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Insights from the Thorium Abundance Distribution in South Pole-Aitken Basin
Lunar and Planetary Science XXXVIII (2007) 1697.pdf DID A KREEP-LIKE COMPONENT EXIST ON THE FAR SIDE OF THE MOON?: INSIGHTS FROM THE THORIUM ABUNDANCE DISTRIBUTION IN SOUTH POLE-AITKEN BASIN. J. J. Hagerty1, D. J. Lawrence1, B. R. Hawke2, R. C. Elphic1, T. H. Prettyman1, and W. C. Feldman1, 1Los Alamos National Laboratory, ISR-1, MS D466, Los Alamos, NM 87545, email: [email protected]. 2University of Hawaii, Honolulu, HI 96822. Introduction: Most models for the evolution of materials on top of those basalt ponds. These results the Moon predict that 99% fractional crystallization of provide important information that help us to evaluate a lunar magma ocean will produce a layer of melt en- the source of Th enhancements in SPA basin. riched in incompatible elements such as K, REE, and P Forward Modeling: As part of the forward model- (i.e., KREEP) [1]. The lateral extent and distribution of ing process, we re-create a specific portion of the lunar this “KREEP” layer, which contains an abundance of surface in which we can control the Th abundances of heat-producing elements such as Th and U, is currently specific geologic features [12,13]. We must also know a matter of debate. However some workers [2] have what Th abundances can be reasonably assigned to any proposed that the surficial distribution of Th, which given feature and/or lithology, which is why we use has been measured on a global-scale [3,4,5], can be analyses from the lunar sample suite to constrain the used as a proxy for determining the global distribution upper and lower bounds of our Th estimates. -
Constraints on the Habitability of Extrasolar Moons
Formation, Detection, and Characterization of Extrasolar Habitable Planets Proceedings IAU Symposium No. 293, 2012 c International Astronomical Union 2014 N. Haghighipour, ed. doi:10.1017/S1743921313012738 Constraints on the Habitability of Extrasolar Moons Ren´e Heller1 and Rory Barnes2,3 1 Leibniz Institute for Astrophysics Potsdam (AIP), An der Sternwarte 16, 14482 Potsdam email: [email protected] 2 University of Washington, Dept. of Astronomy, Seattle, WA 98195, USA 3 Virtual Planetary Laboratory, NASA, USA email: [email protected] Abstract. Detections of massive extrasolar moons are shown feasible with the Kepler space telescope. Kepler’s findings of about 50 exoplanets in the stellar habitable zone naturally make us wonder about the habitability of their hypothetical moons. Illumination from the planet, eclipses, tidal heating, and tidal locking distinguish remote characterization of exomoons from that of exoplanets. We show how evaluation of an exomoon’s habitability is possible based on the parameters accessible by current and near-future technology. Keywords. celestial mechanics – planets and satellites: general – astrobiology – eclipses 1. Introduction The possible discovery of inhabited exoplanets has motivated considerable efforts towards estimating planetary habitability. Effects of stellar radiation (Kasting et al. 1993; Selsis et al. 2007), planetary spin (Williams & Kasting 1997; Spiegel et al. 2009), tidal evolution (Jackson et al. 2008; Barnes et al. 2009; Heller et al. 2011), and composition (Raymond et al. 2006; Bond et al. 2010) have been studied. Meanwhile, Kepler’s high precision has opened the possibility of detecting extrasolar moons (Kipping et al. 2009; Tusnski & Valio 2011) and the first dedicated searches for moons in the Kepler data are underway (Kipping et al. -
Scientists Provide New Explanation for the Far Side of the Moon's Strange
PRESS RELEASE Source: ELSI, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Japan For immediate release: June 22, 2020 Title: Scientists provide new explanation for the far side of the Moon’s strange asymmetry Subtitle: Earth’s Moon has a ‘near side’ that is perpetually Earth‐facing and a ‘far side’, which always faces away from Earth. The composition of the Moon’s near side is oddly different from its far side, and scientists think they finally understand why. Release summary: The Earth‐Moon system’s history remains mysterious. Scientists believe the two formed when a Mars‐sized body collided with the proto‐Earth. Earth ended up being the larger daughter of this collision and retained enough heat to become tectonically active. The Moon, being smaller, likely cooled down faster and geologically ‘froze’. The apparent dynamism of the Moon challenges this idea. New data suggest this is because radioactive elements were distributed uniquely after the catastrophic Moon‐forming collision. Full‐text release: The Earth‐Moon system’s history remains mysterious. Scientists believe the two formed when a Mars‐sized body collided with the proto‐Earth. Earth ended up being the larger daughter of this collision and retained enough heat to become tectonically active. The Moon, being smaller, likely cooled down faster and geologically ‘froze’. The apparent early dynamism of the Moon challenges this idea. New data suggest this is because radioactive elements were distributed uniquely after the catastrophic Moon‐ forming collision. Earth’s Moon, together with the Sun, is a dominant object in our sky and offers many observable features which keep scientists busy trying to explain how our planet and the Solar System formed. -
18Th EANA Conference European Astrobiology Network Association
18th EANA Conference European Astrobiology Network Association Abstract book 24-28 September 2018 Freie Universität Berlin, Germany Sponsors: Detectability of biosignatures in martian sedimentary systems A. H. Stevens1, A. McDonald2, and C. S. Cockell1 (1) UK Centre for Astrobiology, University of Edinburgh, UK ([email protected]) (2) Bioimaging Facility, School of Engineering, University of Edinburgh, UK Presentation: Tuesday 12:45-13:00 Session: Traces of life, biosignatures, life detection Abstract: Some of the most promising potential sampling sites for astrobiology are the numerous sedimentary areas on Mars such as those explored by MSL. As sedimentary systems have a high relative likelihood to have been habitable in the past and are known on Earth to preserve biosignatures well, the remains of martian sedimentary systems are an attractive target for exploration, for example by sample return caching rovers [1]. To learn how best to look for evidence of life in these environments, we must carefully understand their context. While recent measurements have raised the upper limit for organic carbon measured in martian sediments [2], our exploration to date shows no evidence for a terrestrial-like biosphere on Mars. We used an analogue of a martian mudstone (Y-Mars[3]) to investigate how best to look for biosignatures in martian sedimentary environments. The mudstone was inoculated with a relevant microbial community and cultured over several months under martian conditions to select for the most Mars-relevant microbes. We sequenced the microbial community over a number of transfers to try and understand what types microbes might be expected to exist in these environments and assess whether they might leave behind any specific biosignatures. -
Pluto and Charon
National Aeronautics and Space Administration 0 300,000,000 900,000,000 1,500,000,000 2,100,000,000 2,700,000,000 3,300,000,000 3,900,000,000 4,500,000,000 5,100,000,000 5,700,000,000 kilometers Pluto and Charon www.nasa.gov Pluto is classified as a dwarf planet and is also a member of a Charon’s orbit around Pluto takes 6.4 Earth days, and one Pluto SIGNIFICANT DATES group of objects that orbit in a disc-like zone beyond the orbit of rotation (a Pluto day) takes 6.4 Earth days. Charon neither rises 1930 — Clyde Tombaugh discovers Pluto. Neptune called the Kuiper Belt. This distant realm is populated nor sets but “hovers” over the same spot on Pluto’s surface, 1977–1999 — Pluto’s lopsided orbit brings it slightly closer to with thousands of miniature icy worlds, which formed early in the and the same side of Charon always faces Pluto — this is called the Sun than Neptune. It will be at least 230 years before Pluto history of the solar system. These icy, rocky bodies are called tidal locking. Compared with most of the planets and moons, the moves inward of Neptune’s orbit for 20 years. Kuiper Belt objects or transneptunian objects. Pluto–Charon system is tipped on its side, like Uranus. Pluto’s 1978 — American astronomers James Christy and Robert Har- rotation is retrograde: it rotates “backwards,” from east to west Pluto’s 248-year-long elliptical orbit can take it as far as 49.3 as- rington discover Pluto’s unusually large moon, Charon. -
Solar System
Lecture 2 Solar system Beibei Liu (刘倍⻉) Introduction to Astrophysics, 2019 What is planet? Definition of planet 1. It orbits the sun (central star) 2. It has sufficient mass to have its self-gravity to overcome rigid bodies force, so that in a hydrostatic equilibrium (near round and stable shape) 3. Its perturbations have cleared away other objects in the neighbourhood of its orbit. asteroid, comet, moon, pluto? Moon-Earth system: Tidal force Tidal locking (tidal synchronisation): spin period of the moon is equal to the orbital period of the Earth-Moon system (~28 days). Moon-Earth system: Tidal force Earth rotation is only 24 hours Earth slowly decreases its rotation, and moon’s orbital distance gradually increases Lunar and solar eclipse Blood moon, sun’s light refracted by earth’s atmosphere. Due to Rayleigh scattering, red color is easy to remain Solar system Terrestrial planets Gas giant planets ice giant planets Heat source of the planet 1. Gravitational contraction: release potential energy 2. Decay of radioactive isotope,such as potassium, uranium 3. Giant impacts, planetesimal accretion Melting and differentiation of planet interior Originally homogeneous material begin to segregate into layers of different chemical composition. Heavy elements sink into the centre. Interior of planets Relative core size Interior of planets Metallic hydrogen: high pressure, H2 dissociate into atoms and become electronic conducting. Magnetic field is generated in this layer. Earth interior layers Crust (rigid): granite and basalt Silicate mantle: flow and convection Fe-Ni core: T~4000-9000K Magnetic field is generated by electric currents due to large convective motion of molten metal in outer core and mantle Earth interior layers Tectonics motion Large scale movement of plates in Earth’s lithosphere. -
Spacecraft Deliberately Crashed on the Lunar Surface
A Summary of Human History on the Moon Only One of These Footprints is Protected The narrative of human history on the Moon represents the dawn of our evolution into a spacefaring species. The landing sites - hard, soft and crewed - are the ultimate example of universal human heritage; a true memorial to human ingenuity and accomplishment. They mark humankind’s greatest technological achievements, and they are the first archaeological sites with human activity that are not on Earth. We believe our cultural heritage in outer space, including our first Moonprints, deserves to be protected the same way we protect our first bipedal footsteps in Laetoli, Tanzania. Credit: John Reader/Science Photo Library Luna 2 is the first human-made object to impact our Moon. 2 September 1959: First Human Object Impacts the Moon On 12 September 1959, a rocket launched from Earth carrying a 390 kg spacecraft headed to the Moon. Luna 2 flew through space for more than 30 hours before releasing a bright orange cloud of sodium gas which both allowed scientists to track the spacecraft and provided data on the behavior of gas in space. On 14 September 1959, Luna 2 crash-landed on the Moon, as did part of the rocket that carried the spacecraft there. These were the first items humans placed on an extraterrestrial surface. Ever. Luna 2 carried a sphere, like the one pictured here, covered with medallions stamped with the emblem of the Soviet Union and the year. When Luna 2 impacted the Moon, the sphere was ejected and the medallions were scattered across the lunar Credit: Patrick Pelletier surface where they remain, undisturbed, to this day. -
MOON PHASES Session 1: the Four Steps Note: Wait for Instructions Before You Start Answering the Questions Here!
Name: ______________________________ WWT ThinkSpace Moon Phases MOON PHASES Session 1: The Four Steps Note: Wait for instructions before you start answering the questions here! 1. How is the Moon lit up? a. What do you think lights up the Moon? ____________________the Sun b. The diagram below shows an overhead view of the Moon. Shade the part of the Moon that you think will be dark (leave the lit part of the Moon white/unshaded). Sunlight shining from this direction overhead perspective (space-based perspective) DARK Moon c. How much of the Moon is lit at any time ____________________half < write as a fraction > d. Why is the dark part of the Moon dark? (respond below) _________________________________________________________________The dark part of the Moon is dark because all of the Moon’s light comes _________________________________________________________________from the Sun, and this is the side that faces away from the Sun 2. Follow 4 STEPS to figure out the Moon’s phase Sunlight is shining from this direction facing awayMoon from EarthDARK facing Earth Overhead perspective NOT to scale Earth DARK Overhead Perspective (space-based perspective) Step 1 Shade the part of the Moon (and Earth) that appears dark from overhead. Step 2 Draw a line that divides the Moon into the halves facing Earth and facing away from Earth. Label the two sides of the Moon (“facing Earth” / “facing away from Earth”). Step 3 Describe the side of the Moon facing Earth. Circle one of the five choice below ALL DARK MOSTLY DARK HALF-LIT/HALF-DARK MOSTLY LIT ALL LIT Earth-Based Perspective Step 4 Use the overhead view above to imagine what the Moon looks like from Earth. -
Lesson 4: 28 Days and the Dark/Far Side of the Moon (Taken from Episode 3: 6.1.1—28 Days and the Dark Side of the Moon)
Lesson 4: 28 Days and the Dark/Far Side of the Moon (Taken from Episode 3: 6.1.1—28 Days and the Dark Side of the Moon) Strand 6.1 Standard 6.1.1 Big Idea Structure Develop and use a model of the Sun-Earth-Moon The moon appears and Motion system to describe the cyclic patterns of lunar phases, to change shape within the eclipses, of the Sun and Moon, and seasons. Examples over time in a Solar System. of models could be physical, graphical, or conceptual. cyclical pattern. Title Time CCCs Practices 28 Days and the 40 minutes Cause Develop model Dark/Far Side of the and Moon Effect Phenomenon: : The moon changes shape in a cyclical pattern over the course of 28 days, but, on Earth, we only see one side of the moon. Materials • The Moon Complete Cycle Chart Complete Moon Phases Chart • Youtube Video: Watch the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j91XTV_p9pc • Web page: https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/speaking-of- science/wp/2015/02/09/nasa-gives-us-an-amazing-look-at-the-dark-side-of-the-moon/ • Journal Teacher Directions Gathering Obtain Information 1. Pass out or show on a screen the Complete Moon Phases Chart. Students will make observations from the Complete Moon Phases Chart and then discuss their observations with partners. 2. Watch the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j91XTV_p9pc https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j91XTV_p9pc and then discuss their observations with partners. Ask Questions 1. During and after observations, give students time to discuss and ask Questions about their observations based on what they see that is the same on all the moon phases. -
The Moon and Eclipses
The Moon and Eclipses ASTR 101 September 14, 2018 • Phases of the moon • Lunar month • Solar eclipses • Lunar eclipses • Eclipse seasons 1 Moon in the Sky An image of the Earth and the Moon taken from 1 million miles away. Diameter of Moon is about ¼ of the Earth. www.nasa.gov/feature/goddard/from-a-million-miles-away-nasa-camera-shows-moon-crossing-face-of-earth • Moonlight is reflected sunlight from the lunar surface. Moon reflects about 12% of the sunlight falling on it (ie. Moon’s albedo is 12%). • Dark features visible on the Moon are plains of old lava flows, formed by ancient volcanic eruptions – When Galileo looked at the Moon through his telescope, he thought those were Oceans, so he named them as Marias. – There is no water (or atmosphere) on the Moon, but still they are known as Maria – Through a telescope large number of craters, mountains and other geological features visible. 2 Moon Phases Sunlight Sunlight full moon New moon Sunlight Sunlight Quarter moon Crescent moon • Depending on relative positions of the Earth, the Sun and the Moon we see different amount of the illuminated surface of Moon. 3 Moon Phases first quarter waxing waxing gibbous crescent Orbit of the Moon Sunlight full moon new moon position on the orbit View from the Earth waning waning gibbous last crescent quarter 4 Sun Earthshine Moon light reflected from the Earth Earth in lunar sky is about 50 times brighter than the moon from Earth. “old moon" in the new moon's arms • Night (shadowed) side of the Moon is not completely dark. -
Final Thoughts
Contents Part I Common Themes 1. The Discovery of Extraterrestrial Worlds........................ 3 Introduction ...................................................................... 3 Radial Velocity: The Pull of Extrasolar Planets .............. 5 Transit: The Shadow of a Planet Cast by Its Star ........... 11 Microlensing: The Ghosts of Hidden Worlds .................. 20 Now You See It, Now You Don’t: Formalhaut B and Beyond ................................................ 24 What Worlds Await Us? ................................................... 27 Conclusions ...................................................................... 38 2. The Formation of Stars and Planets ................................ 39 Introduction ...................................................................... 39 Gravity’s Role in Star and Planet Formation .................. 40 The Effects of Neighboring Stars ..................................... 43 Brown Dwarfs ................................................................... 44 The Planets of Red Dwarfs ............................................... 46 Alternative Routes to Rome ............................................ 47 Energy and Life ................................................................. 50 Planetary Heat .................................................................. 51 Atmosphere, Hydrosphere and Biosphere ....................... 58 Conclusions ...................................................................... 60 3. Stellar Evolution Near the Bottom of the Main Sequence -
FARSIDE Probe Study Final Report
Study Participants List, Disclaimers, and Acknowledgements Study Participants List Principal Authors Jack O. Burns, University of Colorado Boulder Gregg Hallinan, California Institute of Technology Co-Authors Jim Lux, NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Andres Romero-Wolf, NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Technology Institute of Technology Lawrence Teitelbaum, NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Tzu-Ching Chang, NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology Institute of Technology Jonathon Kocz, California Institute of Technology Judd Bowman, Arizona State University Robert MacDowall, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Justin Kasper, University of Michigan Richard Bradley, National Radio Astronomy Observatory Marin Anderson, California Institute of Technology David Rapetti, University of Colorado Boulder Zhongwen Zhen, California Institute of Technology Wenbo Wu, California Institute of Technology Jonathan Pober, Brown University Steven Furlanetto, UCLA Jordan Mirocha, McGill University Alex Austin, NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology Disclaimers/Acknowledgements Part of this research was carried out at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, under a contract with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. The cost information contained in this document is of a budgetary and planning nature and is intended for informational purposes only. It does not constitute a commitment on the part of JPL and/or Caltech © 2019.