#AstroMiniBR: Sandstorms on Mars!

TecMundo and #AstroMiniBR weekly select the most relevant astronomical curiosities produced by the team’s collaborators. profile in x I would like to share some more information about the extraordinary universe of astronomy. Check it out below!

#1: Storms on the Red Planet!

Sandstorms on Mars are a fascinating phenomenon Phenomena occurring due to the Red Planet’s thin atmosphere and unique climatic conditions. These storms can spread over large areas and stir up large amounts of dust and sand, causing extreme conditions that can last for weeks or even months.

While not powerful enough to strand Matt Damon on Mars, dust particles suspended in the Martian atmosphere can block sunlight and greatly reduce the visibility and temperature of its reddish surface.

Opportunity probe, operated by NASA It found itself in a dire situation when one of these sandstorms hit the planet in 2018. The lack of sunlight caused by the storm shut down its panels, preventing the probe from charging its solar cells and causing it to enter hibernation. Unfortunately, after several contact attempts, communication with the probe was lost.

Although it was announced that the mission was terminated in 2019, Opportunity made significant contributions to the scientific understanding of Mars by providing rich information about Martian geology and climate throughout its approximately 15-year operation.

#2: What is the biggest and shortest day of the year?

in the southern hemisphere, The longest and shortest days of the year are determined by the summer and winter solstices, respectively.. On the summer solstice, which occurs around December 21, the southern hemisphere tilts toward the Sun, resulting in the longest day of the year. Conversely, at the winter solstice around June 21, the southern hemisphere moves away from the Sun, leading to the shortest day of the year.

These differences are due to the tilt of the Earth’s axis relative to its orbit around the Sun, defined by a fundamental astronomical condition known as obliquity. In Brazil, given its wide latitude, the difference in day length between the summer and winter solstices is not as pronounced as in regions closer to the poles.

However, this change is still noticeable, especially in areas further south such as Porto Alegre. where the longest day of the year can have more than 14 hours of sunlight on the summer solsticeOn the shortest day of the winter solstice, there may be less than 10 hours of light.

#3: An atypical spiral galaxy

Galaxy NGC 4625 A fascinating celestial body located in the constellation CentaurusIt is approximately 30 million light-years away from Earth. Classified as a spiral galaxy, NGC 4625 shows a disk of stars orbiting a dense core, characteristic of this type of galaxy. Its structure reveals distinctive spiral arms where active star formation occurs.

Additionally, since its arms are asymmetrical, recent research also suggests that NGC 4625 may be an irregular dwarf galaxy due to its relatively small size compared to other spiral galaxies.

Analysis and examination of physical properties with data obtained from the Hubble Space Telescope providing astronomers with valuable information about the formation, evolution and dynamics of galaxiesTo contribute to a more detailed understanding of the processes that govern the universe.

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