The Universe’s Largest Water Reservoir: 140 Trillion Times Earth’s Water in

In a groundbreaking discovery, astronomers have unveiled an immense cosmic water reservoir that dwarfs Earth’s water content by an astonishing 140 trillion times. This colossal aqueous expanse, located over 12 billion light-years away, surrounds a distant quasar and challenges our understanding of water’s prevalence in the early universe.

 Samir Sebti

The Universe’s Largest Water Reservoir: 140 Trillion Times Earth’s Water in 

© The Daily Galaxy --Great Discoveries Channel

The identification of this massive water reservoir marks a significant milestone in our exploration of the cosmos. Matt Bradford, a scientist at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, emphasizes the uniqueness of this discovery, stating, “The environment around this quasar is producing an unprecedented mass of water.” This finding not only showcases water’s pervasiveness throughout the universe but also provides insights into its presence during the universe’s infancy.

The quasar in question, designated APM 08279+5255, is a cosmic powerhouse driven by an enormous black hole. This celestial behemoth, with a mass 20 billion times that of our sun, generates energy equivalent to a thousand trillion suns. The sheer scale of this cosmic engine creates conditions conducive to the formation and maintenance of vast quantities of water vapor.

While water vapor is not uncommon in our own Milky Way galaxy, the amount detected in this distant quasar is staggering. It surpasses our galaxy’s water vapor content by a factor of 4,000, as most of the Milky Way’s water exists in frozen form. This disparity highlights the exceptional nature of the quasar’s environment and its potential implications for our understanding of cosmic evolution.

The role of water in cosmic environments

Water vapor serves as a crucial trace gas, offering valuable insights into the properties of celestial objects. In the case of APM 08279+5255, the water vapor extends across a gaseous region spanning hundreds of light-years. This expansive distribution indicates that the quasar bathes the surrounding gas in X-rays and infrared radiation, creating unusually warm and dense conditions by astronomical standards.

Despite the vast quantities of water vapor present, the environment remains incredibly cold by terrestrial standards. The gas temperature hovers around a frigid -63 degrees Fahrenheit. However, this is still five times hotter and 10 to 100 times denser than typical galactic environments, showcasing the extreme nature of quasar-influenced regions.

The abundance of water vapor and other molecules, such as carbon monoxide, suggests that there is sufficient gas to fuel the black hole’s growth for an extended period. However, the ultimate fate of this gas remains uncertain. It could potentially condense to form new stars or be expelled from the quasar’s vicinity due to the intense radiation and gravitational forces at play.

Technological marvels behind the discovery

The detection of this massive water reservoir was made possible by cutting-edge observational techniques and instruments. Two teams of scientists, led by Matt Bradford and Dariusz Lis respectively, utilized different observatories to confirm and analyze the water vapor’s presence :

• Z-Spec at the California Institute of Technology’s Submillimeter Observatory
• Combined Array for Research in Millimeter-Wave Astronomy (CARMA)
• Plateau de Bure Interferometer in the French Alps

These advanced instruments allowed the teams to detect multiple spectral signatures of water, providing detailed information about its quantity and distribution. The accidental discovery by Lis’s group in 2010 was further corroborated and expanded upon by Bradford’s team, highlighting the collaborative nature of astronomical research.

The use of these specialized observatories demonstrates the technological prowess required to probe the distant universe and uncover its secrets. As our observational capabilities continue to advance, we may uncover even more surprising findings about the cosmos and its composition.

Implications for our understanding of the universe

The discovery of this massive water reservoir has far-reaching implications for our understanding of the universe and its evolution. It challenges previous assumptions about the distribution of water in the early cosmos and raises intriguing questions about the role of water in the formation and development of celestial structures.

This finding also highlights the potential for new cosmological models that challenge traditional theories about the universe’s origins and evolution. The presence of such vast quantities of water in the early universe may require a reevaluation of our current models of cosmic chemistry and the processes that led to the formation of complex molecules in space.

Furthermore, this discovery underscores the importance of continued exploration and observation of distant cosmic objects. As we peer deeper into space and further back in time, we gain invaluable insights into the conditions that prevailed in the early universe and the processes that shaped the cosmos we observe today.

Comparison	Earth	Quasar APM 08279+5255
Water Content	1x	140 trillion x
Distance from Earth	0 light-years	Over 12 billion light-years
Temperature	Variable	-63°F (average)

As we continue to unravel the mysteries of the cosmos, discoveries like this massive water reservoir serve as reminders of the vast and wondrous nature of our universe. They inspire us to push the boundaries of our knowledge and technology, driving us to explore ever further into the cosmic depths in search of answers to our most fundamental questions about existence itself.

VIDEOS

Gigantic Floating Cosmic Ocean Found In Space?140 Trillion Times Larger Than Earth@TheCosmosNews

Largest Reservoir of Water in Space Holds 140 Trillion Times More Water Than Earth's Oceans

Quasar - O Maior Reservatório de Água do Universo

{ https://dailygalaxy.com/category/astronomy/ }

30-11-2024 om 22:31 geschreven door peter  

Story by Lydia Amazouz

 

In a remarkable turn of events, NASA’s Voyager 1 spacecraft, which has been silently traveling through space for nearly 50 years, has once again proven its resilience. After a critical communication failure in October 2023, the aging probe has successfully resumed transmitting valuable data back to Earth. The spacecraft, currently more than 24.9 billion kilometers (15.4 billion miles) away, is now working with minimal power to provide groundbreaking insights into the furthest reaches of our solar system. This unexpected recovery is a testament to the extraordinary engineering that keeps Voyager 1 alive and functioning, despite its age and distance.

A Communication Glitch and a Brilliant Recovery

On October 19, 2023,Voyager 1 experienced an unexpected malfunction when its primary communication system failed. The spacecraft’s X-band transmitter, which it uses to send data to Earth, stopped working. This sudden issue left engineers scrambling to restore contact with the spacecraft, which had been operating on limited power for years. The team suspected that the spacecraft’s fault protection system had been triggered, and as NASA’s Tony Greicius explained in the Voyager Blog, “The flight team suspected that Voyager 1’s fault protection system was triggered twice more and that it turned off the X-band transmitter and switched to a second radio transmitter called the S-band.”

While Voyager 1‘s main communication channel was down, the S-band backup system allowed engineers to continue tracking the spacecraft’s position. However, the challenge of detecting this signal at such a vast distance was far from simple. Tony Greicius clarified that “While the S-band uses less power, Voyager 1 had not used it to communicate with Earth since 1981. It uses a different frequency than the X-band transmitters’ signal, which is significantly fainter.” The weak signal from the S-band was a significant challenge for the engineers, who were unsure if it could even be detected from Earth due to the immense distance the spacecraft had traveled. Despite these doubts, the Deep Space Network engineers were able to successfully pick up the faint signal. “The flight team was not certain the S-band could be detected at Earth due to the spacecraft’s distance, but engineers with the Deep Space Network were able to find it,” Greicius noted.

The fact that engineers could detect the S-band signal from Voyager 1—which is currently in interstellar space—is a testament to the advanced capabilities of NASA’s Deep Space Network. After confirming that the faint signal was valid, the team was able to switch back to the X-band transmitter by mid-November, resuming normal operations and allowing Voyager 1 to continue sending back invaluable scientific data from the outer reaches of our solar system.

Although Voyager 1‘s communication systems have been successfully restored, the spacecraft’s power supply remains a major concern. After almost 50 years of operation, well beyond its original mission timeline, the spacecraft’s power resources are in steady decline. The radioactive thermoelectric generators (RTGs), which provide power by converting the decay of plutonium into electricity, are gradually losing efficiency. NASA engineers have been carefully monitoring and adjusting Voyager 1’s power usage, making critical decisions to ensure the spacecraft can continue transmitting data. Non-essential systems have been turned off, and the team is managing the spacecraft’s remaining power reserves with precision. However, as the output of the RTGs continues to decrease, Voyager 1 faces the inevitable challenge of running out of power, leaving engineers to work tirelessly to extend its operational life as long as possible.

The spacecraft’s dwindling power is particularly concerning as it means certain instruments and systems can no longer operate. The mission team is constantly faced with the challenge of prioritizing which systems remain active, all while ensuring that Voyager 1 continues to send valuable scientific data back to Earth. As the spacecraft drifts farther from the Sun, its solar power generation capabilities have long since become negligible, making the RTGs the only source of energy. Nonetheless, Voyager 1 has managed to achieve far more than anyone expected, operating for decades beyond its anticipated lifespan.

Voyager 1’s Enduring Legacy

As Voyager 1 continues its journey into the vast unknown of interstellar space, its legacy becomes even more significant. Originally launched in 1977 to explore the outer planets, the spacecraft’s primary mission was completed long ago, but its extended mission continues to provide invaluable insights into deep space. Data from Voyager 1 has helped scientists study the interstellar medium, cosmic radiation, and magnetic fields—subjects that were once beyond the reach of human knowledge. These findings have expanded our understanding of the vast, uncharted territory beyond the influence of our solar system, offering a glimpse into the nature of the cosmos itself.

Even as Voyager 1 nears its 50th anniversary, it remains a symbol of humanity’s drive for exploration. Despite the spacecraft’s aging systems and the enormous distance between it and Earth, every new communication breakthrough represents a triumph of ingenuity and perseverance. NASA’s engineers continue to keep Voyager 1 operational, pushing the limits of space exploration with each passing year. As Voyager 1 sends back data from the farthest reaches of the solar system and beyond, it serves as humanity’s most distant ambassador, continuing to deliver knowledge from the frontiers of space. This extraordinary mission will leave a legacy of scientific discoveries and technological achievements for generations to come, helping future explorers better understand the universe.

{ https://dailygalaxy.com/category/space/ }

30-11-2024 om 22:07 geschreven door peter  

Recent Study Suggests That The Surface Of Mars May Be Saturated With Carbon Dioxide That Could Be Converted Into Rocket Fuel

by Michael Levanduski

Source: Shutterstock

Planning missions to Mars is very difficult.

Even just getting a rover or other equipment to the red planet has endless challenges, but at least that has been successfully accomplished many times.

As we move closer to the possibility of manned missions to Mars, new hurdles need to be overcome.

One of the biggest ones is how to get people back to Earth. It takes a huge amount of fuel to send a spacecraft to Mars and land on the surface. Having to bring enough to power a trip back as well will be not just hard, but also very inefficient.

Fortunately, it might not be necessary.

According to a new paper that was recently published in the journal Science Advances, there may everything needed to make rocket fuel right there on Mars.

They estimate that about 80% of the carbon dioxide that was formerly in the Martian atmosphere is now trapped in carbon-based organic compounds right near the surface. This carbon could be extracted and converted into rocket fuel.

This is a process that has already been done many times here on Earth, so it is well understood.

In a statement, MIT geology professor Oliver Jagoutz said:

“Based on our findings on Earth, we show that similar processes likely operated on Mars, and that copious amounts of atmospheric CO2 could have transformed to methane and been sequestered in clays. This methane could still be present and maybe even used as an energy source on Mars in the future.”

The material that they believe holds all this CO2 is called smectite clay, which also exists on Earth. Scientists believe that 3.5 billion years ago, Mars had large amounts of surface water.

The coauthor of the study, Joshua Murray, who is an MIT planetary sciences PhD, explains:

“At this time in Mars’ history, we think CO2 is everywhere, in every nook and cranny, and water percolating through the rocks is full of CO2 too. These smectite clays have so much capacity to store carbon. So then we used existing knowledge of how these minerals are stored in clays on Earth, and extrapolate to say, if the Martian surface has this much clay in it, how much methane can you store in those clays?”

The answer, it seems, is a lot. While it is unlikely that the first people to travel to Mars will want to fully rely on this as a source of fuel for their return trip, it is certainly a promising option for the future of space travel to and from Mars.

Mars could serve as a ‘gas station’ for travel throughout our solar system.

If you thought that was interesting, you might like to read about a second giant hole has opened up on the sun’s surface. Here’s what it means.

{ https://twistedsifter.com/category/naturespace/ }

30-11-2024 om 21:27 geschreven door peter  

Ross Coulthart Unveils Shocking UFO Secrets and Ancient Egypt Mysteries

Renowned journalist Ross Coulthart has captivated audiences with his groundbreaking insights into the mysteries of UFOs and ancient Egypt. His investigations into Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAPs) and humanity’s hidden history reveal connections that could fundamentally reshape our understanding of both ancient civilizations and modern technological advancements.

The UFO Phenomenon: Beyond Skepticism

Coulthart asserts with unwavering confidence that several global governments, including those of the United States, Russia, and China, have recovered non-human craft. These technologically advanced artifacts, he believes, are the result of covert retrieval programs and reverse-engineering efforts spanning decades. His claims, based on credible sources such as former U.S. Navy research head Nat Kobitz, paint a picture of deliberate suppression and misinformation by powerful entities.

Coulthart compares the media’s dismissal of UFO evidence to its handling of controversial topics like the Iraq War’s weapons of mass destruction claims. He emphasizes that mainstream media has often been complicit in ignoring or downplaying significant evidence due to disinformation campaigns and institutional inertia.

Ancient Egypt: A Portal to Forgotten Knowledge

Coulthart’s recent exploration of Egypt, in collaboration with UAP researchers, has added another layer to his investigations. He highlights evidence of advanced technology embedded in ancient Egyptian artifacts and architecture that challenges conventional historical narratives. From the precision-cut red granite blocks in temples to the massive unfinished obelisk in Aswan, these artifacts showcase an expertise seemingly impossible for a civilization reliant on primitive tools.

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e0K8_mk4q-8

Particularly striking are stone vases, discovered in graves dating back over 14,000 years, long before the emergence of dynastic Egyptian rule. Coulthart cites modern researchers who suggest these objects were crafted using machinery capable of achieving precision that even today’s technology struggles to replicate.

A Forgotten Cataclysm

Coulthart ties ancient Egyptian myths of catastrophic events to the scientifically documented Younger Dryas period, approximately 12,800 years ago. This global cataclysm, caused by a solar event or meteor impact, may have wiped out advanced pre-human civilizations. The evidence, he contends, is “hidden in plain sight,” waiting for those willing to investigate.

Suppressed Truths and the Role of Disclosure

A key theme in Coulthart’s work is the suppression of transformative knowledge. Whether regarding UFOs or ancient technology, powerful institutions have allegedly used disinformation and, at times, violence to maintain control. Coulthart calls for transparency through congressional hearings and public investigations into these allegations, which include claims of murders committed to safeguard covert retrieval programs.

He also highlights the evolving role of independent media in bringing such stories to light. Platforms like podcasts and YouTube are increasingly providing a voice to suppressed topics, bypassing the traditional media gatekeepers.

A Future of Discovery

Coulthart believes we are on the brink of monumental revelations regarding UAPs and ancient history. His ongoing work with News Nation aims to further uncover hidden truths. Drawing parallels between humanity’s forgotten past and its potential extraterrestrial connections, he urges global leaders to prioritize disclosure for the benefit of all.

As humanity grapples with these profound mysteries, Coulthart’s investigations remind us that curiosity and critical thinking are essential tools for uncovering the truth. Whether about ancient Egypt or UFOs, the answers may already be within reach—if we dare to look.

OTHER VIDEOS

{ https://www.latest-ufo-sightings.net/ }

30-11-2024 om 20:09 geschreven door peter  

Aliens or a cult? New clues emerge in quest to solve 'longest-running murder mystery'

• READ MORE: Scientists ID mysterious wolf-like creature shot on Montana ranch

By MATTHEW PHELAN and STACY LIBERATORE FOR DAILYMAIL.COM

New clues have emerged in the quest to solve America's 'longest-running murder mystery' that has plagued ranchers since the 1970s.

Several states, from Kansas to Iowa and Oregon, have reported strange cases of dead cows sliced with surgical-like precision with their reproductive organs removed.

In many cases, not a drop of blood was found at the crime scenes.

The reports sparked fears about aliens mutilating the animals, but a former rancher from Oregon has suggested that the cows were killed by a 'sophisticated network of humans.'

Colby Marshall, who found five murdered bulls with their tongues missing in 2017, believes cultists or a group using the animal parts for rituals are to blame.

'They're using some sort of toxin that causes the animal to go catatonic,' he explained.

'There's no sign of struggle with the animal, so they dart them or something.'

Marshall continued to explain that the lack of blood is due to the culprits draining it from the animal's tongue, which they then take 'because that is the one piece of forensic evidence.'

Strange cases of cattle who have been murdered, their eyes and vital organs removed with 'surgical precision,' have plagued American ranchers since the 1970s. But new clues are emerging in Wheeler County, Oregon, local sheriffs said, amid a rash of new cases (pictured)

The Wheeler County Sheriff's Office is particularly perplexed by one case of a cow in Oregon left in this uncanny sitting position (pictured). The animal's tongue and reproductive organs had been removed in July 2020, they reported

'I believe that, yes, there probably is aliens out there. And, you know, they've probably visited Earth,' Marshall told Fox News Digital. 

'Now, do I think they're using their technology to come after free-range bulls in eastern Oregon? No, I don't – I think they would have better uses of their technology than that.' 

The Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) filed its first report on the mutilated cows in 1974, sighting cases in Oklahoma and Nebraska. 

At least 10 dead cows appeared in Minnesota that same year and in 1975, thousands of cases surfaced in Colorado.

Bloodless cattle killings were also reported in 23 states, including Kansas, Minnesota, Nebraska, Texas, Oklahoma, Montana, Illinois, Wisconsin, and California. 

The FBI investigated the deaths until 1978, but never found a culprit. 

But by the end of the decade, more than 10,000 cases of cattle mutilation had been recorded, mostly at small-scale ranches in the West and Midwest. 

Marshall has opened his own probe into the crimes, believing the murders were carried out by multiple people.

He explained that one person would've held the leg up, while another made an incision and cut around the testicles to remove them. 

'Then you've got to hand all that material to somebody, because if you drop it on the ground, you're going to cause tracks and you're going to drop blood. there would be signs,' he continued.

Above, a photo from former ranch manager Colby Marshall who said that this bull and others like it had their organs removed with surgical precision

Above, an image of a cattle mutilation case investigated by the nonprofit Mutual UFO Network (MUFON) - which has explored the theory that 'aliens' might have been behind the grisly crimes 

'None of that stuff is present, so I think there is a team of people [that pull it off].

The murdered bulls also had no signs of liver or heart damage, and none of those vital organs were missing when Marshall stumbled upon the carcasses. 

And prior to the deaths, the cows 'were eating and drinking, showing now signs of stress.'

Marshall and his team took blood samples from the bulls within 24 hours of their deaths and found no signs of chemicals in the animals' blood streams.

'Anything that metabolizes quickly in the bloodstream is not going to be detectable,' he said.

'That's one of the things that I think is key to this is that this toxin they're using metabolizes quickly.'

Marshall gave an example of a sedative used in horse racing, which puts the animals down for a few minutes so their hooves can be maintained.

'It goes through the system within a few minutes, the animal gets up and they're fine.

'[In the case of the dead cows,] the animal doesn't get up because they bleed them to death. At least that's my theory.'

He also raised the idea that the carcasses were never devoured by predators.

'The scavengers were not tearing the animals apart. The animals kind of melted into the ground,' Marshall continued.

'That was always a head scratcher for me.'

He continued to explain that the lack of blood may have been why predators left the dead cows alone. 

But Joseph Laycock, associate professor of religious studies at Texas State University, told DailyMail.com in 2023 that it's unlikely Satanists are to blame because the vast majority don't practice animal sacrifice and most of them actually condemn the practice.  

'There is always the possibility of teenage delinquents harming animals in the name of Satan. But I don't think that's what's happening in this case. Teenagers would probably have left tracks or other obvious evidence,' he said.

That same year, six mutilated cow were found along a rural highway in Texas, all with their tongues cut out and not a drop of blood in sight.

{ https://www.dailymail.co.uk/ }

30-11-2024 om 01:00 geschreven door peter  

• READ MORE: Doctors weigh in on Sunita Williams' weight loss 'rumors'

By MATTHEW PHELAN SENIOR SCIENCE REPORTER FOR DAILYMAIL.COM

NASA astronauts stranded on the International Space Station (ISS) have been pictured with their Thanksgiving Day meals - amid growing concerns about their health.

Sunita Williams, 59, and Butch Wilmore, 61, who have been stuck in space for 175 days, revealed they will be feasting on brussels sprouts, butternut squash and smoked turkey that was dehydrated before heading to the ISS.

'Our crew up here just wanted to say Happy Thanksgiving to all our friends and family who are down on Earth and everyone who is supporting us,' Williams said in a video. 

The NASA astronauts have drawn concern from both the public and officials within the space agency over their dramatic weight loss during their extended stay in orbit.

Williams sparked fears about her weight in an image from September, with doctors telling DailyMail.com that she looked 'gaunt.'

And NASA insiders revealed last month that their medical team was monitoring Wilmore for similar reasons. 

Williams and Wilmore were joined by astronauts Nick Hague and Don Pettit in the video to share their holiday menu with friends and family back home.

'Our meal may look a little bit different,' Hague admitted as roughly half a dozen, sealed white packages floated upward into microgravity, containing 'all the things that we're going to enjoy on Thanksgiving.' 

'Brussels sprouts, butternut squash, apples and spice, and smoked turkey,' NASA astronaut Nick Hague (bottom left), now on his third tour aboard the ISS, explained as he let the sealed white packages of the space crew's orbital feast float into microgravity. 'It's going to be delicious'

Smiling behind Hague (bottom left) in the space station's holiday transmission were the two NASA astronauts (top row) who have been stuck on the ISS since June - after the inaugural crewed flight of Boeing's Starliner spacecraft faced malfunctions and gas leaks

ISS astronauts subsist mainly on dehydrated foods in vacuum-packed pouches that need to be rehydrated – and if needed to be warmed – in an plane-style machine before consumption.

As a byproduct of the orbiting laboratory's fuel cells, water is a plentiful source, but dehydrated food also helps reduce weight on the space station, NASA has said.

Williams offered more details on the crew's orbital Thanksgiving menu Wednesday, including green beans, mushrooms, mashed potatoes and a dessert of apple cobbler.

'Our flight control teams gave us tomorrow off, so our plans are, as usual, get up and workout, do the Turkey trot, watch a little Macy's [Thanksgiving] Day Parade,' she told NBC News.

Williams, however, emphasized that she does not consider herself 'stranded' in space, adding that NASA has a plan in place in the event that she or any other astronaut aboard the ISS needs to get back to Earth.

'Our mission control team and our management has always had an option for us to come home,' she said. 'So yeah, we came up here on Starliner. 

Above the stranded NASA astronauts during a September 24, 2024 pizza meal. One doctor at the time raised concerns about Sunita's health, claiming this image showed her looking 'gaunt.' Williams claims she has actually gained muscle on board the ISS, blaming the look on 'fluid shift'

'We're coming back on a Dragon, but there’s always been a plan of how we would get home.'

Williams and Willmore have  been stuck on the ISS since Starliner brought them there on June 6.

While Starliner has returned back to Earth without a crew on September 7, the duo continue to wait for SpaceX's Crew-9 mission that will pick them up at the ISS and bring them home no earlier than February 2025.

However, many studies have shown that extended stays in space can lead to dramatic weight lost.  

During long-term ISS missions, crews can typically lose about five percent of their original body mass, due primarily to muscle and bone density loss that occurs naturally due to microgravity.

Wilmore, according to one NASA official who declined to be named, 'had a lot more mass at the start,' coming in at six feet tall and over 210 pounds.

'So, it's not as big of a deal,' this employee told the New York Post.

Despite what seemed apparent to observers watching NASA's video feeds, Williams came forward earlier this month to deny 'rumors' that she had lost weight while on her unexpectedly long stay in on the ISS. 

Williams claimed that she has actually gained muscle on board the ISS, and pointed to 'fluid shift' to explain her appearance in the concerning photos.  

{ https://www.dailymail.co.uk/ }

30-11-2024 om 00:37 geschreven door peter  

Mysterious lights over Capitol Hill sparks fears of UFOs in Washington DC

• READ MORE: UFOs could travel to Earth via 'extra dimensions,' says Harvard prof

By MATTHEW PHELAN SENIOR SCIENCE REPORTER FOR DAILYMAIL.COM

An ominous quartet of gleaming lights above the United States Capitol building have left some afraid the alien invasion has finally arrived.

The photo — taken at night just outside of Congress, with the dome of Capitol Hill in full view – was taken by US Air Force veteran Dennis Diggins who now works as a licensed tour guide in the Washington DC area, as well as a professional travel director.

The eerie triangular formation of lights that Diggins captured in his photo seems to hover just feet over the 'Statue of Freedom' at the top of the Capitol dome. 

'That’s absolutely insane,' one spectator said of the strange glowing orbs, which looked like landing lights on some otherworldly craft.

The image comes just weeks after a pair of stunning public hearings in both the US Senate and the House of Representatives, where lawmakers probed current and retired Pentagon officials over the state of intelligence on what used to be called 'flying saucers.'

The House's hearing included a first look at a bizarre, unsettling report alleging that an illegal 'Unacknowledged Special Access Program' named 'Immaculate Constellation' had been set up to 'detect, quarantine, and transfer' UFO data away from public view.

But while some were clamoring for video that might link this new sighting to this wider UFO debate on the Hill, others pushed back on the speculative furor over these strange lights.

An ominous quartet of gleaming lights above the US Capitol building, like landing lights on some otherworldly craft, have left some afraid the alien invasion has finally arrived. The photo (above) was taken by US Air Force veteran Dennis Diggins, now a licensed tour guide in Washington DC

Bizarre, unidentified craft above Langley Air Force base - home to at least half the USAF fleet of stealth F-22 Raptor fighter jets (pictured) - lead to two weeks of emergency White House meetings last year. The 17-day episode has put government officials on high alert about UFOs 

Above, a military witness testifies to the drones displaying 'flashing red, green, and white lights.' This testimony was released via the US Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), along with 50 pages of Air Force records on the December 2023 wave of 'drone swarms' over Langley 

'The picture is clearly a glare reflection off of the lens of the camera of the street lights below it,' argued a former paranormal investigator, who now goes by the moniker Average Chris. 'Same spacing, just inverted pattern.'

Other eyewitnesses in the DC area, however, believed they had caught similar UFOs on video during the same evening, November 26, 2024. 

'My partner and I have spotted a mix of multiple stationary/hovering and slow moving lights from her apartment rooftop in Washington DC,' the anonymous witness who taped this video said. 'Appears that they are hovering over [Capitol] Hill, Navy Yard, or south of there.'

The witness, who posted the UFO video to Reddit, stated that the 'hovering' lights had been appearing for over a week, since at least November 15.  

A spokesperson replying on behalf of the Pentagon and its UFO-hunting unit, the All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO), told DailyMail.com that it has no idea what these UFOs over our nation's capital might be.

'I don’t have anything for you on this,' said Susan Gough with the military's Defense Press Operations via email. 'Have you checked with the DC Police Department or Arlington County Police Department?'

While these recent cases above DC might have perfectly ordinary causes, Pentagon officials and the US intelligence community are nevertheless increasingly concerned about the troubling rise of 'drone swarm' UFOs encroaching on restricted US airspace.

Senior ex-Pentagon security official Chris Mellon told DailyMail.com that a 17-day wave of UFO sightings above Joint Base Langley-Eustis in Virginia was 'part of a much larger pattern affecting numerous national security installations.'

'Two of the notable aspects,' he said, 'are the fact our drone signal-jamming devices have proven ineffective and these craft are making no effort to remain concealed.'

'The picture is clearly a glare reflection off of the lens of the camera of the street lights below it,' argued that former paranormal investigator, who now goes by the moniker Average Chris. 'Same spacing, just inverted pattern.' He accused others on social media of promoting the pics for clout

Average Chris also accused UFO influencers of suppressing explanations for a citizen video that appears to depict UFOs swarming above Washington DC (below). 'My post (above) shows that these are commercial airplanes lining up to land at the several airports in the area,' he noted

'In fact, in some instances,' Mellon took pains to emphasize, 'it is clear they want to be seen as though taunting us.'

And now, dozens of British troops are fanning out in cooperation with the US Air Force (USAF) in an effort to track down the parties responsible for still more UFO swarms spotted over three air bases in England, amid fears it all could be linked to a 'sinister' plot.

The craft, possibly unmanned drones, were spotted overnight above Royal Air Force (RAF) base Lakenheath, RAF Mildenhall in Suffolk and RAF Feltwell in Norfolk, USAF confirmed.

While Lakenheath is technically an RAF base, it currently houses mainly American aircraft and military personnel, officials noted. 

A former British Army intelligence officer told DailyMail.com that these strange UFOs over England may prove to be Russian spy craft agency, although US military sources say the UAVs were 'not identified as hostile.'

Read More

• EXCLUSIVE

 EXCL: US military is seeing UFOs in SPACE: Official report says 'objects that exhibit abnormal observables and patterns of life' are in Earth's orbit 

Nevertheless, it remains unclear if the recent sightings in DC bear any relationship to the events over Langley, or over the USAF operations in the UK.

Average Chris made the case that the video posted to Reddit, shows nothing more than 'commercial airplanes lining up to land at the several airports in the area.'

But the witnesses who posted the video remain unconvinced: 'I don’t believe these are planes waiting to land at Reagan airport as many of them do not appear to be moving at all, and we watched for quite a while, maybe 15-20 minutes.' 

'Also some of the lights seem to turn on and off,' the witness continued. 

'Can anyone rule these out as police drones, military helos, balloons, or other mundane technology?'

Did UFOs Invade D.C in 1952?

{ https://www.dailymail.co.uk/ }

29-11-2024 om 23:11 geschreven door peter  

I'm a UFO investigator... here are the chilling cases I encountered of alien craft interfering with nukes

• READ MORE: Military insider claims nuke bases are 'alien targets'

By ROB WAUGH FOR DAILYMAIL.COM

A veteran UFO investigator has claimed that UFOs have visited America's nuclear weapons sites since the dawn of the atomic age — and he believes these intruders may have the power to 'neutralize' such weapons.

Robert Spearing is an investigator for the Mutual UFO Network (MUFON), which has 700 investigators in the US and is one of the world's oldest UFO organizations, having collected evidence of suspected extraterrestrial encounters since the 1960s.

Spearing said that among MUFON's files — and the organization has nearly 137,000 reports on UFO encounters from the US and around the world — there are multiple cases alleging alien visitors hovering above nuclear bases and nuclear-armed ships.

'There is enough evidence that the visitors have the ability to neutralize their use,' as Spearing told DailyMail.com.

'The question is whether it is for defensive purposes or offensive purposes,' according to Spearing. 'It's either to save us from ourselves or to ensure they could destroy us if they had to.'

When former Pentagon counterintelligence official Luis Elizondo reemerged this summer, the veteran UFO hunter floated an equally dire theory: the dozens of UFOs sighted near nuclear bases since 1945 could be scouts for a potential invasion.

Spearing personally investigated one sighting from the Vietnam War, which he believes shows at least a definite 'connection' between UFOs and nuclear sites. 

Above, US Coast Guard photographer Shell Alpert took this photo through a window screen on July 16, 1952 - allegedly capturing four unidentified flying objects in a 'V' formation over the Salem Massachusetts Air Station - back in the early days of the 'UFOs and Nukes' mystery

Whether their intentions were for good or ill, as he told DailyMail.com, 'There was all sorts of stuff coming out of the South China Sea' during the war, as well.

January 15, 1973 - South China Sea

'I enjoy the Vietnam cases the most,' Spearing said.  

'This particular encounter happened when, in theory, no one knew that the United States had nukes that were close to China and Vietnam,' according to the MUFON director, who previously worked as a forensic investigator for railroads as part of the New York Port Authority.

'But,' Spearing added, 'somebody knew.'

A witness on board ammunition ship the USS Mauna Kea reported seeing a strange orb of pulsing light come out of the sea, while the man was loading nuclear-tipped missiles onto the USS Oklahoma City.

He described the encounter in his report as a 'hovering pulsating orb shape color, similar to a large beach ball hovering about 30 to 50 feet above the water, hovering at approximately 16 to 18 knots.' 

'Could see reflection on water,' the witness continued, 'could see clearly underneath no wake.'

When the encounter occurred, the man was loading nuclear weapons with a forklift.

'This sighting was in the South China Sea off the port beam,' he said. 'Our ship was an ammunition ship carrying nuclear weapons. It felt as if we were being probed.'

Spearing interviewed the witness himself, and said that the man 'felt chills and felt he was being observed'.

A witness on board the ammunition ship the U.S.S Mauna Kea reported seeing a strange orb

The orb was 'car-sized' and was visible up close for around 10 minutes, between two and four AM.

When the witness checked the radar room, no one had registered images of the object.

Spearing described the encounter as 'very suspicious,' saying, 'There is, of course, the possibility it was a plasma ball, like ball lightning, which was carried along by being magnetically linked [attracted] to the ship hull.'

'However, the duration of sighting is too long for ball lightning and ball lightning would have been [further] attracted into the hull and would have exploded.'

May 1960 - Mountainside, New Jersey

A witness approached MUFON about an eerie encounter in 1960 near a nuclear base in New Jersey.

The witness told MUFON's investigators that a group of young children and teens saw a formation of silver discs hovering near a nuclear base while leaving their homes at dusk.

The Watchung Mountains base housed Nike Ajax missiles designed to shoot down incoming bombers - the project experimented with nuclear-tipped missiles, before the focus shifted towards ICBMs rather than nuclear bombers.

The children knew there was a base in the area, and had done many safety drills in school as a result — making it easy to determine that that these mysterious discs were hovering above the base.

In 1957, during the Cold War, the U.S. army declared that it would construct a Nike missile base on the Watchung Reservation

Above, a Minuteman III missile in a silo in the late 1970s.

'I know this was a long time ago,' the witness said, 'but... when exiting the woods above our homes we were shocked to find a perfect V formation of five plain, dull silver discs hovering over us. No sound. No movement.'

'After about five minutes they took off to the west without making sounds of any kind. The location where we were is on the edge of "first mountain" just west of New York City,' the witness told Spearing.

'Directly above us, about one mile, on the top of the mountain was a deeply buried nuclear anti-ballistic missile in a military outpost in the Watchung Mountains which was part of NYC area defense system,' the source continued.

'We realized when talking about it, that it seemed that these discs were hovering above that nuclear warhead site. I have never forgotten it.'

MUFON closed the case (which has never been reported before in the mainstream media), classifying the oddity as an 'unknown UAP'.

The USS Kilauea was in a group with other ships including the carrier U.S.S. Mason

Above, three classic flying saucers in a photo dramatization  

Early 1974 - Vietnam

While investigating the first encounter in Vietnam, Spearing came across another eerie account of an orb visiting another nuclear-armed ship.

The witness said that they were in a group with a destroyer and an aircraft carrier, the USS Mason, when they saw a incredible craft exit the water.

'We were watching the USS Mason in front of us and the glowing trail of ocean it was kicking up from the phosphorus algae in the water when the ocean in front of us lit up, started glowing,' the witness said in astonishment.

'It got brighter and brighter and then this really bright orange/yellow ball came out of the water on the right-starboard side of the destroyer.'

Read More

• Fresh Bigfoot mystery as police admit they are baffled by giant decomposed foot found in Massachusetts wood 

'It flew over the top of the destroyer and went back in the ocean on the port side, with the same glowing ocean water and then disappeared,' this Navy source continued. 'We all just stared at each other with our mouths open.' 

'We could not believe what we saw, but I asked friends of mine who were on watch on the bridge if they saw it,' he noted, 'and they all did.'

The witness said that the object was up to 200 feet in diameter — and that officers on the destroyer must have had a 'good look at it' although nothing was ever officially recorded.

What does it all mean? 

Retired US Air Force staff sergeant, Larry Hancock, who has contributed to a series of studies on the UFOs and nukes connection for the Scientific Coalition of UAP Studies (SCU), believes that just the regularity of these events offers solid clues.

Solid military and police cases from 1945 to 1975, Hancock told DailyMail.com this year, appear to show intentional study of America's most sensitive weaponry.

'I mean, focus implies intention,' he said. 'And focus obviously implies intelligence.'

'The way it progressed from one type of facility to another type — I mean, it starts with manufacturing plants, moves on through assembly plants, storage, deployment, it's hard to read that as anything other than someone having an agenda,' according to Hancock. 

Hancock's research partner, Ian Porritt, ventured even a little further: 'They may have a better understanding of the future, our future, than we do.' 

{ https://www.dailymail.co.uk/ }

29-11-2024 om 22:34 geschreven door peter  

UFO Focused By AI Is Mind-blowing! Manchester, England, UFO Sighting News. 👽👀🛸 HD

• https://x.com/i/status/1861843806074876103
  

{ https://www.ufosightingsdaily.com/ }

29-11-2024 om 22:08 geschreven door peter  

Jupiter is a stunning planet to observe. Whether it be visible light or any other wavelength. In a stunning new image released by the University of California -Berkley, Jupiter is seen in ultraviolet light. The familiar Great Red Spot appears as a blue oval as do many of the familiar belt features. Around the polar regions are revealed a brown haze which is thought to be caused by a high altitude vortex mixing up the atmosphere. The jury is still out on the mechanism behind this though but it may be an interaction between Jupiter’s strong magnetic field which pierces the atmosphere near the poles. 

Jupiter is the largest planet in the Solar System, a gas giant with powerful storms. With a diameter of 143,000 km, Jupiter is 11 times wider than Earth and capable of swallowing all of the other planets in the Solar System and still have room to spare. It is composed or hydrogen and helium and lacks a solid surface. It’s atmosphere has bands of alternating colour with strong winds, hurricanes and lightning storms. The Great Red Spot is one of its most well known features, a hurricane system three times the size of Earth. It’s also home to a family of satellites including the four well known Galilean moons Io, Europa, Ganymede and Callisto. 

The atmosphere of Jupiter is a complex system of thick clouds, storms and high winds. The hydrogen makes up about 90% of the atmosphere with helium the bulk of the remainder plus trace amounts of methane, water vapour and other compounds. The belts in the atmosphere appear to alternate between lighter and darker colours driven by different temperatures, chemical compositions and wind speeds that reach up to 640 km/hr. Lower down, beneath the visible layer, the atmosphere becomes denser, hotter and eventually becomes fluid. Other phenomenon have been observed from lightning storms, aurora and ice crystal clouds. 

The newly released ultraviolet image reveals strange features around the polar regions. The oval shaped features are Earth-sized and only visible in the ultraviolet wavelengths. The ovals seems to consistently appear at a slightly lower latitude than the auroral zones around the poles. In the image, the ovals seem dark in colour due to absorption of ultraviolet radiation, more so than the brighter surrounding regions. 

The Hubble Space Telescope orbits Earth at an altitude of 540 km and takes yearly images of Jupiter and the other planets. Hubble was the first telescope to capture the so called UV ovals and they have since been detected by the Cassini spacecraft. The team at UC Berkeley discovered that the ovals were more common around the south pole (appearing in 75% of images around south pole and only 12% around north pole.) 

The team spoke with planetary atmospherics experts Tom Stallard (Northumbria University in UK) and Xi Zhang (from UC Santa Cruz) to try and understand the mechanism. They theorise that Jupiter’s strong magnetic field lines experience friction in the ionosphere leading to the establishment of a vortex (a rotating, spinning flow of fluid or air.) It is the vortex that drives the dark ovals. 

Source : 

• Magnetic tornado is stirring up the haze at Jupiter’s poles

{ https://www.universetoday.com/ }

29-11-2024 om 21:18 geschreven door peter  

The process is challenging, expensive, and takes a long time. But as Zubair said in a recent interview with ScienceAlert!, the process could be simplified by growing them in space-based labs:

“Studying stem cells in space has uncovered cell mechanisms that would otherwise be undetected or unknown within the presence of normal gravity. That discovery indicates a broader scientific value to this research, including potential clinical applications. The space environment offers an advantage to the growth of stem cells by providing a more natural three-dimensional state for their expansion, which closely resembles growth of cells in the human body.

Ghani and Zubair experimented with many types of adult stem cells and obtained positive results for them all. This included general improvements in cell expansion and stability of replication, which continued after the cell cultures were returned to Earth. In particular, they noted improvements with mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), a class of multipotent stromal cells that can differentiate into bone, cartilage, muscle, and fat cells – which gives rise to marrow adipose tissue, thus increasing bone density.

When grown in microgravity, these cells were shown to be better at managing immune system responses and reducing inflammation. “That’s in comparison to the two-dimensional culture environment available on Earth that is less likely to imitate human tissue,” said Zubair. “The space research conducted so far is just a starting point. A broader perspective about stem cell applications is possible as research continues to explore the use of space to advance regenerative medicine.”

While there is still a significant amount of research and testing to be done, these results are very promising and indicate that stem cells can be grown faster and in greater numbers in microgravity. Ghani and Zubair are confident that space-grown stem cells will help treat the most common causes of mortality here on Earth, including heart disease, stroke, cancer, and neurodegenerative diseases like dementia, Parkinson’s disease, Multiple Sclerosis (MS), and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).

Further Reading: 

• ScienceAlert!, 
• NPJ Microgravity

{ https://www.universetoday.com/ }

29-11-2024 om 20:59 geschreven door peter  

Frontier is a significant leap in astrophysical simulations. It covers a volume of the Universe that’s 10 billion light years across. It incorporates detailed physics models for dark matter, dark energy, gas dynamics, star formation, and black hole growth. It should provide new insights into some of the fundamental processes in the Universe, such as how galaxies form and how the large-scale structure of the Universe evolves.

“There are two components in the universe: dark matter—which as far as we know, only interacts gravitationally—and conventional matter, or atomic matter.” said project lead Salman Habib, division director for Computational Sciences at Argonne.

“So, if we want to know what the universe is up to, we need to simulate both of these things: gravity as well as all the other physics including hot gas, and the formation of stars, black holes and galaxies,” he said. “The astrophysical ‘kitchen sink’ so to speak. These simulations are what we call cosmological hydrodynamics simulations.”

Cosmological hydrodynamics simulations combine cosmology with hydrodynamics and allow astronomers to examine the complex interrelationships between gravity and things like gas dynamics and stellar processes that have shaped and continue to shape our Universe. They can only be conducted with supercomputers because of the level of complexity and the vast number of numerical equations and calculations involved.

The sheer amount of energy needed for Frontier to perform these simulations is staggering. It consumes about 21 MW of electricity, enough to power about 15,000 single-family homes in the US. But the payoff is equally as impressive.

“For example, if we were to simulate a large chunk of the universe surveyed by one of the big telescopes such as the Rubin Observatory in Chile, you’re talking about looking at huge chunks of time — billions of years of expansion,” Habib said. “Until recently, we couldn’t even imagine doing such a large simulation like that except in the gravity-only approximation.”

“It’s not only the sheer size of the physical domain, which is necessary to make direct comparison to modern survey observations enabled by exascale computing,” said Bronson Messer, Oak Ridge Leadership Computing Facility director of science. “It’s also the added physical realism of including the baryons and all the other dynamic physics that makes this simulation a true tour de force for Frontier.”

Frontier simulates more than just the Universe. In June, researchers working with it achieved another milestone. They simulated a system of 466 billion atoms in a simulation of water. That was the largest system ever modeled and more than 400 times larger than its closest competition. Since water is a primary component of cells, Frontier is paving the way for an eventual simulation of a living cell.

Frontier promises to make advancements in multiple other areas as well, including nuclear fission and fusion and large-scale energy transmission systems. It’s also been used to generate a quantum molecular dynamics simulation that’s 1,000 times greater in size and speed than any of its predecessors. It also has applications in modelling diseases, developing new drugs, better batteries, better materials including concrete, and predicting and mitigating climate change.

Astrophysical/cosmological simulations like Frontier’s are powerful when they’re combined with observations. Scientists can use simulations to test theoretical models compared to observational data. Changing initial conditions and parameters in the simulations lets researchers see how different factors shape outcomes. It’s an iterative process that allows scientists to update their models by identifying discrepancies between observations and simulations.

Frontier’s huge simulation is just one example of how supercomputers and AI are taking on a larger role in astronomy and astrophysics. Modern astronomy generates massive amounts of data, and requires powerful tools to manage. Our theories of cosmology are based on larger and larger datasets that require massive computing power to simulate.

Frontier has already been superseded by El Capitan, another exascale supercomputer at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL). However, El Capitan is focused on managing the nation’s nuclear stockpile according to the LLNL.

Simulating The Universe with Supercomputers

29-11-2024 om 20:37 geschreven door peter  

Harvard professor claims that UFOs could have travelled to Earth via 'extra dimensions' that CERN scientists are trying to unlock

• CERN scientists are seeking evidence of six extra dimensions
• Professor Avi Loeb believes aliens might travel through such dimensions
• READ MORE  CERN scientists test most powerful particle accelerator

By ROB WAUGH FOR DAILYMAIL.COM

The US government has yet to unravel the mysterious sightings of UFOs soaring through our skies, but a Harvard professor believes the answer may sit 300 feet below the surface.

Avi Loeb, known for his efforts to prove we are not alone, has claimed that extraterrestrial visitors are travelling through hidden dimensions created by researchers at the CERN particle accelerator are seeking.

The accelerator, the Large Hadron Collider (LHC), blasts particles are nearly the speed of light to recreate conditions of the Big Bang, with hopes of uncovering  hidden dimensions that will reveal how our universe formed.

Speaking in a new documentary, Loeb said that alien civilizations may have been developing dimension-hopping technology for billions of years.

The physicist also noted that extraterrestrials are using theoretical quantum gravity engineering to travel through 'curled' dimensions that humans can only detect in particle accelerators such as CERN.

A Harvard scientists has claimed that extraterrestrial visitors are travelling through hidden dimensions created by researchers at the CERN particle accelerator (pictured) are seeking

Avi Loeb made the claims in a new documentary, saying that extraterrestrials are using theoretical quantum gravity engineering to travel through 'curled' dimensions that humans can only detect in particle accelerators such as CERN

The Harvard scientist said in the documentary 'The Paranormal UFO Connection' that if alien technology is able to reach our doorstep, we would be awe-struck because it would represent something we don't possess.

'Just like a cave dweller coming to a city like London or Europe, and seeing all the technological gadgets there,' said Loeb.

'There will be a sense of religious awe, and we wouldn't understand it, especially if we are dealing with the effects of quantum gravity that we have any clue about.'

Loeb said that travelling through extra-spatial dimensions would mean the chance of collisions would be 'much smaller.'

READ MORE: 

• Scientists soon discover a parallel universe

It has found the 'God particle', but the Large Hadron Collider could soon detect a 'parallel universe'. 

Scientists at CERN have attempted to detect six 'extra spatial' dimensions, and look for particular particles as evidence that such dimensions exist.

The underground LHC is located at the border of France and Switzerland and first went live on September 10, 2008.

In 2012, scientists used it to discover the Higgs boson or God particle, which was a missing piece in the jigsaw for physicists in trying to understand how the universe works.

'Quantum mechanics was discovered exactly a century ago. And all the most sophisticated technologies we currently employ, such as the Internet, artificial intelligence, and so forth, rely on our understanding of quantum mechanics,' Loeb explained.

'But the process of learning is incomplete - there are several major puzzles in modern physics.'

'Within the mainstream of theoretical physics for the past decades, the prevailing paradigm is that it is possible to unify quantum mechanics and gravity unless you work with extra-spatial dimensions.

'We see only three of them in our daily life. But the idea is that the others are curled. And we can't really detect them unless we shoot particles that have exceptionally high energies that will probe these tiny scales.

'Of course, if there are extra dimensions, then the reality that we are familiar with extends into them. And then one can imagine life in more than three spatial dimensions. It will be far more diverse and interesting.'

Last year Loeb set off for Papua New Guinea on a $1.5m ocean expedition to find what he believes might be a piece of alien technology, which crashed into the sea in 2014.

Film-maker and musician Mark Christopher Lee, 'The Paranormal UFO Connection' explores different ways that UFOs and other unexplained phenomena might arrive at our planet 

The accelerator, the Large Hadron Collider (LHC), blasts particles are nearly the speed of light to recreate conditions of the Big Bang, with hopes of uncovering hidden dimensions that will reveal how our universe formed

His expedition found metal 'spherules' on the sea bed, which Loeb claims might be 'techno signatures' of an alien civilization.

The Israeli astronomer and his research partner Amir Siraj concluded in 2019 that an object from outside our solar system had hit Earth in 2014.

The Papua New Guinea object travelled towards Earth at more than 30 miles per second, a speed so high it suggests it originated outside our solar system.

Loeb also argues in the film that world governments should divert the $2 trillion a year he claims is spent on military budgets to the search for alien life.

Film-maker and musician Mark Christopher Lee, 'The Paranormal UFO Connection' explores different ways that UFOs and other unexplained phenomena might arrive at our planet.

Speaking to DailyMail.com, Lee said: ' I have a science degree so I'm pretty rational. I was really keen to see what Avi's take on this would be. He's one of the few serious scientists in the world taking an interest in this subject.

'Our chat was very enlightening: he does think that advanced civilizations elsewhere in the universe may be able to use other spatial dimensions in order to travel easily through the universe. 

'Particularly with the advances happening at CERN in regards to proving the existence of other dimensions then it makes logical sense for a far more sophisticated civilization to have developed the technology to utilise these.'

'The Paranormal UFO Connection' is on Tubi TV in the U.S. and available via YouTube worldwide.

{ https://www.dailymail.co.uk/ }

29-11-2024 om 00:00 geschreven door peter  

Those prices aren’t anywhere near the $500,000 / kg that a PGM such as Rhodium has ever back on Earth, but it could still make mining asteroids for iron economically viable if the material is used in space. So what do all those calculations mean for the actual value of the asteroids that we might mine?

First and most importantly, recent research suggests that asteroids made out of “pure metal,” such as Psyche is assumed to be, are likely pure fiction. While that might not be great news for any single benign asteroid worth a lot, the other part of that research is that even asteroids that were originally thought to be relatively low in metal content actually have reasonable quantities that could be economically extracted.

To prove the point, the paper looked in detail at a series of meteorite studies, which are the equivalent of left-over asteroids, and compared the “grades” of 83 different elements with ores found on or near the Earth’s surface. Since remote sensing has difficulty distinguishing between some of those elements, meteorite samples that can be subjected to advanced analysis techniques are our best bet at accurately calculating the chemical composition of asteroids, other than the few samples of in-tact asteroids that have been returned so far.

That data showed that PGMs, while lower in concentration than considered initially (because of an assumption in a foundational paper on the composition of asteroids), are still in much higher concentrations than the equivalent terrestrial ores. In particular, a material known as a refractory metal nugget (RMN) could have concentrations of PGMs orders of magnitude higher than anything found on Earth or other types of asteroidal material.

RMNs are primarily found in a calcium aluminum inclusion (CAI) structure, mainly on L-type asteroids. L-types are relatively uncommon asteroids with a reddish tint, but we haven’t yet visited them. They might be made up of more than 30% CAIs, though, in which case, they could contain a significant amount of extractable PGMs without additional processing.

However, RMNs themselves are very small, at the micron to sub-micron range, making them extremely hard to process in the first place. So, bulk extraction from asteroidal regolith could range up to hundreds of ppm, which is already a few orders of magnitude greater than their concentration in Earth’s regolith.

When looking at the metals for use in space, they are about as abundant as initially predicted, but they face challenges in processing them out of their oxidized states. Typically, this requires some high-energy procedure, such as molten regolith electrolysis, to break off the elemental metal, which is needed for further processing. Again, there’s the chicken and egg problem of having a power source that is large enough to perform these processes, but building it would require the material that would require the power source.

Eventually, that problem will disappear if companies like AstroForge have their way. Remember that the company funded this study, and its two co-founders and Kevin Cannon, the professor at CSM, were co-authors. The company plans to launch its next mission, a rendezvous with near-Earth asteroids, to try to tell if they’re “metallic” in January. Perhaps that mission will help contribute to our growing understanding of the composition and value of the asteroids surrounding us.

Learn More:

• Cannon, Gialich, Acain – Precious and structural metals on asteroids
• UT – What Are Asteroids Made Of?
• UT – What Is The Difference Between Asteroids and Meteorites?
• UT – Asteroids: 10 Interesting Facts About These Space Rocks

Lead Image:

• Asteroid mining concept.
• NASA/Denise Watt

{ https://www.universetoday.com/ }

28-11-2024 om 23:45 geschreven door peter  

Unexplained heatwave hotspots are popping up like 'angry skin blotches' around the globe - including one over the UK, concerning map reveals

• READ MORE: The 10 deadliest extreme weather events in 20 years revealed

By JONATHAN CHADWICK FOR MAILONLINE 

Heatwaves around the world in recent years have been so intense that they cannot be explained by global warming alone, a new study claims. 

Scientists in New York say unexplained heatwave 'hotspots' are popping up on every continent except Antarctica like 'giant, angry skin blotches'. 

Marked out on a new map, these 10 distinct heatwave regions are so extreme, they fall far beyond what any model of global warming can predict or explain. 

They are located in central China, Japan and Korea, the Arabian peninsula, eastern Australia and north Africa. 

Others include Canada's Northwest Territories and its High Arctic islands, northern Greenland, the southern end of South America and scattered patches of Siberia.

There's even a heatwave 'hotspot' over the UK and northwest Europe, leading to lethal summer temperatures in 2022 and 2023. 

'These regions become temporary hothouses,' said lead study author Kai Kornhuber, a research scientist at Columbia Climate School. 

'Due to their unprecedented nature, these heat waves are usually linked to very severe health impacts, and can be disastrous for agriculture, vegetation and infrastructure. We're not built for them, and we might not be able to adapt fast enough.'

Unexplained heatwave 'hotspots' are popping up across the globe, so extreme, they cannot be explained by global warming models

The UK and northwest Europe had a heatwave hotspot in June-July 2022. Europe also suffered a heatwave the following year

These 'hotspots' see repeated heatwaves cropping up in multiple summers – so even though temperatures cool down after the summer ends, they reappear in the same region again. Pictured, raging wildfires north of Bly, Oregon on July 17, 2021

The researchers do not argue against global warming as a concept, as evidence shows that it's the cause of soaring temperatures. 

Rather, their study identifies a new phenomenon – unexplained heatwave hotspots – that global warming can't explain, meaning other factors are surely at play too. 

'This is about extreme trends that are the outcome of physical interactions we might not completely understand,' added Kornhuber. 

The study identifies areas of extreme heat over the past 65 years, where temperatures are accelerating considerably faster than anywhere else, leading to increasingly wild weather events, infrastructure damage and death. 

These hotspots see repeated heatwaves cropping up in multiple summers. 

So, even though temperatures cool down after the summer ends, they reappear in the same region again. 

One hotspot is the US Pacific Northwest and southwestern Canada, which saw a nine-day heatwave starting in June 2021. 

During this astonishing heat event, temperatures broke daily records in some locales by 54°F (30°C), while Canada's highest ever temperature (121.3°F/49.6°C) was recorded in Lytton, British Columbia. 

A nine-day heatwave hammered the US Pacific Northwest and southwestern Canada in June 2021 - described by researchers as a heat anomaly 

The extreme 2021 heatwave struck the North American Pacific Northwest. Pictured, hot conditions in Portland, Oregon, June 26, 2021

The town burned to the ground the next day in a wildfire driven in large part by the drying of vegetation in the extraordinary heat. 

Meanwhile, in Oregon and Washington state, hundreds of people died from heat stroke and other health conditions. 

Another unexplained heatwave hotspot is an area in northwestern Europe covering several countries including Germany, France, the Netherlands and the UK. 

In this hotspot, abnormally high temperatures caused 60,000 deaths in 2022 and 47,000 deaths in 2023. 

In northern Europe, few people in this region have air conditioning because it is generally not needed, and this probably upped the death toll, the team say. 

While the cause of heatwave hotspots is yet to be identified, one potential explanation involves the jet stream – the fast, narrow current of air flowing from west to east that encircles the globe. 

As the Arctic is warming on average far more quickly than most other parts of the Earth, this appears to be destabilizing the jet stream.

This is causing the jet stream to develop so-called Rossby waves, which suck hot air from the south and park it in temperate regions that normally do not see extreme heat for days or weeks at a time.

The heatwave hotspots are located in central China, Japan, Korea, the Arabian peninsula, eastern Australia and north Africa. Others include Canada's Northwest Territories and its High Arctic islands, northern Greenland, the southern end of South America and Siberia

European nations including France, Italy, Spain, Germany and the UK faced one of the most dangerous periods of heat in the summer of 2022. Pictured, Hackney, east London on July 18, 2022

Jet streams are fast flowing, narrow currents of air that carry warm and cold air across the planet, much like the currents of a river

However, this is only one hypothesis, and it does not seem to explain all the extreme heatwave events of recent years. 

The researchers conclude that extreme heat is increasing significantly and faster in magnitude than what state-of-the-art climate models have predicted.

Unprecedented climate impacts can cause huge damage infrastructure and ecosystems while threatening human life. 

According to another recent study, there were at least 2,325 heat-related deaths in the US – more than double since 1999. 

There's now calls for heatwaves to be given names in the same way as hurricanes, to heighten public awareness and motivate governments to prepare. 

'Our findings highlight the need to better understand and model extreme heat and to rapidly mitigate greenhouse gas emissions to avoid further harm,' the team say in their paper, published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. 

Researchers have already named 2023 as Earth's hottest recorded year ever, at 2.12°F (1.18°C) above the 20th-century average. 

Last year's global average temperature was 58.96°F (14.98°C), around 0.3°F (0.17°C) higher than the result in 2016, the previous hottest year. 

2023 is confirmed as the warmest calendar year in global temperature data records going back to 1850. The global average air temperature was 58.96°F (14.98°C), around 0.3°F (0.17°C) higher than the result in 2016

The 10 hottest years on record have occurred in the past 15 years, according to the EU's Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S). 

At the top of the list is 2023, followed by 2016 and then 2020, 2019, 2017, 2022, 2021, 2018, 2015 and 2010. 

2024 has already recorded the hottest summer and hottest single day (July 21), but the records are not expected to stop there. 

Experts have warned that 2024 is almost certainly going to be Earth's warmest year on record, beating the record set by 2023. 

'After 10 months of 2024 it is now virtually certain that 2024 will be the warmest year on record and the first year of more than 1.5ºC above pre-industrial levels,' said Samantha Burgess, deputy director of C3S. 

How does climate change make weather worse? 

As scientists already know, climate change results in more intense rainfall because warmer air can hold more moisture. 

And because rainfall is increasing on average across the world, the chances of flooding are getting higher. 

Climate warming also increases evaporation on land, which can worsen drought and create conditions more prone to wildfire and a longer wildfire season. 

Earth's warmer and moister atmosphere and warmer oceans are linked with stronger and more intense hurricanes.

In addition, rising sea levels - partly caused by melting ice in the poles - increases the amount of seawater that is pushed on to shore during coastal storms, which, along with more rainfall produced by the storms, can result in more destructive storm surges and flooding. 

Source: Met Office/ Royal Society  

{ https://www.dailymail.co.uk/ }

28-11-2024 om 22:25 geschreven door peter  

• READ MORE: First breathtaking images from Euclid's 'cosmic atlas' are revealed 

By WILIAM HUNTER

Scientists have used the world's fastest supercomputer to show the universe as it has never been seen before.

In this incredible video, scientists from the Department of Energy’s Argonne National Laboratory reveal the largest computer simulation of the universe ever created.

The simulated area contains a staggering 311,296 cubic megaparsecs of space. 

Through it, you can watch as vast clusters of galaxies come together over billions of years.

However, this staggeringly massive vista is just 0.001 per cent of the entire simulation.

The results of that enormous computation will enable scientists to investigate the evolution of the universe and the role played by mysterious dark matter.

Project leader Dr Salman Habib says: 'There are two components in the universe: dark matter — which as far as we know, only interacts gravitationally — and conventional matter, or atomic matter.

'So, if we want to know what the universe is up to, we need to simulate both of these things.'

Scientists have revealed the largest simulation of the universe ever created, simulating an area of 31 billion cubic megaparsecs

When astronomers look at distant galaxies through a powerful telescope like the James Webb Space Telescope they are able to look back in time to the early days of the cosmos.

However, those images only give us snapshots of how the universe once looked.

To get a true god's-eye view of creation, astronomers need to create what is called a 'hydrodynamic simulation'.

Rather than just simulating the pull of gravity between different chunks of matter, hydrodynamic simulations get as close as possible to forces which shape cosmic evolution.

Dr Habib says that this requires scientists to simulate 'gravity as well as all the other physics including hot gas, and the formation of stars, black holes and galaxies. The astrophysical "kitchen sink" so to speak.'

The problem is that these kinds of simulations need vast amounts of computational power to create.

In order to run simulations at all, astronomers have typically left out all the other forces and factors which make hydrodynamic simulations so useful. 

Dr Habib says: 'For example, if we were to simulate a large chunk of the universe surveyed by one of the big telescopes such as the Rubin Observatory in Chile, you’re talking about looking at huge chunks of time — billions of years of expansion.

In this incredible video, you can see as a vast cluster of galaxies condense in the expanding universe. This mindboggling clip (pictured) only shows 0.001 per cent of the whole simulation 

This new simulation is on a scale with the largest maps of the cosmos ever created such as the ESA's Euclid cosmic atlas (pictured)

The simulation captures the formation of galactic filaments such as the Laniakea filament (illustrated) which contains hundreds of thousands of galaxies including the Milky Way 

'Until recently, we couldn’t even imagine doing such a large simulation like that except in the gravity-only approximation.'

To overcome these problems, the researchers used the Frontier supercomputer at Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

Frontier is currently the world's most powerful supercomputer and is capable of performing more than a quintillion, or a billion-billion, calculations every second.

Even with a computer that fast, emulating the universe isn't simple and it's taken more than a decade for scientists to refine and upgrade the code in order to run a hydrodynamic simulation on this scale.

However, earlier this month, researchers were able to use 9,000 of Frontier's computing nodes to simulate a volume of the expanding universe measuring more than 31 billion cubic megaparsecs.

This is on a scale alongside the biggest astronomical maps of the universe created by the world's most powerful telescopes.

Critically, this simulation also includes the effects of the mysterious substance known as dark matter.

Dark matter is a theoretical type of particle which doesn't interact with the atoms and subatomic particles which make up the rest of the universe.

Critically, this simulation also includes the effects of dark matter. This theoretical substance could create vast, unobservable structures between galaxies which have given the universe the extra mass it needs to evolve into the form we observe today. Pictured: a NASA simulation of the formation of dark matter structures in the early universe 

The only way that dark matter supposedly affects the universe around it is by exerting a gravitational pull.

Scientists first proposed that this strange substance might exist to explain why the gravitational forces in the universe seem to be stronger than the mass of all the galaxies should produce.

However, since we cannot observe dark matter in any way simulations like this are key to understanding how it might have influenced the evolution of the cosmos.

The team are yet to release any analysis based on the simulation but we should expect some exciting revelations to come.

Dark matter: The mysterious substance that makes up 85% of the universe that scientists cannot confirm

Dark matter is a hypothetical substance said to make up roughly 85 per cent of the universe.

The enigmatic material is invisible because it does not reflect light, and has never been directly observed by scientists.

Astronomers know it to be out there because of its gravitational effects on known matter.

The European Space Agency says: 'Shine a torch in a completely dark room, and you will see only what the torch illuminates.

Dark matter is a hypothetical substance said to make up roughly 27 per cent of the universe. It is thought to be the gravitational 'glue' that holds the galaxies together (artist's impression)

'That does not mean that the room around you does not exist.

'Similarly we know dark matter exists but have never observed it directly.'

The material is thought to be the gravitational 'glue' that holds the galaxies together.

Calculations show that many galaxies would be torn apart instead of rotating if they weren't held together by a large amount of dark matter.

Just five per cent the observable universe consists of known matter such as atoms and subatomic particles.

{ https://www.dailymail.co.uk/ }

28-11-2024 om 21:22 geschreven door peter  

• READ MORE: Seasoned skipper shares images of Loch Ness monster-like shape

By MICHAEL HAVIS FOR MAILONLINE

A strange natural phenomenon could unravel the mystery of Loch Ness Monster sightings, according to an expert researcher.

Alan McKenna, founder of Loch Ness Exploration (LNE), believes elusive 'standing waves' might explain sightings of the mythical monster.

He said: 'A standing wave occurs when two boat wakes of the exact same frequency and amplitude are moving in opposite directions on the loch surface.

'When the two boat wakes finally meet and interfere with one another the results have the potential to create a standing wave.'

The peaks of these standing waves, rising above the otherwise calm waters, could be mistaken for 'humps' above the surface.

Footage captured by Mr McKenna shows the phenomenon occurring where a river meets the loch on its southern shore, at Fort Augustus.

But capturing a standing wave caused by boat wakes out on the open water is a greater challenge.

Alan said: 'The waves and the boat wake need to be identical.

A strange natural phenomenon could unravel the mystery of Loch Ness Monster sightings, according to an expert researcher

Alan McKenna, founder of Loch Ness Exploration (LNE), believes elusive 'standing waves' might explain sightings of the mythical monster

'So with all that in mind, there's now a lot more to consider here such as the boat itself, its size, the direction of travel and its current speed.

'A small boat with a smaller engine will most definitely produce a wake different from a much larger boat.

'It's a complex procedure, especially in open water, but it can happen.'

Mr McKenna now hopes to record the phenomenon happening out over the deep heart of the loch.

He said: 'Ali Matheson, skipper of Deepscan, frequently reports standing waves, but more so in the small marina within Urquhart Bay also known as Temple Pier.

'That's all fine and well, but it's more difficult to capture a standing wave in open water.

'We know that standing waves exist and they have been reported but what we don't have is the footage showing a natural standing wave in motion.'

He continued: 'Since launching LNE, it's always been my hope to capture as much natural phenomena as possible.

Peaks of standing waves, rising above the otherwise calm waters, could be mistaken for 'humps' above the surface

Mr McKenna now hopes to record the phenomenon happening out over the deep heart of the loch 

'It's a process of elimination, in my mind, as most potential 'Nessie' reports can be explained.

'Without being disrespectful, I tend to follow the reports made by the locals and the reason being is that they see Loch Ness everyday.

'I dare say that they are more knowledgeable than tourists.

'If you are unfamiliar with Loch Ness and its natural behaviour then I do believe that many people will be fooled by the water and certain illusions – it's easily done!'

When it comes to the existence of the fabled beast, however, Alan is keeping an open mind.

The 37-year-old said: 'If there are any unknown animals in Loch Ness then they certainly don't play by the rules.

'It's the perfect habitat for a shy animal with 23 miles of cold dark water and around 750ft deep.

'You could be swimming next to a 200ft submarine below the surface and not even notice it right in front of you, it's that dark!'

He continued: 'When I was a youngster and throughout my childhood, I fully believed the Plesiosaur theory.

'But the more you explore the story of Loch Ness the more unlikely that theory becomes – sorry folks.

'We've had many potential candidates over the years for 'Nessie' such as giant eels, long-necked seals, Greenland shark, large sturgeon, catfish and many others.

'But truth be told, none of us have the correct answer and that's what keeps this mystery going.'

LNE is an independent voluntary research group focused on Loch Ness, its natural environment, and its ecology, as well as the mythical monster.

Mr McKenna said: 'We invite everyone to join this group who has a genuine interest in the loch. It's not just about 'Nessie' as Loch Ness is far more than that.

'We have a great mixture of individuals in the LNE group and I believe it to be diverse.'

What IS the Loch Ness Monster?

Rumours of a strange creature living in the waters of Loch Ness have abounded over the decades, yet scant evidence has been found to back up these claims.

One of the first sightings, believed to have fuelled modern Nessie fever, came in May 2, 1933.  

On this date the Inverness Courier carried a story about a local couple who claim to have seen 'an enormous animal rolling and plunging on the surface'.

Another famous claimed sighting is a photograph taken in 1934 by Colonel Robert Kenneth Wilson.

It was later exposed as a hoax by one of the participants, Chris Spurling, who, on his deathbed, revealed that the pictures were staged.

Other sightings James Gray's picture from 2001 when he and friend Peter Levings were out fishing on the Loch, while namesake Hugh Gray's blurred photo of what appears to be a large sea creature was published in the Daily Express in 1933.

Robert Kenneth Wilson, a London physician, captured arguably the most famous image of the Loch Ness Monster. The surgeon’s photograph was published in the Daily Mail on April 21, 1934 - however it was later proven to be a fake 

The first reported sighting of the monster is said to have been made in AD565 by the Irish missionary St Columba when he came across a giant beast in the River Ness.

But no one has ever come up with a satisfactory explanation for the sightings - although in 2019, 'Nessie expert' Steve Feltham, who has spent 24 years watching the Loch, said he thought it was actually a giant Wels Catfish, native to waters near the Baltic and Caspian seas in Europe.

An online register lists more than 1,000 total Nessie sightings, created by Mr Campbell, the man behind the Official Loch Ness Monster Fan Club and is available at www.lochnesssightings.com. 

So what could explain these mysterious sightings? 

Many Nessie witnesses have mentioned large, crocodile-like scutes sitting atop the spine of the creature, leading some to believe an escaped amphibian may be to blame.

Native fish sturgeons can also weigh several hundred pounds and have ridged backs, which make them look almost reptilian.

Some believe Nessie is a long-necked plesiosaur - like an elasmosaur - that survived somehow when all the other dinosaurs were wiped out.

Others say the sightings are down to Scottish pines dying and flopping into the loch, before quickly becoming water-logged and sinking.

While submerged, botanical chemicals start trapping tiny bubbles of air.

Eventually, enough of these are gathered to propel the log upward as deep pressures begin altering its shape, giving the appearance of an animal coming up for air.

{ https://www.dailymail.co.uk/ }

28-11-2024 om 20:43 geschreven door peter  

Story by Tom Hale

 

While scanning the frozen surface of northwestern Greenland this year, NASA scientists stumbled across a "city under the ice" from the paranoid years of the Cold War.

The structure was Camp Century, an abandoned Arctic military research base run by the US between 1959 and 1967 during the Cold War. It was the hub of Project Iceworm, a plan to install a network of nuclear missile launch sites hidden amid the Arctic Ice Sheet that could survive a first strike from the Soviet Union.

The site was abandoned in 1967 and left to be covered by Greenland’s perpetual snowfall. This year, however, faint echoes of the buried camp emerged when researchers flew over the Greenland Ice Sheet with a plane that had radar equipment attached to its belly.

“We were looking for the bed of the ice and out pops Camp Century,” Alex Gardner, project leader and cryospheric scientist at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), said in a statement.

“We didn’t know what it was at first,” Gardner added.

It’s estimated that the structures of the military facility are currently at least 30 meters (100 feet) below the snow-covered surface, shallow enough to be picked up by radar-beaming equipment.

• Related video: Secret Cold War missile base unearthed in Greenland by NASA radar (Straight Arrow News)

A radar detected Camp Century under the ice. 

Picture: Nasa

Previous airborne surveys of Greenland have detected signals of Camp Century as they passed over the site. However, the latest imagery from April 2024 provides the best view yet.

“In the new data, individual structures in the secret city are visible in a way that they’ve never been seen before,” explained Chad Greene, another cryospheric scientist at JPL.

With warming temperatures melting the planet’s ice sheets, there’s no guarantee the camp’s ruins will remain buried for long. A 2016 study indicated that the ice sheet on top of Camp Century could rapidly deteriorate within 75 years under a "business-as-usual scenario" of fossil fuel abuse.

If that happens, the report said, it would “guarantee the eventual remobilization of physical, chemical, biological, and radiological wastes abandoned at the site.” The researchers went on to suggest that the problem had the potential to spark fiddly political disputes between the Danish government and the US.

It’s uncertain if or when disaster might strike at Camp Century, but research initiatives like the recent project by NASA JPL could help keep tabs on the situation.

“Without detailed knowledge of ice thickness, it is impossible to know how the ice sheets will respond to rapidly warming oceans and atmosphere, greatly limiting our ability to project rates of sea level rise,” noted Gardner.

The Camp Century military base in Greenland.

(photo credit: Wikimedia Commons)

{ https://www.msn.com/en-us/weather? }

28-11-2024 om 18:04 geschreven door peter  

A rare and intriguing phenomenon has been observed in China. On the night of October 27th, Chinese astrophotographer Shengyu Li set up his camera to capture star trails over Mount Xiannairi in Sichuan Province. To his surprise, he recorded mysterious blue flashes accompanying an avalanche. 

The exact cause of these "blue lights" remains unclear, sparking various theories. Some speculate they could stem from geomagnetic activity, interactions of cosmic rays in the upper atmosphere, or rare atmospheric phenomena like blue jets or elves. However, Li offers another explanation: the flashes might result from triboluminescence—light produced by friction during ice fragmentation. 

Triboluminescence occurs when certain materials emit light as they are fractured, scratched, or rubbed. This phenomenon happens due to the breaking of chemical bonds or the sudden separation of surfaces, which generates electrical charges. These charges can ionize the surrounding air or excite the material itself, creating visible light. 

The hypothesis suggests that this event could be an example of triboluminescence. However, it also raises the intriguing possibility of a connection to UFO phenomena, such as orbs or other unexplained lights that have been observed around the world over the years. 

Hypothesis: The sighting depicts what appears to be a blue light descending onto a snowbank, following the avalanche as it moves downward, and then vanishing before seemingly ascending again.

 Did the avalanche trigger the blue light, or did the blue light crash into the snow, causing the avalanche? 

Whether this phenomenon is a rare case of triboluminescence, potentially the first instance of it being captured on camera or something linked to unexplained UFO activity, the recording of this light remains a unique and fascinating occurrence.

Li Shengyu's avalanche footage of Mount Xian Nairi/Chenrezig, taken October 27.

Photo: Li Shengyu

An alternate view of Xian Nairi.

Photo: Trip Advisor user M27***10

{ https://ufosightingshotspot.blogspot.com/ }

28-11-2024 om 17:24 geschreven door peter  

Before we get to that, though, let’s start with the “initial conditions.” The team developed an “all-in-one” robotic AI chemist capable of performing all these tasks. It was initially based on work done by more limited AI chemists who could read synthetic chemistry literature and estimate the efficacy of different chemical compounds for different tasks. After they built the model, they needed to feed it with some data.

For that data, they selected five different common rocks from the surface of Mars. They estimated that there would be 3,764,376 possible combinations to come out of the elements present in those rocks, depending on how the combinations were manufactured. So, the first task of the AI Chemist was to select one that could act as a catalyst for splitting off oxygen. Part of that dataset was built with 30,000 other theoretical datasets and the results of 243 experiments. The result is a “polymetallic” material composed of manganese, iron, nickel, magnesium, aluminum, and calcium. 

Next, a sample of the catalyst would be manufactured for testing. The AI is equipped with a robot arm that took physical samples of meteorites that had been dissolved in hydrochloric acid and attempted to synthesize the suggested catalyst out of those materials. This process involved pretty extreme processes like centrifuging the samples at 7,500g for 5 minutes to separate out the necessary materials and drying out the resultant material. Impressively, all of this was seemingly done without human intervention.

After some of the material had been synthesized, the research team tested it by actually performing the reduction process it was designed to do. More importantly, they did so under Martian ambient conditions. The material performed admirably, similar to existing catalysts already used.

So, effectively, an AI just developed and tested a catalyst for use on Mars using local materials. And potentially saved over 2,000 years of intensive human labor in doing so. That is a testament to how effective AI is at finding patterns in existing data and extrapolating them using new data. It remains to be seen, though, if this catalyst will ever see the light of day on Mars, as the catalyst itself must be integrated with the rest of the system to perform the reduction reaction to split oxygen from water effectively. Given the complexity of the process used to create that catalyst, it might be easier for us to ship one directly from Earth, even if it doesn’t use Martian materials.

Learn More:

• Zhu et al. – Automated synthesis of oxygen-producing catalysts from Martian meteorites by a robotic AI chemist
• UT – A Single Robot Could Provide a Mission To Mars With Enough Water and Oxygen
  
• UT – What is ISRU, and How Will it Help Human Space Exploration?
  
• UT – A new way to Make Oxygen on Mars: Using Plasma

Lead Image:

• Series of images of the robotic arm used in the experiments running the catalyst synthesis process.
• Credit – Zhu et al.

{ https://www.universetoday.com/ }

28-11-2024 om 00:00 geschreven door peter