![cover of episode [Space Bites] Mystery of Supernova 1987a // End of Chandra // JWST Exomoons Update with @CoolWorldsLab](https://assets.fireside.fm/file/fireside-images-2024/podcasts/images/9/94f97fb6-b72c-4d98-a80a-1e141b67e50c/cover.jpg)
[Space Bites] Mystery of Supernova 1987a // End of Chandra // JWST Exomoons Update with @CoolWorldsLab
Universe Today Podcast
Deep Dive
Why is Northrop Grumman planning to build trains on the Moon?
Northrop Grumman won a contract to study building lunar railways as part of DARPA's Luna 10 plan. The trains would transport regolith, ice from permanently shadowed craters, and supplies between lunar bases, supporting long-term human presence and infrastructure on the Moon.
What is the significance of the Chandra X-ray Observatory being shut down?
Chandra, operational since 1999, is one of NASA's Great Observatories and has provided critical insights into black holes, neutron stars, and supernova remnants. Its shutdown, due to budget cuts, leaves a gap in high-energy astronomy, as there are no immediate plans for a replacement X-ray telescope.
What challenges is the Euclid spacecraft facing, and how is ESA addressing them?
Euclid is experiencing water ice buildup on its optics due to residual Earth atmosphere. ESA is de-icing the telescope by heating instruments from -140°C to -3°C to vaporize the ice, ensuring clearer observations of the cosmos.
What is the future of Mars helicopters after Ingenuity?
NASA is developing the Mars Science Helicopter, a larger, six-rotor craft capable of carrying 10 kg of scientific instruments. It will explore inaccessible terrains like Noctis Labyrinthus and Valles Marineris, providing detailed geological observations.
What caused the 'string of pearls' phenomenon around Supernova 1987A?
The 'string of pearls' is caused by turbulence in the material ejected by the dying star tens of thousands of years before the supernova. Simulations show that interactions with interstellar winds create vortices, breaking the material into 30-40 clumps, matching observations.
How did one impact on Mars create over 2 billion craters?
The Corinto crater, formed 2.34 million years ago, ejected material that created secondary and tertiary craters up to 2,000 km away. Researchers estimate this single impact generated around 2 billion craters through cascading effects.
How did the DART mission change the shape of asteroid Dimorphos?
The DART impact transformed Dimorphos from an oblate spheroid to a triaxial ellipsoid, resembling a squished watermelon. This change, alongside a 33-minute orbital period reduction, demonstrates the mission's success in altering asteroid trajectories and shapes.
What is Dr. David Kipping's exomoon research with JWST focused on?
Dr. Kipping's team will use JWST to search for exomoons and measure the oblateness of exoplanets. Their observations, scheduled for October 26, 2024, will provide insights into exoplanet tilt, rotation rates, and potential moon systems.
Why is the defunding of Chandra a recurring issue for NASA missions?
NASA often faces budget constraints, leading to the defunding of operational missions like Chandra. Public support and advocacy have historically helped save missions, such as New Horizons, highlighting the importance of community engagement in preserving scientific projects.
- DARPA's Luna 10 plan for lunar architecture
- Northrop Grumman's contract to study lunar trains
- Potential uses of lunar railways: regolith transport, ice retrieval, supply movement
Shownotes Transcript