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Health

A Clear Look at Mercury’s North Pole from Outer Space

written by Chief Editor

Wahana Luar Angkasa Memotret Kutub Utara Merkurius dengan Jelas

KOMPAS.com – Sebuah wahana luar angkasa berhasil mengirimkan foto-foto close-up terbaik dari kutub utara Merkurius, planet terdekat dengan Matahari yang ada di sistem surya kita. Foto-foto ini diambil oleh wahana penjelajah robotik gabungan Eropa dan Jepang, yang terbang mendekati sisi malam Merkurius hingga sejauh 183 mil (295 kilometer), sebelum melintas tepat di atas kutub utara planet tersebut.

Foto-foto ini dibagikan oleh Badan Antariksa Eropa (ESA) dan menunjukkan kawah-kawah yang selalu berada dalam bayangan di puncak planet terkecil dan terdalam di tata surya kita. Selain kawah-kawah itu, kamera juga berhasil merekam dataran vulkanik di sekitar Merkurius dan kawah tumbukan terbesar di planet itu, yang memiliki diameter lebih dari 930 mil (1.500 kilometer).

"Citra menakjubkan ini menunjukkan kawah-kawah yang selalu berada dalam bayangan di puncak planet terkecil dan terdalam di tata surya kita," ungkap Badan Antariksa Eropa saat merilis foto tersebut pada hari Kamis. "Selain kawah yang tertutup bayangan, kamera juga berhasil merekam dataran vulkanik di sekitar Merkurius dan kawah tumbukan terbesar di planet itu, yang memiliki diameter lebih dari 930 mil (1.500 kilometer)."

Flyby ini merupakan yang keenam sekaligus terakhir bagi wahana luar angkasa BepiColombo sejak diluncurkan pada tahun 2018. Manuver tersebut dirancang untuk mempersiapkan BepiColombo memasuki orbit Merkurius pada akhir tahun depan. Wahana ini membawa dua orbiter, masing-masing milik Eropa dan Jepang, yang akan mengelilingi kutub planet tersebut.

pariuri

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Health

Parade of the Planets: Witness the Solar System’s Spectacle in January 2025

written by Chief Editor

Title: Celestial Spectacle Awaits: Planetary Parade & Meteor Shower in January 2025

Mark your calendars, stargazers! January 2025 is shaping up to be a month of celestial wonders with not one, but two major astronomical events taking center stage. Brace yourself for a magnificent planetary parade and a spectacular meteor shower that will light up the night sky.

Solar System’s Grand Parade

In January 2025, a once-in-a-lifetime alignment of planets will take place, treat us to an extraordinary parade of planets. Residents of Earth will have a front-row seat to witness this extraordinary cosmic dance as Jupiter, Saturn, Mars, Venus, and Mercury align and "dance" across the night sky. The best part? You won’t need any special equipment to watch this mesmerizing spectacle—just your eyes and a clear view of the horizon.

The lineup:

  • January 1, 2025: Saturn and Mars will be the first to take the stage, dancing oh-so-close to each other in the evening sky.
  • January 15, 2025: Jupiter joins the fray, adding its brilliance to the planetary show.
  • January 28, 2025: Venus and Mars will have a cosmic close encounter, appearing as a dazzling pair low in the western sky.
  • January 30, 2025: Mercury makes a glamorous entrance as it aligns with Saturn and Mars in the early evening sky.

Meteor Shower Madness: Quadrantids

While the planetary parade is enough to make astronomers hysterical, buckle up because there’s more. The Quadrantids meteor shower will reach its peak on January 4, 2025, treating us to swift and dazzling meteors that streak across the sky. Known for its strong, consistent showers and fast meteors, the Quadrantids can produce up to 120 meteors per hour at its peak. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to make some wishes!

Tips for viewing

  • Planetary parade: Find an unobstructed view of the horizon and look west after sunset. Use a simple sky map app to locate the planets.
  • Quadrantids shower: Dress warmly, find a dark location away from city lights, and lie down or recline to give your neck a break. meteors can come from any direction, so keep an eye out all around.

Don’t let this opportunity to witness these incredible celestial events slip by. Grab your friends, family, or significant other, snuggle up under a blanket, and get ready to bask in the glory of the universe. And who knows? You might just catch a few shooting stars while you’re at it.

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Health

A Glimpse into Mars’ Winter Scenery

written by Chief Editor

Mars’ Icy Wonder Revealed: ESA’s HRSC Captures Stunning Polar Region Scenery

In a stunning revelation, the High Resolution Stereo Camera (HRSC) aboard the Mars Express spacecraft operated by the European Space Agency (ESA) has captured breathtaking images of Mars’ polar region. These images, snapped in June 2022, showcase the icy conditions and unique landscape of the Australe Scopuli area near the planet’s southern pole.

The HRSC’s high-resolution images reveal a region blanketed with a thick coating of frozen carbon dioxide (dry ice), giving Mars an appearance reminiscent of Earth’s winter wonderlands. This icy phenomenon is a result of Mars’ polar ice caps, mainly composed of water ice and dry ice, which expand and retreat with the planet’s seasons.

The ESA’s HRSC offers unparalleled detail, bringing into focus the intricate patterns and layers of the frozen landscape. The images display a intriguing contrast of dark and light bands, a result of the alternating layers of dust and dry ice. This frosty region, stretching around 8 meters deep, serves as a stark reminder of Mars’ unique and awe-inspiring environment.

The stunning photographs serve as another testament to the remarkable achievements of the Mars Express mission, now in its 18th year of exploration. As the spacecraft continues to orbit the Red Planet, it continues to unveil its many secrets and surprises, keeping both scientists and enthusiasts on the edge of their seats.

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