Copernical Team
Polaris Revealed to Have Spotted Surface in New Detailed Observations
New research conducted with Georgia State University's Center for High Angular Resolution Astronomy (CHARA) Array has unveiled intricate details about the North Star, Polaris, including a spotted surface. The findings have been published in *The Astrophysical Journal*. Polaris, the star marking the direction of Earth's North Pole, is renowned not only as a navigation beacon but also as a s
Citizen scientists confirm new warm Jovian-class exoplanet
Two teams of dedicated amateur astronomers, supported by NASA, have successfully confirmed the existence of a new exoplanet, a "warm Jupiter," using their backyard telescopes. The teams, known as UNITE (UNISTELLAR Network Investigating TESS Exoplanets) and Exoplanet Watch, combined their efforts to validate the discovery of this exoplanet, which is now designated as TIC 393818343 b (also k
The evolution of the Trappist-1 planetary system
Planets are bodies that orbit a star and have sufficient gravitational mass that they form themselves into roughly spherical shapes that, in turn, exert gravitational force on smaller objects around them, such as asteroids and moons. For most of human history, the only planets our ancestors knew of were those they could see in the night sky. But in the last 30 years, telescopes sensitive enough
New Antimatter Nucleus Discovery Sets Heaviest Record Yet
Scientists at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC) have identified the heaviest antimatter nucleus ever observed. This exotic antinucleus, named antihyperhydrogen-4, is composed of four antimatter particles: an antiproton, two antineutrons, and an antihyperon. The discovery comes from an analysis of six billion particle collisions performed at RHIC, a facility designed to recreate conditio
Mars and Lunar propellant production plans face complexity challenges
NASA's ongoing efforts to develop in situ propellant production (ISPP) technologies for the Moon and Mars involve a balance between complex engineering and practical execution. These technologies, which aim to generate fuel on the lunar and Martian surfaces using local resources, could reduce the need to transport propellants from Earth, but present significant challenges in both design and powe
Voyager Space joins Spaceport Nova Scotia development as key technical partner
Maritime Launch Services (Cboe CA: MAXQ, OTCQB: MAXQF) has announced the selection of Voyager Space (Voyager) as the first Owner Authorized Representative (OAR) for the next phase of Spaceport Nova Scotia's development. Voyager will provide technical support for the launch facility's infrastructure. This partnership underscores the growing collaboration between Canada and the United States
New data on radiation show missions to Jupiter's moon Europa are possible
Scientists from NASA's Juno mission have developed the first complete 3D radiation map of the Jupiter system, including characterizing the intensity of the high-energy particles near the orbit of the icy moon Europa, and how the radiation environment is sculpted by the smaller Jovian moons orbiting near Jupiter's rings.
The work relies on data collected by Juno's star camera Advanced Stellar Compass (ASC) designed and built by Technical University of Denmark, and Stellar Reference Unit (SRU), which was built by Leonardo, S.p.A. in Florence, Italy. The two datasets complement one another, helping Juno scientists characterize the radiation environment at different energies.
EarthCARE profiles atmospheric particles in detail
Launched in May, ESA’s EarthCARE satellite has been making waves, with the first images from three of its scientific instruments already delivered. Now, the spotlight is firmly on the atmospheric lidar, the most advanced of the satellite’s four instruments.
This cutting-edge sensor has captured detailed 20 km-high vertical profiles of atmospheric aerosols – tiny particles and droplets from natural sources like wildfires, dust, and sea spray, and from human activities like industrial emissions or burning of wood – and clouds across various regions of the globe.
Juice trajectory reset with historic Lunar-Earth flyby
ESA's Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer (Juice) has achieved a significant milestone by completing the world's first lunar-Earth flyby. This maneuver utilized Earth's gravity to set Juice on a course toward Venus, facilitating its journey to Jupiter by navigating through the inner Solar System. The spacecraft made its closest approach to the Moon at 23:15 CEST (21:15 UTC) on August 19, followed b
Juice rerouted to Venus in world’s first lunar-Earth flyby
ESA’s Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer (Juice) has successfully completed a world-first lunar-Earth flyby, using the gravity of Earth to send it Venus-bound, on a shortcut to Jupiter through the inner Solar System.