Mars •

Green Comet Will Be Visible in the Northern Hemisphere

March 27, 2016 By Joe Hennessey Leave a Comment

Comet Linear isn’t the only one emitting the warm color. Lovejoy (portrayed above) shares the tint.

(Mirror Daily, United States) – Comet Linear will emerge in the night sky next week, and it will be a hundred times brighter than the astronomers first expected. The green comet will be visible in the northern hemisphere.

Those living in the southern hemisphere were privileged enough to witness the bright celestial occurrence this week after the object passed our planet from a safe 3.3 million miles distance.

At the present moment, the Comet Linear is rapidly moving into view in the northern hemisphere. The only downside to all of this is the fact that sky gazers will need at least a pair of binoculars to witness our visitor since the sky will be illuminated by the moon.

Moreover, individuals who are eager to witness the event must find a dark place, unpolluted by any sources of light. The best time to be out and comet gazing is around an hour and a half before sunrise.

Each morning the green comet will be observed higher in the sky than in the previous one. It will pass right by where Mars and Saturn are visible. People will also be able to see Antares near the other two, forming a sort of small triangle.

The Comet Linear will climb left of this triangle. On Tuesday, it will be approximately on Saturn’s line, while on Thursday it will be visible along the line that connects Saturn and Antares.

The senior editor of the Sky & Telescope magazine, Kelly Beatty, is advising any enthusiasts to expect to see only a bright spot. According to him, Comet Linear will not have an obvious long tail as people would presume.

The lack of a tail is caused by the way in which light is concentrated on the surface of the comet. Instead of being focused on just one point, it is spread out in a sort of round glow. While it’s size is larger than the moon, the light emitted is considerably dimmer.

The diatomic carbon molecules from its componence react with the sunlight and create a greenish, fluorescent color. Unfortunately, the green shade will only be visible through a telescope.

The astronomers are not sure how long the comet will remain on orbit given its unexpected surge. On Monday, it passed the closest point near the Earth, and it is currently heading away from the sun and our planet. The green comet will be visible in the northern hemisphere until the end of the week.

On Tuesday, the PanSTARRS comet passed near the Earth at a distance of only 2.2 million miles.

Image source: Wikimedia

Why You Should Watch the Sky this Week

February 27, 2016 By Ryan Harris Leave a Comment

Next Friday, on the 4th of March the Big Dipper will be visible on the night sky.

(Mirror Daily, United States) – There are plenty of reasons why you should watch the sky this week, and not all of them are stars and planets related. Besides the fact that the night sky will be putting on a really nice show for us, watching the sky is a very relaxing way of spending a weekend night. So prepare your telescope and a jacket because this week you are in for a treat.

Saturday, the 27^th of February

What can be better than a session of planet gazing after a nice, relaxing Saturday dinner? Today at around 9:03 PM (EST) one of Jupiter’s satellites, Europa, will be eclipsed by the giant gaseous planet.

Only after five minutes, Ganymede will appear on the opposite side of Jupiter. The show will be quite entertaining seeing as it will seem that Europa and Ganymede somehow traded places.

A few hours later, beginning from 11:06 PM and ending at 1:21, Io, another one of Jupiter’s satellites will cross directly in front of the planet that it’s orbiting.

At approximately 1:14 Europa will reappear behind the eastern limb of Jupiter.

Sunday, the 28^th of February

Around midnight the Moon, which is now in its last quarter, will rise. Mars will follow it closely at about 5 degrees below.

Monday, the 29^th of February

Besides the fact that 2016 is a leap year and we will have an extra day in February, the extra winter day will feature a very interesting quadrilateral formed by the Moon with Saturn to the right, Mars to the left and Antares just below it.

Tuesday, the 1^st of March

Spring is just around the corner and so is Leo. All you have to do to spot the constellation is to look to the East after the sun sets.

And the constellation will appear just in time to announce the imminent approach of spring. The brightest star in the Leo constellation is Regulus.

The moon, which will still be in the last quarter will rise at 6:11, and it will be accompanied by Saturn.

Wednesday, the 2^nd of March

Those of you who live in the mid-northern parts of the planet will have the chance of seeing the zodiacal light. All you have to do is fight a clear and dark site and wait for the twilight to end. Just when the last ray of light disappears you will be able to see a sort of pearly light pyramid.

Thursday, the 3^rd of March

On Tuesday, people living in the southern regions (Virginia, Missouri, and central California) will be able to see Canopus, the second brightest star after the popular Sirius.

All you have to do is find a flat, dark surface and search for it 36 degrees south of Sirius.

Friday, the 4^th of March

Friday the Big Dipper will be visible in the northeast.

These are the main reasons why you should watch the sky this week. And if the stars and planets did not convince you, maybe the upcoming spring will.

Image source: YouTube

A Shorter Trip to Mars Is Theoretically Possible

February 25, 2016 By John Birks Leave a Comment

"NASA's experimental Enterprise spacecraft"

We are closer to warp technology than we thought, at least at a theoretical level.

(Mirror Daily, United States) – A physics professor demonstrated that a shorter trip to Mars is theoretically possible. According to the Philip Lubin who teaches at the University of California, a propulsion system based on laser technology could significantly shorten the voyage towards the Red Planet. Unfortunately, everything is still in pure theoretical form.

Professor Lubin is sure that a shorter trip to Mars is theoretically possible. But there is still a long way to go before he could prove his theories in practical experiments.

It’s no secret that NASA plans on sending a human expedition to the Red Planet by 2030. But with present technology the trip alone would last approximately five months. Besides, the mission would have to last at least two years given the fact that the planets align perfectly once every twenty-six months.

The technology that professor Lubin is proposing would take the astronauts there in only three days. The problem is that his idea is purely theoretical, yet.

The professor of physics and NASA scientist developed a system that would make use of laser technology instead of the traditional rocket fuel.

The advantages of such a propulsion method would be the fact that while lasers generate momentum and energy, they are void of mass. This means that the spacecraft would be significantly lighter in the absence of fuel and fuel reserves.

Furthermore, the spacecraft would not only be lighter but notably faster. The momentum force generated by laser technology could prove to be a highly efficient propulsion system that will shorten the trip from several months to several days.

Of course, this entire idea is purely theoretical. While the laser-powered spacecraft is not impossible to build, there are additional factors that must be taken into consideration.

For example, there is the twin paradox that could affect the members of the mission. According to it, if one twin goes to space and travels at a great speed, while the other remains on Earth, the latter will be significantly older when the first one returns.

This paradox was explained by several physicists over the years, including Albert Einstein and Max Born who invoked the concept of gravitational time dilation as the main reason for the decreased aging of the astronaut twin.

Of course, as the theory of relativity and the principle of time dilation, the twin paradox is just another theory. But it still raises some questions regarding the effects that such a high-speed journey could have on the astronauts.

For the moment, it seems that while a shorter trip to Mars is theoretically possible, NASA is still counting on “old-fashioned” rocket fuel to power up the 2030 expedition.

Image Source: www.wikimedia.org

Are You Really Ready to Go to Mars?

February 17, 2016 By Joe Hennessey Leave a Comment

"Mountain in Jordan that was used as a set for the filming of the movie The Martian"

The fine red dust that covers the entire surface of Mars can prove to be highly dangerous.

(Mirror Daily, United States) – Are you really ready to go to Mars? This is the question that the candidates for the newly opened astronaut positions at NASA should ask themselves before applying. And while the idea of being among the first people to set foot on the Red Planet is more than appealing, people should keep in mind that the Mars expedition will be nothing like the Matt Damon movie.

NASA is hiring the new generation of astronauts and according to a representative, one member of this class will be a part of the Mars expedition. There are only sixteen jobs available but there are already thousands of candidates. And the requirements are harsh. The candidates must have a bachelor degree in sciences, military background and perfect social skills just to be considered for an interview.

But the main question on the interviewer’s lips will be “Are you really ready to go to Mars?”

The idea of visiting the Red Planet is thrilling, to say the least, but before arriving there, one must survive the trip towards Mars. NASA estimates that the journey will take approximately six months. Scott Kelly has been aboard the ISS for almost a year, so we know that it is possible to survive in space for an extended period of time.

But Scott Kelly received supplies on a regular basis from Florida and Kazakhstan. And while his overall health was not affected in any way, his motivation was raised by the fact that he had access to the internet and knew that it would take approximately an hour to receive something from the base in case of an emergency. These things will not apply to the crew traveling towards Mars.

Also, the ship could be hit by a meteor or a stray space object with no determined trajectory. There are a lot of risks revolving around just the journey there. So if you think about the trip and still answer yes when you ask yourself “Are you really ready to go to Mars?” then let’s talk landing.

NASA already managed to land the rovers on the Red Planet’s surface, so the actual landing is possible. But the settlers will face a lot of difficulties, for example, the radiation, the high amount of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, the dust, the cold and the extremely low atmospheric pressure.

According to a new study, the astronauts that will land on Mars will have to construct their base underground in order to escape from the fatal solar radiation. Also, they will have to have tremendous amounts of oxygen supply with them because it would take a while for plants to grow and filter the carbon dioxide inside the settlement.

The dust, as seen in The Martian, is very fine and it could do tremendous amounts of damage to the settlement and the equipment. The researchers at NASA are not yet sure how the dust will affect the astronauts or how dangerous it could really prove to be.

Also, the average temperature on the planet’s surface balances from a pleasant 27 Celsius (80 degrees Fahrenheit) to a bone-chilling, Jack Nicholson freezing -143 Celsius (-225 degrees Fahrenheit). So the team must be ready to learn how to fix the heating.

The atmospheric pressure is so low that, according to NASA scientists, a person’s body water would evaporate if the individual is not wearing the protection suit.

Image source: www.wikimedia.org

NASA Is Hiring

February 13, 2016 By Tara Hamilton Leave a Comment

"Astronaut performing a spacewalk on the ISS"

NASA is hiring the new generation of astronauts, one of which will go to Mars.

(Mirror Daily, United States) – Attention all space enthusiasts, NASA is hiring the new generation of astronauts. This is the first class that NASA gathers in four years. And that is not the best news. According to the Space Agency, one of the astronauts of this generation could have the opportunity of going to Mars.

Jessica Meir, a NASA employee and future participant in the astronaut training program is delighted to be a part of a team that will ultimately produce a member of the Mars crew. Dr. Meir is an assistant professor at Harvard and has collaborated with NASA on human physiology research on the International Space Station and the space shuttle.

The training of the new astronaut cadets will take place at Huston’s Space Center. In order for the candidates to be viable, they need to meet certain criteria. For starters, the applicants for the astronaut position at NASA must have at least a bachelor’s degree in either math, engineering or science. They must also have a military background or, at least, some experience in the military field. Because NASA is hiring only people that are able to comply with an order.

Another “must” is represented by communication skills and the ability to successfully work as a member of a team, or as a team leader. It is imperious that the candidates have above standards communication skills because, for example, the Mars mission will require them to work and sleep in a tent with a number of different other people for as long as three years. It’s not like NASA is hiring only Matt Daemons, but it is important to be able to communicate easily with your co-workers.

A chief astronaut at the National Aeronautics Space Agency, Chris Cassidy, gives a very pertinent example. Imagine going camping for a week in the woods with a person that you don’t like very much. Now expand the time free with approximately two to three years and change the location from the woods to a distant planet. It’s hard to imagine what could happen.

NASA is hiring, but the selection process will be rigorous. Of course, all of the astronauts that will be trained at Huston’s Space Center will be reassigned to other missions after completing their training because they will need to gather as much experience as they can in order to be selected for the Mars mission.

Even though the acceptance conditions are strict and there are only 8 to 14 available positions, the Space Agency announced that over six thousand people have already applied for the astronaut training.

According to NASA, the training will include some of the most difficult and extreme scenarios an astronaut can encounter from faulty equipment to a close encounter with a meteor.

We can only stop and ponder if NASA is hiring Elon Musk as well since he declared that he wants to be a part of the Mars mission and the current generation will produce an astronaut that will be a part of the team that will head out to the Red Planet.

Image source: www.pixabay.com

Elon Musk Says SpaceX Will Take Humans to Mars by 2025

January 30, 2016 By Matthew Slotkin Leave a Comment

Elon Musk will take us to Mars by 2025

(Mirror Daily, United States) – The CEO of Tesla and SpaceX is probably one of the most appreciated in the high-tech industry and Elon Musk says SpaceX will take humans to Mars by 2025.

Having two science-tech giants that produce “wonder” every other day like others produce bread, makes you pretty much “godlike”. So, when Elon Musk says his company SpaceX will develop a spacecraft that can fly humans to Mars by 2025, the odds are this is actually going to happen.

However, so far he only introduced the idea so as to make us more curious and keep us waiting for more. He will further detail his plan in the near future, unveiling also the architecture of the spacecraft.

But the CEO didn’t stop here with the news. He revealed one of his great dreams, that of building a city on Mars. So landing there would only be the start of a bigger, better adventure. Of course, the point is to do everything that’s in our power to ensure the survival of the human race in case our planet doesn’t make it. And given how things are going with global warming and everything, the Red Planet doesn’t sound so bad after all.

According to discoveries made so far, it still looks like Mars is the best solution we have, if we were to make a home someplace else. And when Elon Musk announces his company could make it happen in just about a decade, obviously people are already going crazy about it.

Of course, going to Mars opens up new horizons and with technology evolving at this pace and with people like Musk leading the evolution, we will be able to further explore the Universe and maybe find other planets were life could be sustained.

Everything will begin with a rocket in the next decade and go on with giant starships that could transport many people to the Red Planet. Of course, there are many skeptics out there who don’t believe this is possible, but giving people hope about it and making them excited for the journey ahead seems like a good plan to gather support for the huge project Elon Musk is preparing.

Let’s hope SpaceX won’t keep us waiting much and they will reveal the plans for the manned spacecraft this year as promised.

Image source: www.bing.com

NASA Wants To Lead The Mission To Mars

April 20, 2015 By Matthew Slotkin Leave a Comment

NASA and other private space companies like Mars One and SapceX are going to send the first to Mars, the Red Planet.

NASA recently announced the human’s journey to Mars would not be possible without the agency’s contribution.

Charles Bolden, the administrator of NASA, explained during the session with the U.S. House Committee on Science on Thursday, that the space agency is expected to send the first humans on Mars in 2030, and any other private company will not be able to do the same thing before them.

Bolden mentioned, “No commercial company without the support of NASA and government is going to get to Mars.”

NASA has send a rover which is still exploring the Red Planet’s surface and a few spacecrafts which are orbiting Mars, and this knowledge and experience will be of major help in their task of sending humans to the planet.

The gained data of Mars showed that the Red Planet may have been home to more forms of life in the past.

Bolden said before sending a manned mission it is crucial to understand the most detailed aspects of the Red Planet. He also added that NASA researchers have to find out if what happened to Mars could also happen to Earth.

Mars is believed to dispose of large water bodies, even oceans, just like Earth, but the planet lost all the liquid water as the planet slowed the generation of its magnetic field.

Mars One aims at sending humans on Mars and also to set the basis for a human colony on the Red Planet The company announced that they will make possible for humans to go to Mars in 2020s and then start up a human colony by 2027.

A space trip from Earth to Mars would take around 500 days. NASA has sent its astronauts to International Space Station for long periods, such as 12 months, in order to better understand the suitability of sending humans to Mars.

NASA, which is a government agency, announced it has the technology,information, finance, and support from the United States. Private companies would need the help of the agency for sending humans to Mars, the NASA scientists firmly believe.

For an entire month, starting April 29, NASA will organize a challenge for design ideas to keep astronauts safe during deep space missions. More than $30,000 will be given to design projects selected by NASA.

Image Source: Space

Mars Curiosity Pictures Hints Life May Have Existed on Mars

January 14, 2015 By John Birks Leave a Comment

Scientists are studying the pictures sent by NASDA rover Curiosity and striking similarity has been observed between the ancient sedimentary rocks on Mars and the structures created by microbes on Earth.The latest findings hints but do not confirm that life may have existed on the red planet.

The pictures in the study were taken by Mars rover Curiosity when it traveled through the Gillespie Lake outcrop in Yellowknife Bay. It was a dry lakebed which had periodic flooding billions of years ago. Both Mars and Earth share a common history and the Red planet was wetter and warmer then.

On Earth, Microbes trap and rearrange sediments in lakes and coasts, forming characteristic features which then get fossilized with the passage of time. Such structures are known as microbially-induced sedimentary structures (or MISS).

Nora Noffke, a geobiologist, in the journal Astrobiology stated that the rocky bed of the Gillespie Lake outcrop on Mars looks like ancient microbial sedimentary structures.

Saturday, the 27th of February

Sunday, the 28th of February

Monday, the 29th of February

Tuesday, the 1st of March

Wednesday, the 2nd of March

Thursday, the 3rd of March

Friday, the 4th of March

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