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Moon ‘swirls’ could be magnetized by unseen magmas

Researchers propose that lunar swirls are caused by subsurface magma, which creates a magnetic anomaly. The team's experiments show that ilmenite can react and form iron metal under the right conditions, producing a magnetizing effect.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalJournal of Geophysical Research Planets·DateJul 3, 2024

lmpact flux on the Moon

Researchers analyze crater chronology and radiometric dating to understand lunar impact flux, revealing a complex history of impacts that shaped the Moon's geology. The study aims to improve understanding of planetary evolution and orbital dynamics.

SourceBeijing Institute of Technology Press Co., Ltd·JournalSpace: Science & Technology·DateJul 3, 2024
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Heat-switch device boosts lunar rover longevity in harsh Moon climate

A new heat-switch device developed by Nagoya University's team enhances lunar-roving vehicles' operational lifespan under harsh Moon conditions. The innovative technology reduces power consumption while maintaining efficient daytime cooling performance and nighttime insulation, making it a critical component for future lunar missions.

SourceNagoya University·JournalApplied Thermal Engineering·DateJun 6, 2024

A leap in lunar exploration: HI-13 accelerator enhanced capability to uncovers clues from supernovae in lunar dust

Researchers at China Institute of Atomic Energy have developed a more sensitive method to detect iron-60 in lunar samples, allowing for deeper understanding of cosmic events. The new technique has improved detection sensitivity better than 4.3 × 10−14 and potentially reaching 2.5 × 10−15.

SourceNuclear Science and Techniques·JournalNuclear Science and Techniques·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 26, 2024
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

How the moon turned itself inside out

Researchers at the University of Arizona used computer simulations and spacecraft data to study the moon's geology, finding that a dense layer of titanium-rich material sank into the interior and rose on the near side. The findings suggest that the moon 'turned itself inside out' during its formation.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalNature Geoscience·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 8, 2024

Climate change threatens Antarctic meteorites

Climate change causes melting of ice sheet, resulting in loss of about 5,000 meteorites per year. Researchers call for urgent action to preserve the scientific value of meteorites and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Climate Change·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 8, 2024
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Ice shell thickness reveals water temperature on ocean worlds

Researchers at Cornell University have devised a novel way to determine ocean temperatures of distant worlds based on the thickness of their ice shells. This technique can be used to enhance NASA's mission findings about Europa and Enceladus, two Jovian and Saturnian moons that could potentially support life.

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of Geophysical Research Planets·DateFeb 29, 2024

Under pressure - space exploration in our time

The commercial space sector has seen significant growth, with over 2,660 satellites launched into orbit in recent years. International collaborations are also expanding, enabling diverse perspectives and new ideas to emerge in science and space exploration.

SourceETH Zurich·DateFeb 16, 2024

Potential solvents identified for building on moon and Mars

Using machine learning and computational modeling, Washington State University researchers found six good candidates for solvents that can extract materials on the moon and Mars usable in 3D printing. The solvents, called ionic liquids, are salts in a liquid state.

SourceWashington State University·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry B·DateJan 11, 2024
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Giant doubts about giant exomoons

New research from the Max Planck Institute challenges previous claims of giant exomoons around Kepler-1625b and Kepler-1708b. The study uses a computer algorithm to analyze observations, finding that 'planet-only' interpretations are more conclusive than initially thought.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Astronomy·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 7, 2023

The remains of an ancient planet lie deep within Earth

Researchers propose that ancient planet Theia collided with Earth billions of years ago, forming two continent-sized blobs of unusual material and the Moon. The blobs, known as large low-velocity provinces (LLVPs), are rich in iron and likely composed of different proportions of elements than the mantle surrounding them.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalNature·DateNov 1, 2023

The Moon is 40 million years older than previously thought

Researchers at Northwestern University and Field Museum analyzed lunar crystals to determine the Moon's age, finding it to be approximately 4.46 billion years old, 40 million years older than previous estimates. This discovery sheds light on the Moon's formation and its impact on the Earth's planetary system.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalGeochemical Perspectives Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 23, 2023
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Texas A&M joins multimillion-dollar moon orbit tracking project

Texas A&M University is collaborating on a research project to track objects in high Earth orbits, expanding space domain awareness capabilities. The Space University Research Initiative aims to develop new technology and systems to monitor objects influenced by the moon's gravity.

SourceTexas A&M University·DateOct 23, 2023

Astronomy: One small step towards lunar roads

A proof-of-concept study demonstrates the viability of using lasers to melt lunar soil into a solid substance for paving. The technique could be used to mitigate dust issues and facilitate transport on the Moon by creating roads and landing pads.

SourceScientific Reports·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 12, 2023

Removal of magnetic spacecraft contamination within extraterrestrial samples easily carried out, researchers say

Scientists have found that magnetic contamination in lunar samples can be easily removed using standard techniques, disproving previous theories. The study's findings suggest that paleomagnetism is a powerful tool for understanding core processes and planetary evolution, enabling the long-term preservation of atmospheres.

SourceStanford University·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateOct 11, 2023

New findings suggest Moon may have less water than previously thought

A team of scientists calculated that most of the Moon's permanently shadowed regions are younger than previously estimated and contain relatively young deposits of water ice. The findings suggest that current estimates for cold-trapped ices are too high, which could impact future missions to the Moon.

SourceSouthwest Research Institute·JournalScience Advances·TypeObservational study·DateSep 18, 2023
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Going with the flow

Researchers have developed a new method to estimate river flow rates on Mars and Titan, utilizing satellite observations and mathematical equations. The technique allows for predictions of river flow times, sediment size, and potential support for life, shedding light on these celestial bodies' geological pasts.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 10, 2023

Why the day is 24 hours long: Astrophysicists reveal why Earth’s day was a constant 19.5 hours for over a billion years

For over a billion years, the sun's atmospheric tide countered the moon's gravitational pull, keeping Earth's rotational rate steady and day length at 19.5 hours. This balance was disrupted by climate change, resulting in our current 24-hour day stretching to over 60 hours if not for the pause.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalScience Advances·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 5, 2023

Meet a team of scientists working to prevent interplanetary pollution that could pose a threat to life on Earth and other planets

An international group of experts has developed a planetary protection policy to safeguard Earth from potential threats and avoid compromising the search for lifeforms on other celestial bodies. The policy aims to prevent biological and organic contamination of space missions, ensuring the safety of our planet.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Astronomy and Space Sciences·TypeLiterature review·DateJul 4, 2023
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

19-hour days for a billion years of Earth’s history: Study

A new study reveals that Earth's day length may have stalled at 19 hours between 2-1 billion years ago due to tidal resonance caused by the Moon and Sun's opposing forces. This flatlined period could have allowed for a stable atmosphere, enabling photosynthetic bacteria to produce more oxygen each day.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature Geoscience·DateJun 12, 2023

A deep underground lab could hold key to habitability on Mars

Researchers at the University of Birmingham are studying how humans can live and operate on Mars, simulating conditions using a unique facility 1.1 km below the surface. The project aims to investigate biomedical procedures for treating tissue damage in space crews.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·Journalnpj Microgravity·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 23, 2023

Coastal lights trick coral reefs into spawning earlier than they should

A new study found that coastal light pollution causes corals to spawn one to three days closer to the full moon, reducing the likelihood of fertilized eggs surviving and producing new adult corals. This disrupts the natural spawning cycle, which is critical for reef recovery after mass bleaching events.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalNature Communications·TypeLiterature review·DateMay 15, 2023
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

The unexpected contribution of medieval monks to volcanology

An international team of researchers analyzed medieval texts and ice core data to date some of the largest volcanic eruptions in history. They found that five lunar eclipses occurred within a year or so of major volcanic eruptions, providing new information about the most volcanically active period in Earth's history.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature·TypeNews article·DateApr 5, 2023

Researchers find new water reservoir on Moon

Researchers have found a new water reservoir on the Moon, discovered in impact glass beads, which can buffer the lunar surface water cycle. The study suggests that these beads can store and release solar wind-derived water, indicating their potential for in-situ resource utilization.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature Geoscience·DateMar 27, 2023

Two meteorites are providing a detailed look into outer space

Researchers have identified tens of thousands of molecular 'puzzle pieces' in two meteorites, including a larger amount of oxygen atoms than expected. This analysis provides a unique window into the origin of life itself and sheds light on the formation of the universe.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateMar 26, 2023
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Light-based tech could inspire Moon navigation and next-gen farming

A team of global experts has developed a new navigation system for lunar rovers using lithium niobate chips, which can detect tiny changes in laser light to measure movement without external signals. This technology also has potential applications on Earth, such as remotely detecting the ripeness of fruit.

SourceRMIT University·JournalScience·TypeSystematic review·DateJan 18, 2023

Chinese scientists discover ubiquitous, increasing ferric iron on lunar surface

Researchers found high ferric iron content in agglutinate glass from lunar soil returned by China's Chang'e-5 mission. The discovery challenges previous knowledge about lunar ferric iron and suggests ongoing charge disproportionation reactions, leading to progressively increasing ferric iron on the Moon's surface.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature Astronomy·DateJan 9, 2023

Exotic clasts in Chang'e-5 samples indicate unexplored terrane on moon

Researchers identified seven exotic igneous clasts in Chang'e-5 samples, providing critical information about the Moon's lithological diversity and regolith gardening process. The findings indicate that there are still unknown geological units on the moon, which may aid future lunar exploration missions.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature Astronomy·DateDec 28, 2022
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Researchers discover solar wind-derived water in lunar soils

A joint research team from China has discovered high concentrations of hydrogen and low deuterium/hydrogen ratios in lunar soil grain rims consistent with solar wind origin. This finding suggests that the bulk water content in Chang'e-5 lunar soils is around 46 ppm, which could be higher in polar regions.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 26, 2022
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Methods for building lunar landing pads may involve microwaving moon soil

University of Central Florida researchers have discovered a method that uses microwaves to melt lunar soil, coupled with beneficiation technology, may be the best option for building safe and economical lunar landing pads. This approach could increase microwave absorption by up to 80% using magnetic fields, making it more energy-effici...

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·JournalNew Space·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 2, 2022

Space exploration goes underground

Wynne's work identifies key questions and answers needed to study Martian caves, which could hold secrets of life and provide insights into Earth's formation. Caves may also serve as radiation shielding for astronaut habitats on the Moon and Mars.

SourceNorthern Arizona University·JournalJournal of Geophysical Research Planets·DateNov 16, 2022
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Early planetary migration can explain missing planets

A new model accounts for the interplay of forces acting on newborn planets, explaining two puzzling observations: the radius valley and peas in a pod. The research suggests that giant impacts, like the one that formed our moon, are probably a generic outcome of planet formation.

SourceRice University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 7, 2022

How magnetism could help explain Earth’s formation

Researchers analyzed fluid dynamics and electrically conducting fluids to conclude the Earth must have been magnetized before or as a result of its formation. This discovery could help narrow down theories on the Earth-Moon system, with implications for future research.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 2, 2022

A pheromone that explains why puffer fish spawn on beaches under moonlight

Researchers at Nagoya University identified the pheromone PGE2 involved in puffer fish spawning behavior, which is synchronized with the lunar cycle. The study found that applying PGE2 to puffer fish triggers their characteristic writhing motion during spawning.

SourceInstitute of Transformative Bio-Molecules (ITbM), Nagoya University·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 27, 2022

UCF researchers create lunar regolith bricks that could be used to construct Artemis base camp

Researchers at UCF's COSMOS Lab developed a method to create strong bricks from lunar regolith using 3D printing and binder jet technology. The bricks can withstand extreme space environments and are suitable for constructing off-world structures, paving the way for sustainable space construction.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·JournalCeramics International·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 25, 2022

Chang’E-5 samples reveal how young volcanism occurred on the Moon

Researchers found that mantle melting-point depression due to fusible components could generate young lunar volcanism. The Chang'E-5 samples, returned in 2020, revealed surprisingly young volcanic activity only 2 billion years old, contradicting the long-held assumption that the Moon has been geologically dead since then.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 21, 2022
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Lunar glass shows Moon asteroid impacts mirrored on Earth

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.

SourceCurtin University·JournalScience Advances·TypeImaging analysis·DateSep 28, 2022

Breaking in a new planet

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.

SourcePurdue University·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 17, 2022

Building on the moon or Mars? You'll need extraterrestrial cement for that

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.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalAdvances in Space Research·DateAug 10, 2022

China’s lunar lander finds evidence of native water on moon

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.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 14, 2022
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Astronauts may one day drink water from ancient moon volcanoes

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.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalThe Planetary Science Journal·DateMay 17, 2022

A first: Scientists grow plants in soil from the Moon

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.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 12, 2022

Lunar soil has the potential to generate oxygen and fuel

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.

SourceCell Press·JournalJoule·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 5, 2022

Why Venus rotates, slowly, despite sun’s powerful grip

The study suggests that Venus' atmosphere plays a crucial role in determining its rotation speed, with fast winds dragging along the surface and slowing it down. This has significant consequences for the sweltering Venusian climate, with average temperatures of up to 900 degrees Fahrenheit.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalNature Astronomy·DateApr 20, 2022
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Controlling robots from space

For the first time, astronauts in orbit successfully controlled a robot on the ground using haptic feedback, simulating geological exploration missions. This breakthrough enables more complex investigations of planetary surfaces without human exposure to danger.

SourceDe Gruyter·JournalOpen Astronomy·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 1, 2022
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Moons may yield clues to what makes planets habitable

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.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 1, 2022