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Toyota Motor plans to use regenerative fuel cell technology to power a manned lunar rover, executives said on Friday, raising the prospect of eventually using the moon‘s water ice as an energy source in the future.

Japan has stepped up its space ambitions under Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.

It is participating in NASA‘s Artemis programme and plans to have an astronaut at a lunar space station called Gateway as part of that in the latter half of the 2020’s. 

Toyota has teamed up with Japan’s space agency since 2019 to develop the manned lunar rover — which it dubbed the Lunar Cruiser — that they hope can be put on the moon in 2029.

“In order to conduct long-term and stable research on the surface of the moon, we are aiming to source various items on site over a long period,” said Ken Yamashita, head of lunar exploration projects at Toyota.

NASA expects Japan to provide a lunar rover with a 2029 target launch date as a contribution to the Artemis programme, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency said in presentation materials on Friday.

A fuel cell vehicle uses an electric motor like an electric vehicle but draws power from a fuel stack where hydrogen is separated by a catalyst to produce electricity.

Toyota said its technology will utilise solar energy and water to produce hydrogen and oxygen through electrolysis during daylight hours, and the fuel cells to supply electricity during the night.

A lunar night lasts about 14 earth days, so with help of the technology the lunar rover would be able to ride for many days at a stretch even when it is dark and extremely cold 

The world’s largest automaker by sales hopes to secure an order for the manned lunar rover by autumn of next year. The vehicle is expected to be able to carry two astronauts for 42 days a year on mission and stay in operation for 10 years, it said.

“Our idea is to continue with the lunar rover longer than those 10 years if there’s a company or arrangement that can supply the water needed for that,” Yamashita said, adding that clean water will initially have to be sent into space with it.

Toyota is not expecting it will be able to generate water usable for fuel cells from the moon’s ice water or be capable of mining it by itself, Yamashita cautioned, saying it would likely rely on other companies or future developments for that.

© Thomson Reuters 2023  
 

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Scientists Create Cleaner Polymers To Absorb CO2 and Improve Energy Tech

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March 10, 2025

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Scientists Create Cleaner Polymers To Absorb CO2 and Improve Energy Tech

A method for synthesising highly pure porous organic polymers (POPs) has been developed by researchers at Tohoku University, offering applications in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. These polymers, known for their high porosity, have the capability to capture pollutants like carbon dioxide while maintaining strong thermal and chemical stability. Unlike previous synthesis methods that left behind metal impurities, the new approach ensures a cleaner structure, making them more efficient for gas separation, energy storage, and fuel cell applications.

Synthesis Process and Findings

According to the study published in Small, conventional POP synthesis relied on oxidation reactions involving metal salts or coupling reactions using organometallic catalysts. These processes often resulted in residual metal impurities that hindered the polymers’ porosity. In contrast, the research team employed iodine as an oxidant, which allowed for the complete removal of residual impurities through ethanol washing. The newly synthesised polytriphenylamine-based POPs demonstrated the highest specific surface area among reported variants.

As reported by Phys.org, Kouki Oka, a researcher at Tohoku University, stated that the reduction of impurities directly contributed to enhanced porosity, leading to an improved capacity for CO₂ adsorption. He also highlighted that the polymers exhibited unique functionalities, including proton conductivity and a distinct gas adsorption mechanism known as the gate-opening phenomenon. These properties indicate their potential use in advanced energy solutions, including fuel cells and high-performance adsorbents.

Future Implications

As environmental concerns surrounding greenhouse gas emissions persist, the development of pure POPs could pave the way for more efficient and sustainable materials. The findings suggest that ensuring impurity-free synthesis allows these polymers to perform at their full potential, opening new avenues for their application in clean energy technologies and industrial gas separation. Research in this field is expected to continue, focusing on expanding the practical uses of POPs for environmental and energy-related challenges.

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3,000-Year-Old Mesopotamian Canal System Found in Iraq, Unveiling Ancient Irrigation Methods



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3,000-Year-Old Mesopotamian Canal System Found in Iraq

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March 10, 2025

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3,000-Year-Old Mesopotamian Canal System Found in Iraq

A vast network of irrigation canals, dating back more than 3,000 years, has been identified in southern Iraq. The canals, which were used to transport water from the Euphrates River, are believed to have supported agricultural activities in the Eridu region before the first millennium B.C. Researchers have mapped thousands of these channels, some stretching up to 9 kilometres, shedding light on the sophisticated water management systems of ancient Mesopotamia. The discovery provides crucial insights into early farming practices and how settlements adapted to environmental changes.

Findings from the Study

According to a study published in Antiquity, over 200 major canals and more than 4,000 smaller channels were identified using satellite imagery, drone surveys, and geological mapping. The researchers, including geographer Jaafar Jotheri from the University of Al-Qadisiyah, noted that the system was extensive, but not all canals were in use simultaneously. The network evolved over centuries, adjusting to shifts in the Euphrates River’s course. Evidence of around 700 farms was also documented, indicating a highly organised agricultural landscape.

Impact of River Changes on Settlements

As per the research, the canals became obsolete when the Euphrates River changed course, leaving the region uninhabited after the early first millennium B.C. This shift preserved the canal traces, allowing researchers to study them in detail. The findings highlight how water availability dictated settlement patterns in ancient Mesopotamia. The study’s authors emphasised that the irrigation network played a crucial role in sustaining early civilisations but was ultimately affected by natural environmental shifts.

Significance of the Discovery

As reported, experts believe the discovery offers a rare glimpse into how ancient societies managed large-scale irrigation. The research team, which included academics from Durham University, stressed that the findings demonstrate the ingenuity of early farmers in adapting to their environment. The study contributes to understanding ancient Mesopotamian infrastructure and its long-term impact on agricultural development in the region.

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Vernal Equinox 2025: Date, Time, and the Science Behind the Event

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March 7, 2025

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Vernal Equinox 2025: Date, Time, and the Science Behind the Event

The upcoming vernal equinox is set to take place on March 20. 2025, marking the transition into spring in the Northern Hemisphere while the Southern Hemisphere moves into autumn. This astronomical event occurs twice a year when day and night are nearly equal in length across the globe. The phenomenon is attributed to Earth’s axial tilt of approximately 23.5 degrees, which determines how sunlight is distributed throughout the year. The equinox signifies a point where the planet is neither tilted towards nor away from the Sun, resulting in almost equal hours of daylight and darkness.

What Causes the Equinox?

According to research, the equinox occurs due to Earth’s orbital movement around the Sun while maintaining a fixed axial tilt. The alignment ensures that the Sun is positioned directly above the equator. This leads to an even distribution of sunlight across both hemispheres, creating a balance between daytime and nighttime hours. However, complete equality is not achieved as atmospheric refraction and the Sun’s apparent size cause a slight variation in the actual duration of daylight. Reports indicate that locations at the equator receive approximately 12 hours and 6 minutes of daylight, while regions at higher latitudes may experience slightly longer daylight hours.

Equinox Dates and Variations

Sources confirm that equinoxes do not always fall on the exact same date each year. While typically occurring around March 20 and September 22, slight variations arise due to the additional fraction of a day in Earth’s annual orbit. The timing of the equinox shifts gradually as the extra quarter-day accumulates, influencing the calendar date. Meteorologically, spring is considered to begin on March 1, while the astronomical definition aligns with the equinox.

Cultural Significance and Historical Observations

Ancient civilisations have long tracked equinoxes, incorporating them into agricultural cycles and cultural practices. Historical records highlight that structures such as Angkor Wat in Cambodia and El Castillo in Mexico were designed to align with the equinoxes, demonstrating their significance in early astronomy. The phenomenon continues to hold importance in various traditions, with some cultures observing it as a time of reflection and seasonal transition.

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Further reading:
Vernal Equinox, Spring Equinox, March Equinox, Equinox 2025, Earth’s Orbit, Astronomy, Daylight, Nighttime, Seasonal Changes, Northern Hemisphere, Southern Hemisphere

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