THE PROBLEM OF LOST SATELLITES: Satellites are often lost during extreme geomagnetic storms. The reason: Models of Earth's upper atmosphere fail during some storms, introducing errors in estimates of satellite drag. A new study published in Space Weather solves the problem using a clever trick. Instead of modeling the atmosphere, researchers from MIT analyzed decades of satellite orbits to learn how spacecraft respond to space weather. When a storm hits, those historical patterns reveal what satellites are likely to do next. Read the original research.
TIRE TRACKS ON MARS: Part of the our daily routine for updating Spaceweather.com involves checking photos of the sun from Mars. The Perseverance rover takes pictures of the sun through Martian dust, revealing sunspots invisible from Earth. Today was a little different. Perseverance skipped the sun and pointed its cameras at the ground instead:
Perseverance photographed its own tire tracks.
But why? These photos tell us a lot. The shape and depth of the tracks reveal whether the rover is slipping, how firm the ground is, and whether the wheels are wearing or damaged. Track marks can help engineers find cracks, missing grousers, or signs of growing deformation of the wheels.
Perseverance zoomed in on the tracks for a closer look. The depth of the tracks and crumbling of edges helps mission scientists estimate soil strength and traction, reducing the risk of Perseverance getting stuck as happened to the Spirit rover in 2009.
Later, Perseverance did look up at the sun. The solar disk was blank. Mars is experiencing a spotless day just as Earth did last week.
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THE RAINBOW ROSE FROM SPACE: This is no ordinary rose. It shimmers with all the colors of the rainbow, and it has been to the edge of space:
You can have it for $127.95. The rainbow rose flew through the stratosphere on Jan. 24th carried by an Earth to Sky Calculus cosmic ray research balloon. The artificial bloom comes with a greeting card showing the rose in flight, and telling the story of its journey to the top of Earth's atmosphere. It makes a great birthday, anniversary, or (coming soon!) Mother's Day gift.
Far Out Gifts: Earth to Sky Store
All sales support hands-on STEM education
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