Two new studies used data from Cassini’s Grand Finale observations of Saturn and found that the magnetic fields and a wave in the rings provide insight into the core structure and composition of the gas giant. Plus, cosmic rays, how Mayans shaped the Earth, and a review of books by Charles C. Mann.
After much “will it / won’t it” over the last few weeks in the wake of increased (and then decreased) seismic activity, an eruption in Iceland finally started with a brand new fissure near Fagradalsfjall. No lives are threatened, so Pamela is ecstatic. Plus, arctic methane, a new basalt type, spiders on Mars, Titan’s atmosphere, and an interview with PSI scientist Dr. Nick Castle about volcanoes
Scientists collected fresh data on Orion’s bright star Betelgeuse to try and understand this star that caused so much controversy last year. They found it’s smaller than previously calculated, and last year’s dimming was likely caused by dust, but it’s also more complex than thought. Plus, galaxies, Earth’s forests, ice on Mars, and Saturn’s moon Rhea.
A data visualization designer has created an interactive graphic that allows us to explore all 50 gravitational wave events recorded to date, and some even have sounds! Plus, blue jet lightning and all the planetary science stories we can handle. Happy Friday!
Cassini data is still providing good science, and researchers recently found out that the northern hemisphere of Enceladus has fresh ice! Plus scientists directly measured the distance to a magnetar, and comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko has an aurora.
Join us today as we consider a new paper on why pulsars shine so brightly (hint: it’s those pesky magnetic fields). We take a look at new images of Antares’ massive atmospheric layers. Finally, we share a story from our own Planetary Science Institute: evidence has been found that there are volcanic craters on Saturn’s moon, Titan.
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