Add BrightSurf on Google Email

The European Space Sciences Committee reacts

The European Space Sciences Committee (ESSC) has released its position statement on the ESA council meeting at ministerial level, commenting on the impact of decisions taken. The ESSC recommends prioritizing scientific return in the Science Programme and reiterates its support for European involvement in the Global Exploration Strategy.

Protection for humans on Mars

The European Space Agency (ESA) funded a study to test the shielding properties of Moon and Mars regolith against cosmic radiation. The GSI facility in Germany analyzed how well the stone slabs protect against radiation and produced neutrons when radiated.

New research eclipses existing theories on moon formation

A recent study published in Icarus proposes a new perspective on the Moon's formation, suggesting a 'hit-and-run' Giant Impact scenario that resolves the Lunar Paradox. The research explores alternative collision geometries and impact velocities, which could provide a solution to the paradox and shed light on the Moon's origins.

SourceElsevier·JournalIcarus·DateAug 29, 2012

Man in the moon looking younger

A team of scientists, including Carnegie's Richard Carlson, has estimated the age of a lunar rock sample at 4.36 billion years, significantly younger than earlier estimates of 4.568 billion years. This finding supports the idea that the oldest crusts on both Earth and Moon formed around the same time after a giant impact.

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

Mars' molten past

Researchers found that Mars' surface remained molten for 100 million years, implying a thick atmosphere to insulate the planet and slow cooling. This persistence is surprisingly long, with implications for the planet's early history.