astronomy
New research points to possible seasonal climate patterns on early Mars
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.
Source: Los Alamos National Laboratory
astronomy
Catch a Glimpse of the Lyrid Meteor Shower Peaking This Weekend
“Experience the Lyrid meteor shower, a celestial spectacle gracing our skies this weekend. Don’t miss out on shooting stars streaking across the night sky!”
Spring nights are set to dazzle with the arrival of the Lyrid meteor shower, marking the first of two celestial spectacles gracing our skies this season. As we gear up for a weekend of shooting stars, let’s delve into what makes the Lyrids special, how to witness their peak, and what to expect for this year’s show.
What Makes the Lyrid Meteor Shower Special?
Originating from debris shed by Comet Thatcher, the Lyrid meteor shower is an annual springtime event renowned for its vibrant fireballs and occasional bursts of meteor activity. These bursts, which occur approximately every 60 years, promise an awe-inspiring display of shooting stars, though the next anticipated outburst isn’t slated until 2042.
How to See the 2024 Lyrid Meteor Shower
Running from April 14 to 30, with peak activity occurring overnight from April 21-22, the Lyrid meteor shower offers skywatchers a celestial extravaganza. To catch a glimpse of this cosmic show, look toward the constellation Lyra, rising above the northeast horizon around 10 p.m. While technically visible from the southern hemisphere, the northern hemisphere provides the optimal viewing conditions.
Will 2024 Be a Good Year for the Lyrid Meteor Shower?
This year, the Lyrids coincide with a bright waxing gibbous moon, potentially obscuring many meteors from view. However, don’t let this deter you; seek out dark-sky destinations for enhanced visibility, or await the upcoming Eta Aquariids shower, peaking on May 6 under a dim, near-new moon.
As we anticipate the Lyrid meteor shower’s peak this weekend, let’s embrace the wonders of the cosmos and revel in the beauty of shooting stars streaking across the night sky. Whether you’re a seasoned stargazer or a casual observer, this celestial event promises to inspire awe and ignite a sense of wonderment in us all.
Facts About the Lyrids!
The April Lyrids meteor shower is a celestial event that occurs annually from April 15 to April 29. The radiant of this meteor shower is located in the vicinity of the constellations Lyra and Hercules, near the bright star Vega. Typically, the peak of the shower is around April 22-23 each year.
The April Lyrids meteor shower is caused by the particles of dust shed by the long-period Comet C/1861 G1 Thatcher. This is the most intense annual shower of meteors that results from the debris of a long-period comet. The reason for its intensity is that the comet Thatcher has a relatively short orbital period of about 415 years as compared to other intermediate long-period comets with orbital periods of 200-10,000 years. The Lyrids have been visible and recorded since 687 BC. No other modern shower of meteors has been observed and reported as far back in time as the Lyrids.
The peak of the shower usually occurs around April 22 and the morning of April 23. Typically, there are 5 to 20 meteors per hour, with an average of around 10. However, the number of meteors seen will depend on the observer’s location, as light pollution in cities will make it harder to see them compared to rural areas. The best time to observe the meteors is during nights without the Moon in the sky, and most April Lyrid meteors are usually around magnitude +2. Some meteors can be brighter and are known as “Lyrid fireballs”. These fireballs can cast shadows for a split second and leave behind smokey debris trails that last for minutes.
Once every 60 years, the shower intensifies as the planets direct the dust trail of the comet, which has completed one orbit, onto Earth’s path. This leads to an outburst of April Lyrid meteors. Previously, it was believed that the outbursts were caused by a dust cloud moving in a 60-year orbit. However, observations in 1982 and 1922 showed rates of 90 April Lyrids per hour at the peak. An even stronger storm occurred in 1803, with up to 700 meteors per hour, witnessed by a journalist in Richmond, Virginia.
Shooting stars. This electrical phenomenon was observed on Wednesday morning last at Richmond and its vicinity, in a manner that alarmed many, and astonished every person that beheld it. From one until three in the morning, those starry meteors seemed to fall from every point in the heavens, in such numbers as to resemble a shower of sky rockets …
In recorded history, the oldest meteor shower is the one that occurred on March 23.7, 687 BC (according to the proleptic Julian calendar), which was noted in Zuo Zhuan. The shower was described as follows: “On the 4th month in the summer in the year of xīn-mǎo (of year 7 of King Zhuang of Lu), at night, the sky is so bright that some fixed stars become invisible because of the meteor shower; at midnight, stars fell like rain.” In the Australian Aboriginal astronomy of the Boorong tribe, the Lyrids are associated with the scratchings of the Mallee fowl (represented by Vega) during its nest-building season.
(Wikipedia)
News
Asteroid Apophis: An Exciting Encounter with Earth
Get ready for an exciting and safe encounter with asteroid Apophis as it zooms past Earth in 2029! Don’t miss this celestial event! #Apophis2029
In just five years, on April 13, 2029, the world will witness the close encounter of a rather infamous asteroid named Apophis. This grand event, visible to the naked eye, has sparked curiosity among astronomers and captured the attention of the public. However, rest assured, there is no reason for alarm. Let’s delve into the fascinating story of the asteroid Apophis and shed light on its journey through the cosmos.
Location, Location, Location:
Apophis is an asteroid measuring about 1,100 feet (340 meters) in diameter. Extensive calculations have revealed that it will safely pass by Earth both in 2029 and 2036. During the 2029 flyby, Apophis will come within a nominal distance of 19,662 miles (31,643 km) from our planet’s surface, closer than the moon and many satellites in Earth’s orbit. As it traverses through Earth’s gravitational field, the passage of Apophis might even cause subtle asteroid-quakes and slightly alter its orbit.
Spectacular Viewing Opportunities:
Although not observable from everywhere, lucky viewers in Australia, southern Asia, southern Europe, and Africa will have a front-row seat to witness Apophis at its brightest in 2029. As the asteroid gradually moves away from Earth and dims, it will become visible in eastern South America. Furthermore, as evening falls along the east coast of North America, telescopes will reveal Apophis located approximately 15 degrees north of the Pleiades. An ephemeris for the asteroid can be found on our website to help astronomers and enthusiasts track its celestial journey.
The Discovery of Apophis:
On the remarkable evening of June 19, 2004, astronomers at Kitt Peak National Observatory in Arizona made a thrilling discovery. Dave Tholen, Fabrizio Bernardi, and the late Roy Tucker stumbled upon an asteroid, later designated as 2004 MN4. What made this discovery even more extraordinary was the fact that the asteroid was unusually close to the sun, only 57 degrees away. Further observations revealed that Apophis had an orbit different from most asteroids, resembling that of an Aten-class asteroid.
Narrowing the Probability of Collision:
Initially, calculations showed that Apophis had a 2.7% chance of colliding with Earth on April 13, 2029, a date marked with superstition. This resulted in a media frenzy surrounding the potentially hazardous asteroid. However, over several years, astronomers meticulously observed Apophis, taking into account the influence of other celestial bodies and the Yarkovsky effect caused by sunlight. By 2006, these studies dispelled the notion of a collision in 2029, relieving the world of any imminent danger.
No More Worries for the Future:
Many eagerly awaited the subsequent close approach of Apophis in 2036. However, in 2013, after conducting radar observations using the Goldstone Deep Space Communications Complex and the Green Bank Observatory, NASA definitively ruled out any potential impact in 2036 and for the next 100 years. Apophis is now no longer on the Sentry Impact Risk Table, which lists potentially dangerous objects near Earth.
Unlocking the Scientific Opportunities:
With the new knowledge that Apophis poses no threat, astronomers can fully embrace the upcoming close encounter as a fantastic scientific opportunity. The OSIRIS-REx spacecraft, known for its historic mission to bring samples from asteroid Bennu back to Earth, is now en route to rendezvous with Apophis in April 2029. Renamed OSIRIS-APEX (Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, and Security – Apophis Explorer), this mission will unlock further insights into the asteroid’s composition and characteristics.
As we eagerly anticipate the visit of the asteroid Apophis in 2029, let us celebrate the wonders of our universe. Apophis serves as a reminder of the dynamic nature of our cosmic neighborhood and the continuously advancing knowledge of our exceptional astronomers. So mark your calendars and join the world in witnessing this extraordinary celestial event, which promises to be a captivating spectacle for all.
https://stmdailynews.com/category/science/
astronomy
12P/Pons-Brooks: Witness the ‘Mother of Dragons’ Comet in the Night Sky!
Witness the “Mother of Dragons” comet, Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks, in the Northern Hemisphere’s night sky – a rare celestial spectacle not to be missed!
Astronomical enthusiasts and stargazers have a limited window to behold the captivating spectacle of the “Mother of Dragons” comet, also known as Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks. This celestial wanderer, gracing our skies once every 71 years, is currently making its grand appearance in the Northern Hemisphere.
Discovered in 1812 by French astronomer Jean-Louis Pons and British-American astronomer William Robert, this massive comet, larger than Mount Everest, is a breathtaking amalgamation of dust and ice. Its magnificent green tail, a result of the Sun’s heat interacting with its icy composition, paints a vivid picture across the cosmos.
What sets Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks apart is its classification as a cryovolcanic comet, harboring an icy volcano that releases dust, gases, and ice as it journeys through space. To catch a glimpse of this rare celestial visitor, observers are advised to look towards the western horizon in clear, dark skies post-dusk. While it may be visible to the naked eye, binoculars or a small telescope can enhance the viewing experience, particularly as its brightness can be unpredictable.
The highlight of this cosmic display is anticipated to be on April 21, marking the comet’s brightest phase before gradually fading from view as the days lengthen. Missing this astronomical event means waiting until the summer of 2095 for another chance to witness the “Mother of Dragons” comet in all its splendor. So seize the opportunity while you can, and marvel at the celestial wonder that graces our night sky in this fleeting moment of cosmic convergence.
About 12P/Pons-Brooks
12P/Pons-Brooks is a comet that returns every 71 years. It is one of the brightest periodic comets and can reach an absolute visual magnitude of about 5. The comet was first seen in July 1812 by Jean-Louis Pons at Marseilles Observatory, and again in 1883 by William Robert Brooks. Comets that have an orbital period of 20-200 years are called Halley-type comets. Some ancient records suggest that 12P/Pons-Brooks has appeared before.
The next time the comet passes the sun at its closest point will be on 21 April 2024. It will come the closest to Earth on 2 June 2024, at a distance of 232 million kilometers. During this time, it is expected to shine as bright as a 4.5 magnitude star. The comet’s nucleus is estimated to be around 30 kilometers in diameter, based on the 2020 measurements that were taken assuming it wasn’t producing too much gas or dust.
The December κ Draconids meteor shower, which occurs from November 29th to December 13th, is believed to originate from 12P/Pons-Brooks.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/12P/Pons%E2%80%93Brooks
2024 Passage
On June 10, 2020, the comet Pons-Brooks was discovered by the Lowell Discovery Telescope when it was located beyond Saturn’s orbit at a distance of 11.9 AU from the Sun. It underwent a significant outburst on July 20, 2023, brightening from magnitude 16-17 to 11-12, resulting in a horseshoe-shaped coma. This outburst was likely caused by the release of approximately 10 billion kilograms of dust and ice. By August 5, the coma had expanded to a diameter of 600,000 kilometers at a rate of 220 m/s. The comet experienced subsequent outbursts on October 5, November 1, and November 14, with the latter bringing its brightness to apparent magnitude 9.3. Additional outbursts were observed on December 14 and January 18, 2024.
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