This illustration shows the size of a large, nearly invisible ring around Saturn (enlarged in this representation) that was detected by its infrared glow by the Spitzer Space Telescope (Image: NASA/JPL-Caltech/Keck) A colossal ring of debris found around Saturn is the largest in the solar system. The new ring could be the ‘smoking gun’ that …
Largest ring in solar system found around Saturn – New Scientist Read More »
The MONET South telescope at Sutherland ASTRONOMY EDUCATION BREAKTHROUGH FOR HERMANUS Hermanus experienced an Astronomy Awareness and Education breakthrough which was a first not only for South Africa, but for Africa, on Sunday 3rd October 2010. Science teachers and learners from Hermanus High School and Qhayiya Secondary School, as well as members of the Hermanus …
Something has smashed into Jupiter, leaving behind a black spot in the planet’s atmosphere, scientists confirmed on Monday. This is only the second time such an impact has been observed. The first was almost exactly 15 years ago, when more than 20 fragments of comet Shoemaker-Levy 9 collided with the gas giant. “This has all …
This illustration shows one possible path that the comet Kushida-Muramatsu took around Jupiter (located at centre of axes) (Illustration: Ohtsuka/Asher) The planet Jupiter seems to be as promiscuous as its Olympian namesake. New calculations reveal that in the middle of the last century it had a fling with a wayward comet, which for 12 years …
Titan's hydrocarbon lakes, seen here in radar images, boast life-friendly chemistry (Image: NASA/JPL) 23 November 2009 by David Shiga Saturn’s frigid moon Titan may be friendlier to life than previously thought. New calculations suggest Titan’s hydrocarbon lakes are loaded with acetylene, a chemical some scientists say could serve as food for cold-resistant organisms. At about …
