on October 23, 2023
From Molten Chaos to Stable Earth: Unveiling the Birth of Tectonic Plates
Planetary ScienceUnderstanding the formation of tectonic plates on planetary surfaces Tectonic plates play a crucial role in shaping the geological features of a planet’s surface. These massive, rigid pieces of lithosphere are constantly moving and interacting with each other through various geological processes such as subduction, collision, and spreading. However, the formation of tectonic plates is
on October 18, 2023
Titan’s Watery Past: Exploring the Feasibility of Earth-Like Conditions and Liquid Water on Saturn’s Moon
Planetary ScienceEarth-like conditions on Titan: Is it possible that Titan once had oceans and lakes of liquid water? Titan, Saturn’s largest moon, has long fascinated scientists and researchers because of its striking similarities to Earth. With its thick atmosphere, weather patterns, and geological features, Titan has been a subject of intense study in the field of
on September 27, 2023
How do subsurface oceans form under a rocky crust?
Planetary ScienceHow do subsurface oceans form under a rocky crust? Understanding the formation of subsurface oceans beneath a rocky crust is a fascinating area of study in planetary and earth sciences. These hidden reservoirs of water play a critical role in the habitability of celestial bodies such as icy moons and planets. In this article, we
on June 2, 2023
If Earth’s Axis Wasn’t Tilted, Would the Entire Planet Be Tropical?
Planetary ScienceThe Earth’s axis is tilted at an angle of about 23.5 degrees from the perpendicular to the plane of its orbit around the Sun. This tilt is responsible for the seasons and the variation of daylight hours throughout the year. The Earth’s axis is also responsible for the variation in climate zones, from the polar
on May 31, 2023
Why Tholins are Absent in the Inner Solar System: A Planetary Science Mystery
Planetary ScienceTholins are complex organic molecules formed by the irradiation of simple organic compounds such as methane, ammonia, and nitrogen. These organic molecules have been found on the surface of various bodies in the outer Solar System, including Pluto, Triton, and the icy moons of Jupiter and Saturn. However, they are not found in the inner
on May 26, 2023
Calculating Planetary Surface Temperatures: Insights from First Principles
Planetary ScienceUnderstanding the temperature of a planet’s surface is a critical aspect of planetary science. It helps us understand the planet’s climate, weather patterns, and potential for life. The surface temperature of a planet is determined by a variety of factors, including the planet’s distance from its star, the planet’s atmosphere, and the surface properties of