Exploring the Cosmos: Spaceflight's Impact on Human Physiology, Bepicolombo's Thruster Issues, and Ganymede's Colossal Asteroid Impact
Welcome to another captivating episode of Astronomy Daily, where we bring you the latest and most intriguing stories from the world of space and Astronomy. Hosted by Anna, this episode delves into groundbreaking research on how spaceflight affects human physiology, the thruster issues delaying the Bepicolombo spacecraft's journey to Mercury, and the colossal asteroid impact that reshaped Jupiter's moon Ganymede.
First, we explore the fascinating research on how space travel impacts the gut microbiome, a bustling community of bacteria essential for digestion and immune function. Recent studies led by University College Dublin and McGill University in collaboration with NASA have revealed that spaceflight extensively alters this internal ecosystem. Using advanced genetic technologies, researchers examined the gut microbiomes of mice aboard the International Space Station over three months. The findings showed significant shifts in specific bacteria, affecting gene expression related to immune and metabolic functions. These insights are crucial for designing protocols to safeguard astronaut health during long-duration missions to the moon, Mars, and beyond.
Next, we turn our attention to the thruster issues faced by the European-Japanese Bepicolombo spacecraft, which has led to a delay in its arrival at Mercury until 2026. Launched in 2018, Bepicolombo's mission is to explore Mercury and unlock its many mysteries. However, a glitch in the spacecraft's thrusters caused them not to operate at full power. Despite this setback, engineers quickly devised a workaround, revising the spacecraft's trajectory to conserve the remaining thrust while still achieving its scientific objectives. The new plan involves a closer flyby of Mercury, allowing the spacecraft to gather valuable data during its journey.
Then we turn our attention to the strange noises being heard on the troubled Starliner, tethered to the ISS. It's not aliens trying to communicate as some have speculated...there's a rather more straightforward explantion from NASA. We have the stoy in this episode.
Finally, we delve into the ancient cataclysmic event that reshaped Ganymede, the largest moon in our solar system. An asteroid impact around 4 billion years ago was so colossal that it not only altered Ganymede's surface but also potentially its very rotation. Research led by a planetologist from Kobe University analyzed the furrows on Ganymede's surface, tracing them back to this massive impact. The asteroid's diameter was likely around 300 km, generating a transient crater between 1401 and 1600 km in diameter. This impact caused a significant reorientation of Ganymede's rotational axis, providing invaluable insights into the moon's geological history and the early solar system's dynamics.
This episode of Astronomy Daily is packed with fascinating stories that highlight the complexities and wonders of space exploration. From understanding the impacts of spaceflight on human health to overcoming engineering challenges in space missions and uncovering ancient cosmic events, these stories underscore the importance of continued research and exploration.
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