Naked Science Forum
Non Life Sciences => Physics, Astronomy & Cosmology => Topic started by: MDriver1981 on 14/02/2009 03:17:52
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A few years ago the Americans launched a robotic spacecraft that is on a course to the former planet Pluto. Does anyone know what benefits this has? - And what overall understanding might this icy rock give us?
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Primary objectives (required)
•Characterize the global geology and morphology of Pluto and Charon
•Map chemical compositions of Pluto and Charon surfaces
•Characterize the neutral (non-ionized) atmosphere of Pluto and its escape rate
Loss of any of these objectives will constitute a failure of the mission.
Secondary objectives (expected)
•Characterize the time variability of Pluto's surface and atmosphere
•Image select Pluto and Charon areas in stereo
•Map the terminators (day/night border) of Pluto and Charon with high resolution
•Map the chemical compositions of select Pluto and Charon areas with high resolution
•Characterize Pluto's ionosphere, and its interaction with the solar wind
•Search for neutral species such as H2, HCN, hydrocarbons, and other nitriles in the atmosphere
•Search for any Charon atmosphere
•Determine bolometric bond albedos for Pluto and Charon
•Map surface temperatures of Pluto and Charon
It is expected, but not demanded, that most of these objectives will be met.
Tertiary objectives (desired)
•Characterize the energetic particle environment at Pluto and Charon
•Refine bulk parameters (radii, masses) and orbits of Pluto and Charon
•Search for additional moons, and any rings
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Horizons#Pluto_flyby
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But I am not sure that spending ~$650 million over a 15 year period is worth it.
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Also, due to it's vast distance and smallness, we do not have a clear picture of what the two icy rocks look like.
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Ah, but think of the vast quality of that drink, with those two icy rocks in it.
I too will join NASA, now that i realized the quantity of planning hiding in the shadows.
A most noble institute, with a fresh outlook on new and exotic beverages.
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I think I would rather spend money on space exploration than on protecting an evolutionary odd ball mouse as we are now doing in California. [:)] We're spending $40,000,000 to protect the habitat of the salt-marsh mouse. The critter somehow managed to become a separate species from the regular house mouse so now gets some big bucks.
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Chemistry, what would you do with $650 million?
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If I was being greedy I would probably keep all of it myself, but if I wasn't, I would probably give it to some people who need it more than I do... [:)]
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Chemistry4Me has enough heart for ten people.
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Yep! [;D] Both literally and figuratively!
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Well Mr Chem, there is only one way to find out.
Take Mr MDriver up on his offer.
But first, feel free to join me at the bar.
Bring your forklift, for that vast Margarita.
And a work submission:)
Or is it whisky Mr Chem.
On the rocks?
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You needs to bring a lot of Margarita for my
clones friends.
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Vern
These environmentalists that want to put a stop to evolution really bug me,if they had their way we would still be knee deep in dinosaurs.
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Ah, I sugshest shat isht swill she eashier sho shring the shorklifss sho she marh´geruita
(So I might have dipped into the well, so what? I'm a soon to be certified rocket scientist)