Artemis

Posted on April 20, 2023 by araceal

Since there has not been another moon landing. Until now. In 2024, Artemis 2 will launch and send the first person of color and the first woman to the moon. This mission’s goal is to establish the first long-term occupancy on the moon. This mission is the first step to then sending our astronauts to Mars. 

According to NASA, the exploration taking place in about a year will have many scientific, economic and inspirational benefits for our future on Earth and in space. The mission consists of building an Artemis base camp on the moon’s surface as well as having a gateway in the moon’s lunar orbit. This gateway will provide astronauts a place to live and work and support them, while allowing them to travel back and forth between the surface camp and the spaceship. 

This is a very exiting mission because it has been many many years since we have visited the Moon, let alone physically visited another object in our solar system. This exploration will finally demolish all of the conspiracies about the moon landing being fake due to the fact that we have not been back; because now we are going back. 

This video by NASA tells us why the moon! Make sure to keep updating yourself on the news and launch of this incredible mission when the time comes!

Picture of Gateway in lunar orbit

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The Most Extreme Extremophile

Posted on April 19, 2023 by araceal

An extremophile is an organism which is able to survive in the harshest of conditions. Acidophiles thrive in very acidic conditions, thermophiles thrive in environments with extremely high temperatures, psychrophiles thrive in very very low temperatures. There are many other types of extremophiles, one for every type of harsh environment in which organisms thrive in. If there are so many different types, then what extremophile is the most extreme?

According to Artis Micropia, the most extreme extremophile discovered right now is the  

Deinococcus Radiodurans. This extremophile is a psychrophile, a xerophile, an acidophile; or in other words: a polyextremophile which can survive extreme cold, droughts, thin air, acidic, and high radioactivity conditions. 

This organism was discovered by accident during an experiment. In 1956, Arthur Anderson was conducting an experiment at the Oregon Agriculture Experiment Station in Oregon. This experiment consisted of sterilizing canned food with high doses of radiation in order to determine if this was a sustainable way of sterilizing food. Although all forms of bacteria and life were killed, the Deinococcus Radiodurans stayed standing. 

Another interesting fact about this organism is that there is potential for this type of extremophile to survive on Mars, which would give us evidence for our ongoing research about life on Mars.

Photo of Deinococcus Radiodurans

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To Infinity and Beyond

Posted on April 18, 2023 by reachforthestarsbysam

This Star Wars-esque image shows what it would be like to travel at light speed!

I have certainly learned so much by taking this course. It has really helped me grow my perspective of the universe and how much there is left to learn and explore. I might not be alone in this, but I felt like there was not a whole lot left to learn about our solar system once we reached the moon and gathered data on all the other planets. But this is absolutely not the case and this class taught me that. I have found it incredibly exciting that there is still so much to learn, and maybe as technology advances, we may be able to land on the “surfaces” of the gas giants or collect data on extremophiles on other worlds that prove life is out there.

I also look forward to the day when we figure out how to travel at lightspeed and traverse the galaxy much faster than we do now and collect data on not only our galaxies but also all the neighboring galaxies and someday the ever-expanding universe. I think it is really interesting to think of the idea that some day we could meet other advanced life in other galaxies throughout the vast expanse of space. I will be following closely along for all of the advances in astronomical science that will keep pushing us towards learning  more about space.

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Neptune

Posted on April 17, 2023 by zws42
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Neptune, the eighth planet from the Sun, is one of the four gas giants in our solar system, along with Jupiter, Saturn, and Uranus. More specifically, it can be considered an ice giant since it is made up of ices and carbon compounds in addition to hydrogen and helium.

Neptune is about 17 times the mass of Earth and is located approximately 2.8 billion miles from the Sun. It has a diameter of around 30,599 miles, making it the fourth largest planet in our solar system. One of the most striking features of Neptune is its beautiful blue color, which is caused by the presence of methane gas in its atmosphere.

The planet’s atmosphere is also notable for its extreme weather conditions. Winds on Neptune can reach speeds of up to 1,200 miles per hour, making them the strongest in the solar system. In addition, the planet experiences frequent storms and has a massive storm system known as the Great Dark Spot, which is similar to Jupiter’s Great Red Spot.

Neptune has 14 known moons, with the largest being Triton. Triton is notable for its retrograde orbit, which means it orbits Neptune in the opposite direction to the planet’s rotation. This has led scientists to believe that Triton was once a dwarf planet that was captured by Neptune’s gravity.

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Extremophiles: Life on other planets?

Posted on April 17, 2023 by reachforthestarsbysam

Within our Earth, in some of the tiniest cracks and crevices of the terrain, exist micro-organisms that are able to survive in the harshest environments the planet has to offer. Whether it be in the underwater volcanic vents where temperatures reach up to 700 ° F, or the cracks of the ice at the poles where temperatures go down to -112 º F, there are these extremophiles that are thriving in the, well, extremes. While these micro-organisms are incredibly interesting to study here on Earth because of the variety of locations they can be found in, they are even more exciting to think about side the realm of Earth: on the other planets of the Solar System and Galaxy.

I guess it all depends on what you are looking for when you search for “aliens” or “other life” in the solar system, but in my opinion, it is an incredibly feasible possibility that extremophiles exist on other planets. Venus is a heavily-sulfureted planet, so many acidophiles could thrive on its surface and in its atmosphere. The icy landscape of Europa could be home to some psychrophiles that thrive in the freezing temperatures. It is incredibly exciting to think of this type of life on other planets both in our solar system but also throughout the universe, and how exciting it is that these species could evolve into more advanced life forms and become the “aliens” that people search so hard for.

Enjoy this picture of this cute little guy 🙂

Information can be so HOT and COLD! But these are just the extremes  🙂

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The Drake Equation

Posted on April 17, 2023 by zws42
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The Drake equation is a mathematical formula used to estimate the number of potential intelligent civilizations in the Milky Way Galaxy. It was first proposed by astronomer Frank Drake in 1961, and has since become a widely used tool in the search for extraterrestrial life.

The equation takes into account several factors that are believed to influence the development of intelligent life, including the number of stars in the galaxy, the fraction of those stars that have planets, the likelihood of life arising on those planets, the fraction of those planets where intelligent life develops, and the average lifespan of an intelligent civilization.

While the Drake equation is not an exact calculation, it provides a framework for thinking about the potential number of intelligent species in the universe. By adjusting the values of each factor, scientists can explore different scenarios and estimate the probability of finding other civilizations.

One of the most interesting aspects of the Drake equation is that it highlights the role of probability and uncertainty in the search for extraterrestrial life. While we know a great deal about the universe and the conditions necessary for life, there is still much we don’t know. The Drake equation reminds us that the search for intelligent life is a complex endeavor that we only partially understand. In order to get a more accurate estimate, we will have to find ways to expand our knowledge of the Universe.

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The Drake Equation

Posted on April 17, 2023 by sydneyastr2110

The idea of life on other planets has always been a hot topic. An entire genre has been developed to showcase aliens stemming from human imagination. This is usually pseudoscience, but it does beg the question: are aliens real? While we have never contacted or found evidence of other civilizations, there is a way to predict the likelihood of humans being the only civilization in the universe and being able to contact other civilizations.

This ability to predict comes from the Drake Equation which was created by Frank Drake in 1961. His equation, as shown in the image below, includes factors which are relevant to the ability to contact other civilizations. The basic concept of the equation is to “calculate the number of civilizations capable of interstellar communication that are currently sharing the Milky Way with us,” (textbook, 715). There is more information about specific variables in the textbook in Section 24.4. Due to our inability to get accurate values for all the variables involved, we cannot determine an answer. You can see the specific factors below. However, this equation is useful in seeing the factors of being able to communicate with other civilizations.

Image Credit: University of Rochester in NASA Exoplanet Exploration article

The equation has not changed, but exoplanet discoveries have allowed a better understanding of the topic of other planets. Using the equation and exoplanet data, scientists predicted that the probability of humans being the only civilization ever is lower than one in 10 billion trillion. The scientists, Adam Frank and Woodruff Sullivan, have developed an archaeological form of Drake’s equation which is shown below the original equation. From this they explain that the distances between civilizations could mean that we may never contact another civilization even though the likelihood of others existing is very large. Their findings and more details can be found here. Frank explained the significance of the equation and their new adaptations, “our results imply that our evolution has not been unique and has probably happened many times before.”

Going back to the question concerning if aliens are real, this research shows that it is incredibly likely that there have been other advanced civilizations. Due to our short existence and immense distances, we may never communicate with another advanced civilization. As for me, these new advancements in describing the likelihood of other civilizations have me convinced that aliens are real, even though we may never have proof.

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Blog8

Posted on April 15, 2023 by lucasliu6

seager equation

The Seager Equation, an innovative idea conceived by esteemed astrophysicist Dr. Sara Seager, presents a fresh perspective in the search for habitable exoplanets and alien life. Diverging from the well-established Drake Equation, which predicts the number of communicative civilizations, the Seager Equation hones in on the abundance of exoplanets with detectable biosignature gases—a hint of life that extends beyond solely intelligent beings.

Accounting for factors such as the fraction of observed planets located within their host star’s habitable zone and the probability of identifying biosignature gases, the Seager Equation offers a focused framework for estimating the number of planets bearing detectable life markers. As a result, this directs the distribution of vital resources and observation time in astrobiological research.

The thought-provoking implications of the Seager Equation are further amplified by advancements in telescope technology and observation methods. As our capacity to explore the cosmos expands, this groundbreaking equation challenges conventional ideas of habitability, inspiring the scientific community to scrutinize more thoroughly the myriad of potential extraterrestrial life forms. In doing so, the Seager Equation fosters a more comprehensive understanding of the boundless possibilities for life outside our solar system.

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Blog7

Posted on April 15, 2023 by lucasliu6

picture sources

Astrobiology delves into some of the most profound questions concerning our existence, transcending traditional scientific disciplines to explore life beyond our planet. This enthralling field investigates the astonishing implications of extremophiles, organisms that withstand Earth’s harshest environments. These extraordinary life forms reveal an unimaginable variety of adaptive strategies, raising the possibility that life could thrive under conditions not yet considered.

Moreover, astrobiology illuminates the idea of “shadow biospheres”—terrestrial ecosystems inhabited by undiscovered life forms possessing fundamentally different biochemistries from those we currently understand. Unearthing such organisms would transform our comprehension of life and challenge long-held assumptions about its properties.

The pursuit of extraterrestrial life underscores the importance of planetary protection, a collection of guidelines and procedures designed to prevent celestial bodies from being contaminated with terrestrial life forms and to avoid introducing potential alien organisms to our planet. While often disregarded, this consideration is crucial for maintaining the integrity of scientific research and ensuring Earth’s biosphere remains secure.

By pushing the boundaries of our understanding of life and its origins, astrobiology encourages us to broaden our horizons, promoting interdisciplinary collaboration to solve the universe’s mysteries while deepening our admiration for life’s resilience and adaptability.

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Down the Rabbit Hole Again…

Posted on April 14, 2023 by drgrundstrom

Researching stuff can be so fun! Though it sometimes takes longer than planned ;)

Image of colorful geological feature as seen from an overlook.
Grand Prismatic Spring by Flickr user Bernd Thaller

As I talked about it class briefly, there’s a drone in the Grand Prismatic Spring in Yellowstone National Park and it was a TOTALLY big deal, especially right away. I found a good article that was from 11 months after the event so provided some context and updates: A crashed drone could destroy Yellowstone’s Grand Prismatic Spring in the Idaho State Journal newspaper. Scientists are worried about the battery especially. Now we’re almost 10 years later, that drone has never been recovered, and the colors are still beautiful (they’re caused by the microbes) so hopefully all is well. Time will tell.

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