Planetary Science

Active Lava Flows on Venus Boost Urgency for Exploration

The Sif Mons area with the active volcanic region highlighted in redRecent lava flows observed on Venus indicate that the planet may be significantly more geologically active than previously believed, potentially rivaling Earth's activity.These geological processes, initially identified by the Magellan spacecraft in the 1990s, are likely still ongoing and will be crucial observation...

A Wooden Miniature Satellite is Set to Launch into Earth’s Orbit

(JIJI PRESS/AFP/Japan OUT)Japanese researchers have built the world's first wooden satellite, which is scheduled to be launched on a SpaceX rocket in September. Developed by scientists at Kyoto University and Sumitomo Forestry, this experimental satellite is a tiny cuboid, with each side measuring just 10 centimeters (four inches).The creators anticipate that the wooden material...

Watch Live: EarthCARE Satellite Reveals Cloud Secrets

The EarthCARE satellite will unravel the mysteries of clouds using advanced techESAClouds are not well understood. The soon-to-launch EarthCARE satellite will employ advanced technology to uncover their mysteries, helping scientists improve climate forecasts.While the formation of clouds is known, the intricate relationship between clouds and the aerosols required to form them remains elusive....

AI Could be Behind our Failure to Communicate with Aliens

Credit: PixabayIn recent years, the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) has captivated many scientists. Some are now exploring the concept of artificial superintelligence (ASI), envisioning AI that not only exceeds human intelligence but also transcends human learning limitations.But what if reaching this milestone isn't just an extraordinary feat? What if it also marks...

Video: Boeing Starliner Launch Aborted Over Faulty Valve

Starliner awaiting launchBoeingBoeing canceled its attempt to send two astronauts into orbit. Technical issues with the oxygen release valve of the Centaur second stage of the Atlas V rocket led to the halt of the Starliner spacecraft's launch at 8:33 pm EDT.The launch of Starliner, initially scheduled for 10:34:14 pm EDT, was aborted after...

Ways to View the Launch of Boeing’s Starliner

In recent years, space launches, even crewed ones, have become quite frequent, receiving limited attention unless they mark a significant milestone. However, with Monday's Starliner mission, there's a notable surge in interest for valid reasons.As the spacecraft endeavors to depart from the launch pad, it bears considerable responsibility, not only for the safety of...

Moon Crater Traced as Origin of Nearby Asteroid

The lunar crater Giordano Bruno, captured here by the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, is home sweet home for a small near-Earth asteroid, according to a new studyNASA/Goddard/Arizona State UniversityScientists have long been able to trace many asteroids back to their parent bodies, whether planets or moons. However, they now assert for the first time that...

It’s Official: Researchers Finally Verified What Is Inside the Moon

An illustration of a full moon in the night sky.The decision is in, then. After all, the Moon is not composed of green cheese.According to a detailed analysis released in May 2023, the Moon's inner core is a solid ball with a density akin to iron. Resolving this long-running controversy – is it solid...

Mastering Solar Eclipse Photography with Star Trackers

Capturing the mesmerizing beauty of a total solar eclipse requires careful planning and the right equipment. In this comprehensive guide, we'll delve into the intricacies of using a star tracker to enhance your solar eclipse photography experience.Why Use a Star Tracker?A star tracker, also known as a solar tracker in this context, offers significant...