#celestial_body

The unexpected discovery has given rise to new theories about the mechanism by which phosphorus is formed without the outbursts of massive stars. The origin of life from “organic soup” is a complex process. This requires many different components assembled in one place and under the right conditions. Although the exact conditions are still a matter of debate, scientists have an idea of ​​what elements of the periodic table are needed. One important component is phosphorus, which was recently discovered on the outskirts of the Milky Way. The presence of this element among others is considered necessary for the formation of basic biochemical molecules. Therefore, the presence of phosphorus determines the boundaries of habitable zones in galaxies. Phosphorus is typically produced by the death of massive stars, making its presence at the outskirts of a galaxy a rare occurrence. However, the recent discovery of phosphorus in this area suggests that other mechanisms for its formation may exist. [caption id="attachment_85298" align="aligncenter" width="780"] Milky Way galaxy[/caption] “Phosphorus is an element that requires a special, catastrophic event to form. According to popular belief, phosphorus is formed as a result of supernova explosions of stars with a mass of at least 20 solar masses. They are the source of strong energetic emissions and a series of nucleosynthesis reactions that form not only phosphorus, but also many other heavy elements,” says astronomer and chemist Lucy Ziouris, who works at Arizona State University and Steward Observatory. This is the generally accepted view, and the discovery of phosphorus far from massive stars or supernova remnants suggests that there are other ways this element can be formed. All the elements we see around us are formed in stars. After the formation of the first atoms of the Universe from the primordial plasma, the atoms were mainly composed of hydrogen and helium, and all other elements appeared after the birth of the first stars. Stars play an important role in the fusion and combination of atoms in their cores, resulting in the formation of heavier elements. On the outskirts of the Milky Way galaxy The formation of elements in a star depends on its mass. Stars are the size of our Sun and are smaller able to support reactions that create light elements such as lithium and beryllium when hydrogen and helium combine. More massive stars can produce heavier elements such as oxygen and nitrogen. However, phosphorus is not produced during such reactions inside the star. Supernova explosions, accompanied by the death of massive stars, are one of the known mechanisms for the origin of phosphorus. Flares eject elements into space, scattering astromaterials into the interstellar medium, where they can be absorbed by new generations of stars, as well as comets and planets. Massive stars can only form in regions where there is enough material to feed them. As you move away from the center of the galaxy, the density of matter decreases - the outskirts of galaxies are usually populated by massive stars. So the presence of phosphorus in a cloud called WB89-621, located about 74,000 light-years from the center of the Milky Way, poses a mystery to astrochemists. “The discovery of phosphorus at the edge of the galaxy raises questions and adds an additional piece to our puzzle. The presence of phosphorus in this area suggests that the process of its formation is more complex and is not limited only to supernova explosions,” explains chemist Liliya Koelemey, collaborating with Arizona State University. There are two main explanations for this phenomenon. One of them is associated with the “galactic fountain” model, which assumes the movement of elements from the inner regions of the galaxy to the outer through supernova explosions, ejecting matter from the galactic disk into the halo and its subsequent cooling and return. However, this explanation is questionable, since observational data on galactic fountains is not yet sufficient. Another explanation involves the possibility of phosphorus being formed in the region around the core of less massive stars by capturing neutrons. Here, silicon isotopes can capture additional neutrons to form phosphorus. The discovery of phosphorus on the outskirts of the Milky Way is an exciting and important study, valuable for understanding the formation of life in the Universe. This element is the last of the NCHOPS - nitrogen, carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, phosphorus and sulfur - essential building blocks for the emergence of life and which define the habitable zones of a galaxy. Previously, astronomers had not paid much attention to the outskirts of galaxies in search of exoplanets with biomarkers, because they believed that regions far from the center of galaxies did not have enough phosphorus. However, this discovery allows us to expand the scope of searches.

The unexpected discovery has given rise to new theories about the mechanism by which phosphorus is formed without the outbursts of massive stars. The origin of life from “organic soup” is a complex process. This requires many different components assembled in one place and under the right conditions. Although the exact conditions are still a matter of debate, scientists have an idea of ​​what elements of the periodic table are needed. One important component is phosphorus, which was recently discovered on the outskirts of the Milky Way. The presence of this element among others is considered necessary for the formation of basic biochemical molecules. Therefore, the presence of phosphorus determines the boundaries of habitable zones in galaxies. Phosphorus is typically produced by the death of massive stars, making its presence at the outskirts of a galaxy a rare occurrence. However, the recent discovery of phosphorus in this area suggests that other mechanisms for its formation may exist. [caption id="attachment_85298" align="aligncenter" width="780"] Milky Way galaxy[/caption] “Phosphorus is an element that requires a special, catastrophic event to form. According to popular belief, phosphorus is formed as a result of supernova explosions of stars with a mass of at least 20 solar masses. They are the source of strong energetic emissions and a series of nucleosynthesis reactions that form not only phosphorus, but also many other heavy elements,” says astronomer and chemist Lucy Ziouris, who works at Arizona State University and Steward Observatory. This is the generally accepted view, and the discovery of phosphorus far from massive stars or supernova remnants suggests that there are other ways this element can be formed. All the elements we see around us are formed in stars. After the formation of the first atoms of the Universe from the primordial plasma, the atoms were mainly composed of hydrogen and helium, and all other elements appeared after the birth of the first stars. Stars play an important role in the fusion and combination of atoms in their cores, resulting in the formation of heavier elements. On the outskirts of the Milky Way galaxy The formation of elements in a star depends on its mass. Stars are the size of our Sun and are smaller able to support reactions that create light elements such as lithium and beryllium when hydrogen and helium combine. More massive stars can produce heavier elements such as oxygen and nitrogen. However, phosphorus is not produced during such reactions inside the star. Supernova explosions, accompanied by the death of massive stars, are one of the known mechanisms for the origin of phosphorus. Flares eject elements into space, scattering astromaterials into the interstellar medium, where they can be absorbed by new generations of stars, as well as comets and planets. Massive stars can only form in regions where there is enough material to feed them. As you move away from the center of the galaxy, the density of matter decreases - the outskirts of galaxies are usually populated by massive stars. So the presence of phosphorus in a cloud called WB89-621, located about 74,000 light-years from the center of the Milky Way, poses a mystery to astrochemists. “The discovery of phosphorus at the edge of the galaxy raises questions and adds an additional piece to our puzzle. The presence of phosphorus in this area suggests that the process of its formation is more complex and is not limited only to supernova explosions,” explains chemist Liliya Koelemey, collaborating with Arizona State University. There are two main explanations for this phenomenon. One of them is associated with the “galactic fountain” model, which assumes the movement of elements from the inner regions of the galaxy to the outer through supernova explosions, ejecting matter from the galactic disk into the halo and its subsequent cooling and return. However, this explanation is questionable, since observational data on galactic fountains is not yet sufficient. Another explanation involves the possibility of phosphorus being formed in the region around the core of less massive stars by capturing neutrons. Here, silicon isotopes can capture additional neutrons to form phosphorus. The discovery of phosphorus on the outskirts of the Milky Way is an exciting and important study, valuable for understanding the formation of life in the Universe. This element is the last of the NCHOPS - nitrogen, carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, phosphorus and sulfur - essential building blocks for the emergence of life and which define the habitable zones of a galaxy. Previously, astronomers had not paid much attention to the outskirts of galaxies in search of exoplanets with biomarkers, because they believed that regions far from the center of galaxies did not have enough phosphorus. However, this discovery allows us to expand the scope of searches.

New research shows how comets could be the source of life on planets outside our solar system Scientists theorize that comets may have spread the organic ingredients necessary for the emergence of life on Earth. New research suggests that comets may also deliver these elements to exoplanets. During the formation of the solar system, the Earth was bombarded by asteroids, comets and other space objects. How the planet obtained the water and molecules necessary for life is still controversial, but comets are considered the most likely sources of these substances. [caption id="attachment_83089" align="aligncenter" width="650"] planet[/caption] But if comets could potentially bring the seeds of life to Earth, could they serve a similar function for exoplanets in other parts of the universe? To explore this question, a team of researchers from the Institute of Astronomy at the University of Cambridge developed mathematical models that helped reveal how comets could transfer similar vital elements to other planets in our galaxy. While the study's findings do not yet provide a definitive answer about the presence of life on other planets, they may help narrow the search for exoplanets that may support life. “wandering” from planet to planet, spread life throughout the Universe? “We continue to learn more about the atmospheres of exoplanets, so our goal was to find out whether there were planets where complex organic molecules could also be delivered by comets. It's possible that the molecules that enabled life on Earth were brought in by comets, and the same may be true for planets in other galaxies,” said Richard Enslow, one of the study's authors, who works at the Institute of Astronomy at the University of Cambridge. Over the past decades, scientists have learned more about the prebiotic molecules found in comets. For example, NASA's Stardust mission discovered samples of glycine, an amino acid and building block of proteins, in Comet Wild 2 (81P/Wild), and the European Space Agency's Rosetta mission discovered organic molecules in the coma of Comet Churyumov-Gerasimenko (67P). However, these organic molecules can be destroyed by strong comet impacts on the planet. So Enslow and his colleagues had to find scenarios in which a comet-planet collision occurs slowly enough to preserve the ingredients of life intact. The study, based on simulations, found that the slowest impact velocities occur in solar systems where planets are densely packed. Comets moving through such systems are slowed down by the gravitational influence of the planets. The simulations also showed that conditions for the emergence of life may be suitable on rocky planets orbiting red dwarfs. They are the most common type of star in the galaxy and are of interest to astronomers searching for exoplanets. However, planets in such systems are subject to more frequent high-speed collisions with comets and the likelihood of life appearing there is low, especially if the planets are located at significant distances from each other. “We can identify the types of systems that could be the subject of research to test different models for the origin of life. And this is another way to look at the amazing diversity of life on Earth and look for its analogues on other planets,” Anslow commented.

Astronomers have discovered the asteroid Kamoaleva, which may be a piece of debris from the Moon. Researchers suggest that the asteroid was ejected from the Moon as a result of a meteorite impact A team of astronomers has discovered a new clue that the recently discovered near-Earth asteroid Kamo'oalewa may be lunar debris. They suggested that the asteroid was ejected from the lunar surface as a result of a meteorite impact - and its trajectory allowed the asteroid to end up in orbit around the Sun while remaining close to the orbits of the Earth and the Moon. Kamoaleva has been the subject of several astronomical studies in recent years. Thus, China has planned a space mission for 2025 to deliver samples from an asteroid to Earth. [caption id="attachment_73627" align="aligncenter" width="650"] Moon[/caption] “Matter from this cosmic body could give us information about the formation of the Moon and Earth and improve our knowledge of near-Earth asteroids,” said Aaron Rosengren, a professor at the University of California, one of the lead authors of the paper. Until now, only distant asteroids beyond the orbit of Mars were considered to be the sources of near-Earth asteroids. This study implies that there is still much lunar debris among near-Earth asteroids. Near-Earth asteroid turned out to be a fragment of the Moon The Kamoaleva asteroid is unusual in that it is almost a satellite of the Earth and at the same time orbits around the Sun. Another strange aspect of Kamoaleva is its prolonged stay in this orbit. The asteroid is expected to remain a satellite of Earth for millions of years to come, transitioning several times between its current pseudosatellite state and its horseshoe-shaped trajectory. The research team wanted to determine the likelihood of a fragment of the Moon's surface ending up in this pseudo-satellite orbit - an extremely unlikely phenomenon. Lunar debris that has enough kinetic energy to escape the Earth-Moon system usually has too much energy to enter Earth orbit. When the team developed numerical simulations that took into account the gravitational forces of all the planets in the solar system, they found that there was a 6.6% chance that some lunar debris could end up in Earth's orbit and an even rarer chance of up to 0.8%. , that this will be a trajectory similar to that of the asteroid Kamoalev. Throughout history, the Moon has been bombarded by asteroids, as evidenced by the numerous impact craters preserved on its surface. These impacts eject lunar material from the lunar surface, but most of it usually falls back. Some ejected fragments become meteorites and fall to Earth. But a small fraction can leave the gravitational region of the Moon and Earth, moving into solar orbit, like other near-Earth asteroids. Numerical modeling suggests that Kamoaleva may be one of these very few fragments. The study's findings could help understand more about near-Earth asteroids, which are considered a threat to Earth. More detailed studies to determine the origin of the asteroid from a specific impact crater on the Moon will provide useful insights into the mechanics of the impact.

Scientists are looking forward to studying carbonate rocks on Mars and unlocking their secrets. Mars 2020 Mission scientists are filled with excitement this week as Perseverance approaches a special geological layer that was instrumental in selecting the landing site for exploration in the Jezero Crater region. This layer is found in a narrow band along the inner rim of the crater's western rim and exhibits strong carbonate mineral characteristics. [caption id="attachment_69193" align="aligncenter" width="780"] Mars[/caption] On Earth, carbonates typically form in shallow waters of fresh or alkaline lakes. The hypothesis is that the carbonate layer on Mars could have formed in the same way - more than 3 billion years ago, the waters of the lake in the Eezero crater may have flowed onto its shores, depositing this carbonate layer. An alternative hypothesis is that carbonates form through mineral carbonation when silicate minerals (such as olivine) react with CO? and turn into carbonates. It can tell about the past atmosphere and life on Mars Carbonates are of interest for several reasons. First, they can provide insight into Mars' former atmosphere. These minerals are formed through a sequence of chemical reactions that begin with the interaction of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere with liquid water. Thus, by studying the amount and isotopic composition of these carbonates, scientists will be able to conclude the past content of CO2 in the atmosphere of Mars. and gain insight into its climate history. Secondly, carbonate minerals are an excellent medium for preserving traces of ancient life, if they existed. When carbonates are deposited early in rock formation, they can trap the resulting environment, including signs of microbial life. On Earth, carbonate minerals have been observed to form around microbial cells, enclosing them and rapidly turning them into fossils. This is especially valuable because a microorganism that is “sealed” in carbonate can persist for a very long time. Another example of fossil carbonates on Earth are stromatolites, layered structures created by growing microbial colonies in mineral-saturated waters. Stromatolites provide some of the earliest records of life on Earth. While we don't yet know exactly how the boundary rocks and the carbonates within them formed, the team is looking forward to getting into these rocks and unlocking their secrets.