Astronomy

Seasonal spider-like features were spotted sprouting up through surface cracks near Mars’ Inca City region.

The genetic variant, which causes people to be insensitive to growth hormone, may also protect people from heart disease

The genetic variant, which causes people to be insensitive to growth hormone, may also protect people from heart disease

Researchers might have located the birthplace of 469219 Kamo‘oalewa, a small asteroid that has been described as Earth’s “mini-moon.”

The post Earth’s Mini-Moon Linked to Farside Lunar Crater appeared first on Sky & Telescope.

This is the way to celebrate Star Wars Day in style, with the 6187-piece Lego Ultimate Collector Series Razor Crest, now $130 off

When alpacas mate, males deposit sperm directly into the uterus, a reproductive strategy not confirmed in any other mammals

When alpacas mate, males deposit sperm directly into the uterus, a reproductive strategy not confirmed in any other mammals

We're constantly talking about good movies that deserve a sequel, but what about the divisive ones that, while not great, had cool ideas worth building upon?

The first woman slated to launch to the moon has delivered one of the first trees grown from seeds recently flown there. NASA astronaut Christina Koch presented an "Artemis 1 Moon Tree."

Space travel and exploration was never going to be easy. Failures are sadly all too common but it’s wonderful to see missions exceed expectations. The Japanese Space Agency’s SLIM lunar lander was only supposed to survive a single day but it’s survived three brutal, harsh lunar nights and is still going. The temperatures plummet to -170C at night and the lander was never designed to operate into the night. Even sat upside down on the surface it’s still sending back pictures and data. 

The Japanese agency’s lunar lander known as SLIM (Smart Lander for Investigating the Moon) began its lunar journey on 19 January 2024 when it touched down on the surface of the Moon. Its mission was to test the lunar landing technology and to collect data about the surface geology. 

An artist’s conception shows Japan’s SLIM lander in its upended position on the lunar surface. (Credit: JAXA)

Unfortunately, soon after landing it became clear that the probe had landed at a strange angle, leaning forwards, resting on its face. The orientation of the solar panels was all wrong and it meant they could not generate as much electricity as expected allowing it to operate for a few hours just after dawn and just before sunset. 

Of course it is important to note that a day on the Moon lasts many days compared to a day here on Earth and so, the first night for SLIM began on 31 January. Surprisingly, SLIM survived the first long night where temperatures to -170 degrees. SLIM was never designed to survive the cold harsh nights on the Moon so it was with some surprise that it powered back up successfully on the 15 February. 

The operations team for SLIM were disbanded in March but to their surprise, after the second lunar night, a signal was received again. Surpassing everyones expectations it seems SLIM wasn’t going to give up yet and still sending images. The lander was even picked up after its second night by cameras on board the Chandrayaan-2 orbiter as it flew over. 

Just a few days ago on Wednesday 24 January, JAXA, the Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency announced it had survived a third night on the freezing lunar surface. Using the plucky littler lander which measures just 1.5m x 1.5m x 2m, the agency hope to be able to learn more about the origin of the Moon by analysing the surface geology.

One of the fascinating elements to the mission was the pinpoint landing technology that was being tested. On descent, the lander would be able to recognise the craters using technology that has been developed by facial recognition systems. Using the data, it would be able to determine its location with pinpoint accuracy and perform a touch down with an accuracy of 100m. The landing was successfully accurate albeit slightly wobbly leaving the lander in a strange orientation. 

source : Japan’s moon lander wasn’t built to survive a week long lunar night. It’s still going after 3

The post Japan’s Lunar Lander Survives its Third Lunar Night appeared first on Universe Today.

A preview of Marvel Comics' "Aliens vs. Avengers" limited series, which is coming this summer.

H5N1 influenza virus particles have been detected in commercially sold milk, but it’s not clear how the virus is spreading in cattle or whether their milk could infect humans

Week in images: 22-26 April 2024

Discover our week through the lens

Before it shattered over Germany, the asteroid 2024 BX1 was clocked rotating once every 2.6 seconds – the fastest spin we have observed

Before it shattered over Germany, the asteroid 2024 BX1 was clocked rotating once every 2.6 seconds – the fastest spin we have observed

Research suggests that people tend to exaggerate how critically they will be viewed if they reveal negative information about themselves to others

Diamonds in the Sky

Processed foods have been blamed for many health problems, but dietary research is tricky and nuanced

In addition to the overall rise in sea level, the heights of tides are also changing as the oceans warm and separate into more distinct layers