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Scientists to probe the source behind a massive 1946 tsunami
Confirmed
In Short: Scientists have discovered a 10-sided jet surrounding Saturn's south pole, a feature that has puzzled researchers for years.
Scientists using the Hubble Space Telescope and the help of a network of amateur astronomers have identified a 10-sided jet moving independently of the rest of the atmosphere circling Saturn’s south pole, researchers report in Science Advances. This discovery adds to the mystery surrounding the planet's weather patterns, as the north pole has been marked by a distinctive cloud-darkening hexagonal jet for at least 45 years.
The decagon, which seems to change more than the staid hexagonal jet, has puzzled planetary scientists. Amy Simon of NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center notes, 'The decagon seems to change more than the hexagon does, which is quite intriguing.' This new feature challenges our understanding of Saturn's atmospheric dynamics and could provide insights into the planet's complex weather systems.
Meanwhile, in a separate development, scientists are exploring the potential of gravitational waves to uncover clues about dark matter. According to discussions published by Live Science, increasingly powerful gravitational-wave detectors are allowing scientists to test extreme cosmic theories more accurately than ever before. This research could lead to a better understanding of the invisible matter that makes up roughly 85% of all matter in the universe.
Gravitational-wave astronomy may eventually help scientists 'hear' the influence of dark matter rather than directly observing it, as noted by a feature published by Space.com. This could provide a new tool for researchers in the ongoing search for dark matter, which remains one of the most elusive mysteries in astrophysics.
Scientists studying gravitational waves and dark matter interactions believe that invisible matter could slightly alter how black holes orbit each other before colliding. Despite its invisibility, dark matter's influence on the universe is profound, and its study could lead to breakthroughs in our understanding of cosmic phenomena.
What's confirmed
- Scientists using the Hubble Space Telescope and the help of a network of amateur astronomers have identified a 10-sided jet moving independently of the rest of the atmosphere circling Saturn’s south pole, researchers report in Science Advances. This discovery adds to the mystery surrounding the planet's weather patterns, as the north pole has been marked by a distinctive cloud-darkening hexagonal jet for at least 45 years.
- The decagon, which seems to change more than the staid hexagonal jet, has puzzled planetary scientists. Amy Simon of NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center notes, 'The decagon seems to change more than the hexagon does, which is quite intriguing.' This new feature challenges our understanding of Saturn's atmospheric dynamics and could provide insights into the planet's complex weather systems.
- Meanwhile, in a separate development, scientists are exploring the potential of gravitational waves to uncover clues about dark matter. According to discussions published by Live Science, increasingly powerful gravitational-wave detectors are allowing scientists to test extreme cosmic theories more accurately than ever before. This research could lead to a better understanding of the invisible matter that makes up roughly 85% of all matter in the universe.
- Gravitational-wave astronomy may eventually help scientists 'hear' the influence of dark matter rather than directly observing it, as noted by a feature published by Space.com. This could provide a new tool for researchers in the ongoing search for dark matter, which remains one of the most elusive mysteries in astrophysics.
- Scientists studying gravitational waves and dark matter interactions believe that invisible matter could slightly alter how black holes orbit each other before colliding. Despite its invisibility, dark matter's influence on the universe is profound, and its study could lead to breakthroughs in our understanding of cosmic phenomena.
What's still developing
- Sánchez-Lavega/University of the Basque Country-EHU Scientists watching the weather on Saturn have spotted a strange polygon surrounding the planet’s south pole — a feature that would have surprised them less had it appeared years ago, when the planet was under constant surveillance.
- But NASA’s Cassini mission spent more than 13 years studying the planet in detail and never saw anything similar in the southern hemisphere, puzzling scientists.
- The discovery centers on an unusual gravitational-wave signal detected during the merger of massive cosmic objects.
- In their research, a team of scientists from China found the fungus can confer protection from radiation to its host through a couple of different mechanisms, suggesting M. racemosus may be a beneficial presence in the gut.
- There's also the funky world of radiotrophic fungi, which use radiation as an energy source – like the bizarre fungus living its best life in the radioactive remains of the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant.
- Scientists in China have identified a novel tick-borne virus that causes an influenza-like illness characterized by fever, fatigue, gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms, and abnormal lab findings.
- Their discovery, published yesterday in the New England Journal of Medicine, stemmed from a probe into why 30% of patients with signs and symptoms of infection with Dabie bandavirus (DBV) test negative for the tick-borne hemorrhagic fever.
- The largest pyroCbs are stunning weather-making features that generate massive thunderheads capable of unleashing lightning, hail, and heavy rain.