APOD: 2011 January 30 – Gibbous Europa
Jan 31, 2011 Space
Although the phase of this moon might appear familiar, the moon itself might not. In fact, this gibbous phase shows part of Jupiter’s moon Europa. The robot spacecraft Galileo captured this image mosaic during its mission orbiting Jupiter from 1995 – 2003. Visible are plains of bright ice, cracks that run to the horizon, and dark patches that likely contain both ice and dirt. Raised terrain is particularly apparent near the terminator, where it casts shadows. Europa is nearly the same size as Earth’s Moon, but much smoother, showing few highlands or large impact craters. Evidence and images from the Galileo spacecraft, indicated that liquid oceans might exist below the icy surface. To test speculation that these seas hold life, NASA and ESA have started preliminary development of the Europa Jupiter System Mission, a spacecraft proposed for launch around 2020 that would further explore Jupiter and in particular Europa. If the surface ice is thin enough, a future mission might drop hydrobots to burrow into the oceans and search for life.
Model predicts ‘religiosity gene’ will dominate society
Jan 31, 2011 Space
(PhysOrg.com) — In the past 20 years, the Amish population in the US has doubled, increasing from 123,000 in 1991 to 249,000 in 2010. The huge growth stems almost entirely from the religious cultures high fertility rate, which is about 6 children per woman, on average. At this rate, the Amish population will reach 7 million by 2100 and 44 million by 2150. On the other hand, the growth may not continue if future generations of Amish choose to defect from the religion and if secular influences reduce the birth rate. In a new study, Robert Rowthorn, emeritus professor of economics at Cambr
New Discovery: Prehistoric Body Clock in Humans Same as That in Algae
Jan 31, 2011 Space
The mechanism that controls the internal 24-hour clock of all forms of life from human cells to algae has been identified by scientists at the Universities of Cambridge and Edinburgh. The circadian clock arose early in the evolution of life….
The power of spin
Jan 31, 2011 Space
Supermasssive black holes – objects with masses of millions or billions of suns – are found at the nuclei of dramatic galaxies like quasars where they are responsible for some of the most spectacular phenomena in the cosmos.
Researchers Say Asteroid Deflection Could Save Earth
Jan 31, 2011 Space
So you think global warming is a big problem? What could happen if a 25-million-ton chunk of rock slammed into Earth? When something similar happened 65 million years ago, the dinosaurs and other forms of life were wiped out.
Virtual Self
Jan 31, 2011 Space
Enter a descriptionYour avatar may be just a virtual identity, but it can also affect how you are in the real world
Geologist claims a few dinosaurs survived extinction event
Jan 31, 2011 Space
A geologist has long claimed that a few dinosaurs survived the cataclysm thought to wipe out all of the reptiles. He now has new data supporting his claim, but few are buying it.
Weather Forecast Calls for a Hot 2011 [w/vid]
Jan 31, 2011 Space
Sure, the East Coast has been hit especially hard with snowstorms this winter. But be prepared. The weather forecast calls for a hot 2011. In fact, last year tied for the hottest year on record, the result of a long-term warming trend which will continue, according to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).
APOD: 2011 January 30 – Gibbous Europa
Jan 31, 2011 Science
Although the phase of this moon might appear familiar, the moon itself might not. In fact, this gibbous phase shows part of Jupiter’s moon Europa. The robot spacecraft Galileo captured this image mosaic during its mission orbiting Jupiter from 1995 – 2003. Visible are plains of bright ice, cracks that run to the horizon, and dark patches that likely contain both ice and dirt. Raised terrain is particularly apparent near the terminator, where it casts shadows. Europa is nearly the same size as Earth’s Moon, but much smoother, showing few highlands or large impact craters. Evidence and images from the Galileo spacecraft, indicated that liquid oceans might exist below the icy surface. To test speculation that these seas hold life, NASA and ESA have started preliminary development of the Europa Jupiter System Mission, a spacecraft proposed for launch around 2020 that would further explore Jupiter and in particular Europa. If the surface ice is thin enough, a future mission might drop hydrobots to burrow into the oceans and search for life.
Model predicts ‘religiosity gene’ will dominate society
Jan 31, 2011 Science
(PhysOrg.com) — In the past 20 years, the Amish population in the US has doubled, increasing from 123,000 in 1991 to 249,000 in 2010. The huge growth stems almost entirely from the religious cultures high fertility rate, which is about 6 children per woman, on average. At this rate, the Amish population will reach 7 million by 2100 and 44 million by 2150. On the other hand, the growth may not continue if future generations of Amish choose to defect from the religion and if secular influences reduce the birth rate. In a new study, Robert Rowthorn, emeritus professor of economics at Cambr