19 research outputs found
Exoplanet Diversity in the Era of Space-based Direct Imaging Missions
This whitepaper discusses the diversity of exoplanets that could be detected
by future observations, so that comparative exoplanetology can be performed in
the upcoming era of large space-based flagship missions. The primary focus will
be on characterizing Earth-like worlds around Sun-like stars. However, we will
also be able to characterize companion planets in the system simultaneously.
This will not only provide a contextual picture with regards to our Solar
system, but also presents a unique opportunity to observe size dependent
planetary atmospheres at different orbital distances. We propose a preliminary
scheme based on chemical behavior of gases and condensates in a planet's
atmosphere that classifies them with respect to planetary radius and incident
stellar flux.Comment: A white paper submitted to the National Academy of Sciences Exoplanet
Science Strateg
Life Beyond the Solar System: Remotely Detectable Biosignatures
For the first time in human history, we will soon be able to apply to the scientific method to the question "Are We Alone?" The rapid advance of exoplanet discovery, planetary systems science, and telescope technology will soon allow scientists to search for life beyond our Solar System through direct observation of extrasolar planets. This endeavor will occur alongside searches for habitable environments and signs of life within our Solar System. While these searches are thematically related and will inform each other, they will require separate observational techniques. The search for life on exoplanets holds potential through the great diversity of worlds to be explored beyond our Solar System. However, there are also unique challenges related to the relatively limited data this search will obtain on any individual world
Movement Behaviour of Traditionally Managed Cattle in the Eastern Province of Zambia Captured Using Two-Dimensional Motion Sensors
Two-dimensional motion sensors use electronic accelerometers to record the lying, standing and walking activity of cattle. Movement behaviour data collected automatically using these sensors over prolonged periods of time could be of use to stakeholders making management and disease control decisions in rural sub-Saharan Africa leading to potential improvements in animal health and production. Motion sensors were used in this study with the aim of monitoring and quantifying the movement behaviour of traditionally managed Angoni cattle in Petauke District in the Eastern Province of Zambia. This study was designed to assess whether motion sensors were suitable for use on traditionally managed cattle in two veterinary camps in Petauke District in the Eastern Province of Zambia. In each veterinary camp, twenty cattle were selected for study. Each animal had a motion sensor placed on its hind leg to continuously measure and record its movement behaviour over a two week period. Analysing the sensor data using principal components analysis (PCA) revealed that the majority of variability in behaviour among studied cattle could be attributed to their behaviour at night and in the morning. The behaviour at night was markedly different between veterinary camps; while differences in the morning appeared to reflect varying behaviour across all animals. The study results validate the use of such motion sensors in the chosen setting and highlight the importance of appropriate data summarisation techniques to adequately describe and compare animal movement behaviours if association to other factors, such as location, breed or health status are to be assessed
Revealing the Mysteries of Venus: The DAVINCI Mission
The Deep Atmosphere Venus Investigation of Noble gases, Chemistry, and
Imaging (DAVINCI) mission described herein has been selected for flight to
Venus as part of the NASA Discovery Program. DAVINCI will be the first mission
to Venus to incorporate science-driven flybys and an instrumented descent
sphere into a unified architecture. The anticipated scientific outcome will be
a new understanding of the atmosphere, surface, and evolutionary path of Venus
as a possibly once-habitable planet and analog to hot terrestrial exoplanets.
The primary mission design for DAVINCI as selected features a preferred launch
in summer/fall 2029, two flybys in 2030, and descent sphere atmospheric entry
by the end of 2031. The in situ atmospheric descent phase subsequently delivers
definitive chemical and isotopic composition of the Venus atmosphere during a
cloud-top to surface transect above Alpha Regio. These in situ investigations
of the atmosphere and near infrared descent imaging of the surface will
complement remote flyby observations of the dynamic atmosphere, cloud deck, and
surface near infrared emissivity. The overall mission yield will be at least 60
Gbits (compressed) new data about the atmosphere and near surface, as well as
first unique characterization of the deep atmosphere environment and chemistry,
including trace gases, key stable isotopes, oxygen fugacity, constraints on
local rock compositions, and topography of a tessera.Comment: 41 pages, 14 figures, accepted for publication in the Planetary
Science Journa
Recommended from our members
Life Beyond the Solar System: Remotely Detectable Biosignatures
For the first time in human history, we will soon be able to apply the
scientific method to the question "Are We Alone?" The rapid advance of
exoplanet discovery, planetary systems science, and telescope technology will
soon allow scientists to search for life beyond our Solar System through direct
observation of extrasolar planets. This endeavor will occur alongside searches
for habitable environments and signs of life within our Solar System. While the
searches are thematically related and will inform each other, they will require
separate observational techniques. The search for life on exoplanets holds
potential through the great diversity of worlds to be explored beyond our Solar
System. However, there are also unique challenges related to the relatively
limited data this search will obtain on any individual world. This white paper
reviews the scientific community's ability to use data from future telescopes
to search for life on exoplanets. This material summarizes products from the
Exoplanet Biosignatures Workshop Without Walls (EBWWW). The EBWWW was
constituted by a series of online and in person activities, with participation
from the international exoplanet and astrobiology communities, to assess state
of the science and future research needs for the remote detection of life on
planets outside our Solar System