$6 Million Instrument for Lunar Research

The Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (LASP) at Boulder at the University of Colorado is building a technically advanced lunar dust detector LDEX, as part of the Lunar Dust Experiment. This instrument will be mounted on the LADEE, or Lunar Atmosphere and Dust Experiment Explorer mission, an orbiting satellite and will test the dust in the moon’s atmosphere.

The purpose of this technologically advanced instrument will be to provide more information about the lunar surface, especially the dust that floats over its surface. The experiment intends to find out more about the characteristics of this dust, its components and its interaction with the surface of the moon. It also hope to answer questions posed regarding the impact of solar wind on this dust as well as the more important aspect regarding the impact of this dust on the safety of astronauts who enter the atmosphere of the moon.

LASP has been awarded a $6 million grant from NASA to build this highly specialized instrument. This grant provides $1 million at the start of the program another $5 million during the four year period during which the instrument needs to be designed, developed and tested for flight and functioning ability in outer space.

LDEX is slated to be the first instrument to be tested and calibrated for flight into outer space by the Colorado Center for Lunar Dust and Atmospheric Studies, or CCLDAS, one of seven initial members of NASA’s Lunar Science Institute.

LADEE is a cooperative effort with NASA Ames Research Center at Moffett Field, Calif., Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Md., and Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Ala. LADEE is expected to launch in the year 2011 and its findings will be instrumental in shaping the future of manned explorations on the surface of the moon.

Geoscientist Explains Strange Rock Formation on Mars

Missions to Mars have brought forth a lot of valuable information about the planet, not all of which has been explained as yet. One such unexplained mystery from Mars has been regarding rocks that have been found on its surface. Rocks in some parts of Mars have been found scattered in strange uniform formations. So far, no ready explanation had been provided for such a uniformly spaced formation of rocks. However, Geoscientist Jon Pelletier, from the University of Arizona in Tucson believes he has solved this mystery.

It has been believed for some time now that the high speed winds that occur frequently on the surface of the planet may have something to do with rocks being scattered in particular formations. However, this theory does not hold much weight, because despite being a very windy planet, the air in the atmosphere of the planet is so thin, that even at high speeds, the wind is incapable of carrying rocks in its stride. The rocks found in these uniformly spaced formations range from the size of a penny to the size of a football. It would have been impossible for the winds on Mars to transport rocks of such varied sizes from one place to another. It is even more improbable that the winds were responsible for dropping these rocks of different shapes and sizes in a uniformly spaced fashion.

While the wind is incapable of moving rocks from one place to another, it certainly can move sand that is present all across the surface of Mars. Geoscientist Jon Pelletier believes that it is this motion of sand that is responsible for the strange rock formations on Mars. And not just that, he believes that the sand makes the rocks move into the direction of the wind as opposed to along with it. Here is how he explains it:

When the wind blows, it moves the loose sand in front of rocks, creating a pit in front of it. On the other hand, some of the sand gets deposited behind the rock as it provides protection against the wind. This mound of sand prevents the rock from rolling backwards and along with the wind. Instead, when the sand in front of the rock gets eroded, it creates a pit, causing the rock to roll forward into the pit and into the direction of the blowing wind. This gets repeated over and over again as long as the wind keeps blowing.

When you consider the effects of this phenomenon on a cluster of rocks, here’s what happens: the rocks in front of the cluster are the first to be affected by the wind, while the ones in the centre and around the back remain protected longer. In the case of a cluster, the pit gets created on the side of the rocks and they end up rolling sideways. The mound of sand that gets created behind them prevents bunching up of rocks and as the wind keeps blowing, the rocks move further apart from each other, but maintain a formation along the original cluster.

A New Space Toliet Missing The Basic Touch

Astronauts on a space station designed for overseas travel have finally hooked up a new bit of technology. Their very own toilet, however there is a twist. The toilet is missing a basic touch; a door!

The curtain door originally designed to be placed over the area was delayed. Rather the people working on it have other work to finish nearby thus we are left with no door for privacy! The managers of the mission however have left obvious signs that the curtain door will be installed shortly; in order for them to continue on with the orbital function.

One of NASA’s space program managers, Kirk Shireman has noted that the toilet has yet to have the door placed; thus it is unable to be used just yet. However it works completely fine and the function of the toilet itself has no notable problems.

Now although the toilet was partially designed so space stations could take upon bigger crews; it also has another big reason in existing. It is part of a new system which collects different things from astronauts such as, sweat, pee and more. It is then recycled and can be used for pretty much anything. This can include bath water, drinking water and oxygen.

Shireman has noted that they have contemplated getting the door ready so the life support system can get the go ahead. The lines of having the toilet water run to the recycling part have already been put into place.

Some samples made of the recycled water in space were brought back down to Earth. They have apparently been thoroughly tested and are completely fine in tests made. However more tests still need to be made on whether a human is able to drink just yet.

Shireman tells us that they have already approved the water for showering and bathing use; but they still haven’t verified whether a human is able to consume the water. In February to March they also have plans to use the water as oxygen, that is being closely worked on.

Four Habitable Planets - Part 3

This is a continued post, part one can be found here and part two can be found here

Welcome to the third and final part of this three part series. Today I will go through the final world, as well as I will add the final part to it and a little extra information. Once again feel free to leave views on the post as they are always appreciated

Water Worlds
These worlds would be basically entirely made of water. They would be the size of Earth roughly as well. There would be no boarders to stop the water overflowing like Earth has with rocks however. These planets can either be absolutely fabricated of baptize with aerial burden ice at the core, or they can accept bodies of aqueous baptize that are afar from a silicate amount by a blubbery band of aerial burden ice

One approach for life’s agent on Earth says amoebic actual calm in bank pools and again became concentrated by adhering to the apparent of rocks. Eventually, this aboriginal activity advance into the added ocean. Another approach for life’s agent is that the all-important allure occurred at hydrothermal agitable vents. On baptize worlds, however, these scenarios are impossible. Therefore, Bredehöft thinks activity is not acceptable to arise on such planets.

Summing It Up
Bredehöft came to a conclusion that planets similar to Earth would be best to look for life. He does however tell us that they will not necessarily cope any better to us due to conditions. For all we know, they could be an advanced race of humans! As it is only a matter of time before we can search other planets and moons for life; we will just need to stick to theories for now. Although good, they don’t stand up against much unless proof is found.

When asked what we are looking to find, Bredehöft said “something slimy”.
I hope you all enjoyed the series of posts, have a great day

Four Habitable Planets - Part 2

This is a continued post, part 1 can be found here

Hey guys, back again with part two of this three part series. This will most likely be the shortest post of the lot, but tomorrows post will be the longest I would say. Anyway, I hope you enjoy the article and make some sense of it! As always views and comments are appreciated.

The third type of planet we explore are the icy worlds. These are the planets that have water underneath their surface, rather than above it. The moon of Jupiter, Europa is a perfect example of what is trying to be said here. However Europa is part the point in the solar system where ice can change to water. Apparently once it is past the certain point, it can no longer become water.

The acceptable appearance of accouter zones thinks of a bounded brilliant as actuality the prime activity source. Worlds like Europa however that are icy, added factors appear into play, such as the gravitational cull of additional planets. Worlds with aqueous baptize under icy layers could potentially be inhabited by simple bacilli admitting actuality far from the accepted accouter zone, so continued as activity is provided in some added way.

That concludes part two, part three will be up tomorrow!

Four Habitable Planets - Part 1

Now two mysteries that have faced scientists for years are; how are existence came about and other worlds that could possibly have life on. Now although so much research and thought has been put into these two topics; there is no certain answer just yet.

A man by the name of Jan Hendrik Bredehöft has come along with a few ideas relating to whether planets can be habitable. I will bring this story to you in three parts, this being the first one. Expect the others to be posted over the next few days. This research will definitely help scientists in their search as this can narrow things down; as well as provide places to send out programs to bring back pictures of different planets.

Earth Like Worlds
Firstly, Earth Like Worlds were brought up. Well all planets like this a habitable; thus they are under control in the search. Planets like this would need to be able to handle complex life; have oxygen, a liquid base of water, normal climate and of course livable temperatures.

Mars Like Worlds
The second and last one I will have in this post were suggested to be worlds such as Mars and Venus. These worlds were once like Earth but have since changed. Mars became very dry and little to no water can be found on it. Due to the greenhouse effect Venus became too hot for anything to live on!

But Bredehöft believes there is still a possibility these planets could be habitable. He believes over time, living things would have got used to the conditions and eventually been able to exist and live a normal life. He says that the Earth has gone through so much in past times yet survived it, why wouldn’t other living things on other planets do the same? He makes a strong point in saying that once life is established it is very hard to destroy or kill off.

Do Aliens Exist? - Part 2

This is continued on from the first post; I hope the reason you’re reading this is because I got your mind ticking over from the first post. Anyway, this post is as said a continuation and I will go into a little more detail in the complex stuff. Read over this carefully and make sure you get your head around what is going on - this can be a little hard to understand so you need to try your best to get through it. Once again; if you have opinions or questions feel free to leave them in the comment box below.

Life In Extreme Circumstances
Everywhere (and I mean everywhere) a scientist or natural discoverer may go, they find life in the most extreme circumstances. Whether it be under ice, in the desert, in the jungle, in the dark oceans or even in blistery conditions - life has all ways been found on Earth. So this means, life can be found in the toughest of conditions; with the way Earth is panning out, it is only going to get worse - yet there will still be life! Now, some microbes on Earth put under extreme conditions; could live in the hot surface of Mars. These findings have made scientists thing about whether Aliens really do exist. The only thing we think they would need is water.

Aliens Have Visited?
Now wouldn’t that persuade some of you? What if I told you aliens had already visited Earth? Well from recent studies; around half of the USA believe that aliens have already visited us! Viewers/witnesses have provided pictorial and visual proof of UFO’s visiting Earth’s layers. However, head scientists studying then matter have dismissed all claims. Although, people still visit Roswell, N.M home of a reported UFO crash 60 years ago.

In Conclusion
Whether it is true or not, no one has yet to prove it. I do however put myself in the group of people that believe in aliens as there must be life out there.. somewhere. Until next time - over and out!

WTM Satelite Launch - 20th December 2008

The Indian Space Research Organisation or ISRO has set itself a new goal. They are set to launch the WTM Satelite on the 20th of December. The satelite was created by the French; specifically designed for communication in space. It took a total of 26 months to build, just over two years. It also weighs over 3000 kilograms; it is the heaviest built satelite by the IRSO.

K.R. Sridhara Murthy, Managing Director, Antrix Corporation (ISRO’s bartering arm) said the advice accessory has been congenital for European EADS Astrium, an accessory of the EADS, and is currently ability barrage preparations.

Murthy added added that ISRO’s adequacy to accommodated the best of the requirements accepted by the barter in the assured time aeon would absolutely advice the organisation to win added affairs in the future.

India has now been put into an exclusive lunar club; members include: Russia, USA, Japan, China and European Space Agency. The satelite Aditya is also going to be launched soon enough; it is mainly designed to study the sun. India also has high hopes of sending an astronaut to the moon by 2012 and a manned ship by 2020.

Christmas In July

The Star of Bethlehem, possibly one of the most recalled happenings in the Christmas story; it is widely celebrated in books of Jesus, mainly in the bible and other Christmas stories. Now, scientists and astronomers have had to bring up the issue whether it was all because of the new born maybe king; or was it linked to some kind of happening amongst stars.

They cannot answer whether it was specifically there for Jesus, but they have come to a well explained answer about the start having some kind of appearance due to an astronomical event. The Star of Wonder labeled by ancient people in that time; has brought about in interesting story.

What has been said to believe is a few planets and one of the brightest stars came together. Also, it didn’t happen on December the 25th as most have said; rather June the 17th sometime in 2BC. Now the June Christmas star made a huge hit, but it got an even bigger boost when astronomer Dave Reneke, ran a few scans back around the time and certified that the pattern was almost identical.

For a more detailed line of events leading up to this conclusion, check MSN Space News - Christmas In July article.

Spaceflight With No Space Shuttle

1981 began the year of the Space Shuttle. Now the retirement of rather dropping of the Space Shuttle will leave NASA in a precarious position. They will not be allowed to have human spaceflight’s until the period is over in which their next plan can be started. This leaves a minimum of 5 years in which NASA get rid of the Space Shuttle and start and finish the new replacement.

Barack Obama has committed to authoritative investments that will abate this 5 year gap, and to minimise assurance on adopted amplitude capabilities. He additionally promises to assignment with the US amplitude industry to absorb its workforce and abstruse capabilities during the alteration from the shuttle to its new program.

Obama additionally affairs to advance through development of the Shuttle’s almsman systems in the face of difficulties brought about by the Bush administration’s credible beneath allotment of NASA.

Stimulating efforts aural the (US) clandestine area to advance and authenticate spaceflight capabilities is additionally on Obama’s hitlist. NASA’s Commercial Orbital Transportation Services which bankrupt the NASA attitude by agreeable entrepreneurs from SpaceX and Rocketplane-Kistler in 2006, is a captivated up as a archetypal of this affectionate of accessible - clandestine collaboration.

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