18-Jan-2023: Indian Institute of Geomagnetism (IIG) has found evidence of "solitary waves" in Mars
Discovered by Indian Institute of Geomagnetism (IIG) an autonomous institute of the Department of Science and Technology (DST). Evidence was found using high-resolution electric field data from NASA's MAVEN spacecraft.
First time discovery of solitary waves in Martian magnetosphere
Key Highlights of Discovery
- Mars does not have intrinsic magnetic field
- High-speed solar wind interacts directly with Mars atmosphere
- Occurrences of solitary waves in weak and thin Martian magnetosphere
- Found mostly in morning and evening at altitudes of 1000-3500 km
- Exact cause still unknown
Solitary Waves
- Distinct electric field fluctuations(Bipolar or monopolar) with constant amplitude-phase relations.
- Shape and size less affected during propagation
Significance
1. Play significant role in dynamics of physical systems
2. Responsible for energization and transport of plasma particles in Earth's magnetosphere
- Affect behavior of satellites and other space-borne equipment
3. Significance in Martian magnetosphere not fully understood
- May play role in loss of atmospheric ions on Mars.
17-Jan-2023: ISRO's Venus mission, Shukrayaan I, may be postponed to 2031
ISRO's Venus mission, Shukrayaan I, may be postponed to 2031
Causes of Delay: Pandemic, manufacturing delays, commercial launch commitments
Optimal Launch Windows
- Occur once every 19 months
- Backup dates in 2026 and 2028
- 2031 window is considered very good
Mission: Orbiter mission with high-resolution Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) and a ground-penetrating radar
Objectives
- Investigation of surface process and subsurface stratigraphy
- Study of atmosphere
- Investigation of Solar wind interaction with Venusian ionosphere
Significance
- Helps learn how Earth-like planets evolve
- Modelling Earth's climate
- Understanding how a planet's climate can change
Previous Missions Sent to Venus
- Mariner series
- Pioneer Venus 1 and 2
- Venera series
- Magellan
- Vegas 1 and 2
- Venus Express
- Akatsuki
About Venus
- Named after the Roman goddess of love and beauty
- Second planet from the Sun and sixth in size and mass
- Second brightest natural object in the night sky after the Moon
- Closest large body to Earth other than the Moon
- Called Earth's twin because of similarities in mass, size, and density
- Spins clockwise on its axis
- Hottest planet in the solar system
- Longer day than year taken to orbit the sun.
- Has 90 times the atmospheric pressure of Earth.
14-Jan-2023: LHS 475 b discovered by James Webb telescope
James Webb Telescope Confirmed discovery of first exoplanet. The Planet orbits another star.
Exoplanet: LHS 475 b
- Almost exactly same size as Earth (99% of diameter)
- Completes one orbit in two days
- Red dwarf star is less than half the temperature of the Sun
- Potentially still could have an atmosphere
Red Dwarf Star
- Small, low-mass, dim, and cool star
- Many have big flares and mass ejections on their surfaces
- Habitable zone is closer to the star than stars like our sun
- Makes it easier to observe potentially habitable planets
Webb Program
- International program led by NASA
- Partners with ESA and CSA