrites. The smaller-sized dust displays a range of oxygen isotopic compositions, deepening the mystery of Wild 2's past.
Delta Cephei's hidden companion
A team of researchers has discovered a hidden companion to Delta Cephei, a key variable star used for measuring cosmic distances. The companion, with a mass around 10 times lower than Delta Cephei's, was detected using high-precision Doppler spectroscopy and is likely to impact the accuracy of distance measurements.
Space debris from satellite explosion increases collision risk for space craft
Debris from the US DMSP F13 satellite explosion poses a threat to other spacecraft with orbits different from its own. A new technique called CiELO was developed to assess collision risks from small-sized debris, revealing a peak in risk at altitudes just below the explosion location.
NASA's ATLAS thermal testing: You're hot, then you're cold
NASA engineers test the ATLAS instrument's thermal performance in a vacuum chamber, simulating extreme temperatures and conditions. The successful test ensures that the laser altimeter system functions as expected, measuring the height of Earth's surface below.
Astronomers probe inner region of young star and its planets
The LEECH exoplanets survey has obtained new images of HR 8799, a 30-million-year-old star with four known giant planets. The team found that the system likely consists of multiple double resonances, indicating gravitational interactions between the planets.
A blueprint for clearing the skies of space debris
A new space-based system combines a super-wide field-of-view telescope with a high-efficiency laser to track and deorbit centimeter-sized space debris. The system, proposed by RIKEN scientists, could remove most of the debris within five years of operation.
CSIC researchers determine the origin of Annama meteorite
Researchers from CSIC have determined the orbit of Annama, a new characterized meteorite, and found similarities with a potentially dangerous asteroid. The study suggests that Annama may be linked to an asteroid of about 400 meters in diameter, posing a potential threat to Earth.
SourceSpanish National Research Council (CSIC)·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateApr 8, 2015
Planets in the habitable zone around most stars, calculate researchers
Researchers used the Titius-Bode law to calculate planetary positions and found billions of stars with 1-3 planets in their habitable zone. This suggests that a significant number of these planets could have liquid water and support life.
SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Niels Bohr Institute·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateMar 18, 2015
NASA spacecraft in Earth's orbit, preparing to study magnetic reconnection
The MMS mission will provide the first three-dimensional views of reconnection occurring in Earth's magnetosphere, releasing bursts of energy that can reach billions of megatons of TNT. Scientists expect the mission to help them better understand magnetic reconnection and its impact on modern technological systems.
'Habitable' planet GJ 581d previously dismissed as noise probably does exist
Researchers from Queen Mary University of London and University of Hertfordshire re-evaluate data and find signal of GJ 581d to be real. The method used in the initial study was inadequate for detecting small planets, leading to a possible misidentification.
NASA's MAVEN spacecraft completes first deep dip campaign
MAVEN spacecraft completed its first deep-dip campaign, gathering measurements closer to the lower end of the Martian upper atmosphere. The campaign allows scientists to study connections between the lower and upper atmospheres, shedding light on gas escape and climate history.
NASA team develops new Ka-band communications system to break through the noise
A NASA team has developed a prototype end-to-end Ka-band space communications system, promising significantly higher data rates of up to 2.4 gigabits per second. The technology could overcome S-band limitations and support future Earth-observing missions with high data-rate requirements.
Astronomers use vanishing neutron star to measure space-time warp
Researchers tracked the motion of a binary pulsar to measure the space-time warp caused by its two highly compact stars. The study provided new information on the effects of extreme gravity on neutron stars and binary systems.
UTA physicist offers new research, tool for identifying habitable zones
A University of Texas at Arlington astrophysicist has created a new online tool called BinHab that can calculate the regions of binary systems favorable for life. The tool uses a comprehensive mathematical approach to consider both stellar radiation and gravitational influence, directly relevant to NASA's Kepler mission.
New findings could help keep satellites and space debris from colliding
Scientists analyzed gravitational effects of the Moon on thermosphere to predict satellite collisions. Incorporating these results in atmospheric models can refine accuracy and keep satellites separate from space junk.
European satellite could discover thousands of planets in Earth's galaxy
The European satellite Gaia is expected to detect tens of thousands of new planets within its five-year mission, revealing unique details about each planet's properties. The satellite's instruments will also capture the motion, physical characteristics, and distance of roughly 1 billion objects in the Milky Way galaxy.
NASA-NOAA Suomi NPP Satellite team ward off recent space debris threat
The Suomi NPP mission team successfully repositioned the satellite on September 30 to avoid a close approach with a debris object traveling at nearly 17,000 mph. The maneuver was planned after a high-risk assessment, and the team's quick action prevented potential catastrophic damage to the satellite.
Astronomers spot faraway Uranus-like planet
Astronomers have discovered a Uranus-like planet 25,000 light-years away, which orbits one star in a binary system. The planet's composition remains unknown due to its immense distance from the star.
Some newly discovered periodic orbits of Newton's 3-body problem are unstable
Researchers discover seven out of thirteen new families of periodic orbits are unstable, contradicting previous predictions. The study uses a 'Clean Numerical Simulation' approach to verify the findings and reveals the potential for chaotic dynamic systems.
Hubble project involving CU-Boulder maps temperature, water vapor on wild exoplanet
A team of scientists used NASA's Hubble Space Telescope to create a detailed map of the atmosphere of WASP-43b, an extremely hot and gaseous planet. The findings reveal that the planet has extreme temperature fluctuations between day and night, with winds howling at supersonic speeds.
NASA spots Typhoon Phanfone affecting Japan
Typhoon Phanfone made landfall in Japan, bringing powerful winds and heavy rain to the region. At least one Airman is confirmed deceased after being washed out to sea from Okinawa, while two others are missing.
NASA's TRMM satellite adds up Cristobal's heavy rainfall in the Caribbean
The TRMM satellite estimated rainfall totals from August 18-25, 2014, revealing heavy flooding over the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico. The Turks and Caicos Islands received over 350mm of rainfall, with some areas experiencing totals exceeding 275mm.
NASA adds up Tropical Storm Neoguri's deluge from space
Tropical Storm Neoguri caused significant flooding in southern Japan, resulting in up to five deaths and 50 injuries. NASA's TRMM satellite data revealed heavy rainfall totals of over 520 mm near the Japanese island of Kyushu.
Astronomers discover ancient worlds from another galaxy next door
Scientists have detected two planets orbiting Kapteyn's star, one of which could support liquid water and potentially harbor life. The discovery was made using HARPS spectrometer data and reveals a third of the mass of the Sun.
SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateJun 3, 2014
Because you can't eat just one: Star will swallow two planets
Two planets in the Kepler-56 system will meet their fate when they are dragged into the star's expanding orbit. The inner planets will be destroyed due to tidal forces and intense heat from the growing star.
Astronomers find a new type of planet: The 'mega-Earth'
A team of astronomers has discovered a new type of planet, Kepler-10c, a mega-Earth with a diameter of approximately 18,000 miles. The planet's mass is 17 times that of Earth, indicating it is composed primarily of rocks and other solids.
New NASA/JAXA precipitation satellite passes check-out, starts mission
The Global Precipitation Measurement Core Observatory satellite has completed its check-out period and started its mission, collecting observations of rainfall and snowfall. The satellite's two science instruments have been calibrated and are now producing accurate data on weather elements such as thunderstorms.
NASA missions let scientists see moon's dancing tide from orbit
By analyzing data from two NASA missions, scientists were able to measure the moon's lopsided shape and its deformation under Earth's sway, providing new insights into the moon's interior. The results confirm previous findings and offer a more comprehensive understanding of the lunar body tide.
Giant telescope tackles orbit and size of exoplanet
A team using the Gemini Planet Imager's next-generation adaptive optics system tracked the orbit of Beta Pictoris b, a planet with an estimated mass at least four times that of Jupiter. The team refined the estimate by analyzing images and debris discs around the star.
SourceDOE/Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 15, 2014
Odd tilts could make more worlds habitable
Researchers found that pivoting planets with wobbling axes of rotation might maintain favorable conditions for life despite being far from their stars. This expands the idea of a habitable planet and where they might be found, particularly in systems with multiple gas giants.
Solar System's edge redefined
A distant dwarf planet, 2012 VP113, has been found to orbit beyond the known edge of the Solar System, challenging our understanding of its boundaries. The discovery suggests an enormous, unseen planet could be influencing the orbits of inner Oort cloud objects.
Nearby star's icy debris suggests 'shepherd' planet
Researchers discovered a compact cloud of poisonous gas formed by ongoing collisions among a swarm of icy bodies, suggesting an unseen planet with Saturn-like mass. The study suggests that the comet swarm could be the remnant of a crash between two Mars-sized icy planets or frozen debris trapped by the gravity of the hypothetical planet.
Satellite video captures the eastern US winter storm track
A major winter storm brought snow and freezing rain to the US east coast on March 2-3, with data from NOAA's GOES-East satellite compiled into a video by NASA. The storm's movement was tracked using MODIS instrument data, providing a clear picture of its path.
Diamond defect boosts quantum technology
Researchers discover a defect in synthetic diamond that allows them to measure and potentially manipulate electrons, enabling new 'quantum technology' for faster information processing. The discovery could exponentially increase the computing capacity of tiny machines.
U of Maryland undergraduates discover rare eclipsing double asteroid
Students used a privately owned telescope to observe and photograph asteroids 3905 Doppler, orbiting two smaller rocky bodies that block each other's light. The discovery provides an unprecedented opportunity to learn about the physical properties and orbital evolution of these objects.
Nearby failed stars may harbor planet
Astronomers have made precise measurements of a failed star system near the Sun, suggesting it harbors a third planetary-mass object. The system, Luhman 16AB, consists of two brown dwarfs with masses between 30 and 50 Jupiter masses.
NASA sees Tropical Cyclone Madi nearing India's east coast
Tropical Cyclone Madi maintained its tropical storm-force strength as it approached the eastern coast of India. The storm's proximity to the coast was confirmed by NASA's Aqua satellite, which captured a visible image of the elongated system with no visible eye.
New instrument continues gathering sun's effects on the Earth
The Total Solar Irradiance Calibration Transfer Experiment (TCTE) mission aims to provide accurate measurements of the sun's energy impact on Earth. The new instrument, deployed in November 2013, will overlap with the existing TIM instrument to ensure continuous data flow and improve accuracy.
LADEE instruments healthy and ready for science
The Lunar Atmosphere and Dust Environment Explorer (LADEE) has completed its commissioning phase, with all three science instruments deemed healthy. The LADEE spacecraft is now in a high-altitude preliminary orbit, preparing for its 100-day science mission to gather information about the moon's structure and composition.
Time is ripe for fire detection satellite, say UC Berkeley scientists
Researchers have designed a fire-spotting satellite using advanced sensors and analysis software, which can detect hot spots in search of newly ignited wildfires. The satellite could view the Western states continuously, directing firefighting resources to prevent fires from growing out of control.
Iowa State astronomer helps research team see misaligned planets in distant system
Researchers used data from NASA's Kepler space telescope to observe a distant planetary system with multiple planets at severe tilt to their host star. The discovery suggests that tilted planetary orbits are possible even in systems without a hot Jupiter, providing new insights into the architecture of alien solar systems.
NASA sees Typhoon Pabuk's veiled eye
Typhoon Pabuk has an unusually large eye covering about 30 nautical miles, three times larger than a previous typhoon in China. The Joint Typhoon Warning Center forecasts Pabuk to track parallel to Japan's coast while gaining frontal characteristics.
Study indicates space weather may be to blame for some satellite failures
A recent MIT study found that high-energy electron activity in space may contribute to failures in geostationary satellites. The research team analyzed data from eight satellites and found that most failures occurred during declining phases of the solar cycle, particularly when Kp index was three or less.
NAU-led team discovers comet hiding in plain sight
A Northern Arizona University-led team used the Spitzer Space Telescope to detect cometary activity in asteroid (3552) Don Quixote, a near-Earth object that was previously thought to be dead. The discovery suggests that water and carbon dioxide ice deposits may still exist on other near-Earth asteroids.
NASA sees Tropical Storm Lorena bringing heavy rains to Mexico's west coast
Tropical Storm Lorena is expected to bring heavy rainfall along Mexico's west coast, with the heaviest rain falling at a rate of 2 inches per hour near Culiacan. The storm's powerful thunderstorms are also producing life-threatening flash floods and mudslides.
'Trojan' asteroids in far reaches of solar system more common than previously thought
Astronomers have discovered a Trojan asteroid sharing the orbit of Uranus, challenging previous estimates. The study predicts that three percent of scattered objects between Jupiter and Neptune should be co-orbitals with Uranus or Neptune.
Space laser to prove increased broadband possible
The LLCD experiment aims to validate and build confidence in laser communications, allowing for 3-D High Definition video transmissions in deep space. The technology has incredible application possibilities, enabling the transmission of hundreds of millions of bits of data per second from the moon to Earth.
Astronomers image lowest-mass exoplanet around a sun-like star
The discovery of GJ 504b challenges traditional planet-formation theories, suggesting alternative formation methods may be needed. The exoplanet orbits its star at nearly 9 times the distance of Jupiter from the sun.
2011 Draconid meteor shower deposited a ton of meteoritic material on Earth
The 2011 Draconid meteor shower deposited a large amount of meteoritic material on Earth, including fragments that may have formed from the comet Giacobini-Zinner. Researchers analyzed six fireballs and found they had a possible similar composition to carbonaceous chondrites.
SourceSpanish National Research Council (CSIC)·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateJun 6, 2013
Accurate distance measurement resolves major astronomical mystery
A team of researchers used radio telescopes to precisely locate SS Cygni at 370 light-years from Earth, resolving a major problem in understanding the star's regular outbursts. The new distance measurement brings the system into line with standard explanations for similar systems.
Satellite instrument package to assess space weather ready for delivery by CU-Boulder
The CU-Boulder instrument package, known as the Extreme Ultraviolet and X-ray Irradiance Sensors (EXIS), is designed to measure energy output from the sun that can affect satellite operations. The EXIS will provide rapid alerts for solar flares and monitor extreme ultraviolet wavelengths to track space weather effects.
The day NASA's Fermi dodged a 1.5-ton bullet
Fermi's spacecraft dodged a catastrophic 1.5-ton bullet from the defunct spy satellite Cosmos 1805, avoiding an extremely close encounter. The successful maneuver was executed after NASA's CARA team predicted the potential collision just one week in advance.
UCLA space scientists find way to monitor elusive collisions in space
Researchers have devised a way to detect and track asteroid collisions in interplanetary space using a new method to measure the mass of magnetic clouds created by impacts. This technique could help scientists better understand where to find new meteoroid debris that poses a threat.
SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalMeteoritics and Planetary Science·DateApr 23, 2013
Removing orbital debris with less risk
The study compares in-orbit debris removal options, considering their potential risk of creating new debris or disabling working satellites. Inflatable drag enhancement devices are found to have the lowest risk, while electromagnetic tethers pose a high risk for disabling operational satellites.