Articles tagged with Planet Earth
New experiments show that complex molecules can form in icy grains in space, potentially bringing the building blocks of life to Earth. The discovery opens the door to comets or meteorites as a source for life's origins.
The Deep Carbon Observatory investigates deep carbon's movement, origin and forms, shedding light on the planet's oldest ecosystem. Studies suggest a significant amount of carbon may be locked into minerals and melts in the mantle and core.
At NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, researchers create ultrathin layers of amorphous ice to replicate extreme chemistry found in space. They find that water helps amino acids last longer when exposed to cosmic radiation, producing new chemical byproducts.
Researchers detect never-before-seen phenomenon in Earth's magnetosphere, revealing a long-lived zone of high-energy electrons stored between the Van Allen radiation belts. This finding may impact the planning of future space missions.
The Radiation Belt Storm Probes mission, led by the University of New Hampshire, has discovered a transient third radiation belt formed in the wake of a powerful solar event. The new belt was detected using the Relativistic Electron-Proton Telescope and is located at an inner edge of the outer electron belt.
Scientists have discovered a third Van Allen radiation belt that forms and dissipates in a matter of weeks, challenging our understanding of the environment around Earth. The discovery was made possible by twin NASA space probes carrying CU-Boulder instruments, which captured data on the belt's formation and behavior.
A team of scientists analyzed 442 molybdenite samples to find that rhenium concentrations increased significantly over the past three billion years, reflecting increasing oxygen levels in the environment. The findings support previous research on hydrothermal activity and supercontinent formation influencing mineral evolution.
Astronomers detect two Type 1a supernovae, designated Supernova 2013X and Supernova 2012ha, which provide valuable information for measuring cosmic distances. The explosions occurred hundreds of millions of years ago and have traveled to Earth, offering insights into the expansion of the universe.
A new study suggests that future evidence for extraterrestrial life might come from dying stars, specifically from planets orbiting white dwarfs. Detectable oxygen in the atmosphere of these planets could indicate the presence of life, and a recent simulation indicates JWST can detect this with only a few hours of observation time.
The University of Calgary has launched a satellite to track near-Earth asteroids, enabling researchers to study these rare and difficult-to-detect objects. The NEOSSat satellite will enable scientists to take hundreds of sensitive images daily to search for moving dots of light that represent asteroids.
Researchers used the Chemical Dynamics Beamline at Berkeley Lab to examine how photochemistry determines isotope ratios in the solar system. They found that mass-independent processes, such as chemical reactions, could explain differences between Earth and meteorites/solar system elements.
A giant sunspot formed on the sun's surface over Feb. 19-20, 2013, with rapid growth to six Earth diameters across in under 48 hours. The spot's delta region exhibited unstable magnetic fields, potentially leading to solar flares.
Yvon Chouinard, Patagonia's founder, receives the 2013 Inamori Ethics Prize for prioritizing people and the planet in his business philosophy. He has promoted sustainable practices throughout his company, including using organic cotton, reducing water footprint, and supporting grassroots environmental organizations.
A team of UChicago astronomers, led by Jacob Bean, is utilizing new methods to analyze the atmospheres of exoplanets, with a focus on distinguishing between gas giants and water worlds. The search for exoplanets has revealed an estimated 17 billion Earth-sized planets in the Milky Way galaxy, potentially harboring life-sustaining worlds.
A long duration solar flare triggered an Earth-directed coronal mass ejection (CME), which left the sun at speeds of around 500 miles per second. This CME is likely to cause a geomagnetic storm when it connects with the outside of the Earth's magnetic envelope, potentially affecting auroras near the poles.
Two coronal mass ejections (CMEs) were observed by NASA's Solar Terrestrial Relations Observatory and Solar and Heliospheric Observatory, emitting solar particles into space at speeds of up to 750 miles per second. Historically, CMEs of this strength have caused minimal effects on Earth
Scientists successfully demonstrated a new X-ray camera, STORM, that observed charge exchange processes near Earth's magnetosphere. This technology provides insights into the physical process and can help determine space weather in our solar system.
A recent study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology reveals that men and women share a significant number of psychological traits, with most characteristics falling along a linear gradation for both genders. The authors conclude that traditional gender categories are not as rigid as stereotypes suggest.
A coronal mass ejection erupted from the sun on January 31, 2013, leaving the sun at speeds of around 575 miles per second, which is a fairly typical speed for CMEs. This event had historically mild effects but could cause geomagnetic storms if it connects with the outside of the Earth's magnetic envelope.
A Sun coronal mass ejection occurred on January 23, 2013, at a speed of around 375 miles per second, impacting the magnetosphere. The event caused a space weather phenomenon called a geomagnetic storm, potentially affecting GPS and satellite communications.
A new study analyzing ice cores from the Greenland ice sheet found that between 130,000 and 115,000 years ago, the climate rose to about 14 degrees Fahrenheit warmer than today. This past warm period may serve as a 'road map' for future warming due to increasing greenhouse gases.
Researchers aim to explore the mysteries of Alfvèn waves, fueling the Sun's heat and magnetic influence on planets. The study uses advanced simulations and observational data from NASA's Hinode solar observatory and Swedish Solar Telescope.
Scientists with NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) successfully transmitted an image of the Mona Lisa to the spacecraft from Earth using laser pulses. The team achieved simultaneous laser communication and tracking, paving the way for future high-speed data transfer at planetary distances.
NASA's research models show that the CMEs left the sun at speeds of 275 miles per second, causing geomagnetic storms when they connect with the Earth's magnetic envelope. The recent flares caused weak radio blackouts, but their effects have already subsided.
Andrei Lebed's research suggests that the equation may not hold true for gravitational mass, which could have significant implications for our understanding of gravity and its relationship to inertial mass. He proposes an experiment to test his conclusions, which could potentially revolutionize our understanding of the universe.
A team of astronomers analyzed Kepler mission data and found that 17% of sun-like stars have planets one to two times the diameter of Earth, orbiting close to their host stars. These planets may be rocky and habitable within the Goldilocks zone.
A recent University of Pennsylvania study published in Geology has challenged the long-held assumption that mountains play a significant role in regulating the Earth's climate. The research found that mountains contribute only a small amount of sediment to the world's oceans, and instead, gently sloping land areas are major contributors.
Researchers using NASA's Kepler spacecraft have found that about 17% of stars have an Earth-sized planet in an orbit closer than Mercury. This means there are at least 17 billion possible Earth-like planets in the Milky Way, with 50% of stars having a planet of Earth-size or larger in a close orbit.
A Caltech-led team estimated that there are at least 100 billion planets in the galaxy, with one planet per star, based on their analysis of the Kepler-32 system. The planets in this system are typical of those found around M-dwarf stars and may represent the majority of planets in the galaxy.
Researchers found that the environment transitioned rapidly between a closed woodland and an open grassland, triggering evolutionary changes. The team used lake sediments and biomarkers to reconstruct the types of vegetation present, revealing a correlation between environmental changes and planetary movement.
The University of Copenhagen's researchers have produced a next-generation map depicting the organization of life on Earth, combining evolutionary and geographical information for over 20,000 species. The new map shows 11 large biogeographic realms and has major conservation significance in light of the ongoing biodiversity crisis.
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is establishing a fellowship in astrobiology thanks to a $480,000 gift from the Emily Landecker Foundation. The James P. Ferris Fellowship will support graduate students pursuing research in the interdisciplinary field of astrobiology.
Researchers at UC Davis study a rare meteorite, the fastest and rarest known to hit Earth, providing insights into the formation of planets. The team uses advanced techniques to analyze the meteorite's composition and internal structures.
Tau Ceti, the closest single star to our Sun, has been found to have a planetary system with five planets. The estimated masses range from two to six times that of Earth, making it the lowest-mass planetary system yet detected.
A UI-led team has made the first direct measurement of space turbulence, confirming the existence of 'gusty winds' in space. The discovery sheds light on the role of turbulence in heating the sun's atmosphere and regulating star formation.
Scientists observed and measured the tiny distortion in a star's light caused by Venus passing in front of it. The effect, known as the Rossiter-McLaughlin effect, is difficult to detect but holds promise for studying exoplanets. Measuring this effect will aid in understanding the history of exoplanet formation.
The NASA-NOAA Suomi NPP satellite has released a global composite image that shows the glow of natural and human-made sources across the planet. The high-resolution images reveal valuable data for researchers studying weather conditions, such as fog and low clouds, that are difficult to detect with traditional sensors.
Researchers found that planets in solar systems with similar stars may be warmer and more dynamic, potentially hosting microbial life. This could expand the habitable zone around those stars, making them more suitable for life.
Researchers discovered a viable community of bacteria surviving without sunlight in Lake Vida's brine, which could have implications for finding life elsewhere. The findings suggest chemical reactions between the brine and sediments generate energy for microbial life.
A record-setting X-ray jet has been detected 12.4 billion light years from Earth, providing a glimpse into the explosive activity associated with supermassive black holes in the early universe. The jet is thought to be boosted by cosmic background radiation and points almost directly toward us.
Scientists have observed a significant increase in exotic trace gases over Titan's south pole during the autumnal season. This change is attributed to the reversal of the planet's atmospheric circulation cell direction, which extends to altitudes above 450 km.
Scientists at the American Geophysical Union conference present findings that human population growth outweighs climate change as the culprit in region's dwindling water supplies. The research highlights the importance of water conservation and sustainability.
A coronal mass ejection (CME) with speeds of 375 miles per second reached the sun's surface in November 2012, marking the third Earth-directed CME since November 20. The event may cause geomagnetic storms and auroras near the poles, but is unlikely to disrupt electrical systems or GPS communications.
A team of scientists has discovered an ancient thriving colony of microbes in the brine of Lake Vida, Antarctica, which is estimated to have been isolated for over 2,800 years. The microbes live in a highly saline environment with high concentrations of ammonia and nitrous oxide.
Researchers propose a mechanism by which life may have gotten its start in the early Earth's chemical environment. A mathematical model reveals that networks of molecules with self-perpetuating capabilities can give rise to complex systems and potentially life.
A team of scientists discovered a new high-pressure solid phase of magnesium oxide, which challenges traditional definitions of mantle and core material. This finding suggests that young or hot planets can generate and sustain magnetic fields.
On Nov. 20, 2012, a coronal mass ejection (CME) was observed by NASA spacecraft, with speeds of 450 miles per second, a slow to average speed for CMEs. The event had significant space weather implications and was closely monitored by NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center.
Researchers studying Martian meteorites found that the planet formed from similar building blocks to those of Earth. However, the composition of water on Mars differs significantly from that of Earth, suggesting a distinct geologic history. The study provides new insights into the origin and evolution of water on the Red Planet.
Scientists propose using ultraprecise atomic clocks to directly measure the Earth's true physical form, the geoid, which is currently determined indirectly through satellite tracking. This method has the potential to map the interior of the Earth to great depths, enabling more accurate exploration and discovery of subsurface structures.
A study by UC Berkeley engineers used a tabletop model to understand high-frequency waves of earthquakes, which can cause rapid shaking. The research found that longer fault healing times lead to faster shaking upon rupture, providing insights for building vulnerability assessments and mitigation strategies.
The Geological Society of America awards Bill McKibben its highest honor, the President's Medal, for his life's work on climate change and environmental protection. McKibben has written over a dozen books on the environment, founded the grassroots climate campaign 350.org, and continues to be an outspoken advocate for action.
Researchers found that spaceflight compromises the ability of arteries and veins to constrict, leading to orthostatic hypotension upon return to Earth. This condition affects up to half of astronauts on short-term missions and nearly all on long-term missions.
Researchers at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center detected a massive release of ethylene gas during a rare storm on Saturn, with temperatures soaring 150 degrees Fahrenheit above normal. The storm was observed using Cassini's composite infrared spectrometer and revealed unprecedented disturbances in the planet's upper atmosphere.
Scientists at Ames Laboratory successfully remove neodymium and other rare earths from commercial magnets, maintaining useful properties. The new process aims to produce high-purity alloys for future applications.
Scientists from NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center directly observed Kelvin-Helmholtz waves in the solar wind, allowing energy transfer into near-Earth space. The presence of these waves enables charged particles to breach Earth's magnetic shield, altering the magnetosphere's behavior.
Dr. Thomas H. Jordan, a renowned geophysicist, received the AGI Outstanding Contribution to the Public Understanding of the Geosciences Award in 2013. He is recognized for his efforts to increase public awareness of earthquake processes, probabilities, preparedness, and risk at an international level.
A significant solar flare occurred on Oct. 22, 2012, peaking at an X1.8-class intensity, impacting radio communications for about an hour. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association categorized the radio blackout as R3 on a scale from R1 to R5.
Researchers have made a groundbreaking connection between changes in the Earth's magnetic field and gravity measured by satellites. By analyzing data from CHAMP and GRACE missions, they found that rapid fluctuations in the magnetic field are associated with mass displacements in the outer core.
Two new studies provide insights into the formation of the European Alps and ancient sanukitoids. Reconstructing pre-glacial topography reveals most glacial erosion occurred in lower parts of the Alpine catchments, while aseismic creep has begun on major strike-slip faults like the North Anatolian Fault.
A new study suggests that a massive planetary collision may have led to the evaporation of volatile elements on the moon, resulting in Earth's abundance of water. Researchers found severe depletion of zinc and other similar elements on the lunar samples, indicating a 'planetary-scale' evaporation event.