Uranus, Neptune and Earth: We may look different, but inside, we're all the same

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory scientists determined the melting pressure of ice ranging from 100,000 to 500,000 atmospheres. From pressures ranging from 100,000 to 400,000, the ice melted similarily to that of ice in water. However, they noticed at 450,000 atmospheres and up, there is a sharp increase in the slope of the melting curve. This discovery makes it possible for ice to exist at the solid cores of the Earth, Neptune and Uranus. What does this mean? It is a major step forward in determining the composition of the earth. Using these studies, it is possible that we can determine the components of the cores of Neptune, Uranus, and Earth. We may even be able to use this information to discover ways in which we can dig to the centre of these three planets.

Cyclones of Saturn!

Cassini space shuttle images sent back interesting photos to Nasa Astronomers earlier this month. Scientists were surprised to see images of giant cyclones on either end of the planet's poles. What is so special about these poles is the fact that they are powered by storm patterns similar to those of Earth's.

Time lapsed movies (taken in infrared) show they cyclones to be rotating at a speed of 530km/h. The storm itself is raging inside of a large hexagon, which remains still. Scientists are confused in that the hexagon remains still despite raging winds from both sides. The storms are currently locked upon the poles, unlike those on earth which move across the ocean.

The eye of the vortexes is surrounded by a high ring of clouds. Scientists are crediting the size and power of the storms to Saturn's high level of convection. Further looks into the storms will be made in alternate seasons of the planet.

both photos are courtesy of Nasa. com. (top) an infrared image shows he apparent hexagonal shape surrounding the northern cyclone. (above) detailed imaging shows the storm using two different cameras.

For more information, check out: http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/cassini/media/cassini-20081013.html - Take note of the spelling error in the title!

Cassini goes for Two

Cassini, NASA's current space shuttle sent to explore the conditions of Saturn's moons, is about the make another visit after it's previous discoveries on Titan. This time, the space shuttle is set to fly a mere 25km above the surface of the moon, Enceladus. Scientists, after discovering liquid hydrocarbons on Saturn's satellite titan, are now suspecting that Enceladus may be hiding an ocean of water beneath its surface. Images taken of the satellite last August may be seen above, but the October 9th fly by will be focusing more largely on the composition of the planet, rather that the appearance. A second loop around the planet this month will take place on October 31st, as the satellite attempts to take images of the large fractures which plagues the southern region of Enceladus.

The flyby will allow astronomers to get a better understanding on the surface temperatures associated with the planet. Earlier readings from March of this year registered 180 kelvins lower than those recorded in August. The October findings will give scientists a better understanding of just how hot or how cold specific areas of the satellite may be. These missions will be the 2nd and third focuses of the planet out of a total of 7 for the cassani mission.

Discovered in 2005, the geysers of Enceladus have been fascinating scientists as to where they get their energy from. The planet itself is a mere 500km in diameter, giving making scientists questions what could be inside it's small mass. An artists conception of the surface of the planet can be seen below.

All this discussion of the solar system is really important for our world today. I am almost fascinated at how many resources there are out in space that the states of the world have yet to attempt to Harvest. Perhaps with china's latest technological advances, one day we may pick an item up off of the grocery store shelve only to read "Made in enceladus". The thought that Saturn has so many moons of so many different varieties gives attention to the fact that there are a lot more satellites out in the world, and that the odds of one of them having life on it are farely good. As for now though, I suppose just flying really close to its surface is just about all that we can do.