astronomy

New research points to possible seasonal climate patterns on early Mars

Published

1 year ago

August 17, 2023

Daily News Staff

Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/MSSS, LANL
Patterns in mud cracks show that Mars may have had cyclical moisture patterns. Left: the terrain in the Gale Crater where Curiosity is currently exploring. Right: mud cracks on Earth, where wet-dry cycling has occurred, creating Y-shaped patterns.

Newswise — LOS ALAMOS, N.M.—New observations of mud cracks made by the Curiosity Rover show that high-frequency, wet-dry cycling occurred in early Martian surface environments, indicating that the red planet may have once seen seasonal weather patterns or even flash floods. The research was published today in Nature.

“These exciting observations of mature mud cracks are allowing us to fill in some of the missing history of water on Mars. How did Mars go from a warm, wet planet to the cold, dry place we know today? These mud cracks show us that transitional time, when liquid water was less abundant but still active on the Martian surface,” said Nina Lanza, principal investigator of the ChemCam instrument onboard the Curiosity Rover. “These features also point to the existence of wet-dry environments that on Earth are extremely conducive to the development of organic molecules and potentially life. Taken as a whole, these results a giving us a clearer picture of Mars as a habitable world.”

The presence of long-term wet environments, such as evidence of ancient lakes on Mars, is well-documented, but far less is known about short-term climate fluctuations.

After years of exploring terrain largely comprised of silicates, the rover entered a new area filled with sulfates, marking a major environment transition. In this new environment, the research team found a change in mud crack patterns, signifying a change in the way the surface would have dried. This indicates that water was still present on the surface of Mars episodically, meaning water could have been present for a time, evaporated, and repeated until polygons, or mud cracks, formed.

“A major focus of the Curiosity mission, and one of the main reasons for selecting Gale Crater, is to understand the transition of a ‘warm and wet’ ancient Mars to a ‘cold and dry’ Mars we see today,” said Patrick Gasda of the Laboratory’s Space Remote Sensing and Data Science group and coauthor of the paper. “The rover’s drive from clay lakebed sediments to drier non-lakebed and sulfate-rich sediments is part of this transition.”

On Earth, initial mud cracks in mud form a T-shaped pattern, but subsequent wetting and drying cycles cause the cracks to form more of a Y-shaped pattern, which is what Curiosity observed. Additionally, the rover found evidence that the mud cracks were only a few centimeters deep, which could mean that wet-dry cycles were seasonal, or may have even occurred more quickly, such as in a flash flood.

These findings could mean that Mars once had an Earth-like wet climate, with seasonal or short-term flooding, and that Mars may have been able to support life at some point.

“What’s important about this phenomenon is that it’s the perfect place for the formation of polymeric molecules required for life, including proteins and RNA, if the right organic molecules were present at this location,” Gasda said “Wet periods bring molecules together while dry periods drive reactions to form polymers. When these processes occur repeatedly at the same location, the chance increases that more complex molecules formed there.”

The paper: “Sustained wet-dry cycling on early Mars.” Nature. DOI: 10.1038/s41586-023-06220-3

Funding: NASA’s Mars Exploration Program and in France is conducted under the authority of CNES. Mastcam mosaics were processed by the Mastcam team at Malin Space Science Systems. Edwin Kite funding by NASA grant 80NSSC22K0731. Lucy Thompson funding as MSL team member is provided by the CSA.

Journal Link: Nature

Source: Los Alamos National Laboratory

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astronomy

Near-Earth Object 2024 UQ: A Close Call from the Cosmos

Published

4 days ago

November 10, 2024

Rod Washington

In a remarkable demonstration of both the unpredictability of space and the extraordinary capabilities of modern astronomical detection, a small asteroid, designated 2024 UQ, recently made headlines after it struck Earth just hours after being identified. This event, which took place on October 22, 2024, marks the third “imminent impactor” recorded this year, highlighting the continual and often daunting reality of near-Earth objects (NEOs).

Discovered by the Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS) in Hawaii, a network of four telescopes dedicated to scanning the night sky for potential collision threats, 2024 UQ was small—measuring only about 3 feet (1 meter) in diameter. While news of an asteroid making contact with Earth can evoke concern, there was no cause for alarm in this instance. The diminutive size of the asteroid meant that it posed very little threat to anything on the ground. In fact, it burned up in the atmosphere over the Pacific Ocean near California, leaving no trace or damage.

However, the swift timeline of events raises critical questions about the effectiveness of our current monitoring systems. The impact occurred just two hours after the initial detection, which meant that by the time data was transmitted to the impact monitoring systems operated by the European Space Agency’s Near-Earth Object Coordination Center, the impact had already taken place. According to their November 2024 newsletter, the ATLAS survey had successfully obtained images identifying the asteroid on a collision trajectory, but due to its position near the edge of two adjacent observational fields, it was not recognized as a significant threat until it was too late.

This incident serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in tracking and predicting the paths of NEOs. While advancements in technology have undoubtedly improved our ability to detect these celestial objects, the circumstances surrounding 2024 UQ showcase the potential for oversights in our monitoring capabilities. Despite this event being minor in scale, it emphasizes the importance of continued investment in space surveillance systems, as well as international collaboration in tracking potential hazards lurking in the vast expanse of space.

@stmblog
🚀 Just hours after detection, asteroid 2024 UQ hit Earth! Measuring just 3 feet, it posed little risk. A reminder of the cosmos’ unpredictability! 🌌 ♬ original sound – STMDailyNews

As we look forward, this close encounter reaffirms the need for vigilance in our exploration and observation of the cosmos. Each NEO presents an opportunity for learning and growth in our understanding of near-Earth dynamics. While 2024 UQ may have come and gone without incident, it certainly sparks curiosity about what lies ahead in our ongoing quest to safeguard our planet from the skies.

Reference Links:

Space.com: https://www.space.com/the-universe/asteroids/asteroid-that-hit-earth-hours-after-being-detected-was-3rd-imminent-impactor-of-2024

Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS): https://fallingstar.com/

The Danger from Asteroid Impact: https://fallingstar.com/danger.php

The science section of our news blog STM Daily News provides readers with captivating and up-to-date information on the latest scientific discoveries, breakthroughs, and innovations across various fields. We offer engaging and accessible content, ensuring that readers with different levels of scientific knowledge can stay informed. Whether it’s exploring advancements in medicine, astronomy, technology, or environmental sciences, our science section strives to shed light on the intriguing world of scientific exploration and its profound impact on our daily lives. From thought-provoking articles to informative interviews with experts in the field, STM Daily News Science offers a harmonious blend of factual reporting, analysis, and exploration, making it a go-to source for science enthusiasts and curious minds alike. https://stmdailynews.com/category/science/

STM Daily News is a vibrant news blog dedicated to sharing the brighter side of human experiences. Emphasizing positive, uplifting stories, the site focuses on delivering inspiring, informative, and well-researched content. With a commitment to accurate, fair, and responsible journalism, STM Daily News aims to foster a community of readers passionate about positive change and engaged in meaningful conversations. Join the movement and explore stories that celebrate the positive impacts shaping our world.

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Author

Rod Washington

Rod: A creative force, blending words, images, and flavors. Blogger, writer, filmmaker, and photographer. Cooking enthusiast with a sci-fi vision. Passionate about his upcoming series and dedicated to TNC Network. Partnered with Rebecca Washington for a shared journey of love and art. View all posts

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Science

NASA Warns of Asteroid 2024 RV50’s Close Approach

Published

4 weeks ago

October 17, 2024

Charles Elliot

In a striking reminder of the cosmos’s potential threats, NASA has issued a warning about a stadium-sized asteroid hurtling towards Earth at an astonishing speed of 16 kilometers per second. Designated as 2024 RV50, this massive rock measures approximately 710 feet in width and is set to pass our planet on October 18, 2024.

What We Know About 2024 RV50

Discovered relatively recently on September 1, 2024 RV50 belongs to the Apollo group of asteroids, which are known for their orbits that bring them close to Earth. The asteroid takes about 769 Earth days—roughly 2.1 years—to complete its orbit around the Sun, traveling at distances that can reach up to 386 million kilometers from the Sun and coming as close as 105 million kilometers.

@stmblog
NASA warns that asteroid 2024 RV50, a stadium-sized rock, will pass Earth on Oct 18 at 16 km/s, but poses no threat! 🌌🪐 #NASA #Asteroid2024RV50 ♬ original sound – STMDailyNews

NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) is diligently monitoring the asteroid’s trajectory using advanced tracking systems. According to current calculations, 2024 RV50 will pass Earth at a distance of approximately 7.42 million kilometers, which may seem far, but in astronomical terms, it’s a close encounter.

Potentially Hazardous?

While 2024 RV50 is classified as a potentially hazardous object due to its size and proximity to Earth, NASA assures us that it does not pose a threat. The risk of any significant impact is minimal, and the asteroid’s current trajectory suggests it will safely pass by our planet. For context, the next encounter with Earth is projected for October 18, 2064, when it will come even closer at a distance of about 5.67 million kilometers.

The Importance of Monitoring Asteroids

NASA’s ongoing efforts to track and monitor asteroids are crucial. These ancient celestial bodies provide insights into the early solar system, as they are remnants of the material that formed planets. Understanding their trajectories and potential impacts is essential for planetary defense, especially since history has shown that asteroid impacts have drastically altered Earth’s biosphere. The infamous asteroid that struck the Yucatán Peninsula 6.5 million years ago is believed to have contributed to the extinction of 75% of Earth’s species, including the dinosaurs.

Through advanced observation techniques and modeling, NASA aims to predict potential threats and develop mitigation strategies. Continuous monitoring of such objects not only helps safeguard our planet but also enriches our understanding of the solar system’s history.

As we prepare for the passing of 2024 RV50, it serves as a reminder of the dynamic nature of our universe and the importance of vigilance in the face of potential cosmic threats. NASA’s commitment to tracking these celestial bodies ensures that we remain informed and prepared for whatever the universe may send our way.

JPL website tracking Asteroid 2024 RV50: https://ssd.jpl.nasa.gov/tools/sbdb_lookup.html#/?sstr=2024%20RV50

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astronomy for hobbyist

Chasing Celestial Wonders: Your Guide to Spotting Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS

Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS is visible tonight after sunset. It’s a rare, long-period comet from the Oort Cloud, best viewed with binoculars against the western horizon.

Published

1 month ago

October 14, 2024

Charles Elliot

Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS. By cafuego – https://www.flickr.com/photos/cafuego/54036127092/

Greetings, stargazers! If you missed the breathtaking display of the Northern Lights this past Thursday or are simply craving another celestial spectacle, there’s an unmissable show taking place in the night sky right now—Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS. Also known as C/2023 A3, this comet has recently made its closest approach to Earth, and it’s treating us with a glorious exhibition as it makes its way across the post-sunset western horizon.

When and Where to Look

Tonight, Sunday, October 13th, is the perfect opportunity for observers in the northern hemisphere to catch a glimpse of Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS. Approximately 45 minutes after sunset, keep your eyes peeled toward the western horizon. Although it’s close to reaching its intrinsic brightest, spotting the comet just after sunset could be challenging due to fading twilight. However, don’t let the bright, 83%-lit waxing gibbous moon discourage you, as its brightness won’t interfere with your viewing.

How to Spot the Comet

Using some well-known celestial reference points can help you locate the comet. First, ensure you have a clear view of the western horizon. Find the bright planet Venus and the bright star Arcturus—they will be close to the horizon. Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS will be situated slightly below a midpoint between these two brilliant points.

Although you might be able to spot the comet with your naked eyes, a pair of binoculars will enhance your view. The comet will rise a little higher in the sky this weekend compared to previous nights, providing a clearer view. Still, the observing window will be relatively short as the comet will quickly sink below the horizon again.

Upcoming Opportunities

If you’re unable to view the comet tonight, don’t worry. According to Sky & Telescope, the comet-watching conditions will improve as we move into the next week. Monday, October 14th, and Tuesday, October 15th are projected to offer the best viewing experiences since the comet will appear against a darker sky. Be sure to check back for our detailed viewing guides for those nights.

It’s important to note that comets—and weather conditions—can be unpredictable, so take advantage of clear skies whenever possible.

A Glimpse into History

Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS is more than just a fleeting celestial visitor; it’s an extraordinary long-period comet that hails from the Oort Cloud, the distant sphere of icy bodies that encircles our solar system. This comet makes an incredibly rare journey into the inner solar system only once every 80,000 years—a historic event to witness!

Discovered in early 2023 by astronomers from China’s Tsuchinshan Observatory, with its presence confirmed by the ATLAS telescope in South Africa, Comet C/2023 A3 represents both scientific curiosity and natural beauty.

Stay tuned to our astronomy section here https://stmdailynews.com/science/astronomy/

If you want more comet news, visit Earth-Sky: https://earthsky.org/astronomy-essentials/visible-planets-tonight-mars-jupiter-venus-saturn-mercury/