A resilient desert moss has been found to withstand extreme conditions, including freezing temperatures, dehydration, and radiation levels 1,000 times higher than fatal for humans. Scientists believe this moss could potentially be used for terraforming Mars due to its ability to survive in the harsh Martian environment.
NASA’s Mars Odyssey Orbiter has completed an incredible milestone, reaching 100,000 orbits around Mars after 23 years of exploration. The orbiter has been instrumental in mapping Martian minerals, identifying landing sites for future missions, and relaying data from rovers like Perseverance and Curiosity. It has also captured stunning images of Olympus Mons, the tallest volcano in the solar system, and even photographed the Ingenuity helicopter during its historic flights. This long-lasting mission continues to provide valuable scientific insights about the red planet.
NASA’s Perseverance rover has discovered an unusual, light-colored rock on Mars, unlike anything seen before on the Red Planet. This intriguing rock, dubbed ‘Atoko Point’, may offer valuable insights into Mars’ ancient history. Scientists speculate it could have been transported from elsewhere on Mars via an ancient river or formed underground by magma, later revealed through erosion. Perseverance’s continued exploration of Jezero Crater promises further exciting discoveries as it seeks evidence of past life.
On June 19, 2024, Mars’s entry into the Bharani Nakshatra, ruled by Venus, promises a surge of energy and passion across all zodiac signs. This astrological alignment influences various aspects of life, from communication and finances to creativity and relationships, demanding a careful balance between assertiveness and respect for others.
NASA’s Maven orbiter has captured remarkable footage of aurora lights illuminating Mars in vibrant purple hues. These auroras, unlike their counterparts on Earth, envelop the entire planet due to Mars’ lack of a strong magnetic field. The images, taken between May 14 and 20, provide insights into the planet’s interactions with solar storms and particle emissions.
Recent solar storms have captivatingly influenced electronic eyes on Earth and Mars. These storms, triggered by the sun’s amplified activity, have had significant impacts on both planets. NASA missions such as the Curiosity rover have meticulously documented the consequences of these storms on Mars, where the thin atmosphere creates a potentially perilous radiation environment. Understanding these effects is paramount for safeguarding future human missions to the Red Planet.
Mars is more likely to experience close encounters with potentially dangerous asteroids than Earth, according to a recent study. Researchers have identified approximately 52 large asteroids that pass near Mars annually, which is about 2.6 times more than the number approaching Earth. These asteroids, known as ‘CAPHAs’ (close approach potentially hazardous asteroids), could pose a significant threat to future exploratory missions and human settlements on the Red Planet.
On June 3, six planets will align in a celestial event dubbed a “planetary parade.” However, due to their positions, most of them will not be visible to the naked eye. Only Mars and Saturn will be visible before dawn, while the others (Mercury, Jupiter, Uranus, and Neptune) will be too dim or obscured by sunlight. Despite the limited visibility, a crescent moon will be present near Mars and Saturn, offering a captivating sight. For those interested in tracking the alignment, online tools like Stellarium and Sky Safari can provide viewing information.
Based on previously unpublished photos, a new study suggests that Mars’ moon Phobos may actually be a comet, or at least part of one, that was gravitationally captured by the Red Planet long ago. While some have theorized that the moons are former asteroids lured in by Mars’ gravity, others have suggested that a giant impact, like that which created our moon, gouged the duo out of the Red Planet. However, neither hypothesis has been able to fully explain the moon’s unique characteristics. The new study, which analyzed high-resolution images of Phobos taken by the European Space Agency’s Mars Express orbiter, found that the moon’s surface is porous, like sand, and exhibits an opposition surge, which is characteristic of many airless objects, including comets. The researchers concluded that Phobos’s photometric properties matched Comet 67P’s almost perfectly, suggesting that Phobos was possibly a comet captured by Mars. The study’s findings have implications for Deimos, too, as the team suggests the two moons may have once been joined together as a single bilobed comet that was trapped and eventually torn apart by Mars’ gravity.
Libra, your ruling planet Venus aligns harmoniously with Mars today, enhancing your innate sense of balance and desire for harmony. This favorable alignment boosts your diplomatic skills, charm, and emphasizes collaboration. It’s an excellent time to nurture relationships, address tensions with tact and fairness, and embrace your charismatic side. In professional settings, your ability to mediate and bring people together will prove invaluable, leading to significant advancements. Don’t neglect your physical well-being; incorporate some form of exercise for mental clarity and overall balance.
