Some asteroids live in own little worlds

ScienceDaily (Aug. 26, 2010) — While the common perception of asteroids is that they are giant rocks lumbering about in orbit, a new study shows they actually are constantly changing "little worlds" that can give birth to smaller asteroids that split off to start their own lives as they circle around the sun. Astronomers have known that small asteroids get "spun up" to fast rotation rates by sunlight falling on them, much like propellers in the wind. The new results show when asteroids spin fast enough, they can undergo "rotational fission," splitting into two pieces which then begin orbiting each other. ... Read More

Solar System may be 2 million years older than we thought, meteorite analysis suggests

ScienceDaily (Aug. 25, 2010) — Timescales of early Solar System processes rely on precise, accurate and consistent ages obtained with radiometric dating. However, recent advances in instrumentation now allow scientists to make more precise measurements, some of which are revealing inconsistencies in the ages of samples. Seeking better constraints on the age of the Solar System, Arizona State University researchers Audrey Bouvier and Meenakshi Wadhwa analyzed meteorite Northwest Africa (NWA) 2364 and found that the age of the Solar System predates previous estimates by up to 1.9 million years. By using a dating technique known as lead-lead dating, Bouvier and Wadhwa were ... Read More

Solar system similar to ours? Richest planetary system discovered

ScienceDaily (Aug. 24, 2010) — Astronomers using ESO's world-leading HARPS instrument have discovered a planetary system containing at least five planets, orbiting the Sun-like star HD 10180. The researchers also have tantalising evidence that two other planets may be present, one of which would have the lowest mass ever found. This would make the system similar to our Solar System in terms of the number of planets (seven as compared to the Solar System's eight planets). Furthermore, the team also found evidence that the distances of the planets from their star follow a regular pattern, as also seen in our Solar ... Read More

Self-cleaning technology from Mars can keep terrestrial solar panels dust free

ScienceDaily (Aug. 23, 2010) — Find dusting those tables and dressers a chore or a bore? Dread washing the windows? Imagine keeping dust and grime off objects spread out over an area of 25 to 50 football fields. That's the problem facing companies that deploy large-scale solar power installations, and scientists have now presented the development of one solution -- self-dusting solar panels ― based on technology developed for space missions to Mars. In a report at the 240th National Meeting of the American Chemical Society (ACS) on August 22, they described how a self-cleaning coating on the surface of solar ... Read More

The Solar System’s Long Life and (Alas) Eventual Death

“Evolution of the Natural World,” the new science exhibit at the Bruce Museum in Greenwich, offers a fascinating display of rocks, bones and assorted beasts.By By SYLVIANE GOLD

NATIONAL BRIEFING | SCIENCE; Moon’s Cold Craters

NASA scientists, unveiling some of first findings from Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter spacecraft, say shadowy craters near Moon's south poll may be coldest places in solar system, with nighttime temperatures reaching minus 400 degreesBy By KENNETH CHANG

NASA To Announce Latest Findings By Kepler Spacecraft

NASA will hold a media teleconference Thursday, Aug. 26, at 1 p.m. EDT to discuss the Kepler spacecraft's latest discovery about an intriguing planetary system.By nasa.gov

NASA Hosts Workshop To Discuss Exploring Near Earth Objects

NASA will host an interactive workshop to identify objectives for exploration missions to near-Earth objects, or NEOs, on Aug. 10-11 at the Renaissance Mayflower Hotel in Washington.By nasa.gov

NASA Finds Super Hot Planet With Unique Comet-Like Tail

Astronomers using NASA's Hubble Space Telescope have confirmed the existence of a baked object that could be called a "cometary planet." The gas giant planet, named HD 209458b, is orbiting so close to its star that its heated atmosphere is escaping into space.By nasa.gov

Should Old Articles Be Forgot

Some developments in 2009 were of enduring significance, but may have been hidden among an avalanche of information.By By WILLIAM FALK