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How sound moves on Mars

Researchers used NASA's measurements to simulate sound propagation on Mars, providing insight into weather and terrain effects on acoustic propagation. The study focused on the Jezero crater, where it simulated how sound moves through complex terrains, helping scientists understand how other atmospheres compare to Earth's.

Key ExoMars Rover part ships from Aberystwyth

The infrared spectrometer Enfys, a key instrument for the European Space Agency's ExoMars Rosalind Franklin Rover, is shipped from Aberystwyth University to Italy for testing. The rover will drill up to two meters beneath the Martian surface to search for signs of past or present life.

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Dancing dust devils trace raging winds on Mars

Scientists have tracked 1039 dust devils to reveal how they lift dust into the air and sweep around Mars' surface. The study found wind speeds of up to 44 m/s, faster than previously measured with rovers on the ground, and improved our understanding of Martian weather patterns.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Researchers uncover potential biosignatures on Mars

A new study has revealed chemical signatures of ancient Martian microbial life in the Bright Angel formation, a region of Jezero Crater known for its fine-grained mudstones rich in oxidized iron and organic carbon. The findings suggest that early microorganisms may have played a role in shaping these rocks through redox reactions.

'Potential biosignatures' found in ancient Mars lake

A new study suggests that ancient Martian rocks contain minerals and organic matter indicative of a habitable environment and potential biological processes. The discovery was made in the Jezero Crater's Bright Angel formation, which is considered a prime target in the search for signs of past life.

Was Mars doomed to be a desert? Study proposes new explanation

A recent study suggests that Mars' surface features were shaped by short periods of liquid water, followed by 100-million-year-long periods of desert. The research, led by University of Chicago scientist Edwin Kite, proposes a new explanation for why Mars became a barren desert planet.

GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Organic molecules of unprecedented size discovered on Mars

Researchers have detected unprecedentedly large organic molecules on Mars, containing up to 12 consecutive carbon atoms. These findings provide valuable insights into the planet's potential for life and pave the way for future interplanetary science missions.

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Under pressure - space exploration in our time

The commercial space sector has seen significant growth, with over 2,660 satellites launched into orbit in recent years. International collaborations are also expanding, enabling diverse perspectives and new ideas to emerge in science and space exploration.

Did life exist on Mars? Other planets? With AI's help, we may know soon

Scientists have discovered a simple test for signs of past or present life on other planets, using artificial intelligence to distinguish between biological and abiotic samples with high accuracy. The method has the potential to revolutionize the search for extraterrestrial life and deepen our understanding of Earth's earliest life.

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Experimentalists: Sorry, no oxygen required to make these minerals on Mars

Scientists at Washington University in St. Louis found that manganese oxides can be formed without atmospheric oxygen under Mars-like conditions. The study, published in Nature Geoscience, used kinetic modeling to show that halogens like chlorate and bromate can convert manganese into minerals thousands of times faster than by oxygen.

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Balancing risk and reward in planetary exploration

Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University have developed a new approach for conducting automated science in space by balancing risk and scientific value. The approach uses a model that estimates science value and risk, allowing rovers to chart their own course while protecting against high-risk missions.

The sands of Mars are green as well as red, rover Perseverance discovers

The Perseverance rover has discovered rocks on Mars that are composed of large grains of olivine, a muddier version of peridot that tints many beaches dark green. These findings suggest that the planet had liquid water, air, and a magnetic field in the past, conditions similar to those when life first arose on Earth.

Study: Explosive volcanic eruption produced rare mineral on Mars

Researchers at Rice University propose a new scenario explaining the 2016 discovery of tridymite by NASA's Curiosity rover. They suggest that magma cooled slowly in a chamber below a volcano, producing concentrated silicon-rich ash that was later weathered and sorted by water.

Biofinder advances detection of extraterrestrial life

The Biofinder instrument has successfully detected bio-residue in ancient fish fossils from the Green River formation, confirming that biological residues can survive millions of years. The device's capabilities make it an ideal tool for future NASA missions to detect signs of past life on other planetary bodies.

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Buttes on Mars may serve as radiation shelters

Researchers found that buttes on Mars can block about 20% of radiation from the sky, reducing the dose by a significant amount. However, this effect is limited by albedo radiation, which increases when the terrain reflects and emits radiation backwards.

Deep learning will help future Mars rovers go farther, faster, and do more science

The NASA JPL team is using deep learning to develop software for future Mars rovers, which will enable them to travel farther and explore more of the planet. The team has been training machine learning models on the Maverick2 supercomputer and developing novel capabilities such as Drive-By Science and Energy-Optimal Autonomous Navigation.

Trembling aspen leaves could save future Mars rovers

Researchers at the University of Warwick have devised an energy harvesting mechanism inspired by trembling aspen leaves that could power weather sensors in hostile environments. The technology has potential to extend the life of future Mars rovers by providing a backup energy supply.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Terramechanics research aims to keep Mars rovers rolling

A team of MIT and Washington University researchers developed a terramechanics model called Artemis, simulating rover mobility over various soil types and terrain. The model predicts safest paths for rovers and can help mission planners avoid sand traps like the Spirit rover.

Study shows how to keep a Mars tumbleweed rover moving on rocky terrain

Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a computer model to determine how a wind-driven 'tumbleweed' Mars rover would perform on rocky Martian terrain. The study found that larger diameter and lower weight rovers achieve better performance, with a minimum diameter of six meters needed for acceptable movement.

Annual UH Mars Rover event gets $400,000 boost from NASA

The UH Mars Rover Model Celebration and Exhibition will receive a $414,000 grant from NASA to develop a stronger event, expand beyond Texas, and provide hands-on science projects for elementary and middle school students. The program aims to inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers.

APS physics tip sheet #61

Researchers at Rutgers University duplicated Martian razorback shapes using statically charged sand grains on acrylic. Meanwhile, DNA molecules and carbon nanotubes can convert rotational motion to linear translation, potentially solving a crucial problem in micromachine parts.

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

NASA's Mars rovers continue to explore & amaze

NASA's Spirit and Opportunity rovers are uncovering evidence of wet, possibly habitable conditions on Mars in areas they're exploring. They've found variations of bedrock, including platform-like structures, that suggest a hot, violent past with volcanic explosions and impacts.

NASA's rovers continue Martian missions

NASA's Mars Exploration Rovers Opportunity and Spirit have been studying geology on opposite sides of Mars for over a year. The rovers have found extensive layered bedrock, including rocks containing the mineral Ilmenite, which suggests a shared origin and diversity in volcanic rocks in the Gusev region.

Science names Mars discovery Breakthrough of the Year

The Mars rover mission has discovered evidence of prolonged presence of salty, acidic water on Mars' surface, making it a potential habitable place. The findings suggest that conditions were suitable for life to exist in the past.

NASA picks two IU devices to go to Mars

Indiana University geologists David Bish and Juergen Schieber will join NASA's Mars Science Laboratory, a rover mission set to launch in 2009. The rover will explore a local region as a potential habitat for past or present life, shedding light on the Martian surface's composition.

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.