Latest news with #Psyche
Indian Express
19-05-2025
- Science
- Indian Express
Scientists say asteroid ‘Vesta' might be a piece of a planet that no longer exists
Asteroid Vesta, long considered to be a stalled protoplanet, may actually be just a fragment of a larger world that once existed in our solar system. New research suggests that Vesta may not have the dense core that differentiated planetary bodies usually have. Due to spin-rate data and gravity-field mapping, a new study by Michigan State University researchers published on April 23, in Nature Astronomy, has challenged previous assumptions that gave Vesta with the status of an embryonic planet based on NASA's 2012 Dawn mission. Instead, the study has suggested, Vesta may have been ejected from a different world in a massive collision that is estimated to have occurred 4.5 billion years ago. Vesta does not exactly fit the model of a planet, as per the study. The radio Doppler signals were refined using enhanced calibration techniques, confirming the lack of a metal-rich core that had been disputed by previous research. Seth Jacobson of Michigan State University, who led the research, stated that the new interpretation marks a major shift in planetary science. Although Vesta's volcanic, basaltic surface still shows signs of geological activity, its internal homogeneity defies what one might expect from a body that has undergone complete differentiation, Jacobson said. This paradox has caused scientists to reconsider the asteroid'sheritage. Vesta started to differentiate but never made much progress. However, howardite-eucrite-diogenites (HEDs), which are meteorites thought to have formed in Vesta, lack any evidence of this kind of incomplete differentiation. Instead, Jacobson and his team have claimed that their study supports the theory that Vesta was created by material that was blasted off of a fully formed planet during an ancient planetary collision. This theory might also explain Vesta's volcanic surface without requiring that it have a broad core, they said. The study raises doubts about Vesta's identification and also raises the prospect of a wider theory that other asteroids might also potentially be fragments of broken planets. This viewpoint may eventually be confirmed by the gravity investigations planned for the upcoming decades by NASA's Psyche and ESA's Hera missions. According to Jacobson, Vesta's makeup might even suggest that it shared an origin with Earth or other early planets, which might completely change the field of asteroid science. Vesta is the second most massive body in the main asteroid belt, accounting for almost nine per cent of the total mass of all asteroids. In that area of rocky debris between Mars and Jupiter, the only dwarf planet larger than it is Ceres. Vesta was discovered in Bremen, Germany, on March 29, 1807 by Heinrich Wilhelm Olbers. He had also discovered Pallas (a large asteroid, located in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter). He believed, wrongly, that Ceres and Pallas were pieces of a destroyed planet and found Vesta while looking for more evidence. It was the fourth asteroid ever discovered. Upon discovery, Olbers let German mathematician Carl Friedrich Gauss name the asteroid. Gauss named the celestial body 'Vesta' after the Roman goddess of the hearth and home. From July 16, 2011 to September 5, 2012, NASA's Dawn spacecraft circled Vesta before leaving and beginning its mission to the dwarf planet Ceres. The giant asteroid is almost spherical, and was nearly classified as a dwarf planet. Unlike the majority of known asteroids, Vesta is differentiated. This means that it has separated into a core, mantle, and crust. The brightness range of Vesta is among the widest of any solid body in our solar system. While the black material is believed to have been material left behind by previous asteroids that crashed into Vesta, the light materials seem to be native rocks. (This article has been curated by Disha Gupta, who is an intern with the Indian Express)
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Aeon Media Relaunches Psyche.co, Further Elevating the Standard for Psychology and Wellbeing Content Online
Sleek new design and innovative content types aim to deepen user experience and cut through the noise of today's psychology and mental health landscape LONDON, May 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Aeon Media's unique and free digital magazine for thoughtful exploration of psychology and the human experience, is excited to announce the relaunch of its website on 12 May 2025. Amid a landscape saturated with hype, misinformation, and algorithm-driven advice, Psyche aims to be a wise, trustworthy companion for anyone navigating the complexities of life. The platform offers rich, multidisciplinary perspectives and advice from psychologists, philosophers, artists, anthropologists and more – all in service of helping readers know themselves and live well. Launched in 2020, Psyche remains one of the few digital publications to offer completely free, zero advertising, expert-led content in the wellbeing space. The relaunch brings not only a fresh visual identity but also new content formats and intuitive site architecture, creating a more engaging and immersive user experience. Key updates include: Website redesign – refined and immersiveThe new look is streamlined and elegant, offering a sleek and focused reading environment across devices. It reflects Psyche's commitment to thoughtfulness, clarity, and accessibility. New content formats – Life StoriesOne of the powerful additions to the Psyche experience, Life Stories features deeply personal essays, intimate profiles, and beautifully produced portrait videos that highlight the resilience and insight of remarkable individuals. Building on success – Psyche's signature GuidesWe have expanded and enhanced this popular content type to further support readers to live well, learn practical skills and change habits. New site sections – Heal, Transcend, Connect, UnderstandTo make exploration more intuitive, Psyche has reorganised its library into four thematic pillars, helping users discover content aligned with their interests and needs. Psyche achievements: Since launching, Psyche has grown a large, global audience and engaged following Psyche content is regularly picked-up and endorsed by professional bodies and industry press, including The American Psychological Association, The British Psychological Society and Behavioral Scientist. Frequently praised and shared by many respected figures in psychology, psychiatry and related disciplines, many of whom have also contributed to the magazine 'With this relaunch, we remain committed to our overarching mission to bring expert insights, advice and perspectives to people who are facing psychological difficulties or who simply want a wise companion on their path through life,' says Dr Christian Jarrett, Psyche's Editor. 'We understand that with so much misinformation and bad science online, including ubiquitous computer-generated summaries, it can be difficult to know who or what to trust. We work carefully with human experts, clinicians and scholars, to bring you their genuine lived knowledge and wisdom. As a non-profit, we are also in a fortunate position. Without the need to sensationalise or resort to hype, we can prioritise quality and trustworthiness in everything we publish.' The reimagined Psyche website will launch on 12 May, and visitors can explore at About PsycheLaunched in 2020, Psyche is a digital magazine to help you understand yourself and live well. Every Psyche article is commissioned, edited and queried multiple times by our specialist psychology, philosophy and social science editors. We also carefully vet our writers, who include clinical psychologists, psychologist-researchers, teachers, doctors, philosophers and anthropologists. Psyche is published by Aeon Media. [Media assets available on request] CONTACT: For media inquiries, interviews, or collaborations, please contact: Media Contact: Lauren Macnab (Head of Marketing and Communications) Company Name: Aeon Media Website: Email Address: in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
08-05-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Laurie Leshin stepping down as director of NASA's Jet Propulsion Lab
Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Generate Key Takeaways When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Laurie Leshin speaks with former NASA Administrator Bill Nelson. | Credit: NASA/Bill Ingalls NASA's main center for planetary exploration will soon come under new leadership. Laurie Leshin announced today (May 7) that she'll step down from her role as director of NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Southern California in June, after more than three years in charge. She'll be replaced by David Gallagher, JPL's current associate director for strategic integration. In an email to JPL employees, which was obtained by Leshin said she intends to focus on re-launching her research program at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), which manages JPL for NASA, and also on her family, which is still experiencing the impacts of the Eaton fire. "This event is still deeply impacting my daily life, as I know it is for so many of you," she wrote to JPL staff. Leshin will continue her role as a Caltech faculty member — specifically, Bren Professor of Geochemistry and Planetary Science, according to a JPL statement that was released today. Leshin has seen JPL through a number of high-profile successes during her time in the director's chair. "I am proud of the many things JPL has accomplished over the past three years," Leshin said in the JPL statement. The EMIT, SWOT, Psyche, PREFIRE, Europa Clipper and SPHEREx missions all launched during her tenure, and NISAR, which she also helped oversee, is scheduled to launch next month. 'In addition to the long list of missions that have launched or moved toward launch during that time, we saved Voyager more than once and flew into history on Mars with Ingenuity. We have made more amazing scientific discoveries than I can name, including finding potential ancient Martian biomarkers with Perseverance," she added. "And we've driven the forefront of technology on Earth and in space. I know those achievements will continue under Dave's capable leadership." Related stories: — NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL): Facts & information — Perseverance rover: Everything you need to know — Europa Clipper: A complete guide to NASA's astrobiology mission Gallagher has been at JPL for 36 years and has held numerous positions at the NASA lab. He has served as manager for JPL's Advanced Optical Systems Program Office, for example, as well as deputy director for Astronomy, Physics and Space Technology. "Laurie has made a significant impact on energizing and focusing the lab, guiding it back on track after the Covid-19 pandemic. I wish her great success in this next chapter of her career, and I look forward to a very smooth transition at the lab," Gallagher said in the JPL statement. Leshin described Gallagher as "the right leader at the right time for the Lab" in her message to employees. Near the end of that message, she said that "leading JPL has been the honor of a lifetime."
Yahoo
03-05-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
This Week In Space podcast: Episode 159 — AI in Space!
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Seems we can't go through an hour without hearing news about artificial intelligence these days. There are a lot of exciting developments, and some of the most exciting when thinking about space are coming from the USRA's Research Institute for Advanced Computer Science (RIACS), which is on the cutting edge of the cutting edge. In this episode, we're speaking with the institute's director, Dr. David Bell, who will walk us through the differences between current AI, agentic AI, and -- are you ready? -- quantum-powered AI, and their current and future potential to revolutionize space exploration and development. Join us! Download or subscribe to this show at: episodes ad-free with Club TWiT at Trump administration proposes slashing NASA budget by 24% Evidence of controversial Planet 9 uncovered in sky surveys taken 23 years apart New images of Soviet Venus lander falling to Earth suggest its parachute may be out Psyche spacecraft's sci-fi thrusters suffer glitch on way to metal-rich asteroid Dr. David Bell | USRA TOP TELESCOPE PICK: Looking for a telescope to see planets and comets? We recommend the Celestron Astro Fi 102 as the top pick in our best beginner's telescope guide. Finally, did you know you can launch your own SpaceX rocket? Model rocket maker Estes' stunning scale model of a Falcon 9 rocket that you can pick up now. The launchable model is a detailed recreation of the Falcon 9 and retails for $149.99. You can save 10% by using the code IN-COLLECTSPACE at checkout, courtesy of our partners This Week in Space covers the new space age. Every Friday we take a deep dive into a fascinating topic. What's happening with the new race to the moon and other planets? When will SpaceX really send people to Mars? Join Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik from as they tackle those questions and more each week on Friday afternoons. You can subscribe today on your favorite podcatcher.
Yahoo
02-05-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Psyche spacecraft's sci-fi thrusters suffer glitch on way to metal-rich asteroid
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. On Tuesday (April 29), NASA announced that its Psyche probe has suffered a setback concerning its propulsion system while nearly 150 million miles (238 million kilometers) from our planet. The boxy, solar-winged craft is headed to the peculiar object for which it is named: 16 Psyche, an asteroid that appears to have an unusually high metal content. The complication surrounds a "decrease in fuel pressure" within Psyche's solar electric propulsion setup, NASA says, which led the team to power off the thrusters until a solution arises. However, the agency also affirms that these thrusters can remain off until at least mid-June before worries arise about Psyche's trajectory toward its asteroid target. "The mission team has chosen to defer thrusting while engineers work to understand the pressure decrease," NASA said in a statement. "The electric propulsion system has two identical fuel lines, and the team may decide to switch to the backup fuel line to resume thrusting." Like the probe itself, Psyche's propulsion system is blazing new trails. This is the first time, the mission team says, that this specific mechanism of zipping through space has been used on a probe beyond lunar orbit. In essence, sunlight collected with Psyche's large solar arrays gets converted into electricity, which then powers up the spacecraft's four thrusters. Once powered up with enough sunlight-derived energy, the thrusters — called "Hall thrusters" — use electromagnetic fields to expel charged atoms of xenon gas that are stored in tanks aboard the spacecraft. In addition to giving Psyche's thrusters a pretty cool neon blue glow, this xenon expulsion creates a gentle thrust to move the spacecraft — gentle enough to exert "the same amount of pressure you'd feel holding three quarters in your hand," NASA has said. However, the point is for that subtle thrust to build up momentum over time, which is especially easy to do in the vacuum of space. All the while, barely any fuel will be used, meaning Psyche is highly efficient and light. "With no atmospheric drag to hold it back, the spacecraft eventually will accelerate to speeds of up to 124,000 miles per hour (200,000 kilometers per hour) relative to Earth," NASA explains. By contrast, NASA says traditional chemical propulsion would have required Psyche to be packed with 15 times more fuel before it was launched to space on Oct. 13, 2023. Related Stories: — Is asteroid Psyche actually a planetary core? James Webb Space Telescope results cast doubt — NASA's Lucy probe captures 1st close-up images of asteroid Donaldjohanson, revealing 'strikingly complicated geology' — Trump administration could slash NASA science budget by 50%, reports suggest In terms of the issue that Psyche is currently experiencing, it has to do with the way the xenon gas is being fed into the thrusters for expulsion. "On April 1, the spacecraft detected a pressure drop in the line that feeds the xenon gas to the thrusters, going from 36 pounds per square inch (psi) to about 26 psi," NASA said in the recent statement about the glitch. We'll likely know more about whether the backup line will be used, or if the original line improves its condition, in the coming weeks. Hopefully, Psyche bounces back to full health so it can investigate the many mysteries of 16 Psyche. One of the biggest is whether the asteroid truly is filled with extremely valuable metals (metals we can mine?), is a bare planetary core, or is just a sneaky pile of random rubble. The next major milestone for the mission's route falls in the spring of 2026, when Psyche will fly by Mars and use the Red Planet's gravitational tides to catapult itself toward the main asteroid belt. If all goes to plan, we'll get a peek at 16 Psyche in 2029.
