Here are today’s most important updates from the realm of Science and Space.
Scientists from the Space Physics Laboratory at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre have uncovered unexpectedly high electron densities in the Moon's ionosphere when it passes through Earth's geomagnetic tail. The results revealed an electron density of approximately 23,000 electrons per cubic centimeter, comparable to densities observed in the Moon's wake region and nearly 100 times higher than those on the sunlit side. The research sheds new light on how plasma behaves in the lunar environment and suggests a significant role for the Moon's remnant magnetic fields in shaping plasma dynamics. Understanding the lunar ionosphere's behavior will be crucial for planning lunar habitats, especially in regions influenced by crustal magnetic fields.
India's space ambitions have taken a significant leap forward with the commencement of construction for the country's second spaceport at Kulasekarapattinam in Tamil Nadu. This spaceport is specifically designed to support the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) missions, aiming to capture a substantial share of the global market for launching small satellites weighing up to 500 kg. The strategic location of Kulasekarapattinam offers geographical advantages, particularly for polar launches. Unlike launches from Sriharikota, which require a fuel-intensive "dogleg maneuver" to avoid Sri Lanka, the new spaceport allows for a direct southward trajectory, significantly reducing fuel consumption and increasing payload capacity.
Under normal conditions, water exists in three phases: solid (ice), liquid (water), and gas (vapour or steam). But beyond the realm of humankind inhabiting Earth -- out in the alien world, a different form of water, called plastic ice VII might be present. Several theoretical models in the past have predicted the presence of 'plastic ice VII' but for the first time ever, scientists have real proof of its existence. Plastic ice VII has properties of both liquid water and solid ice, hence the name. It has a unique interwoven structure when the hydrogen atoms are somewhat disordered. The findings could further help the understanding of the geodynamics of icy planets and the differentiation processes of large icy moons.
Dogs that are constantly hungry and prone to being overweight share a common bit of biology with some obesity-prone humans. This is what UK scientists have discovered - identifying a genetic source of many labradors' - and some people's - tendency to overeat. This canine-human biological link came from the researchers' examination of the genetics of 250 labradors. The team looked for pieces of genetic code that were common in overweight dogs. The gene interferes with a brain signalling pathway that helps regulate our appetite. The findings could help in the future development of new drugs to tackle obesity.
