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'Flash Gordon' returns to escape from a prison planet in new comic series
'Tiger stripes' on Saturn's moon Enceladus could reveal if its oceans are habitable
Astronomers finally know why stars born from the same cloud aren't identical twins
A Cold Brown Dwarf is Belching Methane Into Space
Brown dwarfs span the line between planets and stars. By definition, a star must be massive enough for hydrogen fusion to occur within its core. This puts the minimum mass of a star around 80 Jupiters. Planets, even large gas giants like Jupiter, only produce heat through gravitational collapse or radioactive decay, which is true for worlds up to about 13 Jovian masses. Above that, deuterium can undergo fusion. Brown dwarfs lay between these two extremes. The smallest brown dwarfs resemble gas planets with surface temperatures similar to Jupiter. The largest brown dwarfs have surface temperatures around 3,000 K and look essentially like stars.
Because of this, it can be difficult to study brown dwarfs, particularly ones that don’t orbit other stars. Without much reflected or emitted light, we can’t easily analyze their spectra to determine their composition. Fortunately, some brown dwarfs do emit radio light thanks to their strong magnetic fields.
Planets such as Earth and Jupiter have strong magnetic fields, and this means they can trap ionized particles such as hydrogen. These charged particles then spiral along the magnetic field lines until they collide with the planet’s upper atmosphere, generating glowing aurora. On Earth, we see them as the Northern Lights. For brown dwarfs, we can’t see the visible light of their aurora, but we can detect their radio glow.
Recently a team looked at the auroral light from a brown dwarf known as W1935. It is a cold brown dwarf 47 light-years from Earth with a surface temperature of just 200 °C. Within the spectra the team found light emissions from methane. While the presence of methane was expected in cold brown dwarfs, the fact that the methane emitted light was not. This means the atmosphere of W1935 likely has a thermal inversion, where the upper atmosphere is warmer than the lower layers.
This is true for the atmosphere of Earth but is driven by solar radiance. W1935 doesn’t orbit a star, so how can its upper atmosphere get so warm? One possible explanation is that the brown dwarf has an undetected small companion. This companion could be ejecting material similar to the way Saturn’s moon Enceleadus ejects water vapor. Once ionized in the vacuum of space, it would become trapped by the magnetic fields of W1935, eventually colliding with the brown dwarf’s upper atmosphere and giving it a bit of thermal heating.
This discovery shows that even the smallest brown dwarfs defy easy classification. Though they resemble planets, they may have their own planetary system like a star.
Reference: Faherty, Jacqueline K., et al. “Methane emission from a cool brown dwarf.” Nature 628.8008 (2024): 511-514.
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Innovation that Impacts All NASA Missions: Improving How We Engineer Our Systems
Download PDF: Innovation that Impacts All NASA Missions: Improving How We Engineer Our Systems
John F. Kennedy set the tone for NASA’s culture in 1961 during his famous speech on going to the Moon, “We choose to go to the Moon not because it’s easy, but because it’s hard; because that goal will serve to organize and measure the best of our energies and skills, because that challenge is one that we are willing to accept, one we are unwilling to postpone…”
That culture has never faded, even across NASA’s diverse spectrum of missions. The continuous challenge to do what is hard or near impossible includes the requirement for innovation. Innovation is the importance of what we do, but also how we do it. With a goal of improving the way NASA’s workforce engineers its systems, the Systems Engineering (SE) Technical Discipline Team (TDT) has partnered with numerous facets of the NASA workforce to better enable innovation in how we work. Over the past year, three diverse teams made progress toward that goal by looking at the way we levy technical standards, improving understanding and integrated risk (cost, schedule, and technical), reducing project risk by better management of mass growth, and moving SE into the model based digital domain. A brief summary of each team’s efforts follows.
a). MBSE is being applied to help architect the ExMC, which is pushing the boundary of space medical systems to care for future astronauts. b). A proposed Mars sample return mission development project would benefit from using the NASA-endorsed ANSI/AIAA standard: Mass Properties Control for Space Systems
ExMC: Systems Analysis and Integration Using MBSE
Via its Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) Infusion And Modernization Initiative (MIAMI), the NESC SE TDT partnered with the Human Research Program’s Exploration Medical Capability (ExMC) Element (https://www.nasa.gov/hrp/elements/exmc) at JSC. ExMC has adopted SE principles and tools (MBSE and the Systems Modeling Language) to develop an initial architecture and requirements for a future exploration medical system. MIAMI is assisting the ExMC work by providing an MBSE modeler who is matrixed to ExMC, one NASA MBSE Community of Practice (CoP) meeting per month dedicated to responding to ExMC’s needs, and any available/needed Agency MBSE infrastructure. In return, MIAMI is receiving modeling lessons learned, feedback to the MIAMI Leadership Team on available MBSE resources, and data needed to communicate MBSE successes and challenges to their SE TDT peers.The partnership has been mutually beneficial to ExMC, the SE TDT, and the greater NASA MBSE community. With MIAMI support, ExMC architected their system model, developed a model management plan, better defined their MBSE hiring and training needs, provided guidance to junior modelers, and developed ideas to push the boundaries of model usage.
As a return benefit, the MBSE community received a sample model architecture, an updated model management plan template, and valuable discussions at the MBSE CoP, where the ExMC presented ideas that had not been considered before. Ideas included the characteristics of good system modelers, how to manage model configuration, and using models with non-modeling tools. Notes from all these lively and well-attended CoP discussions are on the NASA Engineering Network MBSE website (https://nen.nasa.gov/web/mbse/). Beyond this, ExMC’s input on what will be necessary to grow NASA’s MBSE community and capability (e.g., modeler skillsets) continues to inform and ground in reality MIAMI’s recommendations to NASA’s Digital Transformation initiative.
For more information, contact Kerry McGuire, kerry.m.mcguire@nasa.gov.
NASA/JPL: Enterprise Approach to Mass Properties Control
In August 2019, a team of NESC and NASA subject matter experts (SME) issued a report regarding mass growth. It included recommendations to initiate the development and sustainment of an expanded mass growth database as an Agency resource and reforms in how programs and projects estimate, manage, and report mass properties based on the NASA-endorsed ANSI/AIAA S-120A-2015 [2019] standard, Mass Properties Control for Space Systems. The intent is to reap the benefits of a more common approach across NASA in managing and controlling mass growth and of using a common terminology among NASA Centers and its contractors. Historical mass growth data, consolidated in a single place, will help programs and projects in establishing Mass Growth Allowance (MGA) factors and mass margins above MGA that can reduce the risk of mass issues and potential cost overruns. To date, the NESC recommendations have resulted in major changes in mass management and control requirements and recommended best practices at JPL and other NASA Centers. Beyond Center-level actions, the NESC has engaged with the Office of the Chief Financial Officer to promote the use of the ANSI/AIAA standard’s terminology and calculations in future data collections for NPR 7120.5-mandated Cost Analysis Data Requirements documents.
For more information, contact Robert Shishko, robert.shishko@jpl.nasa.gov.
New approaches to streamlining design and constructions standards will benefit projects like the Gateway Power and Propulsion and Habitation and Logistics Outpost.HALO: Modernized Application of Design & Construction Standards
The NASA Technical Standards Process Improvement pilot activity initiated by the Habitation and Logistics Outpost (HALO) Project seeks to improve the way that NASA levies and manages technical standards by 1) moving from document-centric to data-centric (databases) management of the requirements; 2) incorporating important attributes into the database so that applicability, tailoring, and information management is streamlined; and 3) providing technical recommendations on acceptable approaches for compliance evidence. The effort is a fleet-leader on how to streamline the standards deployment, assessment, and long-term verification process, while also improving the allocation of resources based on mission risk.
NASA Technical Fellows participated in this review and provided important input and support for the assessment of Design and Construction (D&C) standards for the HALO project. The approach “shredded” the requirements documents into a database of individual requirements with fields to populate describing the requirement type and compliance approach. Overall, the pilot activity is an important first step in properly assessing and flowing D&C standards to NASA’s contractors and partners. NESC systems engineering and integration SMEs reviewed the HALO pilot deployment activity for managing and implementing design and construction standards. The SMEs identified advantages and disadvantages of the pilot activity and offered suggestions for improving the standards streamlining effort in the future.
For more information, contact Jennifer Devolites, jennifer.devolites@nasa.gov
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Measuring Exoplanetary Magnetospheres with the Square Kilometer Array
Life on Earth would not be possible without food, water, light, a breathable atmosphere and surprisingly, a magnetic field. Without it, Earth, and its inhabitants would be subjected to the harmful radiation from space making life here, impossible. If we find exoplanets with similar magnetospheres then those worlds may well be habitable. The Square Kilometer Array (SKA) which is still under construction should be able to detect such magnetospheres from radio emissions giving us real insight into our exoplanet cousins.
The magnetic field of Earth is the result of churning motion of liquid iron and nickel in the outer core. The resultant magnetic field has properties of a giant magnet with a north pole and a south pole and it extends from the core outward, enveloping the entire planet. The presence of the field stops harmful solar radiation and cosmic particles. Magnetic fields are not static though and it is not uncommon for them to flip, as has happened to our own magnetic field.
Since we have been hunting exoplanets (and to date, over 5,000 have been discovered) it has become clear that there are a good number of super sized gas gas giants. As our detection technology and methods improve, smaller, more Earth like planets are starting to be discovered. It is therefore not unreasonable to think that, among them, there may well be alien planets with magnetic fields making them, therefore good candidates for habitable environments.
Artist impression of glory on exoplanet WASP-76b. Credit: ESAUnderstanding exoplanet magnetic fields is in its infancy. So far, we have only explored magnetic fields around the planets in our Solar System. What we do know is that any planetary magnetic field emits radio signals due to the Electron Cyclotron Maser Instability mechanism. Sounds like something out of StarTrek or StarWars depending on your preference but either way, electromagnetic radiation is amplified by electrons that are trapped in the field. It is this amplified radiation that can be detected remotely IF we have a radio telescope with the capability.
A recent paper authored by Fatemeh Bagheri and team from the University of Texas explores whether it might be possible to detect the emissions using the Square Kilometre Array. The concept of the SKA is a radio interferometer with components in Australia and Africa and its headquarters in the UK. The international array of radio telescopes that are joined together electronically to operate as one collecting area of a square kilometre. It affords the ability to study the radio sky with higher sensitivity and resolution than ever before and it’s this, that Bagheri and team are focusing their attention.
Aerial image of the South African MeerKAT radio telescope, part of the Square Kilometer Array (SKA). Credit: SKAUsing NASA’s exoplanet archive data, they calculated the strength of radio signal from 80 confirmed planets. They took the planet’s radius, mass and orbital distance from the host star, along with the stars’ mass, radius and distance form us to estimate the signal from the magnetosphere. The results were promising and suggest that, according to their analysis exoplanets; Qatar-4 b, TOI-1278 b, and WASP-173 A b would indeed emit radio signals from their magnetosphere that the SKA could detect. Unfortunately we will have to wait until 2028 when SKA is operational but already, it seems researchers are lining up to use it and this piece of research in particular looks set not only to herald a greater understanding of exoplanets but also the possibility of life in the Universe.
Source : Exploring Radio Emissions from Confirmed Exoplanets Using SKA
The post Measuring Exoplanetary Magnetospheres with the Square Kilometer Array appeared first on Universe Today.
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NASA Uses Small Engine to Enhance Sustainable Jet Research
3 min read
Preparations for Next Moonwalk Simulations Underway (and Underwater) The DGEN380 Aero-Propulsion Research Turbofan (DART) is a small-scale jet engine NASA uses to test new aviation technology. DART is seen here inside its host facility, the Aero-Acoustic Propulsion Laboratory at NASA’s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland. This soundproofed chamber ensures researchers can understand the level of noise the engine is producing, as well as keeping the volume low outside.NASA/Bridget CaswellLocated inside a high-tech NASA laboratory in Cleveland is something you could almost miss at first glance: a small-scale, fully operational jet engine to test new technology that could make aviation more sustainable.
The engine’s smaller size and modestly equipped test stand means researchers and engineers can try out newly designed engine components less expensively compared to using a more costly full-scale jet engine test rig.
Named DGEN380 Aero-Propulsion Research Turbofan, or DART, the engine is tiny enough to fit on a kitchen table, measuring at just 4.3 feet (1.3 meters) long. That’s about half the length of engines used on single-aisle airliners.
DART – not to be confused with NASA’s asteroid redirect mission of the same name – enables the agency to boost its sustainable aviation technology research because of its accessibility.
A hidden gem located inside the Aero-Acoustic Propulsion Laboratory at NASA’s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland, the DART engine was made by a French company named Price Induction (now Akira) and was acquired by NASA in 2017.
“DART’s small size makes it appealing,” said Dan Sutliff, who coordinates research for the engine at NASA Glenn. “It’s a great way to explore new technology that hasn’t yet reached the level of a full-scale operation.”
Small Steps Towards Big GoalsSeveral key NASA activities studying jet engines used DART in the past.
For example, it helped researchers learn more about incorporating materials that can help reduce engine noise. These technologies could be incorporated for use in next-generation airliners to make them quieter.
Now, NASA researchers plan to use the DART engine to investigate ideas that could help develop new ultra-efficient airliners for use during the 2030s and beyond. If all goes well, the technology could proceed to more exhaustive tests involving larger facilities such as NASA’s wind tunnels.
“DART is a critical bridge between a design and a wind tunnel test,” Sutliff said. “Technologies that work well here have a greater chance of achieving successful inclusion on future aircraft engines. The test rig helps NASA save resources and contribute to protecting our environment.”
DART tests are run from the Mobile Control Unit – a large van converted into a high-tech control facility with video monitors reporting live data from the engine. In this image, two engineers supervise an engine test, with the nearest researcher operating DART’s thrust lever.NASA/Bridget CaswellAmong its features, DART has a high bypass ratio, which is a measure of how much air passes through the turbofan and around the main core of the engine as opposed to entering it. Having a high bypass ratio means that DART is more characteristic of larger high-bypass ratio engines on commercial aircraft.
This design is more fuel efficient than other jet engines and makes DART ideal for testing new propulsion methods alongside NASA’s efforts in developing a small-core, fuel efficient jet engine for commercial airliners in the 2030s.
The DART engine also can test many other aspects of a jet engine including engine noise, operating controls, coatings used to protect engine parts, sensors and other instrumentation, and much more.
More information can be found on NASA’s Aero-Acoustic Propulsion Laboratory webpage.
About the AuthorJohn GouldAeronautics Research Mission DirectorateJohn Gould is a member of NASA Aeronautics' Strategic Communications team at NASA Headquarters in Washington, DC. He is dedicated to public service and NASA’s leading role in scientific exploration. Prior to working for NASA Aeronautics, he was a spaceflight historian and writer, having a lifelong passion for space and aviation.
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