Tag: space exploration

It’s easy to discover what NASA’s Hubble and James Webb space telescopes have observed in the past, but how do we analyse what they’re currently observing?

Barely a week goes by without news of a cosmic discovery made possible using images, spectra, and other data captured by NASA’s prolific space telescopes.

NASA’s Space Telescope Live, a web application originally developed in 2016 to deliver real-time updates on Hubble targets, has now been updated with easy-access, up-to-date information on current, past, and upcoming observations from both Hubble and Webb.

What can Space Telescope Live tell us?

Designed and developed for NASA by the Space Telescope Science Institute in Baltimore, this exploratory tool offers the public a straightforward and engaging way to learn more about how astronomical investigations are carried out.

With its redesigned user interface and expanded functionality, users can find out what planet, star, nebula, galaxy, or region of deep space Hubble and James Webb are observing at the moment.

They can also see additional information, such as:

• Where exactly these targets are in the sky
• What scientific instruments are being used to capture the images, spectra, and other data
• Precisely when and how long the observations are scheduled to occur
• The status of the observation
• Who is leading the research
• What the scientists are trying to find out

New updates will observe Hubble and James Webb in more detail

The zoomable sky map centred on the target’s location was developed using the Aladin Sky Atlas, with imagery from ground-based telescopes to provide context for the observation.

Because the Hubble and Webb data must undergo preliminary processing and, in many cases, preliminary analysis before being released to the public and astronomy community, real-time imagery is not available in this tool for either telescope.

Details such as target name and coordinates, scheduled start and end times, and the research topic are pulled directly from the observation scheduling and proposal planning databases.

Links within the tool direct users to the original research proposal, which serves as a gateway to more technical information.

While this latest version of NASA’s Space Telescope Live constitutes a significant transformation from the previous release, the team is already gathering feedback from users and planning additional enhancements to provide opportunities for deeper exploration and understanding of their space telescopes.

NASA’s Space Telescope Live is designed to work on desktop and mobile devices, and is accessible via NASA’s official Hubble and Webb websites.

Additional details about the content, including public-friendly explanations of the information displayed in the tool, can be found in the User Guide.

Researchers have found water vapour in the disk around a young star where planet formation can occur.

Water is essential for life on Earth and is thought to play a significant role in planet formation.

However, until now, astronomers have never been able to map how water is distributed in a stable, cool disc. This type of disc offers the most favourable conditions for planets to form around stars.

Now, astronomers have weighed the amount of water vapour around a typical planet-forming star for the first time.

The findings were made possible thanks to the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) – a collection of telescopes in the Chilean Atacama Desert.

Dr Anita Richards, Senior Visiting Fellow at The University of Manchester and previously a member of the UK ARC, said: “Directly measuring the amount of water vapour where planets are forming takes us a step closer to understanding how easy it could be to make worlds with oceans – how much water is attached to the agglomerating rocks, or is it mostly added later to an almost-fully-formed planet?

“This sort of observation needs the driest possible conditions and could only be made in such detail using the ALMA array in Chile.”

Water in the inner disk of stars

The researchers observed at least three times as much water as in all of Earth’s oceans in the inner disc of the young Sun-like star HL Tauri. This is located 450 lightyears away from Earth in the constellation Taurus.

Stefano Facchini, an astronomer at the University of Milan, Italy, who led the study, said: “I had never imagined that we could capture an image of oceans of water vapour in the same region where a planet is likely forming.”

Co-author Leonardo Testi, an astronomer at the University of Bologna, Italy, added: “It is truly remarkable that we can not only detect but also capture detailed images and spatially resolve water vapour at a distance of 450 lightyears from us.”

Water vapour could affect planet formation

The observations allow astronomers to determine the distribution of water in different regions of the disc.

A significant amount of water was found in a gap in the HL Tauri disc – a place where planet formation could occur.

Radial gaps are carved out in gas and dust-rich discs by orbiting young-plant like bodies as they gather material and grow. This observation indicates that water vapour could affect the chemical composition of planets forming in those regions.

The dust grains that comprise a disc are the seeds of planet formation, colliding and clumping into even larger bodies orbiting the star.

Astronomers believe that where is it cold enough for water to freeze onto dust particles, things stick together more efficiently – making it the ideal spot for planet formation.

ALMA’s unique capabilities

Observing water with a ground-based telescope is challenging as the abundant water vapour in Earth’s atmosphere degrades the astronomical signals.

Operated by European Southern Observatory, ALMA sits at around 5,000 metres elevation and is built in a high and dry environment to minimise this degradation.

To date, ALMA is the only facility able to map the distribution of water in a cool planet-forming disc.

Members of the UK ARC are contributing to a major ALMA upgrade, which will provide even clearer views of planet formation and the role water plays in it, in the future.

Researchers at the University of Leicester have received a sizable grant to investigate some of the Universe’s largest explosions – gamma-ray bursts.

Armed with cutting-edge technology and a grant of £330,689 from the Leverhulme Trust, they are poised to delve into the depths of space to probe the extreme physical forces that give rise to gamma-ray bursts.

Dr Rhaana Starling, the leader of the project from the University’s School of Physics and Astronomy, explained the significance of research: “How such vast amounts of energy are released in such short timescales is one of the big questions we need to probe through gamma-ray bursts.

“We know some of the general picture, but the details of what these jets are made of and how they radiate light, as well as what kind of astrophysical objects can power them all, need investigating.

“I will be able to look at a subset of these in this three-year study that will reap the benefits of new space missions which the University of Leicester has helped to build and upgrades to radio arrays on the ground.”

The phenomenon of gamma-ray bursts

Gamma-ray bursts, among the most extreme cosmic phenomena, serve as cosmic beacons, signalling the demise of massive stars or the collision of neutron stars or black holes.

These bursts of energy, akin to cosmic fireworks, propel vast amounts of energy into space at speeds nearing that of light.

Thanks to their beaming nature, these jets of energy remain visible even across vast cosmic distances, offering a unique opportunity for scientists to study the universe’s most enigmatic events.

What will the study investigate?

At the heart of their investigation lies exploring the physical processes driving gamma-ray bursts.

One compelling theory under scrutiny is the role of magnetic reconnection at shock fronts, a phenomenon witnessed in various cosmic contexts, including our Sun.

Through meticulous observation and analysis, the team aims to ascertain the significance of magnetic fields in shaping the dynamics of gamma-ray burst outflows, shedding light on the composition and energy dynamics of these cosmic jets.

Empowered by a suite of satellite and ground-based telescopes, the team is poised to leverage data from pioneering missions such as SVOM, the Einstein Probe, and NASA’s Swift mission.

Additionally, advancements in radio astronomy, including upgrades to the LOFAR 2.0 array, promise to enhance the team’s observational capabilities, providing unprecedented insights into the elusive nature of gamma-ray bursts.

Dr Starling expressed her gratitude for the Leverhulme Trust Research Project Grant, highlighting the significance of collaborative efforts in driving scientific discovery.

“Gamma-ray bursts are fantastic laboratories in which to probe a whole range of physics from stellar evolution and galaxy evolution, through to particle acceleration and the role of magnetic fields to the formation of the heavy elements and gravitational waves.

“I am delighted to receive a Leverhulme Trust Research Project Grant. The award realises my hopes of tackling questions that are right at the heart of transient science by funding a team to research gamma-ray burst jets in great depth.

“Discoveries are most often made through teamwork – I am really excited to put this team together and start chasing these cosmic explosions,” she concluded.

A new computer model developed by researchers at the University of Bristol mimics Moon dust, leading to smoother and safer lunar robot teleoperations.

Working with Thales Alenia Space in the UK, the team investigated a virtual version of Moon dust, otherwise known as regolith.

The tool, based at the Bristol Robotics Laboratory, could be used to train astronauts ahead of Lunar missions.

Why is Moon dust important?

Lunar regolith is necessary for the upcoming space exploration missions planned over the next decade.

From it, scientists have the potential to extract valuable resources such as oxygen, rocket fuel, or construction materials to support a long-term presence on the Moon.

How to collect regolith

To collect regolith, remotely operated robots are a practical choice. This is because they have low risks and costs compared to human spaceflight.

However, operating robots over these large distances introduces delays into the system, making them more difficult to control.

Now that the team knows their computer model behaves similarly to reality, it can be used to mirror operating a robot on the Moon. This approach allows the robot to be controlled without delay, providing a smoother and more efficient experience.

Lead author Joe Louca, based in Bristol’s School of Engineering Mathematics and Technology explained: “Think of it like a realistic video game set on the Moon – we want to make sure the virtual version of moon dust behaves just like the actual thing, so that if we are using it to control a robot on the Moon, then it will behave as we expect.

“This model is accurate, scalable, and lightweight, so can be used to support upcoming lunar exploration missions.”

An accurate simulation model

The study followed from previous work of the team, which found that expert robot operators want to train on their systems with increasing realism and risk. This means starting in a simulation and building up to using physical mock-ups, then moving on to using the actual system.

An accurate simulation model is vital for training and developing the operator’s trust in the system.

Problems with detailed simulation models

Although some accurate and detailed models of Moon dust have been developed previously, they are so detailed that they require a lot of computational time. This makes them too slow to control a robot smoothly.

This challenge was tackled by researchers from DLR through the development of a virtual model of regolith that considers density, stickiness, and friction, as well as the Moon’s reduced gravity.

Their model is significant for the space industry as it is light on computational resources and can run in real-time because of this.

However, it works best with small quantities of Moon dust.

Extending the model’s potential

The team from Bristol University aimed to extend the model so it could handle more Moon dust, while staying lightweight enough to run in real-time. They then wanted to verify it experimentally.

Louca added: “Our primary focus throughout this project was on enhancing the user experience for operators of these systems – how could we make their job easier?

“We began with the original virtual regolith model developed by DLR, and modified it to make it more scalable.

“Then, we conducted a series of experiments – half in a simulated environment, half in the real world – to measure whether the virtual moon dust behaved the same as its real-world counterpart.”

Future aims of the team

As this model of regolith is promising for being accurate and lightweight enough to be used in real-time, the team will now investigate whether it can be used when operating robots to collect Moon dust.

They also plan to investigate whether a similar system could be created to simulate Martian soil. This could benefit future exploration missions, or train scientists in material handling from the Mars Sample Return mission.

“It is the year 2050, and the successful implementation of the ARTEMIS programme has proven that humans can build bases on the Moon,” is the first thing that participants will hear when the 10^th European Rover Challenge (ERC) competition begins.

Every year, the European Rover Challenge brings together decision-makers and experts in the space sector and representatives of the best technical universities from around the world.

This year, the event will be held on 6-8 September and hosted by the AGH University of Krakow.

The European Space Foundation, a member of the International Astronautical Federation (IAF), has organised the competition.

What is the European Rover Challenge?

The European Rover Challenge is a prestigious space and robotics event held in Poland, first launched in 2014.

It consists of a Martian robot competition in which some of the finest academic teams from around the world participate, alongside an industry conference and a science and technology demonstration zone.

For the 10^th European Rover Challenge, several new formats have been added. Participants will be asked to replicate the successes of the Moon’s ARTEMIS programme on Mars.

This task is far more demanding, especially due to the distance between the Earth and Mars. It results in no possibility of sending fast rescue and recovery missions.

This is the reason why we must be sure that everything was done to ensure the highest possible level of safety for the first astronauts that will reach the Red Planet.

The competition is held on a special Martian track known as the Marsyard. It is a unique installation designed by planetary geologists from the Polish Academy of Sciences, inspired by a selected section of the Red Planet.

“On our Marsyard, we map the processes that shape the landscape of Mars.

“We create a complex geological puzzle consisting of numerous impact craters, dunes, dry river valleys and various volcanic formations, which few people can solve,” explained Dr Anna Losiak, Chief Science Officer of the European Rover Challenge.

Gathering experts to celebrate new space innovations

The 10^th European Rover Challenge judging panel consists of space industry experts from organisations such as the Association of Polish Space Sector Professionals (PSPA), the Space Sector Employers Association, Mars Society Poland, and international commercial entities.

Marcin Wygachiewicz, ERC Head of Jury and Chair of the Audit Committee at the PSPA said: “Our main goal is to create interesting and challenging tasks for the teams and ensure that their execution follows standard R&D processes.

“Only with such a thorough approach will challenge participants be ready to take up professional challenges in the space industry after graduation.”

The event also features an industry conference where leading space sector experts, astronauts, and scientists discuss space and its impact on our past, present, and future.

The event’s programme includes debates on the future of human settlement on the Moon and Mars, projects and missions on the Moon being developed by NASA and ESA in the coming years, and essential topics related to sustainability and commercialisation.

The 10^th European Rover Challenge will start with an examination of Earth’s application of space technologies and satellite data. On the third and final day, the event will close with a unique 10th Anniversary Gala of the European Rover Challenge, welcoming special guests from around the world.