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Space News
Arstechnica
14h
178
Image Credit: Arstechnica
NASA’s Curiosity rover has found the longest chain carbon molecules yet on Mars
- NASA’s Curiosity Mars rover has detected the largest organic (carbon-containing) molecules ever found on the red planet.
- The discovery is one of the most significant findings in the search for evidence of past life on Mars.
- The organic molecules found by Curiosity consist of carbon atoms linked in long chains, with other elements bonded to them, like hydrogen and oxygen.
- Scientists used the Sample Analysis at Mars (SAM) instrument on the NASA rover to make their discovery.
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Insider
15h
222
Image Credit: Insider
I'm a space nutritionist sending the first mushrooms into orbit. It could make travel to Mars a whole lot more palatable.
- Dr. Flav, a space nutritionist, partnered with SpaceX and NASA to send oyster mushrooms into orbit for a study on their growth in space.
- Mushrooms were chosen for their nutritional benefits, fast growth cycle, minimal resource requirements, and resilience.
- NASA favors whole foods over supplements and mushrooms are rich in nutrients found in various food groups.
- Mushrooms can naturally produce vitamin D and may help astronauts maintain bone health on long space flights.
- Adding mushrooms to meals may reduce the need for excessive salt intake, crucial for bone health in space.
- Mushrooms are high in umami, a flavor retained well in space environments, making them a valuable food option.
- Food plays a crucial role in mental health, culture, and connection for astronauts on long space missions.
- The study aims to unlock a key element for long-haul space travel and potentially aid in reaching Mars.
- The mushroom experiment sent to space on a SpaceX flight is expected to provide quick results and may be published by fall.
- Dr. Flav hopes the study will inspire others to pursue their dreams and contribute to advancing space exploration.
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Medium
21h
323
Image Credit: Medium
Space-Based Data Science
- Space infrastructure projects are increasingly incorporating data science and machine learning for managing complex operations in the aerospace industry.
- The utilization of techniques like predictive maintenance, anomaly detection, orbital optimization, clustering, and interactive dashboards has proven pivotal for informed decision-making in satellite operations.
- The wealth of data from satellite telemetry, sensor networks, and communication systems can be leveraged to enhance operational planning, maintenance, and real-time decision-making in the space ecosystem.
- Key components of space infrastructure optimization include time-series forecasting, anomaly detection, optimization algorithms, graph-based representations, advanced clustering, and ensemble learning techniques.
- Primary methods involve simulating satellite telemetry data, visualizing trends in component health, building time-series forecasting models using Prophet, and detecting anomalies with classical methods like Isolation Forest and deep learning models like LSTM Autoencoder.
- Optimizing orbital maneuvers involves a differential evolution algorithm to balance fuel usage and transfer time, while Graph Neural Networks (GNNs) offer insights into satellite constellation interactions.
- Space weather prediction using features like component temperature, battery level, and altitude, clustering with UMAP and HDBSCAN, ensemble learning through stacking, and visualization with alluvial diagrams are also integral to efficient space-based data science practices.
- Future directions include real-time data integration, deployment of production-grade pipelines, experimentation with transformer architectures, multi-agent reinforcement learning, and data fusion for enhanced analysis in space data science.
- This article presents a comprehensive framework for optimizing space-based infrastructure through data science and machine learning, providing a roadmap for practitioners to navigate the complexities of space operations efficiently and safely.
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Brighter Side of News
1h
114
Image Credit: Brighter Side of News
NASA’s Webb Telescope Reveals ‘Cosmic Tornado’ in Action
- The James Webb Space Telescope captured a stunning snapshot showing a newborn star, a blast of glowing gas, and a distant spiral galaxy in one frame.
- This unique cosmic overlap in the Chamaeleon I Cloud complex helps scientists understand the process of star formation.
- The young object HH 49/50, illuminated by a protostar, creates a visual alignment with a spiral galaxy, enriching both art and science.
- HH 49/50 exhibits jets of charged particles that collide with dust and gas, forming shock waves that emit light, creating a Herbig-Haro object.
- The star likely responsible for HH 49/50's outburst is a young protostar called Cederblad 110 IRS4, part of Class I protostars.
- Webb's observations revealed glowing hydrogen, carbon monoxide molecules, and dust grains heated by the jet, earning HH 49/50 the nickname 'Cosmic Tornado'.
- The image showcases arcs of glowing gas pointing back to the protostar, providing insights into the jet's movement and interaction with its surroundings.
- A distant spiral galaxy visible near HH 49/50, though unrelated, adds to the image's beauty and complexity, revealing features like bubbles and potential barred structure.
- The overlap of HH 49/50 and the spiral galaxy offers a unique opportunity to study star birth and galaxy formation simultaneously, showcasing cosmic chance.
- The alignment captured by Webb's sharper imaging complements previous observations by the Spitzer Space Telescope, unravelling the mystery behind HH 49/50.
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Livescience
7h
291
Image Credit: Livescience
James Webb telescope could find signs of life on alien 'hycean' ocean worlds
- Hycean worlds, potential exoplanets with deep oceans surrounded by hydrogen, may offer the best chance for the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) to detect biosignatures, particularly methyl halides produced by bacteria and ocean algae on Earth.
- Named after their hydrogen-ocean composition, hycean planets remain theoretical, with the planet K2-18b being a prime candidate. JWST detected carbon dioxide and methane in K2-18b's atmosphere as predicted by the hycean planet concept.
- Research suggests methyl halides, generated by ocean microbes, could be more easily detectable as a biosignature on hycean worlds compared to oxygen on Earth-like planets, offering a unique opportunity for detection with existing technology.
- The strong absorption features of methyl halides in infrared light make them observable by JWST, potentially requiring less telescope time and cost compared to gases like oxygen or methane.
- However, the existence and habitability of hycean worlds are still uncertain, as directly observing oceans under hydrogen envelopes and determining if they can support life present challenges.
- If life exists on a hycean world, it would likely be anaerobic, adapted to an environment where hydrogen, not oxygen, is the essential gas for metabolism.
- The study raises the possibility that hycean worlds orbiting red dwarf stars, which constitute a significant portion of stars in the Milky Way, could host more habitable environments than Earth-like worlds in cosmic terms.
- Published in The Astrophysical Journal Letters, this research contributes to the ongoing exploration of exoplanets and potential habitats for life beyond our solar system.
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Brighter Side of News
9h
167
Image Credit: Brighter Side of News
NASA’s Curiosity Rover Unearths Largest Organic Compounds Ever Found on Mars
- NASA's Curiosity rover has discovered the largest organic molecules ever detected on Mars, pointing to complex chemistry that may have edged closer to the building blocks of life than previously thought.
- The discovery was made in a rock sample from the Martian mudstone known as 'Cumberland,' once submerged under water for millions of years, allowing organic molecules to concentrate and preserve.
- The sample contained traces of long-chain organic molecules like decane, undecane, and dodecane, potentially fragments of fatty acids crucial for cell membranes on Earth.
- While these molecules do not confirm past life on Mars, they suggest advanced prebiotic chemistry occurred on the planet, with potential origins from both biological and chemical processes.
- NASA's Curiosity rover's Sample Analysis at Mars (SAM) lab detected these molecules by heating rock samples, revealing the presence of complex organic compounds that survived over billions of years.
- The discovery raises questions about the origin of these molecules, whether through meteorite delivery, geological processes, or potential biological sources.
- Future missions like NASA's Perseverance rover aim to collect Martian samples for more in-depth analysis on Earth, with hopes of uncovering deeper truths about the planet's geological and potentially biological history.
- The discovery of these organic compounds in the Martian mudstone provides insights into the planet's past environment, characterized by water, clay, energy, and time—indicating conditions that could have supported life.
- Despite uncertainties about the origin of these molecules, each new discovery on Mars adds layers to the mystery of the planet's potential for past habitability and the search for extraterrestrial life.
- The survival of large organic molecules on Mars over billions of years suggests protective mechanisms from clay minerals, sulfur, and nitrates present in the samples, indicating a potential for chemical preservation.
- The ongoing exploration of Mars through missions like Curiosity and future sample return missions aims to unravel the mysteries of the planet's history and the possibility of past life or complex chemistry that could shed light on the planet's habitability.
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Knowridge
10h
282
Image Credit: Knowridge
Scientists use space “archaeology” to uncover secrets of a long-dead star
- Scientists have used supernova archaeology to study the remains of a star that exploded long ago in deep space.
- By analyzing data from NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory, they uncovered clues about the history of the star system GRO J1655-40.
- The system originally had two large stars, with one of them exploding in a supernova and forming a black hole, while the other survived and became a companion star.
- Using X-ray observations, researchers were able to determine the mass and composition of the original star, demonstrating the potential of this technique for studying past stellar events.
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Guardian
13h
243
Image Credit: Guardian
First orbital rocket launched from mainland Europe crashes after takeoff
- A test rocket aimed at kickstarting satellite launches from Europe fell to the ground and exploded less than a minute after takeoff from a Norwegian spaceport.
- The uncrewed Spectrum rocket was the first attempt at an orbital flight to originate from Europe.
- Isar Aerospace, the German startup behind the launch, described it as an initial test and mentioned that the data collected will help them learn from the experience.
- The Spectrum rocket is designed for small and medium-sized satellites and had a mission to collect data on Isar Aerospace's launch vehicle.
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Earthsky
14h
87
Image Credit: Earthsky
Asteroid 2024 YR4 won’t hit in 2032, but it will be back
- Asteroid 2024 YR4, initially feared to hit Earth in 2032, has been determined not to pose a threat.
- Despite this, due to a unique orbital resonance phenomenon, asteroids like 2024 YR4 will cyclically return near Earth.
- These asteroids, located in a specific orbital Kirkwood gap influenced by Jupiter's gravity, could potentially collide with planets like Earth.
- Asteroid 887 Alinda, significantly larger than 2024 YR4 and capable of global damage, has an orbit that closely intersects Earth's.
- The orbits of 2024 YR4 and 887 Alinda exhibit a resonant pattern with Jupiter, causing them to return regularly to Earth's vicinity.
- The concept of Kirkwood gaps, where asteroids interact with Jupiter's gravitational pull, has been recognized since the late 1800s.
- Asteroids like 2024 YR4 and 887 Alinda follow specific orbital patterns that lead them back to Earth every few years.
- The orbit of 2024 YR4 will no longer bring it back every four years after a close approach to Earth in 2032, reducing the risk of impact.
- Ongoing efforts, including the upcoming NEO surveyor mission, aim to detect and track hazardous asteroids more efficiently.
- Maintaining vigilance for potentially impact-focused asteroids like 2024 YR4 is crucial for future planetary defense efforts.
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Earthsky
15h
116
Image Credit: Earthsky
Widespread severe weather expected in east-central US today
- More than 100 million people in east-central and mid-southern U.S. states are at risk of severe weather with large hail, damaging winds, and strong tornadoes expected.
- Cities like Indianapolis, St. Louis, Nashville, and Little Rock are under an enhanced risk level for severe storms.
- Two waves of thunderstorms are expected, starting early Sunday morning in the at-risk areas.
- The severe weather is caused by a strong low pressure system moving across the U.S., bringing warm, moist air from the Gulf.
- The severe weather threat will move eastwards, affecting the south, Mid-Atlantic, and northeast U.S.
- The Storm Prediction Center uses a five-level risk system to forecast severe weather, ranging from marginal to high risk categories.
- Weather watches are issued in advance of impending weather, while warnings indicate that particular weather hazards are expected to occur soon.
- Safety measures during severe storms include seeking shelter in basements, interior rooms, or designated safe spaces away from windows.
- Drivers should find the closest building to shelter in during severe weather, avoiding taking shelter under overpasses.
- Residents of mobile homes should seek shelter in sturdier structures during severe weather events.
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Earthsky
15h
252
Image Credit: Earthsky
The Big and Little Dipper: How to find them in the spring
- The Big and Little Dipper are easily visible in the northern sky in the spring for the Northern Hemisphere. The 2 outer stars in the Big Dipper point to Polaris, the North Star, which marks the end of the handle of the Little Dipper.
- Both the Big and Little Dippers are circumpolar, being above the horizon throughout the night in certain latitudes.
- The Big Dipper rotates around Polaris and changes in its position in the sky based on the season.
- To find the Little Dipper, trace a line from the outer stars of the Big Dipper to Polaris, then to the handle of the Little Dipper.
- The Big and Little Dippers are not constellations but asterisms, forming recognizable star patterns within the Ursa Major and Ursa Minor constellations.
- Over millennia, the star patterns of the Big and Little Dippers will slowly evolve due to the movement of stars in space.
- In Mi'kmaq star lore, the Celestial Bear associated with the Big Dipper has a captivating story involving hunters and the changing seasons.
- The Little Dipper, historically part of the Draco constellation, has played a role in navigation and is tied to ancient seafaring knowledge.
- Kochab and Pherkad, stars in the Little Dipper, are found to be the Guardians of the Pole marking the north celestial pole.
- Overall, the Big Dipper and Little Dipper are iconic star formations that captivate skywatchers throughout the year, with unique stories and celestial significance.
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Livescience
15h
0
Image Credit: Livescience
Space photo of the week: Hubble zooms in on the glittering galaxy next door
- The Small Magellanic Cloud (SMC) is one of our galaxy's closest neighbors, visible to the naked eye from the Southern Hemisphere.
- Recently, the Hubble Space Telescope zoomed in on the SMC, capturing its intricate structure.
- The image reveals clouds of gas and dust illuminated by the light of young stars in the SMC.
- The SMC, lacking heavier elements found in large galaxies, fascinates astronomers as a unique example of what was happening in the early universe.
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Knowridge
1d
195
Image Credit: Knowridge
NASA’s new dust repelling shield seems to work well
- NASA has developed a method called Electrodynamic Dust Shield (EDS) to deal with the hazards of lunar dust.
- Lunar dust is a constant background hazard for lunar astronauts and poses risks to their health and equipment.
- The EDS uses electrodynamic forces to prevent the dust from sticking to surfaces, such as spacesuits and equipment.
- The EDS proved effective in removing a significant portion of the dust in recent tests on the Moon.
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Spaceflightnow
1d
75
Live coverage: SpaceX to launch 28 Starlink V2 Mini satellites on Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral
- SpaceX is set to launch 28 Starlink V2 Mini satellites on a Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral.
- The launch is scheduled for Sunday, but the weather forecast is problematic with potential storms and strong wind gusts.
- If the launch is delayed to Monday, the weather conditions are expected to be more favorable.
- The Starlink V2 Mini satellites feature upgraded systems and will allow up to 29 satellites to launch on each mission.
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Livescience
1d
276
Image Credit: Livescience
NASA rover spots hundreds of 'spider eggs' on Mars — and scientists have no idea how they got there
- NASA's Perseverance Mars rover has discovered a rock resembling spider eggs on Mars.
- The rock, named 'St. Pauls Bay,' is lightly dusted with red sand and appears out of place.
- Its origin and strange texture are a mystery; it lacks context clues and could provide insights into Martian geology.
- Studying the rock and the surrounding area of Witch Hazel Hill could reveal the presence of volcanic activity, meteor strikes, or previous groundwater on Mars.
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