The tiny Martian moons Phobos and Deimos were initially thought to be captured asteroids. Now, it looks like they might be remnants of a collision 4.3 billion years ago. Can simulations help us figure out what they’re made of?
How much tidal stress does Jupiter put on Europa? Enough to break the ice. Panning et al. estimate the magnitude of the ambient seismic noise on Europa due to tidal cracking events and turbulence in its subsurface ocean.
When it comes to habitability for Earth-like life, we’ve got more than just liquid water to worry about. Today’s astrobite looks at how planets could lose portions of their atmospheres to quasar radiation.
Planetary scientist Konstantin Batygin discusses the elusive Planet Nine and how he fell into astrophysics whilst waiting for his rock band to become the next Metallica.
Characterizing planets through direct imaging is no easy task! But today’s authors offer a work-around formula, which estimates the crucial parameter of planetary mass from protoplanetary disk observations. In this astrobite, we discuss ‘The Theory’ and ‘The Practice’ of their cool equation.
Bright surface features ring Titan’s north polar lakes and trace out dry lake beds. Could these same features in the equatorial desert regions indicate that what is now desert was once covered in liquid?