Articles tagged with Planet Earth
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.
The NASA-led group has developed a wide-field-of-view imager capable of detecting soft X-ray emissions produced when the solar wind encounters neutral gas, including Earth, Mars, and comets. The imager uses Lobster-Eye optics to focus soft X-rays onto a plane located at half the radius of the sphere.
A new model suggests that template-assisted ligation could have enabled the leap from monomers to self-replicating polymer chains in primordial soup. The model proposes a cycle between 'day' and 'night' phases, driven by environmental changes, where polymers join together to form longer chains via template-assisted ligation.
A study by Dartmouth physicist Robyn Millan and NASA's Van Allen Probes has discovered new X-ray actions caused by solar flares, affecting Earth's atmosphere. The findings provide insight into the processes that can impact our lives directly.
A new study published in Nature Geoscience suggests that Earth's first crust was torn from the planet and lost to space due to asteroid bombardment, leading to the evolution of its plate tectonics, magnetic field and climate. This phenomenon, known as impact erosion, helps explain why Earth is habitable while Venus is not.
A new theory proposes that a planet's bulk composition, specifically the abundance of uranium, thorium, and potassium, dictates whether plate tectonics can occur. This affects the planet's internal heating, volcanism, and climate. The Earth's unique composition allows for current plate tectonics to operate.
The NASA satellite camera has returned its first view of the entire sunlit side of Earth, generating color images using a combination of narrowband filters. The images show effects of sunlight scattered by air molecules, giving them a characteristic bluish tint.
The ChemCam instrument on NASA's Curiosity rover has found evidence of ancient, light-colored rocks on Mars that are rich in feldspar and quartz, similar to those found in the Earth's granitic continental crust. These discoveries suggest that Mars may have had a primitive continental crust around 4 billion years ago.
Scientists calculate that human activities have reduced the planet's biomass by almost half since 2,000 years ago, putting the world at risk of collapse. If left unchecked, deforestation and agriculture could deplete energy reserves, leading to devastating consequences for human survival.
A team of UCLA researchers has discovered the structure of mysterious plasma waves in near-Earth space, which were first detected in the 1960s. The findings reveal a zebra-striped pattern that could explain how these waves are excited.
A 30-year study found Northern China's soil moisture decreased by 6% since 1983, with optimal levels now below 40%. The researchers attribute this decline to increased fertilizer use and crop types with high water demands, posing a risk to agriculture and the fresh water supply.
The OSIRIS-REx Visible and Infrared Spectrometer (OVIRS) instrument will help the team select a suitable sampling site on asteroid Bennu by measuring visible and near infrared light. The mission aims to investigate the composition of the early solar system, organic materials, and water.
Researchers at the University of Leicester identify four key changes driven by human activity: homogenization of species, Homo sapiens as top predator, direction of evolution, and interaction with technology. These changes represent a planetary transformation as fundamental as major extinction events.
A new study has precisely measured the ages of 33 Kepler stars with solar-like oscillations, revealing that even stars older than 11 billion years have Earth-like planets. The research uses asteroseismology to analyze tiny variations in starlight and provides a large sample for studying galactic archeology.
Leap seconds are added to account for Earth's slow rotation, which has slowed down by about 2 milliseconds per year since the 1820s. The extra second on June 30 helps maintain consistency between the atomic time standard and Coordinated Universal Time.
Astronomers have discovered a massive cloud of hydrogen, dubbed 'The Behemoth,' evaporating from a warm Neptune-sized planet orbiting a nearby star. The phenomenon may help explain the existence of Hot Super-Earths and provide insights into how planets lose their outer layers.
A team of scientists has discovered a massive cloud of hydrogen escaping from the atmosphere of GJ436b, a Neptune-sized exoplanet located 33 light years away. This phenomenon may help explain the formation of hot and rocky 'super-earths' and potentially detect extrasolar oceans.
Astronomers have discovered a colossal cloud of hydrogen dispersing from the warm, Neptune-sized planet Gliese 436b. The enormous gaseous tail is about 50 times the size of its parent star and may offer clues on how hot super-Earths form around other stars.
Researchers found that nonphotosynthetic pigments could produce strong spectral signals detectable by powerful future telescopes. These organisms cover a significant portion of a distant planet's surface, producing reflectance signatures different from photosynthetic land vegetation like trees.
Researchers found that Titan's atmosphere loses hydrocarbons and nitriles due to a polar wind powered by sunlight and the Saturnian magnetic field. This phenomenon has been observed on Earth in polar regions, suggesting Titan may have a similarly widespread 'polar wind' beyond its poles.
Researchers developed computer models to examine how ultraviolet radiation from nearby suns affects Earth-like planets' biological intricacies. The models simulate four epochs of Earth's history, revealing the impact of UV radiation on the origin of life.
Studies found increased incidents of rheumatoid arthritis and giant cell arteritis in concert with the cycle of magnetic activity of the sun. Correlations were strongest between diseases and geomagnetic activity, with GCA incidence peaking within one year of intense geomagnetic activity.
Dr. Carl Wunsch, a pioneer in ocean acoustic tomography, is recognized for his distinguished research on sound and the sea. His work has greatly improved our understanding of sound propagation in the ocean.
A new model can measure the magnetic field configuration of a solar eruption significantly further ahead in time, potentially giving forecasters 24-hour advance warning to protect their systems. The model uses NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory data and has been tested on eight different CMEs with promising results.
A new measurement and modelling tool can predict coronal mass ejections with more than 24 hours' notice, improving forecasting of geomagnetic storms that affect GPS technology, utility grids, and satellite systems.
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.
Researchers have created a real-time monitoring system for air and water quality in space, reducing the need for sample collection and analysis. The system enables astronauts to test their surroundings more efficiently, making long-term space missions possible.
A study published in PNAS estimates global species richness, finding that roughly 10% of the world's beetles have been named and described, shedding light on previous estimates. The research suggests a mean of 1.5 million beetle species and 6.8 million terrestrial arthropod species.
A new study suggests that microgravity can be less damaging to cartilage than previously thought, thanks to the up-regulation of a key gene. Cartilage cells in space showed moderate changes but remained stable, offering hope for new treatments on Earth.
Researchers have found a novel way to 'read the Earth's LIPS', revealing a previously missed connection between Large Igneous Provinces and mid-ocean ridges. This discovery changes our understanding of massive volcanism in ocean basins, suggesting that undersea eruptions are less catastrophic than thought.
Researchers predict that Mars' aurorae can be visible to the naked eye, displaying colors similar to those on Earth. The study suggests that carbon dioxide in the Martian atmosphere contributes to the formation of blue, green, and red aurorae.
Scientists can now observe physical phenomena beyond Earth's orbit with a new CubeSat concept. The CAPEd Crusader will use small-satellite technology to transmit data from distant planets, revolutionizing planetary exploration.
Researchers at the University of Kansas are working to improve the detection of life on Mars by combining Raman spectroscopy with gas chromatography/mass spectroscopy. They aim to analyze rocks from Earth similar to those found on Mars to strengthen evidence collection, as conditions on the Martian surface are inhospitable.
The study reveals that similar isotopic signatures exist for many biological processes, including those difficult to observe with current tools. This finding could enable the assessment of ocean productivity using stable oxygen isotopes.
Kelvin-Helmholtz waves frequently occur at Earth's magnetopause, changing radiation belt energy levels and impacting spacecraft technology. Researchers used THEMIS data to find that these waves happen 20% of the time, providing new insights into the magnetosphere's basic physics.
New research published by the University of Warwick finds evidence that water-rich asteroids or comets are common around other stars than the Sun. The study suggests that water can be delivered to planets like Earth via these bodies, potentially creating a suitable environment for life to form.
MIT researchers explain India's rapid move toward Eurasia 80 million years ago by the combination of two subduction zones. The team found relics of what may have been two subduction zones in rocks from the Himalayan region, which led them to develop a model for a double subduction system.
The 2011 Tohoku-Oki earthquake was measured directly from space 450 kilometers above the planet's surface. The Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) satellites captured the significant ionospheric signature produced by the quake's infrasonic wave output.
A team of researchers from Arizona State University found that Tau Ceti, a popular candidate for supporting life, is unlikely to have planets in the habitable zone. The star's high magnesium-to-silicon ratio could lead to unique planetary compositions and potentially habitable worlds with different geological processes.
Asteroids formed by capturing millimeter-sized chondrules with gravitational force, which then accumulated like sand in a storm. This process could also explain the formation of protoplanets and terrestrial planets, including Earth.
Scientists have found a record of the ancient Moon-forming giant impact observable in stony meteorites. The team used data analysis and numerical modeling work to infer the Moon formed about 4.47 billion years ago.
A new analysis of meteorite composition helps scientists work out when the Earth formed its layers, confirming the first crust had formed around 4.5 billion years ago. The team measured hafnium and lutetium in zircon crystals from a rare meteorite, which originated early in the solar system.
Researchers have built detailed computer simulations of a GRB jet's internal structure, revealing that non-uniformity is key to determining astroparticle emission. The model predicts a lower neutrino flux from GRBs than previously thought, which may be detectable by the next generation of neutrino telescopes.
Researchers at University of Maryland generate new isotopic fingerprint of the moon, reconciling accepted model with surprisingly similar Earth and moon fingerprints. The findings suggest a thorough mixing of debris before forming the moon, supporting an explosive and interconnected past.
New research reveals quasi-annual variations in solar activity that can amplify or weaken solar storms, affecting Earth's atmosphere. Understanding these variations could lead to improved predictions of space weather events and mitigation strategies.
Researchers reveal 'juvenile' continental crust has been produced throughout Earth's history, contradicting the long-held theory that all continental crust was generated during the Archaean Eon. The study provides new understanding of the formation of the Earth's continental crust and its impact on the planet's life and climate.
A new study confirms a positive feedback operating in climate change, where warming amplifies greenhouse gas emissions and additional warming. This is evident from direct analysis of ice-core data, showing that temperature has a profound effect on atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations.
A team of geophysicists discovered the twin scars of two massive asteroid impacts in Central Australia, hidden deep within the earth's crust. The impact zones are estimated to be over 400 kilometers wide and are believed to have occurred millions of years ago.
Researchers propose that a second generation of planets, including super-Earths, existed in the inner solar system before being destroyed by Jupiter's massive migration. This scenario helps explain why Earth and other terrestrial planets have relatively low masses compared to exoplanets orbiting other sun-like stars.
A new study suggests that ocean pipes would increase global warming due to decreased cloud cover and increased sea-ice melting, rather than cooling the Earth as predicted.
The Anthropocene epoch is characterized by human impact on the environment, including climate disruption, overpopulation, and pollution. The authors present evidence of a new geological era where human activities determine the planet's behavior.
A team of international scientists has created a colorful catalog of reflection signatures from various Earth life forms to aid in the search for extraterrestrial life. The database features 137 diverse life forms, including extremophiles from extreme environments, which can help astronomers spot potential biosignatures on exoplanets.
A research team at the University of Arizona has discovered sulfide chondrules in meteorites, providing evidence for a new type of environment in the early solar system. The discovery sheds light on the formation of elements essential for life, such as carbon and oxygen.
Scientists used bistatic radar to create high-resolution images of Venus' surface from Earth, revealing features like mountains, craters, and volcanoes. The technique enables comparison of images taken at different periods, helping detect signs of active volcanism or geologic processes.
Astronomers have discovered a distant supernova split into four images by a massive galaxy lens, allowing for the study of dark matter distribution and the type of star that exploded. The 'Einstein cross' will enable researchers to measure time delays between the arrival of light from the supernova in different images.
Using NASA's Hubble Space Telescope, astronomers found four separate images of the same distant supernova, enabling them to measure the difference in light paths. This discovery helps refine estimates of dark matter and the expansion rate of the universe.
Researchers studied stress fields along the San Andreas fault at the microscopic scale, revealing heterogeneous and high-stress areas in rock samples. This breakthrough could lead to a better understanding of earthquake events and advance seismicity research.
Researchers used the Sandia National Laboratories Z-machine to recreate Earth's formation conditions, finding that iron vaporizes at a lower shock pressure than previously thought. This process could have led to more iron being mixed into the Earth's mantle, potentially affecting the Moon's composition due to its reduced gravity.
Researchers found that iron vaporizes at lower impact speeds than previously thought, leading to a shift in understanding of Earth's core formation process. This change affects estimates of the timing of Earth's core formation, with new information suggesting a more rapid process.
Scientists have developed a two-step recovery process to recycle rare-earth metals from old electronics, making it easier and more cost-effective. The new process uses liquid metal extraction and vacuum distillation to recover valuable rare earths like neodymium and dysprosium.