Archive – Page 91 – Astronomy Now

A core-warping impact in Jupiter’s past?

17 August 2019 Astronomy Now

Researchers a collision between Jupiter and a still-forming planet at the dawn of the solar system best explains data suggesting the gas giant’s core is less dense than expected.

Persistence – and adaptive optics – track Io volcanoes

16 August 2019 Astronomy Now

Using adaptive optics, researchers have been monitoring Jupiter’s tortured moon Io for the past five years, gaining new insights into its persistent volcanism.

Analysis shows 1-in-6 stars may host Earth-size planets

16 August 2019 Astronomy Now

A new analysis shows roughly Earth-size planets in habitable-zone orbits can likely be found around one in six relatively nearby Sun-like stars.

Parker Solar Probe heading for third close pass by Sun

14 August 2019 Astronomy Now

The Parker Solar Probe, racing toward its third close pass by the Sun, is working better than expected collecting data about the solar wind and the hot corona.

ESA assesses ExoMars parachute tears

13 August 2019 Astronomy Now

With launch a year away, engineers are working to overcome problems with the ExoMars 2020 parachute system.

OSIRIS-REx candidate sample collection sites identified

13 August 2019 Astronomy Now

Researchers with NASA’s OSIRIS-REx mission have selected four possible sample collection sites on the asteroid Bennu. The team plans to narrow that down to two in December.

Curiosity captures panoramic view of ‘Teal Ridge’

12 August 2019 Astronomy Now

The Curiosity Mars rover, now halfway across a clay-bearing region on the slopes of Mount Sharp, has captured a detailed panorama showing terrain once shaped by water in the distant past.

Observatories resume operations amid protests

12 August 2019 Astronomy Now

After a month-long shutdown due to protests and demonstrations, observatories in Hawaii hope to resume observations.

IAU approves more names for features on Pluto

10 August 2019 Astronomy Now

The International Astronomical Union has approved a second set of names for features on the surface of Pluto.

A fine Perseid meteor shower peak on 13 August despite a waxing Moon?

9 August 2019 Ade Ashford

It’s the time of year when Northern Hemisphere skywatchers turn their attention to the Perseids, the favourite meteor shower of many an observer. The peak of the Perseids is predicted for moonset on 13 August 2019, bringing dark skies to watch these bright, fast shooting stars — the more explosive examples leaving persistent trails in the sky.