Copernical Team
Where space weather originates
The Virtual Space Weather Modelling Centre, through a collaborative effort, has developed a simulation that visualizes the initiation of space weather. The model demonstrates the emergence of a flux rope from the Sun's magnetic field, which may carry millions of tons of plasma into space during a Coronal Mass Ejection (CME). This visualization uses the COCONUT magnetohydrodynamic model cre
Ozone's influence on exoplanetary climate dynamics highlighted in new research
In a significant study led by Dr. Assaf Hochman from the Fredy and Nadine Herrmann Institute of Earth Sciences at The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, new insights have been unveiled into the atmospheric dynamics of Earth-like exoplanets, with a focus on ozone's role in shaping planetary climates. This research represents a major step in understanding potentially habitable worlds beyond our solar
NASA Advances Climate Research with New Earth System Explorers Program Proposals
NASA has selected four new proposals for concept studies as part of its Earth System Explorers Program, aimed at enhancing our understanding of key Earth science areas such as greenhouse gases, the ozone layer, ocean currents, and global ice changes. These investigations align with recommendations from the 2017 Decadal Survey by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine
International SWOT Mission Can Improve Flood Prediction
A partnership between NASA and the French space agency, the satellite is poised to help improve forecasts of where and when flooding will occur in Earth's rivers, lakes, and reservoirs. Rivers, lakes, and reservoirs are like our planet's arteries, carrying life-sustaining water in interconnected networks. When Earth's water cycle runs too fast, flooding can result, threatening lives and propert
OTPS calls for community feedback to shape lunar non-interference policies
NASA's Office of Technology, Policy, and Strategy (OTPS) is soliciting input from the lunar community through a new Lunar Non-Interference Questionnaire to aid in developing a framework for managing lunar activities without interference. No funding or solicitations are expected to follow this survey. Established in November 2021 within the NASA Administrator's office, OTPS collaborates acr
Exploring asteroid Apophis using miniature satellites
The scenario could be lifted straight from a disaster novel: On Friday, April 13, 2029-a date that alone might evoke unease-the asteroid known as (99942) Apophis will make a remarkably close approach to Earth, missing us by just 30,000 kilometers. Visible as a mere speck of light in the night sky from places like Wurzburg, this proximity provides a unique observational opportunity. Apophis
Chang'e 6 mission successfully achieves lunar orbit
The Chang'e 6 probe has successfully entered lunar orbit, the China National Space Administration confirmed. The spacecraft executed a critical braking maneuver under the guidance of experts at the Beijing Aerospace Control Center and achieved lunar orbit at 10:12 am on Wednesday. This operation was essential to slow the probe, which weighed 8.35 metric tons and had traveled nearly 113 hou
Boeing's Starliner flight delayed again for oxygen tank valve replacement
Boeing's Starliner crew flight test has been pushed back another week as United Launch Alliance plans to replace a part of the spacecraft. The test launch is now set for 6:16 p.m. EDT from Cape Canaveral Space Station Florida on May 17, a week later than the date set earlier this week after the initial launch was scrubbed due to concerns about an oxygen relief valve, NASA said Tuesday.
SpaceX Starlink flight lifts off in Florida; 2nd launch of day planned for California later
SpaceX on Wednesday launched 23 Starlink satellites from NASA's Kennedy Space Center Florida. A second launch is set for Wednesday evening in California. The Florida liftoff of 23 of the satellites had been pushed back to 2:42 p.m. from its originally scheduled lift-off of 11 a.m. EDT Wednesday. It was live-streamed. As of Wednesday afternoon, the California launch from Va
AI in Earth observation: a force for good
The upcoming launch of the Φsat-2 mission is a prime example of the pioneering work that ESA does in the field of AI in Earth observation.
But when it comes to AI, hopes and fears abound in equal measure. In this interview, ESA’s Rochelle Schneider sets the record straight on how this transformational technology is improving access to crucial information on the state and future of our planet.