#planetaryscience

[elixir]

Two hours before its closest approach to Neptune in 1989, Voyager 2 captured this haunting glimpse of the distant blue world—our first real look at the planet’s ethereal beauty, suspended in the void, silent and untouchable.

[startupmac]

White dwarf devours pluto-like world, astronomers reveal cosmic feast

Astronomers have spotted a rare event where a white dwarf star consumed a pluto-sized world. this discovery offers a glimpse into the future of our own solar system and how stars interact with nearby planets in their final stages of life. a dramatic reminder of the powerful forces shaping the universe.

[fuckyeahfluiddynamics]

Junggar Basin Aglow

The low sun angle in this astronaut photo of Junggar Basin shows off the wind- and water-carved landscape. Located in northwestern China, this region is covered in dune fields, appearing along the top and bottom of the image.  (Image credit: NASA; via NASA Earth Observatory) Read the full article

[daviddavi09]

Super Earths Explained: Why They Could Outshine Earth

Are we actually residing on the greatest possible world for life—just a good one by cosmic standards? In this illuminating episode of Science Unlocked, we consider the amazing potential that super Earths—giant, terrestrial worlds three to ten times larger than Earth—may be far more livable than our home blue globe. These distant worlds are endowed with strong magnetic fields, dense atmospheres, more intense gravity, and stable geological activity that may sustain life for another billion years or more beyond what Earth can. With more of these planets being found using advanced telescopes such as Kepler and the James Webb Space Telescope, super Earths are becoming frontrunners in the hunt for life outside our solar system. From the hydrogen-rich ocean planet of K2-18b to Trappist-1e's theoretically habitable zone, these are not just hypotheticals with promise—these are actual locations with actual promise. Follow along with us as we explore the science of why super Earths may not only exist—but may be superior.

[the-fact-site]

Earth’s rotation time increases by 000.1 seconds every year. #FACT

[tmarshconnors]

“Extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence.”

Carl Edward Sagan was an American astronomer, planetary scientist, and science communicator. His best-known scientific contribution is his research on the possibility of extraterrestrial life, including the experimental demonstration of the production of amino acids from basic chemicals by exposure to light. 

Born: 9 November 1934, Brooklyn, New York, United States

Died: 20 December 1996 (age 62 years), Fred Hutch Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington, United States.

Popularised Science Through “Cosmos” Sagan co-wrote and hosted Cosmos: A Personal Voyage (1980), a groundbreaking TV series that brought astronomy and the wonder of the universe into millions of homes. It became one of the most-watched PBS series in history.

Worked on NASA Missions He played a major role in several NASA missions, including the Mariner, Viking, Voyager, and Galileo programs. He helped design messages for extraterrestrial life, like the Golden Record aboard Voyager.

Pioneer of Planetary Science Sagan was instrumental in explaining the greenhouse effect on Venus, the seasonal changes on Mars, and the nature of Saturn's moon Titan. He essentially helped define planetary science as a field.

Wrote the Novel Contact His 1985 science-fiction novel Contact (later made into a film starring Jodie Foster in 1997) tackled the philosophical and scientific implications of contact with extraterrestrial life.

Advocated Against Nuclear Weapons Sagan warned about “nuclear winter”—the potential climate effects of widespread nuclear war. He used his platform to push for nuclear disarmament during the Cold War, blending science with social responsibility.

[mit]

As a star runs out of fuel, it will billow out to a million times its original size, engulfing any matter — and planets — in its wake. Scientists have observed hints of stars just before, and shortly after, the act of consuming entire planets, but they have never caught one in the act until now.

In a study appearing in Nature, scientists at MIT, Harvard University, Caltech, and elsewhere report that they have observed a star swallowing a planet, for the first time.

The planetary demise appears to have taken place in our own galaxy, some 12,000 light-years away, near the eagle-like constellation Aquila. There, astronomers spotted an outburst from a star that became more than 100 times brighter over just 10 days, before quickly fading away. Curiously, this white-hot flash was followed by a colder, longer-lasting signal. This combination, the scientists deduced, could only have been produced by one event: a star engulfing a nearby planet.

What of the planet that perished? The scientists estimate that it was likely a hot, Jupiter-sized world that spiraled close, then was pulled into the dying star’s atmosphere, and, finally, into its core.

A similar fate will befall the Earth, though not for another 5 billion years, when the sun is expected to burn out, and burn up the solar system’s inner planets. 🪐🌎☄️🔭🌌

Learn more about this here → https://news.mit.edu/2023/astronomers-spot-star-swallowing-planet-0503

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[africa-space-com]

The role of lunar exploration in understanding Earth's history

Lunar exploration has long captured the imagination of scientists and space enthusiasts alike. But beyond the excitement of moon landings and potential colonies, exploring the moon plays a crucial role in helping us understand Earth's history. Here's how:

The Moon as a time capsule

The moon acts as a natural time capsule. Unlike Earth, which undergoes constant change due to weather, tectonic activities, and human influence, the moon's surface remains relatively undisturbed. This preservation allows scientists to study its surface and gain insights into the early solar system, including the formative years of our own planet.

Understanding Earth's early days

By examining lunar rocks and soil, scientists can learn about the conditions that prevailed in the early solar system. The similarities and differences between lunar and terrestrial samples can help us piece together the history of planetary formation. For instance, the analysis of moon rocks brought back by the Apollo missions revealed that both the Earth and the moon share a common origin, likely from a colossal impact event.

Impact history

The moon’s surface is dotted with craters, a record of countless impacts over billions of years. By studying these craters, scientists can understand the history of asteroid and comet impacts in our solar system. This information is crucial because the same impacts that shaped the moon have also affected Earth. Learning about these events helps us understand the frequency and scale of impacts that have influenced Earth’s geological and biological history.

Lunar geology and Earth's evolution

Moon exploration has uncovered much about the moon’s geology, which in turn informs our understanding of Earth's geological processes. The moon’s lack of atmosphere means that its surface has remained largely unchanged, preserving a pristine record of its geological history. By comparing this with Earth's dynamic geology, scientists can infer the processes that have shaped our planet over time.

The Moon as a mirror

The moon also serves as a mirror to study Earth. Observations of Earth from the lunar surface provide unique perspectives that are impossible to obtain from Earth itself. These observations help scientists understand Earth's atmosphere, weather patterns, and environmental changes from a different vantage point.

Preparing for the future

Lunar exploration is not just about looking back; it’s also about preparing for the future. By studying the moon, scientists and engineers are developing technologies and strategies that will be essential for future space exploration. This includes learning how to build sustainable habitats, utilize lunar resources, and protect astronauts from space radiation. These advancements will be crucial for future missions to Mars and beyond.

Lunar exploration offers a window into the past, providing valuable insights into Earth's history and the broader solar system. By continuing to explore and study the moon, we not only unravel the mysteries of our own planet’s origins but also pave the way for humanity’s future in space. The moon holds the keys to many questions about our past, present, and future, making its exploration a vital endeavor for scientific discovery and advancement.