NASA’s retired InSight Mars lander was recently spotted by the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO) in an image taken on October 23, 2024, using its High-Resolution Imaging Science Experiment (HiRISE) camera. The image shows dust build-up on the lander’s solar panels, which now match the reddish-brown colour of the Martian surface. Reports suggest this observation continues to provide insights into the movement of dust and wind patterns on Mars.

InSight’s Mission and Retirement

The InSight lander, which touched down in November 2018, was central to detecting Marsquakes and studying the planet’s crust, mantle, and core. NASA officially ended the mission in December 2022 after the lander stopped communicating due to excessive dust accumulation on its solar panels. Engineers from NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in California continued to monitor the lander for any signs of reactivation, hoping Martian winds might clear its panels. However, as per reports, no signals have been received, and listening operations will conclude by the end of this year.

Tracking Dust Movement

The new HiRISE images were captured to monitor how dust and wind alter the Martian surface over time. Ingrid Daubar, a science team member at Brown University, told sources that the images of InSight’s location offer crucial data on how dust accumulates and shifts. This information helps researchers understand the Martian dust cycle and wind dynamics, which are vital for future missions.

Surface Changes and Impact Studies

Dust movement not only impacts solar-powered missions but also helps scientists study surface ageing processes. Blast marks left by InSight’s landing thrusters, once dark and prominent in 2018, have faded significantly, indicating dust deposition over time. This phenomenon also aids researchers in estimating the age of craters and surface features, as dust gradually erodes their visibility.

Ongoing Role of Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter

The Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter continues to play a key role in observing Mars’ surface changes. It monitors both active missions, such as the Perseverance and Curiosity rovers, and inactive ones, including Spirit, Opportunity, and the Phoenix lander. Managed by JPL for NASA’s Science Mission Directorate, the orbiter’s HiRISE camera remains a vital tool for long-term studies of the Martian environment.

The NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope has verified a decades-old mystery regarding planet formation in the early universe. According to The Astrophysical Journal, findings indicate that planet-forming disks around stars endured far longer than previously theorised, even in environments with minimal heavy elements.

Reportedly, in 2003, the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope observed the presence of massive planets around ancient stars. This was surprising as these stars lacked heavier elements like carbon and iron, essential for planet formation. The discovery raised questions about how such planets could form and grow so early in the universe’s history.

Revisiting a Longstanding Puzzle

To explore this further, the Webb Telescope focused on NGC 346, a massive star cluster in the Small Magellanic Cloud. As one of the Milky Way’s nearest neighbours, its chemical composition, dominated by hydrogen and helium, closely resembles conditions in the early universe. The cluster’s stars, estimated to be between 20 to 30 million years old, were found to retain planet-forming disks far beyond the expected timeframes seen in our galaxy.

Findings Challenge Existing Models

Guido De Marchi, study lead from the European Space Research and Technology Centre (ESTEC), stated to ESA sources that they see that disks indeed surround these stars and are still in the process of gobbling material, even at the relatively old age of 20 or 30 million years. This finding challenges current models, which predict that planet-forming disks dissipate within a few million years. Elena Sabbi, co-investigator and chief scientist at NOIRLab’s Gemini Observatory, explained in a statement that models suggested disks would not survive in environments with low metal content. Webb has now proven that planets in such conditions can form and evolve for longer periods.

Why Do Disks Persist Longer?

Two possible explanations have been proposed for the extended lifespans of these disks. The first suggests that radiation pressure, which typically disperses disks, is less effective in environments with minimal heavier elements. These elements are needed for radiation to interact with the surrounding gas efficiently.

The second explanation considers the initial size of gas clouds. Stars forming in low-metal environments might originate from larger clouds of gas, leading to bigger disks. Larger disks take significantly longer to disperse, providing more time for planet formation.

Implications for Planet Formation Theories

These observations provide new insights into planet formation in the early universe, indicating that planets may have had extended growth periods even under conditions once thought unfavourable. With Webb’s unprecedented resolution, astronomers now have tangible evidence that planet-forming disks are far more resilient than previously understood, reshaping long-standing theories about planetary evolution.

Jared Isaacman, billionaire entrepreneur and private astronaut, has been nominated by U.S. President-elect Donald Trump to serve as the next NASA administrator, as per several reports. Isaacman, who was born in Union, New Jersey, in February 1983, amassed his fortune by founding the payment-processing company Shift4 Payments at the age of 16. His nomination was announced on December 4, marking Trump’s first significant space-related decision ahead of his incoming administration, according to reports.

Extensive Spaceflight Experience

Reportedly, Isaacman’s wealth has enabled him to become actively involved in space exploration. He commanded Inspiration4, the world’s first all-civilian orbital space mission in September 2021, launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. The mission orbited Earth for three days and was aimed at raising funds for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. This was followed by the Polaris Dawn mission in September 2023, which included the first private spacewalk and set several records, including flying over the Earth’s poles, as per sources.

According to reports, Isaacman’s nomination signals Trump’s interest in aligning NASA’s objectives with private space initiatives. On his social media platform, Isaacman stated that space holds “unparalleled potential for breakthroughs in manufacturing, biotechnology, mining, and pathways to new energy sources.” He further highlighted the goal of enabling humanity to live and work in space.

Challenges and Priorities at NASA

If confirmed, Isaacman will oversee NASA at a critical time as the agency competes with China in lunar exploration. NASA’s Artemis program aims to return astronauts to the Moon by 2027, while China has pledged to land its astronauts by 2030. Speaking at the Spacepower Conference, Isaacman was quoted as saying, “We can’t be second” regarding U.S. competitiveness in space.

The future of programs like the Space Launch System (SLS), the Mars Sample Return mission, and transitioning from the International Space Station to commercial low-Earth orbit destinations will be key areas of focus during Isaacman’s tenure, as reported by experts. Concerns regarding conflicts of interest due to Isaacman’s ties with SpaceX are also expected to arise during Senate confirmation hearings.

While some view Isaacman as an outsider without government experience, others suggest his entrepreneurial success and spaceflight background could bring a fresh perspective to NASA’s leadership.