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    Solar Eruptions could Electrify Martian Moons

    October 20, 2017, Categories  Astronomy/Space

    1. Image of Phobos, the larger of Mars' two moons. Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/University of Arizona

    Image of Phobos, the larger of Mars’ two moons. Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/University of ArizonaPowerful solar eruptions could electrically charge areas of the Martian moon Phobos to hundreds of volts, presenting a complex electrical environment that could possibly affect sensitive electronics carried by future robotic explorers. The study also considered electrical charges that could develop as astronauts transit the surface on potential human missions to Phobos.

    Phobos has been considered as a possible initial base for human exploration of Mars because its weak gravity makes it easier to land spacecraft, astronauts and supplies...

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    New Material for Digital Memories of the Future

    October 19, 2017, Categories  Physics, Technology/Electronics

    This is the first material with conductivity properties that can be switched on and off using ferroelectric polarization. Credit: Thor Balkhed

    This is the first material with conductivity properties that can be switched on and off using ferroelectric polarization. Credit: Thor Balkhed

    Ferroelectric self-assembled molecular materials. Scientists have developed the first material with conductivity properties that can be switched on and off using ferroelectric polarization. Professor Martijn Kemerink of Linköping University has worked with colleagues in Spain and the Netherlands to develop the first material with conductivity properties that can be switched on and off using ferroelectric polarisation. The phenomenon can be used for small and flexible digital memories of the future, and for completely new types of solar cells.

    The research group shows the phenomenon in action in three specially built molecules, and proposes a model ...

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    A Mission to Mars could make its own Oxygen thanks to Plasma Technology

    October 19, 2017, Categories  Astronomy/Space

    A mission to the Red Planet could create its own oxygen supply. Picture credit: NASA JPL/Malin Space Science Systems

    A mission to the Red Planet could create its own oxygen supply. Picture credit: NASA JPL/Malin Space Science Systems

    Mars, with its 96% CO2 atmosphere, has nearly ideal conditions for creating oxygen from CO2 through decomposition. The research by the universities of Lisbon and Porto, and École Polytechnique in Paris, shows that the pressure and temperature ranges in the Martian atmosphere mean non-thermal (or non-equilibrium) plasma can be used to produce oxygen efficiently.

    Dr Vasco Guerra, from the University of Lisbon, said: “Sending a manned mission to Mars is one of the next major steps in our exploration of space. Creating a breathable environment, however, is a substantial challenge...

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    Potential Human Habitat located on the Moon

    October 19, 2017, Categories  Astronomy/Space

    The Marius Hills Skylight, as observed by the Japanese SELENE/Kaguya research team. Credit: NASA/Goddard/Arizona State University

    The Marius Hills Skylight, as observed by the Japanese SELENE/Kaguya research team. Credit: NASA/Goddard/Arizona State University

    A study published in Geophysical Research Letters confirms the existence of a large open lava tube in the Marius Hills region of the moon, which could be used to protect astronauts from hazardous conditions on the surface. No one has ever been on the moon longer than 3 days, largely because space suits alone can’t shield astronauts from its elements: extreme temperature variation, radiation, and meteorite impacts. Unlike Earth, the moon has no atmosphere or magnetic field to protects its inhabitants.

    The safest place to seek shelter is the inside of an intact lava tube, according to the study...

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