ESA Approves New Scout Satellites NanoMagSat and Tango
ESA has approved two new Scout satellites, NanoMagSat and Tango, to measure Earth’s magnetic field and greenhouse-gas emissions, respectively. These missions are part of ESA’s embrace of the New Space era and are designed to deliver value-added science through the miniaturization of existing space technologies or the demonstration of new observing techniques.
NASA’s Europa Clipper to Search for Extraterrestrial Life on Jupiter’s Moon
NASA is launching the Europa Clipper on a mission to study Jupiter’s moon Europa, one of the most promising places to search for extraterrestrial life in the solar system. The mission will analyze the moon’s vast saltwater ocean and cracked ice surface to determine whether it could support life, marking a significant step in the search for life beyond Earth.
Transforming Ocean-Climate Action in Canada
Anya Waite discusses the Ocean Frontier Institute’s efforts to address urgent ocean-climate challenges and the launch of the Transforming Climate Action program by Dalhousie University. The program aims to reduce uncertainty about ocean carbon sequestration, improve understanding of the ocean’s role in climate modulation, and develop science-based solutions for ocean-climate challenges.
Alien Probes May Have Already Visited Earth, Scientist Says
Space experts discuss the possibility of alien probes visiting Earth, citing the immense logistical challenges and physics realities that would need to be overcome for extraterrestrial contact to occur. Despite the obstacles, the search for intelligent life continues.
NASA Launches PACE Satellite to Study Oceans and Atmosphere
NASA has launched the PACE satellite to study the world’s oceans and atmosphere. The satellite, which stands for Plankton, Aerosol, Cloud, Ocean Ecosystem, will spend at least three years collecting data from an orbit 676 kilometers above the Earth’s surface. Scientists expect to start receiving data within one or two months, providing an unprecedented view of our home planet.
Study Finds Clouds Disappear Rapidly During Solar Eclipse
A recent study by researchers from TU Delft and KNMI found that clouds disappear rapidly during a solar eclipse due to diminishing sunlight cooling the ground and slowing down the rising air responsible for cloud formation. The disappearing clouds may have implications for climate engineering ideas, partly counteracting the cooling effect of artificial solar eclipses. The study also highlighted the challenges of measuring solar eclipses from space and provided valuable insights for climate and atmospheric studies.
ESA’s ERS-2 Satellite Expected to Crash Back to Earth Next Week
The European Space Agency’s (ESA) ERS-2 satellite, retired since 2011, is expected to crash back to Earth between February 20-22, 2024. Despite the lack of precise control over its reentry, ESA is providing frequent updates on its predicted impact window. With an estimated weight of 5,057 pounds, the impending crash has sparked widespread attention due to its potential implications.
Groundbreaking Discovery in Winchcombe Meteorite
Scientists have made a groundbreaking discovery in the Winchcombe meteorite, identifying key nitrogen compounds, including amino acids and hydrocarbons, without chemical treatments, using a novel detector design. This finding is significant for research into life’s origins on Earth and has been facilitated by a high-resolution electron microscope at the SuperSTEM laboratory. The research team, in collaboration with British colleagues, has demonstrated, with a high degree of precision, the existence of important nitrogen compounds in the meteorite, including amino acids and heterocyclic hydrocarbons, without applying any chemical treatment, using a new type of detector design. The results of this study have been published in the journal Nature Communications.
Study Reveals Titan’s Subsurface Ocean Likely Non-Habitable
A study led by Western astrobiologist Catherine Neish has revealed that the subsurface ocean of Titan, the largest moon of Saturn, is most likely a non-habitable environment, reducing the likelihood of finding life in the outer solar system. Neish expressed disappointment at the findings, emphasizing the importance of water as a solvent for life. The study, published in the journal Astrobiology, quantified the amount of organic molecules that could have been transferred from Titan’s organic-rich surface to its subsurface ocean, using data from impact cratering.
Mars May Have Experienced Precursor to Plate Tectonics, Study Suggests
Recent study suggests Mars may have experienced precursor to plate tectonics, indicated by pervasive volcanoes and distinct rock types. Researchers focused on Eridania Basins in Mars’ southern hemisphere, identifying numerous volcanic features and high felsic materials. Findings offer valuable insights into early geological processes on Mars and provide comparative perspective on planetary evolution.