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Mars’ two moons, Phobos and Deimos, could have originated from the debris of an asteroid torn apart by the planet’s gravity, according to recent simulations. Research published in Icarus suggests this scenario could explain the unique features of these moons, which differ significantly from typical spherical moons seen in the solar system. The potato-like shapes […]
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Volcanoes were erupting on the mysterious far side of the moon billions of years ago, US and Chinese researchers have found. Analysis of samples collected by a Chinese mission found basalt (volcanic rock formed after an eruption) fragments dating back more than 4.2 billion years. The findings were published in the Nature and Science journals […]
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SPL Artwork: Uranus and its five largest moons had been thought to be inactive and sterile. The planet Uranus and its five biggest moons may not be the dead sterile worlds that scientists have long thought. Instead, they may have oceans, and the moons may even be capable of supporting life, scientists say. Much of […]
NASA’s Lunar Trailblazer mission is set to provide unprecedented insight into the Moon’s hidden water. Built by Lockheed Martin and managed by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, this small satellite aims to locate, measure, and understand water on the lunar surface. Launching next year, the Trailblazer will play a pivotal role in discovering the forms and […]
I have to confess, I struggle to watch science documentaries these days – I prefer a bit of escapism from work. But one series I will definitely be tuning in to is the BBC’s Solar System, presented by Brian Cox (pictured above). I didn’t watch Cox’s first series on this topic, made 15 years ago, […]
This Juno image from February (right) reveals a new volcano that wasn’t there in a Galileo image from 1997 (left) Galileo/JunoCam/NASA A fresh volcano with lava flows spanning hundreds of kilometres has appeared on Jupiter’s moon Io. It has formed in the 27 years between flybys of two spacecraft. Astronomers first took detailed photos of […]
Seen against the backdrop of Jupiter’s dramatic, swirling atmosphere, Europa might at first appear a bit drab. With its greyish-white surface, you might even say it resembles a well-worn cue ball in a run-down pool hall. On closer inspection, however, the Jovian system’s fourth-largest moon is shimmering with intrigue from deep within. From what we […]
Which planetary moons are the best? Space fanatic Kate Howells puts Dr Karl in orbit around some of our most interesting lumps of stuff. How will Earth’s moon rate ? @SpaceKateH Drkarl.com Source link