How does a million years in the same photo

Solar System - an anomaly on the background of the rest of the galaxy

Over the past four years due to the Space Telescope "Kepler" we have learned that in our galaxy are so many planets. But the most interesting fact that we got for "Kepler" - is that among these planets there is nothing like our own solar system. Faktrum telling details.

This fact is well seen on the example of the animation "Planetarium Kepler IV», created by a graduate student at the Department of Astronomy at the University of Washington Ethan Cruz. It Kruse compares hundreds of exoplanets orbit of Kepler's database to our own solar system, which is represented in the animation on the right and catches the eye. The animation shows the relative size of the planets Kepler (although, of course, not comparable with the scale of the stars), and the surface temperature.

In the animation it is very easy to see how strange it seems the solar system compared to other systems. Prior to the mission, "Kepler" in 2009, astronomers expect, the majority of exoplanet systems will be arranged by our type: Small stone closer to the center of the planet, a huge gas giants in the middle, and chunks of ice stone in the periphery. But it turned out that everything is arranged much more bizarre.

"Kepler" found "hot Jupiter", a huge gas giants that almost touch the stars system. As he explains Kruse, "device" Kepler "dictates that it is much better to pinpoint the planet with more compact orbits. In smaller systems, the planets will revolve in their orbits, so the telescope is much easier to detect them. "

Of course, the abnormality of the solar system from the crowd could be due to the fact that our knowledge of other systems are still insufficient, or because, as explained above, we mostly notice the smaller system with fast frequency movement. However, the "Kepler" has found 685 star systems, and none of them is not like ours.

Agency DARPA is developing organisms for terraforming Mars

It's no secret that the agency DARPA is investing heavily in genetic engineering and synthetic biology. In military science agencies believe that they can create unpretentious organisms, including bacteria, algae and plants that will thrive in the barren surface of Mars and later turn it into a planet similar to Earth.

During the last year in the laboratories of DARPA conducted research to find out how to genetically modified organisms of all kinds, not just E. coli and yeast, which are often used in synthetic biology projects.

In the course of these studies has been created software DTA GView, which works like Google Maps for genomes. This software allows you to analyze and select the best genes from any form of life, to create from them something completely new. First, work will be done with bacteria and microorganisms, but one can assume that in the future, the same technique is applied to more complex multicellular organisms.

Among other things, DARPA plans to use specially designed organisms and to eliminate the effects of pollution. After a natural or human-induced disaster, we will be able to create new types of extremophiles that can return the parched wasteland to life.

The same approach might work on Mars. The Agency believes that after conducting practical experiments here on Earth, humanity may try to colonize the solar system.

No doubt, such ambitious projects can not be fit into any time frame, but their practical value can not be overestimated.

Media: Development of GLONASS completed


It is reported that the development of Russian GLONASS satellite system is complete and is now focused on the final test. We have before us, we recall, one of the most ambitious projects of modern Russia.
The details of the work on the GLONASS said the head of "Russian Space Systems" Andrey Tyulin. "The system presented to the customer for final tests, which are now held", - said director general. In the course of testing the Russian Ministry of Defence made its observations, and they, according to Tyulin already eliminated. The expert expressed the hope that the system will be put into service after the final test. At the same time continued operation of experimental design.

Official transfer of the domestic satellite navigation system has assumed in 2012. But by the time the GLONASS had serious deficiencies, including, in particular, referred to the difficulties with ground control. He did not meet technical requirements, which issued the Russian Defense Ministry. Subsequently, according to Tyulina, prototype ground control beefed up, and in the terms of reference have made some additions.

At that point, the orbital satellite constellation, created by JSC "Information Satellite Systems", has worked in a normal mode. At the same time the whole system was in a stage of research and development, design operation.

For the Russian GLONASS project has become one of the most ambitious in its history, this involved the prestige of the Russian Federation as a great world power. This system began to create in the USSR - the first developments emerged in the late 70s. The system, according to the concept, are 24 satellites, but in the early 2000s, financial problems led to the fact that the number of these devices has decreased to six. So what about the full use of GLONASS could be considered. In subsequent years, the system has experienced intensive care, but many technical difficulties it was not possible to eliminate up to now.

GLONASS - one of two similar systems operating in the world today. American GPS was put into service in 1993, when the last of 24 satellites placed into orbit. Yet there includes 20 satellites Chinese Beidou system, but it works as a regional.

In general, the principle of operation is similar to the principle of the GLONASS GPS. Like the American system, the domestic can be used by military and civilians. This service, according to the decree of the President of the Russian Federation, provided free of charge and without any restrictions.

Yesterday it became known about the loss of the Russian satellite remote sensing "Canopus-ST" which was launched by the carrier rocket "Soyuz-2.1V." The unit is not separated from the upper stage. Who is considered a variant of the satellite orbit information with its subsequent flooding.