Articles tagged with Planet Earth
Astronomers detect the lightest exoplanet ever found around a Sun-like star, orbiting about six million kilometers away from the star. The newly discovered planet has a mass similar to Earth and orbits Alpha Centauri B every 3.2 days.
A new model developed by Southwest Research Institute reconciles the Moon's Earth-like composition with the giant impact theory of formation. The model involves larger impacts and produces an Earth that rotates faster than implied, but a subsequent resonant interaction could have decreased the angular momentum.
Scientists discover evidence that Moon was born in a catastrophic collision with early Earth, releasing vaporized rock that condensed into the Moon. The discovery provides physical evidence for the Giant Impact Theory and sheds light on the Moon's composition.
Researchers explore sunlight reduction methods in a computer model that considers emissions' effect on climate. The analysis shows a fundamental connection between the need for emissions reductions and the potential need for solar dimming. Climate sensitivity is a crucial factor in determining how much sun blocking might be needed.
Astronomers have identified a super-Earth called 55 Cancri e as a likely diamond planet, composed primarily of carbon in the form of graphite and diamond. The planet's mass is eight times greater than Earth's, and it orbits its star at hyper speed, with a surface temperature of about 3,900 degrees Fahrenheit.
The Suomi NPP satellite observed a geomagnetic storm on October 8, 2012, resulting in beautiful displays of northern lights across Canada. The satellite's 'day-night band' sensor detected visible light emissions from energetic particles raining down from Earth's magnetosphere.
Scientists have discovered an enormous amount of water vapour, enough to fill Earth's oceans over 2000 times, in a gas and dust cloud collapsing into a new Sun-like star. Water was previously detected outside our Solar System as ice coated onto tiny dust grains near active star formation sites.
A new study by seismologists at Columbia University's Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory suggests that North Korea's alleged 2010 nuclear tests were probably false alarms. The researchers found no evidence of seismic waves consistent with the detonations, citing the region's dense network of seismic stations.
A coronal mass ejection (CME) was released by the sun on October 4, 2012, traveling at approximately 400 miles per second. The CME may affect electronic systems in satellites and on Earth, although major effects have not been observed in the past.
Researchers at Uppsala University will analyze atmospheres of earth-like exoplanets using the CRIRES+ instrument. The project seeks to determine if these planets can support life.
Scientists have discovered self-organized electromagnetic fields in counter-streaming ionized gases, which helps organize flows and shape solar systems. This breakthrough finding provides a new way to explore order emergence in the cosmos.
A five-year study funded by NASA Astrobiology Institute aims to detect and study deep subsurface microbial life on Earth and beyond. Researchers will test instrumentation in extreme environments like Death Valley and oceanic crust.
A wide coronal mass ejection (CME) is traveling at approximately 700 miles per second and expected to reach Earth on September 29. The CME is associated with a small solar flare, classified as C-class, which is not expected to cause significant disruptions to electronic systems.
Analysis of seismic waves from the magnitude 8.7 earthquake reveals a complicated faulting process involving at least four faults at right angles to each other. The event was the largest intraplate earthquake ever recorded and involved horizontal motion on a series of faults in the middle of the Indo-Australian plate.
A recent study by University of Utah and University of California, Santa Cruz scientists has confirmed that the April 2012 earthquake measuring 8.7 magnitude was a result of the Indo-Australian plate breaking apart. The quake caused at least four faults to break, resulting in significant changes to the tectonic plate's movement pattern.
A magnitude-8.6 East Indian Ocean earthquake triggered a global increase in seismic activity, with unprecedented large aftershocks occurring worldwide. The study highlights the predictable changes in seismicity, shedding light on more than a decade-long debate about remotely triggered earthquakes.
A magnitude 8.6 earthquake in the East Indian Ocean triggered quakes around the world for at least a week, according to a new analysis. The study found that some faults weren't immediately affected by seismic waves but were primed to break up six days later.
Researchers at Princeton University suggest that life on Earth could have come from space via lithopanspermia, a process where microorganisms are transferred through meteorite-like planetary fragments. The study found that low-velocity processes can increase the chances of solid material being captured by other planets.
A team of space scientists has shed light on the mysterious physical mechanisms underlying coronal mass ejections (CMEs) that can impact Earth-based power grids and satellites. The study, published in Nature Physics, uses state-of-the-art computer simulations to connect motions in the sun's interior with CMEs.
Researchers analyze temperatures, shapes, and densities of coronal cavities to understand space weather disruption. By studying these structures, scientists aim to get advance warning on CME eruptions and improve technology protection near Earth.
The research aims to test two theories on Venus' geological history, focusing on its volcanic activity and plate tectonics. The team will gather data from NASA's Magellan mission and create statistical models to analyze the orientations of volcanic constructs.
Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin have developed a simulation model to study how planets form from protostellar disks. The models simulate key factors such as turbulence and temperature, which affect planet formation, providing insights into the conditions most favorable for planetary birth.
A new study suggests that a warmer Earth generally increases biodiversity, but only after millions of years. However, current trends of increasing temperature are expected to cause diversity loss in the short term due to the speed of change.
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.
Hayabusa 2 aims to collect samples from the asteroid's surface, which may preserve water and amino acids. The mission hopes to provide clearer insight into the early days of the solar system than previous meteorite samples.
Scientists at Scripps Institution of Oceanography discovered how fault zones weaken in select locations after an earthquake tipping point, creating 'melt welts'. These regions can lead to runaway slip and massive earthquakes. The study addresses the 'low heat flow paradox' and may improve earthquake prediction models.
Kepler-47b and Kepler-47c are the smallest known transiting circumbinary planets, with masses of 8 and 20 times that of Earth. The outer planet, Kepler-47c, is located within the habitable zone and orbits every 303 days, making it a promising candidate for hosting liquid water.
Scientists have developed new solar-energy conversion devices using abundant, less-expensive materials like copper and zinc. These devices break records for electrical current and voltage achieved by existing solar cells, bringing the cost of electricity closer to that of coal-fired power plants.
CU-Boulder designed and built an instrument to capture high-energy electrons, while another instrument measures changes in electric and magnetic fields. The mission aims to understand and mitigate space weather risks for satellites and astronauts.
Scientists at Caltech have successfully recreated plasma loops, which could help predict solar flares. By studying the magnetic forces controlling these loops, researchers aim to develop a two-day warning period for massive solar flares.
Researchers from USC used earthquake data to model the Earth's mantle and reveal the strength of continents compared to the rest of the Earth. They found that a part of the South American plate, known as a cratonic keel, deflects and channels mantle flow.
A new thruster design, developed by MIT, uses 500 microscopic tips to create a small puff of charged particles that can help propel small satellites forward. The microthrusters have the potential to enable CubeSats to change orbits and reduce space clutter by propelling them down to lower orbits where they can burn up.
Scientists at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center recorded a coronal mass ejection traveling at unprecedented speeds using data from the STEREO spacecraft. The event produced a strong magnetic field and intense solar radiation, offering insights into the causes of space weather events.
Researchers have discovered a new method to predict solar flares by measuring gamma radiation emitted when atoms decay. The system could provide up to 2-day advance warning, allowing operators to minimize impact and astronauts to shield themselves from lethal radiation.
An UCLA scientist has discovered that the geological phenomenon of plate tectonics exists on Mars, revealing a primitive stage of plate tectonics. The discovery provides insight into how the early Earth may have looked and helps understand the origins of plate tectonics on Earth.
A third of Earth's organisms live in rocks and sediments, but their lives have been a mystery. Scientists have now shed light into this dark world by studying methane-exhaling microbes in hot undersea volcanoes. The research reveals that these microbes thrive in environments with low hydrogen levels and have symbiotic relationships bet...
Researchers used ambient seismic noise to search for a pre-seismic signal before the 2004 Parkfield earthquake, but were unable to detect any changes. The study placed an upper limit on how large such a signal might be, depending on its duration and location.
Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis use simulations to determine the atmospheres of hot super-Earths, finding they are mostly composed of steam and carbon dioxide. The study helps astronomers distinguish between different planetary compositions by analyzing atmospheric spectra.
A new tool enables anyone to easily access 13 years of NASA Landsat images, allowing for seamless zooming and time-travel exploration. The enhanced access facilitates discoveries on deforestation, climate change, and environmental policy.
The National Space Biomedical Research Institute has awarded $100,000 to ACell, Inc. and Enterade USA LLC to develop innovative medical solutions addressing unmet health needs in space and on Earth. The funding will support the commercialization of wound-healing dressings and a radiation-rehydration drink.
The James Webb Space Telescope's NIRISS and FGS instruments, developed by University of Montreal's Professor René Doyon, will study the universe from a record-breaking distance. These Canadian-made instruments will analyze stars and galaxies dating back to the Big Bang and search for life-supporting planetary systems.
Emerging techniques to pull carbon dioxide from the air can help stabilize the climate, but lower-cost technology is a stumbling block. The techniques address sources of CO2 that other types of carbon capture and storage cannot, and have the potential to lower atmospheric CO2 levels significantly.
Researchers track changing aridity patterns across the Northern Hemisphere using fossil mammal data, while also studying a change in volcanic behavior at Pisciarelli, Italy. In the Atacama Desert, they discover new barrier islands and explore periglacial weathering mechanisms.
A mid-level solar flare, classified as M7.7, was detected by NASA on July 19, 2012, causing brief radio communications blackouts at the poles. Increased numbers of flares are expected during the sun's peak activity cycle, which is approaching its maximum in 2013.
The RBSP mission seeks to characterize the Van Allen Radiation Belts, which contain 99% of the universe's electrified gas. The study will address questions about particle origins, mechanisms giving them extreme speed and energy, and their effects on Earth's magnetosphere.
The continent of Antarctica is at risk from growing threats including global warming, loss of sea ice, increased tourism, over-fishing, pollution, and invasive species. The Antarctic Treaty System faces pressure due to climate changes and natural resource interests.
A new warning system can forecast radiation from solar storms nearly three hours in advance, allowing astronauts and air crews to take protective action. The system uses data from neutron monitors installed at the South Pole to estimate the intensity of high-energy particles that arrive on Earth first.
A team of scientists led by Conel Alexander has found that carbonaceous chondrites, a type of primitive meteorite, are more likely to be the source of Earth's water than comets. This discovery contradicts prevailing theories and provides new constraints for understanding the origin of volatiles in the inner Solar System.
Scientists add an extra second to the UTC time standard to account for Earth's rotating day lengthening due to tidal forces. The 35th leap second is added to keep UTC within 0.9 seconds of UT1, which relies on precise VLBI measurements.
A study finds that the Agulhas rings drive the eastward branch of AMOC deep water transport. A prediction system to protect astronauts from solar storms has been designed and assessed.
A team of scientists from Cardiff University and GEUS discovered a 100km-wide, 3-billion-year-old impact crater in West Greenland. The crater's effects were visible deep within the Earth's crust, allowing researchers to study impact processes nearly a billion years further back.
Researchers have successfully measured the motion of exoplanet Tau Bootis b, revealing its mass to be six times that of Jupiter. The team used an innovative technique to unravel direct light from the planet itself, overcoming previous attempts to measure its atmosphere.
Mineral evolution has led to at least 90 different mercury-containing minerals on Earth, mostly formed during three periods of supercontinent assembly. The creation of these minerals is linked to hydrothermal activity associated with continents colliding and forming mountain ranges.
A previously unappreciated open star cluster, Ruprecht 147, has been found to be an important tool in understanding stellar astrophysics and the search for Earth-like planets. The cluster is close to Earth and contains stars similar in mass and age to the Sun, making it a valuable laboratory for studying bright stars.
A research team has discovered two planets, Kepler-36b and Kepler-36c, in an orbital tug-of-war as they orbit the same star about 1,200 light years from Earth. The planets occupy nearly the same orbital plane and come within 1.2 million miles of each other at their closest approach.
Astronomers have found two planets with diverse densities and compositions locked in close orbits, defying the planetary pattern of our solar system. The discovery, made possible by NASA's Kepler Mission, reveals a 'puzzling pair' that challenges theories on planet migration and orbital rearrangement.
The chance alignment of galaxies NGC 3314A and NGC 3314B shows a unique view of their spiral arms and dust lanes. The motion of the galaxies indicates they are not on a collision course, with NGC 3314A's warped shape likely due to an encounter with another nearby galaxy.
NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center detected a new solar active region, AR1504, which fired off two M-class flares and two coronal mass ejections (CMEs) on June 13-14, 2012. The CMEs are traveling towards Earth at speeds of 375 and 800 miles per second.
The KELT telescope has discovered two unusual planets, including a massive, puffed-up planet dubbed KELT-1b that may challenge our understanding of solar system evolution. The other planet, KELT-2Ab, is a Jupiter-like world with a bright star that will allow astronomers to study its atmosphere.
New research reveals small planets can form around stars with low heavy element content, challenging previous assumptions. This discovery suggests Earth-like planets may be widespread in the universe, contradicting earlier theories on planetary formation requirements.