Mars, often dubbed the "red planet," has once again intrigued scientists with a new discovery. NASA's Perseverance rover, tirelessly exploring Mars' Jezero Crater since early 2021, has stumbled upon a peculiar sight: thousands of white rocks scattered across the crater's surface. Recent images transmitted by the rover reveal over 4,000 light-toned pebble-sized rocks strewn throughout the crater floor. "These rocks are highly unusual, and we're actively working to unravel their origins," remarked Candice Bedford, a planetary scientist at Purdue University and member of the Mars 2020 science team, speaking at the Lunar and Planetary Science Conference (LPSC) last month. Concurrently, NASA is wrapping up an architectural review of its Mars Sample Return (MSR) program, which aims to retrieve Martian rocks for detailed analysis back on Earth.
#NASA #PerseveranceRover #MarsDiscovery #WhiteRocks #JezeroCrater #SpaceExploration #MartianGeology #RedPlanet #MarsResearch #ScienceDiscovery
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Upcoming , Lyrid Meteor Shower , May Be Hard to See.
'The Independent' reports that skywatchers
looking to catch the Lyrid meteor shower
may be foiled by the moon. .
This year's peak activity occurs
on April 21 and 22, with up to
20 meteors expected per hour. .
Potential viewing should
last through April 29. .
However, the American Meteor Society
warns that strong moonlight
may interfere with viewing. .
Every year, multiple meteor showers
occur and don't require special
equipment to see them. .
For the most part, meteor showers originate
from debris left behind by comets, like the Lyrids,
which come from the comet Thatcher. .
As these space rocks enter the Earth's atmosphere,
air resistance makes them extremely hot,
which causes the air around them to glow.
This glow leaves a fiery trail behind
the meteor, which can be observed
from the ground as a "shooting star.".
Look to the northeast and just
keep staring at the same spot
in the sky. It's always impressive
when you see these things, Don Pollacco, University of Warwick
astronomer, via 'The Independent'.
The Lyrids are best viewed from the Northern Hemisphere,
while the upcoming Eta Aquarids meteor shower
can best be seen from the Southern Hemisphere.
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:30Published
'Devil Comet', May Join Solar Eclipse in , Rare Synchronized Celestial Event.
'Devil Comet', May Join Solar Eclipse in , Rare Synchronized Celestial Event.
NBC reports that a "devil comet" may
be visible during next month's highly
anticipated North American solar eclipse.
So-called "devil comets" are known for
occasional explosive outbursts, which give
the celestial objects their unique appearance.
Last year, an eruption on Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks
left it with two trails of gas and ice, which
give the appearance of devil horns. .
The unique comet is currently
visible in the early evenings from the
Northern Hemisphere on the west-northwest
horizon with the aid of binoculars or telescopes.
The comet is expected to brighten throughout the
month, until it becomes visible to the naked eye as it
reaches its closest point to the sun around mid-April.
NBC reports that the "devil comet" could be visible
during the upcoming April 8 total solar eclipse
if the comet flares significantly in the coming weeks. .
Those in the eclipse's path of totality,
from Texas to Maine, could be treated
to a rare synchronized celestial event. .
The comet was first observed by French
astronomer Jean-Louis Pons in 1812. .
In 1883, British-American astronomer
William Brooks became the second
to spot the rare celestial object.
NBC reports that Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks
orbit around the sun takes 71 years, making
sightings of the comet a truly rare occurrence.
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
Tips for Observing , This Month's Rare, Planetary Alignment.
'Newsweek' recently offered readers tips
for catching a glimpse of a rare five-planet
alignment visible for the month of..
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published