Articles tagged with Planet Earth
Scientists observe a mysterious geologic object on Ligeia Mare, the second-largest sea on Saturn's moon Titan, which may be the first observation of dynamic geological processes. The 'Magic Island' is thought to result from changing seasons and could provide insights into Titan's liquid environments.
SwRI-led CuSPP mission aims to measure Solar Particles and shock waves causing severe electromagnetic storms. The mission will provide critical measurements on hazardous charged particle populations accelerated at the Sun and interplanetary space.
Researchers honored for advancements in vaccine development, understanding spaceflight effects on human performance, and STEM education programs. The International Space Station provides a unique platform for scientific discovery and innovation.
Researchers Guillaume Avice and Bernard Marty found the Earth is approximately 60 million years older than previously thought. The team analyzed xenon gas sealed in quartz samples to refine dating techniques and estimate the Moon-forming impact timing, now believed to be around 40 million years after solar system formation.
Researchers from Harvard University believe they've found signs of an ancient Earth within the Earth's mantle, challenging the theory of the Moon's formation. They analyzed noble gas isotopes and found significant differences between shallow and deep mantle regions.
Astrophysicists at Penn State University have solved the Lunar Farside Highlands Problem, a long-standing mystery about the absence of maria on the far side of the moon. The researchers found that the difference in crustal thickness between the near and far sides is due to the moon's original formation process.
Researchers have found elevated levels of oxygen-17 in lunar samples compared to Earth, providing evidence for a giant impact hypothesis. The findings suggest that the Moon formed from debris left over after a massive collision between two proto-planets.
Scientists have observed a gamma-ray burst from a huge explosion that occurred shortly after the Big Bang, with light traveling 12.1 billion years before detection. The event, known as GRB 140419A, released more energy in 10 seconds than our sun's expected lifespan.
A recent study reveals significant resonance cycles between solar activity and Earth's surface temperature, providing a possible explanation for recent global warming. The research uses wavelet analysis and cross-correlation methods to investigate the periodicities of solar activity and its correlations with the Earth's temperature dur...
Researchers at New Jersey Institute of Technology have made a groundbreaking discovery about the structure and activity of the Sun. They found that buoyant magnetic-flux ropes on the solar surface can trigger powerful plasma eruptions in the atmosphere, leading to intense heating and rapid acceleration of plasma.
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.
A new study reveals that red dwarf planets may be stripped of their atmospheres due to harsh space weather, making life potentially even rarer. The extreme environment also triggers spectacular aurorae, but would lead to constant darkness and hurricane-force winds.
Researchers found that planets between 1.7 and 3.9 times the size of Earth are dubbed 'gas dwarfs' with thick atmospheres of hydrogen and helium. The study also revealed that metallicity plays a crucial role in determining planetary composition, with stars hosting gas giants containing about 50% more metals than our Sun.
The Solar Ultraviolet Imager and Extreme Ultraviolet and X-ray Irradiance Sensors have completed integration with the GOES-R spacecraft, enabling it to observe sun and space weather. This development enhances the prediction capabilities of NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center, aiding in understanding and mitigating space weather impa...
Researchers predict that only a few craters from asteroid impacts could persist on Earth due to tectonic processes and weathering. However, layers of molten rock blasted out during the impact process may serve as better records of impacts, providing insights into Earth's bombardment history.
New analysis of Moon rocks indicates regional variations in water content, providing insights into lunar formation and crust cooling processes. The study suggests that the Moon's water may have originated from both Earth and comets/asteroids, with implications for understanding the source of Earth's water.
Research at the University of Granada shows that fossils can be used to study cyclical paleoenvironmental changes with varying time scales. The study characterizes irregular cycles lasting from less than a day to over a million years, revealing patterns in extinction events and ecological responses.
Researchers have developed a model to estimate the effect of Earth-like planet ingestion on star chemical composition. By analyzing twin stars with planets, they found significant changes in refractory element abundance, supporting the connection between exoplanets and stellar hosts.
Researchers found a significant increase in lightning rates across Europe after high-speed solar wind streams arrived, suggesting particles from space trigger lightning bolts. The study provides potential benefits for long-range weather forecasts by tracking these solar wind streams.
A new study reveals that powerful tropical cyclones are now reaching their peak intensity farther from the equator and closer to the poles. The trend is statistically significant and consistent with a warming climate, posing potentially profound consequences for life and property in regions further north and south of the equator.
Kevin C. A. Burke, a University of Houston geology professor, has received the 2014 Arthur Holmes Medal for his fundamental contributions to tectonics and Earth evolution. His research focuses on understanding rock structures at the core/mantle boundary and has been recognized internationally.
A new study analyzes climate change impacts on biodiversity across different regions, revealing severe threats to species adapted to specific climates. The tropics face novel climatic conditions and extreme events, while polar regions experience shrinking habitats.
Astronomers from Leiden University and SRON have measured the spin of Beta Pictoris b, an exoplanet orbiting a naked-eye star 63 light-years from Earth. The planet's day length is just 8 hours, despite being over 16 times larger and 3000 times more massive than Earth.
A reconstructed ancient ocean revealed spontaneous chemical reactions that could have produced crucial organic molecules for life. These findings suggest that primitive cells may have synthesized their own metabolic components without the aid of enzymes, challenging the traditional view on the origin of life.
A team of astronomers has developed a viable model for the planetary system orbiting the star 55 Cancri, solving long-standing mysteries about the masses and orbits of its two giant planets. The study reveals that their particular masses and orbits are preventing the system from self-destructing anytime soon.
The study confirms the existence of an Earth-sized planet orbiting Kepler-186, a temperate region where water could exist in liquid form. The team employed speckle imaging and adaptive optics to rule out background stars and stellar companions, allowing for the detection of Kepler-186f.
Researchers at San Francisco State University have discovered a new rocky planet, Kepler-186f, which may have liquid water on its surface. The planet's size and distance from its star suggest it could have a rocky surface similar to Earth.
A new analysis by NASA-funded researchers suggests that vitamin B3 could have originated from carbon-rich meteorites. The team found high levels of vitamin B3 and related molecules in eight different meteorites, which support the theory that extraterrestrial sources may have assisted the origin of life.
Researchers from NASA working with the University of Notre Dame have detected an Earth-like planet, Kepler-186f, in the habitable zone of a cool star. The planet has conditions suitable for liquid water to exist on its surface, increasing the likelihood of supporting life.
Scientists discover the first Earth-size planet in the habitable zone of a different star, confirming that planets like Earth exist elsewhere. The newly discovered planet, Kepler-186f, is 10% larger than Earth and located comfortably in its star's habitable zone, where liquid water could potentially exist on its surface.
Researchers have discovered microbial etchings in impact glass from the Ries Impact Structure, Germany, which are remarkably similar to bioalteration textures observed in volcanic glasses. The authors suggest that microbes etched their way through impact glass as they excreted organic acids, creating a potential habitat for life on Mars.
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.
Research reveals that a planet's tilt can increase its habitability by reducing the likelihood of freezing over. The study expands the habitable zone by 10-20%, doubling the number of potentially habitable planets in the galaxy. This discovery opens up new possibilities for life beyond Earth and its neighbor planets.
Researchers studied Saturn's northern polar region and confirmed the hexagon's stability and unchanged jet stream. They suggest it's a manifestation of a Rossby wave similar to those on Earth, with implications for understanding Saturn's atmosphere.
Using spatial scanning, astronomers can now measure the distance of stars up to 10,000 light-years away with enhanced accuracy. This new technique is expected to provide insight into dark energy and refine estimates of the universe's expansion rate.
A total lunar eclipse will be visible in North America on April 15, offering a unique viewing opportunity. The spacecraft's batteries need sunlight to charge, and it will have to pass through the complete shadow twice before the eclipse ends.
Researchers at DRI found that certain bacteria can consume and convert left-handed amino acids into right-handed forms, which would otherwise be toxic to plants and animals. This discovery suggests that these bacteria play a crucial role in detoxifying the environment by consuming D-amino acids produced through geochemical transformation.
Researchers found that apatite, a commonly used method for estimating lunar water content, may not be reliable due to its hydrogen-rich crystals forming from cooling magma. The discovery has significant implications for understanding the moon's formation and evolution.
Researchers at Aarhus University found a correlation between Atlantic Ocean temperature fluctuations and external forces like the Sun's energy cycle and volcanic eruptions since the Little Ice Age. This challenges previous theories of internal variability in ocean circulation, suggesting a complex interaction between mechanisms.
The study found the heart becomes more spherical by 9.4% in microgravity, similar to predicted models, and may benefit certain cardiovascular patients on Earth. The temporary shape change appears after spaceflight, but long-term health effects are unknown.
NASA's Hubble Space Telescope captured an image of Mars-bound comet Siding Spring, revealing two jets of dust emanating from the nucleus. This observation will help astronomers determine the direction of the nucleus's pole and axis of rotation.
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.
New research from UT Arlington suggests that F-type stars may be a good place to look for habitable planets due to their wider habitability zone. The study found encouraging results, with some damage estimates similar to those on Earth, if an atmosphere is assumed.
The Van Allen Probes have discovered persistent zebra stripes in the inner radiation belt surrounding Earth, caused by the planet's slow rotation. This structure is produced by the oscillating electric field generated by Earth's magnetic field axis.
Scientists have discovered a persistent structure in Earth's inner radiation belt, resembling zebra stripes, due to the planet's slow rotation. The striped pattern is visible even during low solar wind activity and is caused by an oscillating electric field generated by Earth's magnetic field axis.
New radar measurements suggest Ligeia Mare on Titan is eerily still, with surface waves smaller than one millimeter. The solid terrain surrounding the sea may be composed of solid organic materials instead of frozen water, similar to Earth's early evolution.
A rapid succession of coronal mass ejections sent a pulse of magnetized plasma towards Earth, potentially causing widespread disruptions to the electrical grid and disabling satellites. Fortunately, the event occurred just nine days too late, narrowly missing the planet.
Researchers reveal that a combination of solar eruptions led to the formation of a powerful storm. The STEREO mission helped detect key features, providing new insights into the causes of extreme space weather events.
A UCLA study reconstructs the temperature history of a region that influences global climate, revealing significant temperature changes over 20,000 years. The findings also shed light on the mystery of retreating glaciers in the Pacific Ocean's western tropics, with implications for future climate models.
A CU-Boulder-led study found that crowdsourcing can be an accurate tool for counting lunar craters, surpassing even experienced professionals. The research compared the work of over 5,000 amateur counters to eight expert planetary crater counters, with surprising results.
Scientists have developed a new approach to simulate the emergence of cell metabolism on Earth by harnessing geological redox reactions. The study demonstrates that certain minerals could drive these reactions, potentially leading to biological metabolisms.
A massive earthquake triggered a global 'stress shadow' where nearly all potential faults remained inactive for 95 days. This rare phenomenon suggests that large quakes can temporarily relieve stress on nearby faults.
Astronomers have witnessed the first-ever breakup of an asteroid into as many as 10 smaller pieces using NASA's Hubble Space Telescope. The discovery suggests that sunlight may be responsible for this type of disintegration, which is a subtle effect known as YORP torque.
A new study reveals that a pool of dense particles in the magnetosphere can extend out to meet and block incoming solar material, adding an extra layer of protection for spacecraft. This process helps curb magnetic reconnection, allowing energy and solar material to cross the boundary into the magnetosphere.
Scientists at MIT and NASA have identified a process in the Earth's magnetosphere that reinforces its shielding effect, keeping incoming solar energy at bay. A plume of low-energy plasma particles slows magnetic reconnection, blunting the sun's effects on Earth.
The MIT team proposes using contingency propellant from past missions to fuel future spacecraft, reducing the need for additional fuel storage. By utilizing a 'steady-state' approach and stockpiling fuel at depots in space, lunar missions can carry heavier payloads with less fuel.
Researchers at MIT and ETH Zurich develop technique to measure river network change, finding some rivers shifting due to imbalance in drainage divides. The study suggests that regions like the southeastern US are experiencing river network movement due to tectonic activity.
Researchers successfully captured an image of exoplanet Beta Pictoris b using a charge-coupled device (CCD) sensor in visible light, confirming its atmosphere is at 2600 degrees Fahrenheit. The achievement marks a significant step towards detecting habitable planets around other stars.
A new study published in Science has shed light on the structure of the Pacific Plate, revealing a compositional boundary that forms as rocks cool and change composition with depth. The research uses seismic tomography to image the interior of the plate and helps understand how it formed and evolved.
The study provides new insights into stellar nurseries, showing that high-mass stars form in groups rather than alone and that these seeds can be fragmented into individual star seeds early in the formation process.