Astronomers from Germany and France have investigated a newly discovered variable X-ray source known as 3XMM J000511.8+634018. Results of the new study suggest that the source is a polar. The finding is detailed in a paper published March 30 on the arXiv pre-print server. Source: https://phys.org/news/2020-04-x-ray-source-3xmm-j0005118634018-polar.html…
Tag: polar
Was Mercury once habitable?
As unlikely as it may sound, Mercury may have once been able to support subsurface microscopic life, according to a new study from the Planetary Science Institute. Source: https://earthsky.org/space/mercury-habitability-chaotic-terrain-messenger-astrobiology…
Melting Glaciers: Effects on the Environment, Humans, and Biodiversity
Recently, the temperature in the Arctic appears to have hit a new continental high, close to 70 degrees. That’s leading to continued melting of glaciers in the Arctic and around the world. But how will that impact the world’s ecosystems? Dr. David Hik is an Associate Dean of the Faculty of Science as well as […]
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Polar bear photos: Stunning shots capture Earth’s icons of climate change
On International Polar Bear Day, let’s celebrate the largest of the bear species with these magnificent polar bear photos. Source: https://www.livescience.com/polar-bears-photos.html
Arctic ice melt changing major ocean current
A major ocean current in the Arctic is faster and more turbulent as a result of rapid sea ice melt, according to a new study. Source: https://earthsky.org/earth/arctic-ice-melt-changing-major-ocean-current-beaufort-gyre…
Camera provides view into Sun’s polar regions
The Solar Orbiter mission will use a U.S. Naval Research Laboratory-designed and -built heliospheric camera, known as SoloHI, to provide unique perspectives and unprecedented views of the Sun’s North and South poles. The spacecraft, a NASA and European Space Agency collaboration, launched aboard an Atlas V rocket at Cape Canaveral, Florida, Feb. 9. Source: https://phys.org/news/2020-02-camera-view-sun-polar-regions.html…
What is Earth’s shadow, and when can you see it?
Like all worlds orbiting suns, our planet Earth casts a shadow. Here are some times to look for it. Source: https://earthsky.org/space/when-can-you-see-earths-shadow…
ESA’s Solar Orbiter will launch next month
We know our sun is surrounded by a great bubble-like heliosphere, which sets our solar system apart from the rest of interstellar space. ESA’s Solar Orbiter – due to launch in February 2020 – will probe how the sun creates and controls this heliosphere. Source: https://earthsky.org/space/esa-solar-orbiter-video-launch-feb-2020…
Mystery at Mars pole explained
In 1966, two Caltech scientists were ruminating on the implications of the thin carbon dioxide (CO2) Martian atmosphere first revealed by Mariner IV, a NASA fly-by spacecraft built and flown by JPL. They theorized that Mars, with such an atmosphere, could have a long-term stable polar deposit of CO2 ice that, in turn, would control global atmospheric pressure. Source: https://phys.org/news/2020-01-mystery-mars-pole.html…
NASA sounding rocket observing nitric oxide in polar night
Aurora, also known as the northern lights, are a sight to behold as they dance across the sky when solar winds collide with the Earth’s atmosphere. Source: https://phys.org/news/2020-01-nasa-rocket-nitric-oxide-polar.html…