A5044391448- Astro and Planetary Science
- Scientific Research and Discoveries
- Planetary Science and Exploration
- Methane Hydrates and Related Phenomena
- Ionosphere and magnetosphere dynamics
- Astrophysics and Star Formation Studies
- Isotope Analysis in Ecology
The Open University
2021-2022
Mercury has a surface-bound exosphere that mediates transport of ion and netural species on the surface within Hermean environment. When precipitating solar wind particles impact planet’s regolith, ions may be neutralised backscattered, form chemical reactions with species, or induce sputtering processes. The SERENA (Search for Exospheric Refilling Emitted Neutral Abundances) instrument onboard BepiColombo aims to study these surface-exosphere-magnetosphere interactions, using...
IntroductionThe surface of Enceladus could provide one the best places in our Solar System to investigate potential for life. Material from plumes seen emanating Enceladus' South Polar Region[1], which are believed be sourced directly subsurface ocean, is deposited onto satellite's icy surface[2]. Rapid resurfacing means that material this area has not been heavily processed by radiation, so an excellent indicator oceanic composition[3, 4]. To date, only species detected with certainty H2O...
<p><strong>Introduction.</strong> The plumes emanating from the south polar region of Saturn’s moon Enceladus were studied by Cassini mission and have revealed evidence for ongoing hydrothermal activity [1], organic chemistry [2], redox conditions favorable microbial metabolism [3] in ocean below. Salt-rich icy particles encountered interpreted to originate as rapidly frozen droplets spray [4]. If extant communities exist within...
Judges Choice Best Use of Imagery - 2nd prize poster in the Postgraduate Research Poster Competition held by Graduate School at Open University on 10th June 2020.
<p>Enceladus is an icy moon of Saturn, with a surface composed predominantly water ice [1]. It has large vapour plumes, which eject grains and volatiles from its subsurface ocean into space The presence liquid evidence hydrothermal activity in the moon’s interior [2] made Enceladus key target search for life beyond Earth. Determining composition important consideration assessing habitability, but direct analysis impossible because it covered by thick crust [3]....