Springer Archives - Astrobiology

Vertical panels are grouped by ice grain radius and density whereas horizontal panels are grouped by dust content (by mass). Note that the vertical (depth) scale is different in the three rows: 0–700 cm in the top row, 0–40 cm in the middle row, and 0–6 cm in the bottom row. The solar zenith angle is zero in all cases, and the peak solar flux over the course of the year is used. -- Nature

Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Cryobiology, Extremeophiles and Extreme Environments, Habitable Zones, Mars, Microbiology & Virology, Press Release, Radiation

Potential Microbial Habitats In Martian Ice

by Keith CowingOctober 23, 2024October 23, 2024

Dusty ice exposed at the surface of Mars could provide the conditions necessary for the presence of photosynthetic life, according to a modelling study. The findings, published in Communications Earth […]

Why Does NASA Want to Explore Jupiter’s Ocean Moon Europa? -- NASA

Analog Studies, Arctic / Antarctic / Alpine, Biochemistry & Organic Chemistry, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Cryobiology, Europa, Habitable Zones, Icy Worlds, Imaging & Spectroscopy, Mapping, Geodesy, Cartography, Bathymetry, Missions & Hardware, Status Report, Water/Hycean Worlds & Oceanography

Exploring the Composition of Europa with the Upcoming Europa Clipper Mission

by Keith CowingJuly 17, 2024August 20, 2024

Jupiter’s icy moon, Europa, harbors a subsurface liquid water ocean; the prospect of this ocean being habitable motivates further exploration of the moon with the upcoming NASA Europa Clipper mission. […]

The position of each instrument on the Europa Clipper spacecraft, illustrated in the spacecraft’s stowed position. The optical remote sensing instruments (Europa-UVS, EIS NAC, EIS WAC, MISE, and E-THEMIS) have their apertures along the spacecraft’s +Y direction, which will be oriented nadir (toward Europa) during flybys; all except MISE are co-located on the “nadir deck.” MASPEX and SUDA are oriented along the spacecraft’s +Z axis, which will be oriented in the ram direction (the direction of spacecraft motion) during flybys. The REASON antennas are mounted on the edges of the solar array panels and will be oriented parallel to Europa’s surface during flybys. The positions of PIMS Upper and PIMS Lower permit combined view of plasma around the spacecraft with only minor obstructions, and the three ECM sensors and 8.5-m magnetometer boom are stowed within a cannister for deployment after launch. Accommodation considerations have ensured that all instruments can operate simultaneously and synergistically. Illustration by Steve Barajas (JPL/Caltech)

Astrochemistry, Astrogeology, Biochemistry & Organic Chemistry, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Cryobiology, Europa, Habitable Zones, Icy Worlds, Jupiter, Mapping, Geodesy, Cartography, Bathymetry, Missions & Hardware, Status Report, Tricorders & Sensors, Water/Hycean Worlds & Oceanography

Science Overview of the Europa Clipper Astrobiology Mission

by Keith CowingMay 24, 2024May 27, 2024

The goal of NASA’s Europa Clipper mission is to assess the habitability of Jupiter’s moon Europa. After entering Jupiter orbit in 2030, the flight system will collect science data while […]

This illustration shows magnetic field lines that Earth generates today. The Moon no longer has a magnetic field. -- NASA

Atmospheres, Climate, Weather, Biochemistry & Organic Chemistry, Biophysics, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Fossils & Paleontology, Habitable Zones, Magnetic Fields, Electromagnetism, bioelectricity,, Press Release, Water/Hycean Worlds & Oceanography

A Weak Magnetic Field May Have Supported The Diversification Of Life On Earth

by Keith CowingMay 3, 2024May 3, 2024

An unusual reduction in the strength of the Earth’s magnetic field between 591 and 565 million years ago coincided with a significant increase in the oxygen levels in the atmosphere […]