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Cocktails in Space
NASA's James Webb Space Telescope has made a significant discovery regarding the chemical makeup surrounding two young protostars, IRAS 2A and IRAS 23385. The telescope has detected various chemical compounds such as those found in margaritas, vinegar, and ant stings, which are crucial for the formation of habitable planets. Using Webb's Mid-Infrared Instrument (MIRI), an international team of astronomers identified icy compounds containing complex organic molecules like ethanol and possibly acetic acid.
This finding addresses a longstanding question in astrochemistry: the origin of complex organic molecules (COMs) in space. Led by Will Rocha of Leiden University, the team suggests that solid-phase chemical reactions on the surfaces of cold dust grains contribute to the formation of these molecules. Previous detections of COMs in the warm gas phase indicated their origin from the sublimation of ices, further emphasizing the importance of icy environments in space chemistry.
Scientists are intrigued by the potential transport of these COMs to planets during later stages of protostellar evolution. The presence of icy COMs in molecular clouds suggests easier transport to planet-forming disks, potentially delivering essential ingredients for life to developing planets through comets and asteroids.
Additionally, simpler molecules like formic acid, methane, formaldehyde, and sulfur dioxide were detected, with sulfur-containing compounds possibly playing a role in driving metabolic reactions on early Earth.
Of particular interest is the discovery around IRAS 2A, a low-mass protostar resembling the early stages of our solar system. This suggests that the identified chemicals may have contributed to the formation of our solar system and later delivered to Earth.
The observations were part of the JOYS+ program, dedicated to team member Harold Linnartz, who passed away shortly after the paper's acceptance. With more data expected from Webb in the coming years, astronomers anticipate further insights into the chemistry of young protostellar environments.
Comet Hunting? - 5000th Comet hunted! 12,000,000,000,000 more to go...
Every now and then, a comet grabs the spotlight, especially when it becomes visible to the naked eye from Earth. This may create the misconception that comets are rare. However, this notion couldn't be further from reality. The number of comets is believed to be so vast that even astronomers struggle to tally them all. But, some estimates place it at 12 trillion. Comets are small celestial bodies composed of ice and rock, completing their orbits around the Sun in just a few years.
Recently, the 5000th comet was discovered. This comet is categorized within the "Marsden group" of comets, believed to be associated with comet 96P/Machholz, which SOHO (Solar and Heliospheric Observatory) observes approximately every 5.3 years as it passes near the Sun. This group was named after the late scientist Brian Marsden, who initially identified it using SOHO observations. Out of the 5,000 comets discovered with SOHO, only about 75 belong to the Marsden group.
SOHO, a joint mission of ESA (European Space Agency) and NASA, was launched in December 1995 with the primary objective of studying the Sun and its outer atmosphere, known as the corona. Equipped with the Large Angle and Spectrometric Coronagraph (LASCO), SOHO employs an artificial disk to block the Sun's intense glare, enabling scientists to analyze the corona and its immediate surroundings.
This unique capability allows SOHO to detect comets flying close to the Sun, commonly referred to as "sungrazing" comets. Many of these comets only become visible when they approach the Sun, making them undetectable to other observatories due to the Sun's brightness. Consequently, SOHO has become the most prolific comet-finder in history, discovering over half of the comets known to date.
The sheer volume of comets spotted in SOHO images prompted the establishment of the NASA-funded Sungrazer Project in the early 2000s, enabling individuals worldwide to report comets detected in SOHO images. The wealth of cometary discoveries facilitated by SOHO has provided invaluable insights into sungrazing comets and various comet groups orbiting the Sun. Moreover, comets identified through the Sungrazer Project have contributed to a deeper understanding of the Sun, as they traverse through its atmosphere like miniature solar probes.
Through the study of comet orbits, astronomers have identified two primary comet reservoirs within the Solar System. The Kuiper belt, located beyond Pluto, is a flattened disc of comets that serves as a source for many short-period comets (those completing orbits around the Sun in less than 200 years). In contrast, the Oort cloud, named after Jan H. Oort, is significantly larger and supplies long-period comets. Extending to nearly a quarter of the distance to the nearest star, the Oort cloud is estimated to contain an astonishing one trillion comets.
Sagittarius A* has a new look… in Polarized Light
In 2022, researchers revealed the initial photograph of Sagittarius A*, the supermassive black hole situated in our Milky Way, weighing 4 million suns and positioned 27,000 light-years distant from Earth. This distance is just sufficient for a ray of light reflected from Earth's ice sheets during the Last Glacial Maximum to arrive at the black hole. It’s a small world!
Now, a fresh image released by the Event Horizon Telescope (EHT) has revealed robust magnetic fields spiraling out from the periphery of Sagittarius A*. Captured in polarized light for the very first time, this novel perspective has exposed a magnetic field configuration remarkably similar to that of the black hole residing at the center of the much larger M87 galaxy, which is 4 billion times the mass of our Sun. This observation suggests the possibility of strong magnetic fields being a ubiquitous trait among all black holes. Furthermore, this resemblance also implies the potential presence of a concealed jet within Sagittarius A*.
But, what is polarized light?
Light, an electromagnetic wave that oscillates or moves, enables us to perceive objects. At times, light oscillates with a preferred orientation, a phenomenon termed "polarization." Despite being ubiquitous, polarized light appears identical to "normal" light to the human eye. Within the plasma encircling black holes, particles orbiting along magnetic field lines generate a polarization pattern perpendicular to the field. This phenomenon enables astronomers to gain increasingly detailed insights into the events occurring within black hole regions and to chart their magnetic field lines.
By capturing images of polarized light emitted by hot, glowing gas near black holes, we can directly deduce the structure and potency of the magnetic fields guiding the flow of gas and matter consumed and expelled by the black hole. Polarized light provides invaluable insights into astrophysics, the characteristics of gas, and the mechanisms at play during a black hole's feeding process.
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But, there is never a dull moment with Sagittarius A* -? it never sits still for a photograph due to its rapid movement. On a lighter note, in order to grasp the essence of Sagittarius, one need only glance at some of the most famous Saggis of our time: Taylor Swift, Jay-Z, Miley Cyrus, Britney Spears & Brad Pitt - never a dull moment! The revelation of organized magnetic fields around Sgr A* adds a new layer to our understanding of this cosmic phenomenon, reflecting the dynamic and ever-changing nature often associated with Sagittarians.
Looking ahead, the EHT plans to observe Sgr A* again in April 2024, utilizing advancements in technology to unveil further secrets of black holes and refine theoretical models. Through continued observations and analysis, we strive to deepen our understanding of the cosmos, guided by the adventurous spirit of Sagittarius and the enigmatic allure of Sagittarius A*. Just as Sagittarians embrace the unknown with optimism and enthusiasm, so too do astronomers eagerly anticipate the next chapter in our exploration of the universe's mysteries. Stay tuned!
Choo Choo Train... on the Moon
In anticipation of establishing a permanent human settlement on the Moon, DARPA has granted a contract to Northrop Grumman for the development of a lunar transportation concept, as part of the 10-year Lunar Architecture (LunA-10) Capability Study.
The idea of operating a railway on the Moon may initially seem unconventional, yet there is a solid rationale behind it. Even during the Apollo 11 mission's historic landing on the Sea of Tranquility in 1969, it became evident that sustaining a permanent human presence on Mars would necessitate a robust infrastructure, including water ice mines, nuclear power facilities, manufacturing plants, and transportation systems.
Despite common perceptions of the Moon's size, it boasts a vast surface area comparable to that of Africa. Across such expanses, even a minimal human presence would demand a means of transportation to connect various outposts and activities.
Railway systems, whether conventional or utilizing maglev technology, offer significant advantages. Beyond their logistical utility, they address a major lunar challenge – dust. Lunar dust is highly abrasive and corrosive, clinging to spacesuits and equipment due to static electricity, thereby diminishing their lifespan and cleanliness. Traveling via train would substantially reduce human exposure to dust as they traverse different locations.
Additionally, the issue of lunar surface damage must be addressed. While lunar buggies are expected to be utilized, they have the potential to disrupt the lunar terrain. Unlike Earth, where tracks typically disappear due to rain and erosion, lunar tracks persist for billions of years. Minimizing such damage is important for both practical and aesthetic reasons.
The newly awarded contract encompasses fundamental aspects of lunar railway development. Northrop Grumman is tasked with delineating the interfaces and resources necessary for constructing a lunar rail network, identifying potential cost, technological, and logistical challenges, creating prototypes based on conceptual design and architecture, and devising strategies for robotic construction, as well as addressing issues such as grading the rail line, constructing its foundations, laying the tracks, and ongoing tasks such as inspection, maintenance, and repair.
Chris Adams, vice president and general manager of strategic space systems at Northrop Grumman, expressed confidence in the project's potential, stating, "This investment in key developmental research keeps our technology at the forefront of next-generation solutions. With our proven experience in integrating complex systems and commercialized autonomous services, we are poised to foster enduring advancements for a sustainable space ecosystem."
Northrop Grumman Northrop Grumman UK Northrop Grumman Australia Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration
"I am back", says NASA's IXPE (Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer)
NASA's IXPE (Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer) faced a temporary setback on March 23 when it stopped transmitting valid telemetry data. This interruption, reminiscent of a similar incident in June 2023, prompted the team to take action.
On March 26, employing procedures honed from past experiences, the team executed a spacecraft avionics reset, placing IXPE into a planned safe mode to address the issue. The good news is that IXPE has resumed transmitting valid telemetry data, and efforts are now underway to swiftly and safely resume its science operations.
The IXPE mission, launched on December 9, 2021, aims to deepen our understanding of high-energy astrophysical processes, supporting NASA's objective of unraveling the universe's workings. Costing $188 million, with a launch expense of $50.3 million, it's an international collaboration led by the Italian Space Agency (ASI). Employing X-ray polarimetry, IXPE studies various cosmic sources, including active galactic nuclei, pulsars, and supernova remnants. Built by Ball Aerospace & Technologies, the project's principal investigator is Martin C. Weisskopf from NASA Marshall Space Flight Center. Other partners include McGill University, MIT, Roma Tre University, Stanford University, OHB Italia, and the University of Colorado Boulder.
NASA Marshall Space Flight Center NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration Ball Aerospace 加拿大麦吉尔大学 美国科罗拉多大学博尔德分校 美国麻省理工学院 美国斯坦福大学 OHB Italia S.p.A.
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