NASA Invites Humanity to Join the Artemis Mission Series and Explore the Space!

NASA Invites Humanity to Join the Artemis Mission Series and Explore the Space!

Have you ever dreamed of walking on the Moon or exploring the mysteries of space? NASA’s Artemis mission is a program that will make those dreams a reality. The Artemis program aims to land humans on the Moon, establish a long-term presence on and around the Moon, and eventually send astronauts to Mars. But the mission is not just about exploration and discovery. Artemis will also demonstrate new technologies and inspire the next generation of space explorers.

Now you probably be wondering,

What is NASA’s Artemis mission?

Artemis is the name of NASA’s program that seeks to achieve multiple objectives. The program aims to land humans on the Moon, establish a long-term human presence on and around the Moon, and eventually send astronauts to Mars. To achieve these goals, Artemis will rely on innovative technologies to explore more of the lunar surface than ever before, and NASA will collaborate with commercial and international partners.

The Artemis program has set forth several objectives that it aims to achieve. One of its key objectives is to demonstrate new technologies, capabilities, and business approaches needed for future exploration, including Mars. In addition, Artemis seeks to study the Moon to gain insights into the origin and history of Earth, the Moon, and our solar system.

Furthermore, the program aims to establish American leadership and a strategic presence on the Moon, expanding U.S. global economic impact. It also seeks to broaden commercial and international partnerships, which will be crucial for the program’s success. Finally, Artemis aims to inspire a new generation and encourage careers in STEM, positioning the next generation to lead future space exploration missions.

Here is,

Some amazing facts about Artemis Mission!

  1. Artemis is named after the twin sister of Apollo and the goddess of the Moon in Greek mythology.
  2. NASA chose the name to symbolize its efforts to return astronauts, science payloads, and technology demonstrations to the lunar surface.
  3. The tip of the A in the Artemis logo points beyond the Moon to signify that the Moon is not the end goal but rather a preparation for future exploration beyond it.
  4. The crescent in the logo represents missions from the perspective of the audience, with the focus on going from Earth to the Moon and returning with knowledge and development.
  5. The crescent also resembles Artemis’ bow, which represents the source of energy and effort sent toward the Moon.
  6. The Moon is the primary destination for the Artemis program and a stepping stone toward Mars.
  7. The trajectory in the logo moves from left to right through the crossbar of the A, highlighting the differences in the return to the Moon compared to the Apollo missions.
  8. The red color of the trajectory represents the course to Mars.
  9. The A in the logo represents an arrowhead from Artemis’ quiver and symbolizes the launch of missions.

Let’s start with the,

Artemis 1!

After four delays, Artemis 1 was launched on November 16 at 1:47 am EST (6:47 am GMT). Artemis I is NASA’s first flight test of their deep space exploration system, including the Orion spacecraft, Space Launch System (SLS) rocket, and ground systems at Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida. This uncrewed mission is the first in a series of increasingly complex missions that are establishing a foundation for human deep space exploration and demonstrating NASA’s commitment and capability to extend human existence to the Moon and beyond.

Now, here is the,

Map of Artemis 1!

Map of Artemis 1

Artemis 1 was a test flight of the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and the Orion spacecraft, designed to demonstrate their ability to travel to the Moon and beyond. The mission began on November 30, 2021, with the launch of the SLS rocket from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The spacecraft traveled a total distance of approximately 450,000 kilometers to the Moon, where it entered a lunar orbit at an altitude of 400 kilometers above the lunar surface. This was followed by a trans-lunar injection burn that sent the spacecraft approximately 64,373 kilometers beyond the Moon and into deep space.

During the mission, the spacecraft carried out a series of tests and maneuvers, including a flyby of the Moon, a test of the Orion spacecraft’s heat shield, and a demonstration of its communication and navigation systems. On December 11, 2021, after a mission lasting 25.5 days, the module landed in the Pacific Ocean close to California. The mission was a significant milestone in NASA’s Artemis program, which aims to return humans to the Moon and establish a sustainable presence there by the end of the decade.

It’s worth noting that the Space Launch System is the most powerful rocket ever built, generating 8.8 million pounds of thrust on liftoff. This makes it 1.3 million pounds more powerful than the Saturn V rocket used in the Apollo missions, and capable of carrying larger payloads and traveling further into space.

Continuing with the mission briefing,

What is the current status of the Artemis 1 mission?

NASA’s Artemis I mission, an uncrewed flight test, successfully demonstrated the agency’s deep space rocket, spacecraft, and ground systems readiness for future missions to the Moon. Engineers have extensively reviewed data since the mission’s completion to confirm the initial observations, including the performance of the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and Orion spacecraft. The SLS rocket flew precisely as designed, meeting or exceeding performance expectations, while the Exploration Ground Systems program is repairing damaged components and making upgrades in preparation for future Artemis missions.

The Orion spacecraft successfully performed every aspect of its journey beyond the Moon, including generating more power than expected and consuming less power than predicted. NASA is examining two observations from the flight in more detail: variations across the appearance of Orion’s heat shield and an issue where latching current limiters switched open without commanding several times throughout the mission. Despite these issues, NASA is making progress towards the Artemis II mission, with the heat shield set to be attached to the crew module in May and the mobile launcher undergoing testing this summer. The agency is determined to ensure crew safety is a top priority for future missions.

Now let’s dig in to find out,

Artemis 2!

Artemis II marks a significant milestone in NASA’s quest for deep space exploration, as it will be the first manned mission of the Orion spacecraft, Space Launch System rocket, and ground systems at Kennedy Space Center. With four astronauts aboard, the mission will test the spacecraft’s systems in the actual environment of deep space and confirm their operational readiness for future missions. The Artemis II flight test will be crucial in paving the way for the historic Artemis III mission, which aims to land the first woman and next man on the Moon.

Here is,

Map of Artemis 2!

Map of Artemis 2

Artemis 2 is the second planned mission of NASA’s Artemis program and is currently scheduled for launch in 2024. The mission will be crewed by four astronauts and will be the first time humans have traveled beyond low Earth orbit since the Apollo 17 mission in 1972. The mission will be launched into space by the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket, and the crew will fly the Orion spacecraft to a distance of 7402 kilometers beyond the Moon’s far side. This will be followed by a lunar flyby, allowing the crew to observe and study the lunar surface from a closer distance.

The spacecraft will then return to Earth, and the mission is expected to take between eight to ten days to complete. During the mission, the crew will collect valuable flight test data that will help NASA refine its plans for future crewed missions to the Moon and beyond. It’s worth noting that Artemis 2 is a crucial step towards NASA’s goal of returning humans to the Moon and establishing a sustainable presence there by the end of the decade. By testing the Orion spacecraft and the SLS rocket in a crewed mission beyond low Earth orbit, NASA will be one step closer to achieving this goal.

Now here are some more details on this mission,

What is the current status of the Artemis 2 mission?

NASA’s Artemis II, the first crewed Artemis mission that will send four astronauts around the Moon and return them home, has achieved a significant milestone in its development. All five major Space Launch System (SLS) rocket’s core stage structures have been fully integrated by teams at NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans. The engine section, which is located at the bottom of the 212-foot-tall core stage, was joined to the rest of the rocket stage on March 17. The next step will be to integrate the four RS-25 engines into the engine section to complete the stage.

The engine section is the most complex and intricate part of the rocket stage, housing the engines and including vital systems for mounting, controlling, and delivering fuel from the propellant tanks to the engines. The RS-25 engines and the two solid rocket boosters, which together generate 8.8 million pounds of thrust at takeoff, also attach to it. The core stage for Artemis II is built, outfitted, and assembled at Michoud. Through Artemis missions, NASA aims to land the first woman and the first person of color on the surface of the Moon, paving the way for a long-term lunar presence and serving as a stepping stone for astronauts on the way to Mars.

 

Published by: Sky Headlines

Challenger disaster: The tragic event that changed space exploration forever

Challenger disaster: The tragic event that changed space exploration forever

On January 28, 1986, a catastrophic event occurred that shocked the world and forever changed the future of space exploration. At 11:39:13 EST (16:39:13 UTC), the Space Shuttle Challenger, with its crew of seven aboard, broke apart just 73 seconds into its flight, losing all crew members. The Challenger disaster occurred off the coast of Florida, in the Atlantic Ocean, and was caused by the failure of an O-ring seal in the right Solid Rocket Booster (SRB), due to cold weather and wind shears. The impact of this tragedy was profound, leading to the cancellation of the Teacher in Space Project and subsequent civilian shuttle spaceflights, as well as the grounding of the entire Shuttle fleet for the implementation of new safety measures.

Let’s find out,

Construction and Features:

Challenger disaster
Credit: NASA

NASA’s second Space Shuttle orbiter, Challenger (OV-099), was a Structural Test Item (STA-099). The decision to build STA-099 was made due to the low production rate of the Orbiters, which made it necessary to have a prototype vehicle that could be converted into a flight vehicle later on. The purpose of the STA-099 was to undergo structural testing to validate computational models and to show compliance with the required 1.4 factor of safety. The testing was performed to a safety factor of 1.2 times the design limit loads to prevent damage during structural testing.

NASA initially planned to convert the prototype orbiter, Enterprise (OV-101), which was used for flight testing, as the second operational orbiter. But, design changes made during the construction of the first orbiter, Columbia (OV-102), would have required considerable rework. Although STA-099’s qualification testing averted damage, NASA found that reconstructing STA-099 as OV-099 would be less expensive than refitting Enterprise.

Challenger had some design modifications as compared to its predecessor, Columbia. Most of the tiles on the payload bay doors, top wing surface, and rear fuselage surface were replaced with DuPont white Nomex felt insulation, resulting in a Thermal Protection System with fewer tiles. This change allowed Challenger to carry a more payload of 2,500 lb (1,100 kg) than Columbia. Challenger was the first orbiter to carry a head-up display system.  Scientists used the system during the descent phase of a mission. The head-up display supplied crucial information to the crew during the landing.

Moreover, it comes about

Flights and Modifications:

Challenger made its first flight on April 4, 1983, and quickly became the primary orbiter in NASA’s Space Shuttle fleet, flying more missions per year than Columbia. In fact, between 1983 and 1984, Challenger flew on 85% of all Space Shuttle missions. Challenger, Discovery, and other Space Shuttles were in heavy use during the early 1980s. It flew three missions a year from 1983 to 1985. Challenger and Discovery underwent modifications at Kennedy Space Center. The modifications allowed them to carry the Centaur-G upper stage in their payload bays. Challenger’s next mission, had STS-51-L been successful, was to deploy the Ulysses probe with the Centaur. The Ulysses probe would have studied the polar regions of the Sun.

Challenger achieved many milestones during its spaceflight career. The milestones included being the first for many groups, such as the first American woman, African-American, and Canadian in space. Challenger also completed three Spacelab missions and performed the Space Shuttle’s first night launch and landing. However, Challenger is most remembered for the tragic loss of the orbiter and its seven-member crew. The loss occurred on January 28, 1986, during mission STS-51-L.  The debris of the vessel was collected and stored in decommissioned missile silos at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Occasionally, different pieces of debris from the orbiter wash up on the Florida coast and are transported to the silos for storage. It’s worth noting that Challenger was the only Space Shuttle that never wore the NASA “meatball” logo, due to its early loss.

Here is to discuss,

What was the disaster Of Challenger?

Space Shuttle Challenger
Credit: NASA

Tragically, Challenger met its demise during its tenth mission, STS-51-L, on January 28, 1986. The Space Shuttle was destroyed just 73 seconds into the flight, at an altitude of approximately 46,000 feet. The cause of the Challenger disaster was later determined to be an O-ring seal failure on the right solid rocket booster (SRB). The O-rings failed to seal properly due to various factors, including cold weather. A plume of flame was able to escape from the SRB due to the failed O-ring seal.

The escaping flame caused the structural failure of the external fuel tank (ET) and the SRB. The structural failure of the ET and SRB caused the vehicle to break apart. The break-up of the vehicle occurred under the stress of aerodynamic loads. The loss of the seven crew members on board was a tragic outcome of the disaster. The Challenger disaster was a significant setback for the Space Shuttle program. They grounded the Space Shuttle fleet for nearly three years as a result of the tragedy.

When it comes about,

The views of Janet Petro

Janet Petro, who is the Kennedy Space Center Director, says: “Challenger and her crew live on in the hearts and memories of both NASA and the nation,” Moreover, she added: “Today, as we turn our sights again toward the Moon and Mars, we see that the same love of exploration that drove the Challenger crew is still inspiring the astronauts of today’s Artemis Generation, calling them to build on the legacy of knowledge and discovery for the benefit of all humanity.”

Lastly,

When did the world see Challenger’s sad loss?

January 28, 1986, the world saw the Challenger’s sad loss. President Ronald Reagan appointed a special commission to investigate the cause of the disaster. The commission was tasked with developing corrective measures. Former secretary of state William Rogers led the commission. The commission included notable figures such as former astronaut Neil Armstrong and former test pilot Chuck Yeager.

The investigation found an “O-ring” seal failed in one of the two solid-fuel rockets. The O-ring was to be elastic and pliable. The O-ring did not respond as expected due to the cold temperature at launch time. The failure of the O-ring caused a breach in the seal. Hot gases escaped through the breach and damaged critical parts of the space shuttle. The damage caused by the hot gases led to the catastrophic failure of the Challenger.

As a result of the investigation, NASA suspended all manned spaceflights for more than two years while it redesigned and improved various features of the space shuttle. The commission’s recommendations led to changes in NASA’s safety protocols and a renewed focus on safety in the space program. The lessons learned from the Challenger disaster continue to inform NASA’s approach to space exploration today.

To sum it up:

Bill Nelson, NASA’s Administrator, says: “While it has been nearly 37 years since seven daring and brave explorers lost their lives aboard Challenger, this tragedy will forever be seared in our country’s collective memory. For millions around the globe, myself included, Jan. 28, 1986, still feels like yesterday,” Moreover, he says: “This discovery allows us to pause once again, to uplift the legacies of the seven pioneers we lost, and to reflect on how this tragedy changed us. At NASA, the core value of safety is – and must forever remain – our top priority, especially as our missions explore more of the cosmos than ever before.”

 

Published by: Sky Headlines

CO2 emissions by country tracked by NASA’s OCO-2 satellite

CO2 emissions by country tracked by NASA’s OCO-2 satellite

Researchers used satellite measurements to determine CO2 emissions by country and carbon uptake at the national level. Using a NASA satellite that looks at Earth, CO2 emissions in more than 100 countries worldwide have been tracked. This project provides information on the amount of carbon dioxide released by certain countries. It also measures the carbon dioxide absorbed by natural “sinks” like forests. Accordingly, the results can demonstrate the usefulness of space-based technologies in helping countries meet their climate goals. Hence, these technologies can provide valuable information about the Earth’s climate.

Now the point is that,

What is the importance of NASA’s OCO-2?

The launch of the OCO-2 satellite was in 2014. Three camera-like spectrometers map natural and human-made carbon dioxide levels. So, these spectrometers detect carbon dioxide’s distinctive spectra. Afterward,  measuring how much sunlight a column of air absorbs from the gas, they indirectly estimate the gas.

Moreover, over 60 scientists worldwide took part in an international study that used data from NASA’s Orbiting Carbon Observatory-2 (OCO-2) mission and observations from the ground to figure out how much carbon dioxide in the air will change from 2015 to 2020. Anyhow, Researchers could estimate how much carbon dioxide was released and taken in by using this measurement-based or “top-down” method.

Even though the OCO-2 mission wasn’t meant to figure out how much each nation emitted, the study results are helpful because the first Global Stock take, which will look at how well the world is doing in meeting the goals of the 2015 Paris Agreement, is set for 2023.  All in all the study looked at information on CO2 emissions by country.

NASA Earth Science Division Director Karen St. Germain says: “NASA is focused on delivering Earth science data that addresses real- climate challenges – like helping governments around the world measure the impact of their carbon mitigation efforts,” Moreover, she said: “This is one example of how NASA is developing and enhancing efforts to measure carbon emissions in a way that meets user needs.”

Altogether, here arises the question,

How does bottom-up and top-down approach play a role in measuring carbon emissions?

In order to measure carbon emissions, the conventional approach involves calculating the amount of carbon dioxide released in various sectors, including transportation and agriculture this method, called “bottom-up,” is significant for keeping track of efforts to reduce emissions. But making these carbon inventories takes a lot of time and requires expertise and knowledge of the activities involved.

The study’s authors suggest a “top-down” approach that builds a database of emissions and removals to deal with this problem. This method could benefit countries that need more money to make inventories. The authors’ research includes information from over 50 countries that have not reported their emissions in the last ten years.

So here is the point to know that,

How do ecological changes and fossil fuels lead to the emission of carbon dioxide?

Tracking fossil fuel emissions and carbon in ecosystems, including trees, bushes, and soils, provides a unique perspective. Hence, this information is beneficial for keeping track of changes in carbon dioxide levels caused by changes in land cover. In addition, deforestation is the leading cause of carbon emissions in the Global South. Latin America, Asia, Africa, and Oceania form the Global South. In some regions, land management and reforestation have reduced atmospheric carbon. Therefore, the effects of deforestation on global carbon emissions vary by region.

The authors say that traditional “bottom-up” methods are essential for figuring out how much carbon dioxide an ecosystem puts out and how much it takes in. But these methods can be brutal when there needs to be more data or the overall effects of logging must be fully understood.

Philippe Ciais, study author and research director of France’s Laboratoire des Sciences du Climat et de l’Environnement, says: “Our top-down estimates provide an independent estimate of these emissions and removals, so although they cannot replace the detailed process understanding of traditional bottom-up methods, we can check both approaches for consistency,”

After all, we should know that,

Why is it critical to monitor the carbon balance of unmanaged ecosystems and identify any changes in carbon uptake?

The study presents a multifaceted understanding of the movement of carbon across Earth’s land, oceans, and atmosphere.

In addition to the human activities included in national inventories, unmanaged ecosystems can absorb carbon from the atmosphere. This can help mitigate the effects of global warming, particularly in tropical and boreal forests where human activity is minimal.

Australian university professor and research author Noel Cressie says: “National inventories are intended to track how management policies impact emissions and removals of CO2,” Moreover, he says: “However, the atmosphere doesn’t care whether CO2 is being emitted from deforestation in the Amazon or wildfires in the Canadian Arctic. Both processes will increase the concentration of atmospheric CO2 and drive climate change. Therefore, it is critical to monitor the carbon balance of unmanaged ecosystems and identify any changes in carbon uptake.”

The researchers concluded that their pilot experiment has room for improvement in revealing trends in national emissions.

NASA scientist and lead author Brendan Byrne works at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in California, says about CO2 emissions by country: “Sustained, high-quality observations are critical for these top-down estimates,” Moreover, he says: “Continued observations from OCO-2 and surface sites will allow us to track how these emissions and removals change as the Paris Agreement is implemented. So, future international missions that provide an expanded mapping of CO2 concentrations across the globe will allow us to refine these top-down estimates and give more precise estimates of countries’ emissions and removals.”

So, here is

List of the countries along with the annual emission of carbon dioxide:

# Country CO2 Emissions
(tons, 2016)		 1 Year
Change		 Population
(2016)		 Per
capita		 Share
of
world
1 China 10,432,751,400 -0.28% 1,414,049,351 7.38 29.18%
2 United States 5,011,686,600 -2.01% 323,015,995 15.52 14.02%
3 India 2,533,638,100 4.71% 1,324,517,249 1.91 7.09%
4 Russia 1,661,899,300 -2.13% 145,275,383 11.44 4.65%
5 Japan 1,239,592,060 -1.21% 127,763,265 9.7 3.47%
6 Germany 775,752,190 1.28% 82,193,768 9.44 2.17%
7 Canada 675,918,610 -1.00% 36,382,944 18.58 1.89%
8 Iran 642,560,030 2.22% 79,563,989 8.08 1.80%
9 South Korea 604,043,830 0.45% 50,983,457 11.85 1.69%
10 Indonesia 530,035,650 6.41% 261,556,381 2.03 1.48%
11 Saudi Arabia 517,079,407 0.92% 32,443,447 15.94 1.45%
12 Brazil 462,994,920 -6.08% 206,163,053 2.25 1.29%
13 Mexico 441,412,750 -2.13% 123,333,376 3.58 1.23%
14 Australia 414,988,700 -0.98% 24,262,712 17.1 1.16%
15 South Africa 390,557,850 -0.49% 56,207,646 6.95 1.09%
16 Turkey 368,122,740 5.25% 79,827,871 4.61 1.03%
17 United Kingdom 367,860,350 -6.38% 66,297,944 5.55 1.03%
18 Italy 358,139,550 0.84% 60,663,060 5.9 1.00%
19 France 331,533,320 2.11% 64,667,596 5.13 0.93%
20 Poland 296,659,670 2.67% 37,989,220 7.81 0.83%
21 Taiwan 276,724,868 1.91% 23,618,200 11.72 0.77%
22 Thailand 271,040,160 1.55% 68,971,308 3.93 0.76%
23 Malaysia 266,251,542 6.54% 30,684,654 8.68 0.74%
24 Spain 251,892,320 -3.12% 46,634,140 5.4 0.70%
25 Ukraine 233,220,080 8.03% 44,713,702 5.22 0.65%
26 Kazakhstan 231,919,540 1.64% 17,830,901 13.01 0.65%
27 Egypt 219,377,350 4.72% 94,447,073 2.32 0.61%
28 United Arab Emirates 218,788,684 4.43% 9,360,980 23.37 0.61%
29 Vietnam 206,042,140 0.09% 93,640,422 2.2 0.58%
30 Argentina 200,708,270 0.16% 43,508,460 4.61 0.56%
31 Pakistan 178,013,820 9.13% 203,631,353 0.87 0.50%
32 Venezuela 175,884,256 -1.90% 29,851,255 5.89 0.49%
33 Netherlands 163,419,285 1.63% 16,981,295 9.62 0.46%
34 Iraq 162,646,160 1.22% 36,610,632 4.44 0.45%
35 Algeria 156,220,560 0.17% 40,551,392 3.85 0.44%
36 Philippines 126,922,662 12.37% 103,663,816 1.22 0.35%
37 Czech Republic (Czechia) 111,825,428 1.39% 10,618,857 10.53 0.31%
38 Uzbekistan 109,347,340 1.60% 31,441,751 3.48 0.31%
39 Kuwait 101,492,225 1.36% 3,956,875 25.65 0.28%
40 Qatar 98,990,085 1.79% 2,654,374 37.29 0.28%
41 Belgium 94,722,813 1.53% 11,354,420 8.34 0.26%
42 Oman 87,835,773 2.09% 4,479,219 19.61 0.25%
43 Nigeria 82,634,214 0.70% 185,960,241 0.44 0.23%
44 Chile 81,258,525 5.33% 18,209,068 4.46 0.23%
45 Turkmenistan 79,279,216 0.63% 5,662,368 14 0.22%
46 Romania 78,770,824 1.69% 19,796,285 3.98 0.22%
47 Colombia 77,667,594 -0.84% 48,175,052 1.61 0.22%
48 Bangladesh 74,476,230 4.50% 157,977,153 0.47 0.21%
49 Austria 73,764,112 1.54% 8,747,301 8.43 0.21%
50 Greece 67,840,662 -3.47% 10,615,185 6.39 0.19%
51 Israel 65,201,588 -0.38% 8,108,985 8.04 0.18%
52 Belarus 62,655,669 4.90% 9,445,643 6.63 0.18%
53 North Korea 58,708,734 19.49% 25,307,665 2.32 0.16%
54 Morocco 57,694,464 0.54% 35,126,283 1.64 0.16%
55 Peru 57,692,879 8.16% 30,926,032 1.87 0.16%
56 Libya 52,696,075 1.52% 6,492,162 8.12 0.15%
57 Finland 51,183,960 3.62% 5,497,713 9.31 0.14%
58 Hungary 51,018,899 2.16% 9,752,975 5.23 0.14%
59 Bulgaria 50,872,910 -6.00% 7,151,953 7.11 0.14%
60 Portugal 50,142,844 -2.36% 10,325,538 4.86 0.14%
61 Singapore 48,381,759 2.56% 5,653,634 8.56 0.14%
62 Hong Kong 47,066,386 1.23% 7,243,542 6.5 0.13%
63 Sweden 44,694,415 4.33% 9,836,007 4.54 0.13%
64 Norway 43,456,012 0.85% 5,250,949 8.28 0.12%
65 Serbia 41,168,059 2.27% 8,853,963 4.65 0.12%
66 Ecuador 40,065,690 -4.85% 16,491,116 2.43 0.11%
67 Switzerland 39,666,930 -2.30% 8,379,917 4.73 0.11%
68 Ireland 39,086,565 5.09% 4,695,779 8.32 0.11%
69 Syria 38,054,696 1.78% 17,465,575 2.18 0.11%
70 Denmark 38,007,645 5.23% 5,711,349 6.65 0.11%
71 Slovakia 36,817,242 1.74% 5,442,003 6.77 0.10%
72 Trinidad and Tobago 34,974,263 -5.92% 1,377,560 25.39 0.10%
73 Azerbaijan 33,614,235 -0.41% 9,736,043 3.45 0.09%
74 New Zealand 33,276,202 -0.14% 4,659,265 7.14 0.09%
75 Angola 30,566,933 3.13% 28,842,489 1.06 0.09%
76 Cuba 30,389,116 1.65% 11,335,104 2.68 0.08%
77 Tunisia 29,395,965 0.82% 11,303,945 2.6 0.08%
78 Bosnia and Herzegovina 25,674,120 0.86% 3,386,266 7.58 0.07%
79 Yemen 25,647,990 1.62% 27,168,208 0.94 0.07%
80 Bahrain 24,458,384 2.50% 1,425,792 17.15 0.07%
81 Dominican Republic 23,466,740 2.88% 10,397,741 2.26 0.07%
82 Jordan 22,772,370 1.83% 9,554,286 2.38 0.06%
83 Estonia 22,402,414 1.01% 1,316,510 17.02 0.06%
84 Lebanon 21,863,288 1.95% 6,714,281 3.26 0.06%
85 Bolivia 19,463,728 2.03% 11,031,814 1.76 0.05%
86 Croatia 19,408,194 3.02% 4,208,602 4.61 0.05%
87 Mongolia 18,574,260 18.09% 3,056,364 6.08 0.05%
88 Guatemala 18,539,316 2.42% 16,583,076 1.12 0.05%
89 Sri Lanka 18,454,691 8.55% 21,021,171 0.88 0.05%
90 Myanmar 16,701,776 5.61% 53,045,201 0.31 0.05%
91 Kenya 16,334,919 3.60% 49,051,534 0.33 0.05%
92 Montenegro 16,249,039 2.27% 627,264 25.9 0.05%
93 Slovenia 14,722,601 2.35% 2,074,210 7.1 0.04%
94 Ghana 14,469,986 3.54% 28,481,945 0.51 0.04%
95 Lithuania 13,685,264 2.66% 2,889,557 4.74 0.04%
96 Sudan 13,294,106 4.18% 39,847,439 0.33 0.04%
97 Panama 11,599,764 2.37% 4,037,078 2.87 0.03%
98 Ethiopia 10,438,855 4.03% 103,603,462 0.1 0.03%
99 Luxembourg 10,144,632 3.45% 579,264 17.51 0.03%
100 Zimbabwe 10,062,628 -4.17% 14,030,331 0.72 0.03%

 

Published by: Sky Headlines

Exploring the Mysteries of the Milky Way with the Gaia Mission

Exploring the Mysteries of the Milky Way with the Gaia Mission

The Milky Way has been a subject of fascination and wonder for humans for decades. This magnificent spiral galaxy is our home in the universe and also contains billions of stars and countless mysteries waiting to be unraveled. For many years, astronomers struggled to understand the galaxy’s structure, evolution, and history due to the lack of precise data on its stars. But now, thanks to advancements in technology and space exploration, we now have a better understanding of our galaxy’s structure and evolution. One such breakthrough is the Gaia mission.

Launched by the European Space Agency (ESA) in 2013, the Gaia mission aims to chart the positions, distances, and also motions of a billion stars in the Milky Way and its neighboring galaxies. Gaia has an advanced telescope and imaging sensors. These have allowed it to gather an unprecedented amount of data. This data has revolutionized our understanding of the Milky Way’s past, present, and future.

What is the Gaia Mission?

The Gaia mission is a space observatory designed to measure the positions, distances, and motions of more than one billion stars in the Milky Way. Moreveor, The spacecraft operates at the second Lagrange point (L2) of the Sun-Earth system, about 1.5 million kilometers from Earth. Furthermore, Gaia uses two telescopes to observe the stars and collect data on their positions, brightness, and spectra.

Furhtermore, Gaia has two telescopes with focal plane arrays that scan the sky simultaneously. The spacecraft spins slowly to cover a larger area of the sky, and it takes about six months for Gaia to complete one full scan.

What has Gaia revealed about the Milky Way?

The Gaia mission has provided unprecedented insights into the Milky Way’s structure. Moreover, The Gaia mission has also shed light on the Milky Way’s evolution over time. Here are some of the key findings:

The Milky Way is old:

Gaia data suggests that the Milky Way is about 13.6 billion years old, roughly the same age as the universe.

The Milky Way grew by accretion:

Gaia data supports the idea that the Milky Way grew by accreting smaller galaxies over time. Moreover, Gaia has detected the remnants of several past collisions with smaller galaxies, including the Sagittarius dwarf galaxy.

The Milky Way’s star formation history:

Gaia data has also allowed astronomers to study the Milky Way’s star formation history in unprecedented detail. The data shows that the galaxy experienced bursts of star formation triggered by collisions with smaller galaxies.

The Milky Way is a barred spiral galaxy:

Gaia data confirms that our galaxy has a central bar-shaped structure, surrounded by spiral arms that extend outward.

The Milky Way’s disk is warped:

Gaia data also shows that the Milky Way’s disk is not flat but warped, likely due to interactions with nearby galaxies.

The Milky Way’s halo is inhomogeneous:

Gaia data reveals that the Milky Way’s halo, a roughly spherical region surrounding the galaxy, has a lumpy and uneven distribution of stars.

The Milky Way’s Formation and Evolution:

One of the primary goals of the Gaia mission is to trace the history of the Milky Way from its birth to the present day. Moreover, by measuring the positions and velocities of stars across the galaxy, Gaia has provided astronomers with a comprehensive 3D map of the Milky Way’s structure and dynamics.

The data also reveals that the Milky Way’s formation began with the collapse of clouds of gas and dust about 13.6 billion years ago. The first stars emerged from these clouds and formed the globular clusters we see today. Over time, the galaxy grew larger. This happened as smaller galaxies merged with it. These mergers triggered periods of intense star formation and shaped the structure of the galaxy.

Gaia has identified several “streams” of stars that were torn from smaller galaxies during their mergers with the Milky Way. Astronomers can study the colors and ages of these stars to reconstruct the history of these galactic mergers. This process provides insights into the formation and evolution of the Milky Way.

The Dark Matter Mystery:

The Gaia mission has also shed light on the mysterious substance known as dark matter, which makes up around 85% of the universe’s mass but cannot be directly observed. Dark matter exerts a gravitational force on stars and galaxies, and Gaia’s precise measurements of their motions have allowed astronomers to map the distribution of dark matter in the Milky Way.

The data suggests that the Milky Way’s dark matter halo is not a simple spherical shape, as previously believed, but is instead elongated and twisted. This finding challenges our current understanding of dark matter and raises new questions about its nature and properties.

Galactic Archaeology:

Another exciting field of research enabled by the Gaia mission is galactic archaeology. By studying the ages and compositions of stars across the galaxy, astronomers can trace the Milky Way’s history and evolution. Gaia has identified a group of stars that are moving in the opposite direction to the rest of the galaxy. This discovery indicates that these stars may have come from a smaller, merging galaxy.

Gaia has also revealed that the Milky Way’s spiral arms are not static structures, but rather dynamic and constantly changing. This discovery suggests that the spiral arms may be the result of galactic mergers or interactions with neighboring galaxies.

How has the Gaia mission impacted astronomy?

The Gaia mission has had a significant impact on astronomy, providing a wealth of data for researchers to study. Here are some of the ways that Gaia has influenced astronomy:

Improved understanding of the Milky Way:

Gaia has also provided unprecedented insights into the structure and evolution of the Milky Way. This has advanced our understanding of our home galaxy.

New insights into star formation:

Gaia’s data on star formation has allowed astronomers to study the birth and evolution of stars in greater detail.

Insights into the dark matter:

Gaia has also contributed to our understanding of dark matter, the mysterious substance that makes up most of the matter in the universe. Gaia data has helped astronomers map the distribution of dark matter in the Milky Way.

Long story short:

The Gaia mission has provided a wealth of data that has allowed astronomers to study the Milky Way in unprecedented detail. Thanks to Gaia, we now have a better understanding of our home galaxy’s structure, evolution, and star formation history. The mission has also had a significant impact on astronomy, providing insights into dark matter and other mysteries of the universe. As the mission continues, we can expect even more groundbreaking discoveries in the years to come.

 

Published by: Sky Headlines

Mission Space: Orange vs Green – Choosing the Right Thrill at Disney World’s Epcot

Mission Space: Orange vs Green – Choosing the Right Thrill at Disney World’s Epcot

Mission Space: Orange vs Green!

Have you ever wondered, what it is like to be an astronaut? Are you of space adventure and travel? Then “Mission: Space – EPCOT at Walt Disney World” is what you should be enjoying right now! Mission: Space Orange vs Green appears to be just another thrilling ride at EPCOT.

Epcot is a theme park at the Walt Disney World Resort in Bay Lake, Florida.

If you have never listened to it, No worries! You will get to know each and everything about “Mission: SPACE” in this blog. We will be further discussing the two thrilling rides Orange and Green as well. So let’s dig in!

Mission Space!

Mission: Space Orange vs Green is designed to give visitors a realistic experience of what it would be like to travel into space. This ride is unique and wonderful. In order to make this fun ride even more realistic effects such as wind, shaking chairs, as well as centrifugal forces that simulate the g-forces of launch and landing is added to the ride.

At the International Space Training Center, you’ll be onboard the X-2 Deep Space Shuttle (ISTC). The ride lasts for about 4 minutes. But before you get started, First, make a crew! Four cadets have to collaborate together on the space shuttle. Each of your four cadets will play an important role: navigator, pilot, commander, or engineer. Cadets will be instructed to initiate a mission-critical sequence during their flight.

What you may not know is that there are two versions of “Mission Space,”. There are two versions of this thrilling ride. One of which is Orange and the other one is Green. So, what’s the difference between these two experiences? Why is it called Mission Space: Orange vs Green and which should you choose?

What is Mission Space: Orange vs Green?

Mission Space: Orange vs Green, two thrilling rides at Walt Disney World Resort’s Epcot Center, have captivated guests since they first opened their doors. But what distinguishes each ride? Let’s take a closer look.

Mission Space Orange

Mission Orange is a more extreme version of the ride, and it’s designed to be an intense, immersive experience. The orange team is tasked with flying the spacecraft, and riders feel the full force of the liftoff and other physical sensations. This version is recommended for thrill-seekers who love intense experiences and are not sensitive to motion sickness. Space explorers of about 44” and taller are onboard for this mission.

Mission Space Green

Mission Green is a less intense version of the ride, designed for younger children and those who may be sensitive to motion sickness. The green team is tasked with conducting various scientific experiments on the spacecraft, and the physical sensations are much milder. This version is recommended for families with young children or those who are prone to motion sickness. However, the Green mission offers astronauts 40” and taller.

So which one should you choose?

You can choose either Orange or Green. It completely depends on your personal preferences and tolerance for intense experiences. The Orange version of the ride is an intense and thrilling experience that simulates a journey to Mars. Mission Space Orange is definitely the way to go if you love intense, thrilling rides.

However, If you’re prone to motion sickness or you’re traveling with young children, Mission Space Green is a great option that still offers a fun, space-themed experience without intense physical sensations. The Green version is a milder, yet still exciting, experience designed for families with younger children or those who prefer a gentler ride.

Both rides offer a unique experience that you will never forget.

Bottom line!

Lastly, If you’re a fan of theme parks with space themes, you must visit Mission Space at Epcot in Disney World. This famous ride simulates a space mission to Mars, complete with the sensation of liftoff and weightlessness. Mission Space: Orange vs Green is a unique and exciting experience with distinct intensity levels. No matter which version you choose, you’re sure to have a blast as you explore the wonders of space.

 

Published by: Sky Headlines

Europe is ready to set off for another mission to explore Jupiter’s icy moons

Europe is ready to set off for another mission to explore Jupiter’s icy moons

Europe is about to embark on one of its largest-scale space missions to examine Jupiter’s icy moons. After being put through its final testing in Toulouse, France, the Juice satellite will be transported to its launch site in South America and take off in April. The six-ton spacecraft will make quick flybys of Callisto, Ganymede, and Europa and use special instruments to check for signs of habitability. Although the Jovian system is located far from the sun, it gets enough energy from Jupiter that liquid water could be pooled beneath its surface; an element necessary for life. It is an 8.5-year journey of about 6.6 billion km.

The European Space Agency (ESA) team behind this project gathered this week and gave the ‘go for launch’ command. Airbus, who spearheaded the construction of Juice for a cost of €1.6bn (£1.4bn; $1.7bn), also has drawn expertise and components from across Europe. Special radar will search inside Jupiter’s icy moons; and create 3D maps of their surfaces. Moreover, magnetometers will discover their electrically charged environments; and sensors that capture particles orbiting there.

The goal of the “Juice” mission is not to search for signs of life. Instead, it aims to determine if future missions can examine the signs of life in more detail. This may include sending a lander to drill into Mars’ crust to search for trapped liquid water. This ambitious goal might become a reality by the end of the century. Working with outer space requires one to be patient!

What do experts say about Jupiter’s icy moons?

A thermal architect Séverine Deschamps said: “We have two big vaults inside the spacecraft to protect the computers from radiation and to maintain them through a network of pipes at the same level of temperature,” Moreover, he said: “The same is true for the propulsion system. Its operation has to be maintained around the 20C, quite warm, to get a good level of performance when firing.”

“In the case of Europa, it’s thought there’s a deep ocean, maybe 100km deep, underneath its ice crust,” Moreover, on BBC News Prof Emma Bunce from Leicester University, UK said about Europe’s mission to Jupiter’s icy moons: “That depth of the ocean is 10 times that of the deepest ocean on Earth, and the ocean is in contact, we think, with a rocky floor. So that provides a scenario where there is mixing and some interesting chemistry,”.

Juice arrives at Jupiter at that time, scheduled for July 2031. After making 35 flybys of each of the three moons, it will eventually make a permanent home near Ganymede in late 2034.

Hopefully, a lot of mysteries will be uncovered about Jupiter’s icy moons from this mission.

Published by: Sky Headlines