LPSC: Studying Microorganisms Trapped in Salt as Martian Analog

LPSC: Studying Microorganisms Trapped in Salt as Martian Analog

We interview a pair of scientists who have examined microorganisms embedded in halite crystals to determine the feasibility of finding similar evidence of past life in return samples from Mars. Plus, ‘Oumuamua, Bennu, Ryugu, winds on Jupiter and a space jellyfish.

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LPSC: All the Planetary News You Can Handle

LPSC: All the Planetary News You Can Handle

Monday was the first day of the Lunar and Planetary Science Conference, and we are going to spend at least the next two weeks sharing as much science as possible. The conference is taking place virtually this year, and of course, Mars is the big focus. Plus icy worlds, volcanic worlds, and exoplanets, and we’re bringing you a little of everything.

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Powerful GRB is Actually Giant Flare From Magnetar in Nearby Galaxy

Powerful GRB is Actually Giant Flare From Magnetar in Nearby Galaxy

Multiple international teams determine that a 2020 gamma-ray burst was actually a giant flare from a magnetar and that flare originated from a nearby galaxy. Plus, the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument is ready for a new survey, NASA extends two planetary missions, and What’s Up in the night sky this next week.