Stellar flares occasionally present a peak-bump light curve morphology, consisting of an initial impulsive phase followed by a gradual late phase. Analyzing this specific morphology can uncover the underlying physics […]
Radiation
Posted inAtmospheres, Climate, Weather, Biogeochemical Cycles & Geobiology, Magnetic Fields, Electromagnetism, bioelectricity,, Press Release, Radiation, Space Weather & Heliophysics
Unveiling The Mysterious Sprite Fireworks Over The Himalayas
Have you ever heard of—or even seen—red lightning? These are not animated characters but real atmospheric phenomena known as electrical discharges that occur high above thunderstorms. Scientists refer to them […]
Posted inAstronomy & Telescopes, Atmospheres, Climate, Weather, Biophysics, Exoplanets, -moons, -comets, Habitable Zones, Radiation, Space Weather & Heliophysics, Status Report, Stellar Cartography
The Impact Of Stellar Flares On The Atmospheric Escape of Exoplanets Orbiting M stars I: Insights From The AU Mic System
The X-rays and Extreme Ultraviolet (XUV) emission from M stars can drive the atmospheric escape on planets orbiting them. M stars are also known for their frequent emission of stellar […]
Posted inAstronomy & Telescopes, Atmospheres, Climate, Weather, Extinction events, Habitable Zones, Press Release, Radiation
Violent Supernovae May Have Triggered At Least Two Earth Extinctions
At least two mass extinction events in Earth’s history were likely caused by the “devastating” effects of nearby supernova explosions, a new study suggests.
Posted inAstrochemistry, Astrogeology, Biochemistry & Organic Chemistry, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Europa, Habitable Zones, Icy Worlds, Imaging & Spectroscopy, Mapping, Geodesy, Cartography, Bathymetry, Radiation, Status Report, Water/Hycean Worlds & Oceanography
Fluorescent Biomolecules Detectable in Near-Surface Ice on Europa
Europa, Jupiter’s second Galilean moon, is believed to host a subsurface ocean in contact with a rocky mantle, where hydrothermal activity may drive the synthesis of organic molecules.
Posted inOrigin & Evolution of Life, Radiation, Status Report
Life in the Bubble: How a Nearby Supernova Left Ephemeral Footprints on the Cosmic-Ray Spectrum and Indelible Imprints on Life
The Earth sits inside a 300 pc-wide void that was carved by a series of supernova explosions that went off tens of millions of years ago, pushing away interstellar gas […]
Posted inAstrogeology, Biochemistry & Organic Chemistry, Biogeochemical Cycles & Geobiology, Europa, Icy Worlds, Imaging & Spectroscopy, Radiation, Status Report
Radiation Sputtering of Hydrocarbon Ices at Europa-relevant Temperatures
The surfaces of some icy moons, such as Jupiter’s moon Europa, are heavily bombarded by energetic particles that can alter the surface materials and affect the composition of its exosphere. […]
Posted inAstronomy & Telescopes, Biochemistry & Organic Chemistry, Biophysics, Extinction events, Genomics, Proteomics, Bioinformatics, Press Release, Radiation
Cosmic Radiation From A Supernova Altered Virus Evolution In Africa, Study Proposes
Isolated by mountains along the East African Rift is Lake Tanganyika. Over 400 miles long, it is the continent’s deepest lake and accounts for 16% of the world’s available freshwater. […]
Posted inGanymede, Icy Worlds, Jupiter, Magnetic Fields, Electromagnetism, bioelectricity,, Missions & Hardware, Radiation, Status Report
Ionosphere of Ganymede: Galileo Observations Versus Test Particle Simulation
In this paper, we model the plasma environment of Ganymede by means of a collisionless test particle simulation.
Posted inAstrogeology, Atmospheres, Climate, Weather, Enceladus, Europa, Icy Worlds, Radiation, Status Report
Electron-induced Chemistry And Sputtering Of Volatile Species From Amorphous And Crystalline Water Ice
Electron irradiation of water-rich ices plays a significant role in initiating the chemical and physical processes on the surface of airless icy bodies in radiation environments such as Europa and […]