Articles tagged with Planet Earth
A new study using a tiny fragment of zircon extracted from Australia's Jack Hills region confirms the Earth's crust formed at least 4.4 billion years ago, providing evidence for a 'cool early Earth' theory. The findings suggest temperatures were low enough for liquid water and oceans to form.
Giant hot flow anomalies can swallow Venus whole due to its magnetic field absence, posing a significant threat to the planet's surface. Observations from European Space Agency's Venus Express reveal frequent and large-scale space weather events at Venus.
A team of researchers has identified a giant gas cloud in the Milky Way galaxy, shaped like a long filament and about 50,000 times the mass of our sun. The discovery was made using the High Elevation Antarctic Terahertz telescope, which detects atomic carbon and is located at Ridge A in Antarctica.
Researchers found a massive asteroid around PSR J0738-4042, which is being pounded by asteroids and could form planets. The asteroid's mass is about a billion tonnes, and its formation is linked to the star's intense radiation.
The PLATO mission aims to discover and characterize Earth-like planets in the Sun's neighborhood. With an array of telescopes, it will measure planetary sizes, masses, and ages to determine their habitability. By observing one million stars, PLATO is expected to find thousands of new exoplanets.
Despite recent advances, reliable information about exoplanet atmospheres is scarce due to flawed methods like photometric interpretations. New techniques like spectrometry hold promise for a more comprehensive understanding of exoplanets.
The new four-year grant will help operators of near-earth satellites and air traffic radar systems safeguard against radiation bursts and energetic particles. Yue Deng's research aims to improve the understanding of neutral wind dynamics in the upper atmosphere, which is crucial for mitigating space weather effects.
A team of scientists, led by Tom Murphy, found that the performance of laser-based reflectors on the Moon's surface is negatively affected during full moon nights due to accumulated moon dust and heating. The effect was later confirmed during a lunar eclipse in December 2010.
The National Science Foundation and Science journal announced 18 winners of the 2013 International Science & Engineering Visualization Challenge. The contest showcased captivating visualizations of complex scientific concepts, including wearable energy storage and brain mapping.
Researchers found that tree roots in mountainous ecosystems can regulate carbon dioxide levels by breaking down rock into component parts. This process, called weathering, draws carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere and cools the planet, potentially preventing catastrophic overheating or cooling over millions of years.
Research suggests that subarctic lakes are sensitive to changes in snowmelt, with many at risk of drying out due to climate change. Additionally, scientists have found that seafloor sites could potentially store centuries' worth of carbon emissions through industrial-scale carbon capture and storage programs.
Researchers found amino acids and biologically important molecules in carbon-rich meteorites, suggesting that extraterrestrial material may have played a role in the origin of life. The new technique allows for analysis of tiny samples, enabling future studies on cometary particles and sample-return missions.
Researchers found that interplanetary dust particles carry both water and organics needed for the origin of life. This mechanism could also work for exoplanets, enabling water formation through solar wind irradiation. The discovery sheds light on the Moon's OH and water ice, as well as asteroid and comet origins.
Astrobiology Journal suggests Alpha Centauri B's unique tidal heating could create environments favorable to life. This finding presents a promising target for extrasolar exploration and expands our search for extraterrestrial life.
New measurements of mass reveal that planets smaller than Neptune have low density due to extensive gas coverage, while larger ones have higher density. This suggests these planets formed quickly after their star's birth, contrasting with Earth's late formation.
Researchers challenge conventional wisdom that super-Earths are waterworlds, proposing they can have exposed continents and an Earth-like climate. The model suggests most tectonically active super-Earths store water in the mantle, enabling a stable climate.
Scientists observe enormous sunspot AR1944, two Earths wide, moving toward the sun's center. The sunspot is part of active regions that can cause space weather events, such as solar flares and coronal mass ejections.
Lekic's work has improved the understanding of Earth's large-scale inner structure, revealing key features such as a low-velocity layer internal to continental plates. His research also explores neutrino geoscience and seismic attenuation, providing new insights into plate tectonics and continental evolution
The discovery of KOI-314c reveals a planet weighing as much as Earth but 60% larger in diameter, indicating a thick, gaseous atmosphere. The planet's mass was measured using transit timing variations (TTV), a young method for studying low-mass planets.
Astronomers have detected clear evidence of clouds in the atmosphere of GJ 1214b, a super-Earth exoplanet, using data from the Hubble Space Telescope. The findings suggest that high-altitude clouds blanket the planet, hiding information about its composition and behavior.
A new scientific study by the University of Edinburgh found that variations in heat from the sun do not strongly influence climate change. Volcanic eruptions were the primary cause of periodic changes in climate until 1800, and greenhouse gases have been the main driver since then.
The Van Allen Probes have provided high-resolution measurements that suggest local acceleration is at work in the Earth's radiation belts. This discovery resolves decades of uncertainty over the origin of ultra-relativistic electrons and has important implications for understanding planetary magnetospheres throughout the universe.
Researchers investigate the geological features of Faial Island, Portugal, examining relationships between tectonics and magmatism. Additionally, studies on apatite fossil preservation in Cambrian rocks shed light on the source of phosphorus for exceptional fossilization. Marine terraces along California's Santa Barbara coast also prov...
The final three of 18 primary mirrors for the James Webb Space Telescope have arrived at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center. The mirrors, built by Ball Aerospace, will form a 6.5-meter-diameter primary mirror when integrated with a stable structure.
Researchers have found that scattering by intense natural radio waves known as 'chorus' in the Earth's upper atmosphere is primarily responsible for the observed relativistic electron build-up. This discovery resolves decades of scientific controversy and has important practical applications for understanding planetary magnetospheres.
Astronomers have successfully imaged individual stars in a nearby binary star system using a new instrument that combines adaptive optics and interferometry.
The American Geophysical Union (AGU) has honored four journalists for their outstanding coverage of Earth and space sciences. Geoffrey Haines-Stiles and Erna Akuginow have won the Robert C. Cowen Award for Sustained Achievement in Science Journalism, while freelance writer Tim Folger received the Walter Sullivan Award for Excellence in...
Juno's flyby provided an extraordinary view of Earth and the moon from a unique vantage point near the tip of one of the spacecraft's solar-array arms. The star tracker captured frames for the movie when the spacecraft was about 2.4 million miles from Earth, offering a front-row seat to the flyby.
A massive ejection of material from the sun in 2012 could have created a technological disaster if it hit Earth, short-circuiting satellites and power grids. The event highlights the need for society to prepare for severe space weather events.
Deep Carbon Observatory scientists have discovered a method to produce hydrogen more quickly and efficiently than natural processes. The new formula uses aluminum oxide, water, and olivine under high pressure, accelerating the production of hydrogen by 7-50 times.
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.
Researchers find remarkably low frictional heat produced by fault slip during magnitude 9.0 Tohoku-Oki earthquake, which triggered devastating tsunami. The low resistance to slip may explain the large amount of slip that occurred during the earthquake.
A team of international scientists has published studies revealing a submarine earthquake caused the devastating 2011 tsunami in Japan's Tohoku region. The findings suggest that other zones in the northwest Pacific may be at risk of similar huge earthquakes due to unusually thin and slippery geological faults.
A U of A research team has identified a giant cosmic accelerator above the Earth, accelerating particles to near-light speeds within the Van Allen radiation belt. The discovery could improve space weather forecasts and protect man-made systems from damage.
The Van Allen Probes mission reveals that high-energy particles in Earth's radiation belts can be accelerated to nearly the speed of light by ultra-low frequency electromagnetic waves. Scientists hope to use this discovery to better predict space weather conditions and protect orbiting satellites.
A new analysis of Hadean mineralogy suggests that no more than 420 different minerals were present at or near Earth's surface during the first 550 million years after life emerged. These minerals formed from magma and alteration, excluding rare elements such as borate and molybdate minerals.
The Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) Core Observatory will track global precipitation by combining measurements from multiple satellites. The satellite has undergone rigorous environmental tests and integration to ensure its survival in space.
Recent research suggests that the frequency of Earth-like planets in habitable zones around M-dwarfs is 0.4-0.5, requiring surveying about 10 cool stars. A conservative approach would focus on surface water, as subsurface water testing is impossible to verify remotely.
The IceCube collaboration has detected 28 high-energy particle events, providing solid evidence for astrophysical neutrinos from cosmic sources. By studying these neutrinos, scientists can learn about distant astrophysical phenomena and potentially identify their sources.
A new study published in Science suggests that the increase in methane gas concentrations in the atmosphere from 5,000 years ago to the start of the industrial revolution was caused by both natural and human activities. The research, led by Logan Mitchell at Oregon State University, found that natural emissions from tropical wetlands a...
Scientists have found that Mars can also stir up asteroid surfaces, refreshing them over time. The research suggests that the Red Planet plays a key role in altering the chemical nature of asteroids' surfaces, changing their reddish hue.
A new paper highlights repeated correlations between human-caused changes to natural systems and human health outcomes, including cardiopulmonary disease, Chagas disease, malaria exposure, and iron deficiency anemia. The study proposes a research framework to strengthen the scientific underpinnings of both public health and environment...
A team of scientists found evidence for bromides converting to reactive gases in Martian soil, leading to variable sulfur-chlorine ratios. This could alter existing models of aqueous processes and oxidants on Mars, affecting the search for life. The study also suggests that volatilized halogens may have impacted subsurface distribution.
Two large sunspots, AR1890 and AR1897, are active on the sun, with AR1890 producing significant flares and AR1897 nearing its appearance on Earth-side of the sun. The sun's 11-year activity cycle is increasing towards solar maximum conditions, leading to an uptick in flares.
Astronomers observed a spiral galaxy with a strongly-emitting background galaxy nearly directly behind it. The alignment provides valuable data about the nearer galaxy, revealing it is not forming stars as rapidly as thought. Additional analysis also revealed detailed features of the galaxy's gas halo.
NASA technologists aim to apply emerging atom-optics technology to map variations in Earth's gravity field with picometer-level sensitivity. The technology could chart changes in the gravitational field over time, providing valuable insights into climate change and water cycles.
The Chelyabinsk meteorite was analyzed by an international team of researchers, revealing its composition and origin. The study found that the meteoroid entered Earth's atmosphere at 19 km/s and broke up 30 kilometers above ground, causing widespread damage.
Based on Kepler data, scientists found that one in five sun-like stars has an Earth-size planet in its habitable zone. The estimated number suggests that life-supporting planets may be more common than previously thought.
SPIRou, a near-infrared spectropolarimeter and high-precision velocimeter, will detect habitable Earth twins orbiting nearby red dwarf stars and study the formation of Sun-like stars and their planets. The instrument's advanced technology will reveal the existence of liquid water on planetary surfaces.
The HyperSpectral Imager for Climate Science (HySICS) has made its inaugural engineering balloon flight, collecting radiance data for nearly half of its eight and a half hour flight. This technology advance enables climate predictions and trends to be seen with higher accuracy using shorter duration data sets.
Researchers at MIT have discovered an exoplanet named Kepler 78b that is approximately 1.2 times the size of Earth and has a mass about 1.7 times that of our planet. The planet's density is also similar to Earth's, suggesting it may be composed mainly of rock and iron.
A team of researchers discovered a bacterium that requires rare earths to grow and produce energy from methane. The rare earths are necessary for the enzyme methanol dehydrogenase, which processes the methanol produced in methane decomposition.
Kepler-78b is the first known Earth-sized planet with an Earth-like density, posing a challenge to theorists due to its extremely tight orbit. The planet's mass measurement confirms it as the poster child for a new class of small, hot planets.
A study found profound changes in mouse eyes after a 13-day spaceflight, including oxidative stress, DNA damage repair genes, and apoptotic pathways. These changes were partially reversible upon return to Earth.
A mid-level solar flare, classified as an M9.4 event, was observed by NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) on October 23, 2013. This flare had a significant impact on Earth's atmosphere, causing disruptions to radio signals and potentially affecting GPS communications.
A Danish/Swedish/French research team has shown that oxygen content in the atmosphere was probably the same as when life exploded 500 million years ago, contradicting textbooks' claim of oxygen's necessity for advanced life. This finding contributes to a new understanding of the Earth's development and oxygen dynamics.
Juno will explore Jupiter's northern and southern lights by flying through electrical current systems that generate them. The mission aims to understand the origin and evolution of the solar system's largest planet by mapping magnetic and gravity fields, determining atmospheric composition, and observing upper atmosphere dynamics.
A new Stanford study proposes that an iron melt network played a key role in forming the early Earth's internal structure, lending credence to a theory first proposed nearly half a century ago. The team recreated ancient Earth conditions and found evidence that percolation, previously thought impossible, could have helped funnel molten...
A new study finds that high carbon dioxide levels in the ancient atmosphere may have counteracted the effects of a weak young Sun, allowing life to thrive on Earth. The researchers used tiny air samples trapped in quartz rocks to reconstruct the atmosphere's composition, finding higher-than-expected CO2 levels.
Cassini's Composite Infrared Spectrometer (CIRS) detects propylene, a chemical used in food-storage containers and car bumpers, on Titan's lower atmosphere. The detection fills a mysterious gap in Titan observations dating back to NASA's Voyager 1 spacecraft.