![Average ion velocity and magnetic field distributions near the ICB. (A) The center-of-mass velocity of heavy ions in the XZMSE plane, averaged over −1 RM < YMSE < 1 RM. (B) Proton velocity. (C) Velocity shear between protons and heavy ions. (D) Magnetic field strength. (E) Angle between the magnetic field and the X�⃗ MSEin the YZMSE plane, averaged over −1.5 RM < XMSE < 0.5 RM. Black arrows in (A) to (C) indicate velocity directions. Black curves in (A) to (D) mark the nominal locations of the bow shock and ICB. The black shaded sphere in (E) denotes the planetary shadow. -- [physics.space-ph]](https://i0.wp.com/astrobiology.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Simultaneous.png?resize=1200%2C720&ssl=1)
[physics.space-ph] Atmospheric ion escape driven by the solar wind is a key process controlling the long-term loss of the Martian atmosphere. Localized plasma clouds can carry substantial fluxes of planetary […]
Tianwen-1
Posted inAstrochemistry, Astrogeology, Astronomy & Telescopes, Biochemistry & Organic Chemistry, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Comets and Asteroids, Icy Worlds, Imaging & Spectroscopy, Interstellar, Status Report
Interstellar Object 3I/ATLAS Observed from Mars by China’s Tianwen-1 Spacecraft
China’s Tianwen-1 Mars orbiter successfully imaged the third interstellar object, 3I/ATLAS, during its close encounter with Mars using the onboard HiRIC CMOS camera. This is China’s first deep-space observation of […]
Posted inAstrogeology, Biogeochemical Cycles & Geobiology, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Icy Worlds, Imaging & Spectroscopy, Mapping, Geodesy, Cartography, Bathymetry, Mars, Missions & Hardware, Press Release, Robotics/Rovers/UAVs, Water/Hycean Worlds & Oceanography
Ancient Beaches Testify To A Long-ago Ocean On Mars
A Chinese rover that landed on Mars in 2021 detected evidence of underground beach deposits in an area thought to have once been the site of an ancient sea, providing […]
Posted inAstrogeology, Biogeochemical Cycles & Geobiology, Imaging & Spectroscopy, Mapping, Geodesy, Cartography, Bathymetry, Mars, Press Release
Global Color Image Dataset And Map Of Mars by Tianwen-1
Remote-sensing images of Mars contain rich information about its surface morphology, topography, and geological structure. These data are fundamental for scientific research and exploration missions of Mars.
Posted inAstrobiology (general), Missions & Hardware
Corrected And Updated Version Of NASA’s Astrobiology Fleet Chart (update)
Editor’s note: This Astrobiology Fleet chart was shown by David Grinspoon and Shawn Domagal-Goldman on 22 Mar 2024 at an AAS Goddard Memorial Science Meeting. It is rather incomplete and […]