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Center for Space Technology and Research (CSTAR)

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Publication Search Results

Now showing 1 - 7 of 7
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Raw data from 'Nanoscale Characterization of Space Weathering in Lunar Samples'

2024 , Grice, Adam

High-resolution nanoscale Fourier transform infrared (Nano-FTIR) imaging and spectroscopy correlated with photoluminescence measurements of lunar Apollo samples with different surface radiation exposure histories reveal distinct physical and chemical differences associated with space weathering effects. Analysis of two sample fragments: an ilmenite basalt (12016) and impact melt breccia (15445) show evidence of intrinsic or delivered Nd3+ and an amorphous silica glass component on exterior surfaces, whereas intrinsic Cr3+ and/or trapped electron states are limited to interior surfaces. Spatially localized 1050 cm-1/935 cm-1 band ratios in Nano-FTIR hyperspectral maps may further reflect impact-induced shock nanostructures, while shifts in silicate band positions indicate accumulated radiation damage at the nanoscale from prolonged space weathering due to micrometeorites, solar wind, energetic x-rays and cosmic ray bombardment. Our observations demonstrate that space weathering alterations of the surface of lunar samples at the nanoscale may provide a mechanism to distinguish lunar samples of variable surface exposure age.

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Why We Explore?

2015-11-18 , Crocker, James H.

We explore because exploration has been written in the human heart. The exploration of space is mankind’s greatest adventure. Today, given the social and environmental needs of the world, how can the existence of space exploration be justified? This question has been raised throughout the history of exploration, not just in the space age. This talk speaks about the reasons we explore and the priceless value of exploration.

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The Voyager Spacecraft after 37 Years in Space: The Quest for Traveling beyond our Solar System

2015-01-12 , Krimigis, Stamatios

The twin Voyager 1 and 2 spacecraft are exploring where nothing from Earth has flown before. Although the primary mission was completed in 1989, these spacecraft are expected to obtain useful interplanetary, and possibly interstellar, science data until 2020. In this talk Dr. Stamatios Krimigis will discuss how the contributions of this historic mission have enhanced our understanding of our solar system and what exists beyond.

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Why Do We Look Up at the Heavens?

2018-04-12 , Consolmagno, Bro. Guy

Why did we go to the Moon? Why does the Vatican support an astronomical observatory? These questions mask a deeper question: why do individuals choose to spend their lives in pursuit of pure knowledge? The motivation behind our choices, both as individuals and as a society, controls the sorts of science that gets done. It determines the kinds of answers that are found to be satisfying. And ultimately, it affects the way in which we think of ourselves.

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Understanding Particles and Fields Throughout the Solar System

2015-10-07 , Baker, Daniel

Even before the official dawn of the Space Age – that is, before the launch of the Sputnik and Explorer spacecraft in 1957-1958 – many investigators around the world were engaged in space physics research. Using sounding rockets to get to the fringes of outer space, early researchers made pioneering observations of the Sun and Earth’s upper atmosphere. This talk will recount some of the earlier history of contributions to Sun-Earth (“solar terrestrial”) studies. A principal focus of the talk will be the modern studies of energetic particles and electromagnetic fields in Earth’s cosmic neighborhood. CU-Boulder LASP (Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics) has been playing an increasingly prominent role in forefront studies of Earth’s “magnetosphere” and LASP researchers are using this core terrestrial knowledge to advance planetary and astrophysical understanding as well. Moreover, study and understanding of the space environment of Earth is absolutely essential for our knowledge of “space weather” which represents a major threat to our modern technological society. The presentation will address all these aspects and will conclude with a look forward to future solar system programs and opportunities.

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Going Out in a Blaze of Glory: Cassini Science Highlights and the Grand Finale

2017-02-22 , Spilker, Linda

The Cassini mission’s findings have revolutionized our understanding of Saturn, its complex rings, the amazing assortment of moons and the planet’s dynamic magnetic environment. Cassini’s Grand Finale begins in April 2017 with repeated dives between the innermost ring and the top of Saturn’s atmosphere. Cassini will send back its final bits of unique data on September 15, 2017 as it plunges into Saturn’s atmosphere, vaporizing to protect tiny Enceladus, one of Saturn’s ocean worlds. Come and hear the story of recent science discoveries and the upcoming excitement during the final orbits. Dr. Linda Spilker, Cassini Project Scientist, will present highlights of Cassini’s ambitious inquiry at Saturn and an overview of science observations in the final orbits.

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Roving Mars: Spirit, Opportunity and the Exploration of the Red Planet

2015-04-13 , Squyres, Steven W.

Steve Squyres is the face and voice of NASA's Mars Exploration Rover mission. Squyres dreamed up the mission in 1987, saw it through from conception in 1995 to a successful landing in 2004, and serves as the principal scientist of its $400 million payload. He has gained a rare inside look at what it took for rovers Spirit and Opportunity to land on the red planet in January 2004 - and knows first-hand their findings. Squyres presents how the MER mission was born, covering the politics, mistakes, and confusion that ensued. Squyres shares what it took to get the rovers to the launch pad in time - and finally, the amazing story of Spirit's and Opportunity's journeys to Mars and what is found there.