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Dust Accumulation

All articles tagged with #dust accumulation

"Breakthrough: Astronomers Uncover Key to Planet Formation"
astronomy2 years ago

"Breakthrough: Astronomers Uncover Key to Planet Formation"

Astronomers have made a significant discovery in understanding the initial stages of planet formation. Using the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA), researchers studied the protoplanetary disk surrounding the young protostar DG Taurus. They found that the disk lacks the ring-like patterns seen in older protostars, indicating the absence of planets and suggesting that the disk is just before planet formation. The observations also revealed the size and density distribution of interstellar dust, providing insights into the growth of dust and the accumulation of material for future planet formation. This study challenges previous theories by suggesting that planet formation may begin from the outer part of the disk.

Chinese Mars rover likely lost to Martian dust.
space3 years ago

Chinese Mars rover likely lost to Martian dust.

China's Zhurong Mars rover has not woken up due to a higher-than-expected amount of dust on its solar panels, according to the chief designer of China's Mars exploration program. The rover requires a temperature of greater than minus 15 degrees Celsius and energy generation of greater than 140 watts to resume activities. If dust levels on the panels were 30% greater than expected, then Zhurong would require the strongest sunlight levels on Mars to reactivate. A level of 40% or more above expected levels would mean the rover will not be able to wake up.

China Reveals Status of Stationary Mars Rover.
science-and-technology3 years ago

China Reveals Status of Stationary Mars Rover.

China's Zhurong rover on Mars likely went into hibernation due to excessive accumulation of sand and dust, according to the mission designer. The rover was expected to wake up in December 2022 after entering a planned sleep mode in May 2022, but an unforeseen pile-up of dust most likely affected power generation and Zhurong's ability to wake up. The 240-kg rover, powered by solar energy, had explored the Martian surface for 358 days and travelled for 1,921 metres, far exceeding its original mission time-span of three months.