Source: ESA
Impact crater South of the Huyghens Crater that measures 78 km in length,
opens from just under 10 km wide at one end to 25 km wide at the other, and
reaches a depth of 2 km. Image credit: ESA/DLR/FU Berlin (G. Neukum).
ESA's Mars Express has returned new images of an elongated impact crater in the southern hemisphere of Mars. Located just south of the Huygens basin, it could have been carved out by a train of projectiles striking the planet at a shallow angle. (read more)
Source: ESA
Artist's impression of GOCE in its orbit.
Credits: ESA /AOES Medialab
ESA's GOCE satellite has reached its ambitious goal of mapping Earth's gravity with unprecedented precision. In two short years, the sophisticated satellite has collected the measurements needed to record the 'geoid' reference shape of our planet.(read more)
Source: NASA News
NASA began testing a new multi-capability microscope this week on the International Space Station. It will help scientists study the effects of the space environment on physics and biology aboard the orbiting laboratory. The microscope is isolated from vibrations on the station, allowing it to obtain clear, high-resolution images. Using high-resolution magnification, scientists can examine microorganisms and individual cells of plants and animals, including humans.
The microscope will allow real-time study of the effects of the space environment without the need to return samples to Earth. Any living specimens returned to Earth must endure the effects of re-entry through the atmosphere. The ability to use the Light Microscopy Module (LMM) on station will enable scientists to study data unaffected by reentry.(read more)
