CENAP Infoline - no 082

Magazine Overview

This issue of cenap-infoline, dated December 6, 1998, with issue number 82, focuses heavily on astronomical events and space exploration, with a significant report on the 1998 Leonid meteor shower and ongoing developments in space missions.

Leoniden-Meteorschauer '98

The main cover story details the observation of the 1998 Leonid meteor shower by members of the VdS (Vereinigung der Sternfreunde) and the Astronomical Working Group Gornergrat in Switzerland. Despite initial poor weather conditions with 30cm of fresh snow, the skies cleared on the evening of November 16th. By 23:00, the view was clear, and the first Leonids were sighted, some leaving visible trails for up to a minute. Between 00:00 and 1:00, 109 meteors were counted, leading to high expectations for the following night, the predicted maximum. The rate increased significantly, with 418 meteors observed between 1:45 and 2:45, and 530 in the subsequent hour. By 5:00, the rate was nearly 1,000 per hour, described as a true storm with a flood of shooting stars. The colorful bolides displayed hues of dark green, turquoise, blue, and violet, with some leaving trails visible for up to half an hour. The event concluded around 6:45 with the onset of dawn. The observers noted that the maximum occurred approximately 16 hours earlier than predicted, making them witnesses to a rare natural spectacle. Participants included S. Eisenhauer, J. Juchnowitsch, R. Eberle, P. Novotny, S. Otto, Dr. Axel Thomas, Dr. E. Brodkorb, B. Flach-Wilken, V. Wendel, H.G. Diedrich, F. Brenner, W. Wildmann, H. Schick, H. Kohl, and O. Guthier, who provided the eyewitness report.

Space Exploration and Astronomy News

Mars-Sonde auf der richtigen Bahn: The Mars-Sonde "Global Surveyor" has successfully completed its braking maneuver, bringing it closer to Mars. The mission, delayed from March due to a solar sail issue, aims to map the Martian surface. The probe will now orbit Mars every 11.6 hours at its closest point, eventually reducing its orbit to two hours.

Mond hat mehr Wasser als vermutet: New analysis of data from the US lunar probe "Lunar Prospector" suggests significantly larger amounts of water ice at the Moon's poles than previously thought. Estimates range up to three billion tons of frozen water at both the north and south poles. The water is not just dispersed in the soil but may exist in large ice sheets, likely deposited by comet impacts. The probe also detected local magnetic fields on the Moon, possibly caused by impacts.

Jupiter-Ringe bestehen aus Staub: The "Galileo" space probe has provided new images clarifying the composition of Jupiter's rings. Astronomers have identified four rings, and it's now understood that meteorites striking Jupiter's moons have ejected dust, which then formed the rings due to Jupiter's gravity.

Der Mond, der einer Erdnuß ähnlich sieht: The Mars moon Phobos, photographed by the "Global Surveyor" probe, has a shape resembling a peanut. Surface temperatures on Phobos can reach -4 degrees Celsius during the day and -76 degrees Celsius at night, with Martian days lasting only 7 hours.

Hubble fotografierte die Wiege der Welt: The Hubble Space Telescope has captured an image of the universe as it was 12 billion years ago, just one billion years after the Big Bang. This image represents the deepest view into space ever achieved, showing the universe in its infancy.

Jupitermond Io ist das größte Kraftwerk im All: The moon Io exhibits intense volcanic activity, with at least 32 volcanoes spewing lava. This activity, driven by Jupiter's gravitational pull, generates immense energy, described as a trillion watts, causing gases in Jupiter's magnetic field to glow in various colors (blue-white, yellow, green).

Raumstation nimmt Gestalt an: The first module of the International Space Station (ISS), the Russian-built "Sarja," was prepared for launch from Baikonur Cosmodrome. The ISS project involves 14 nations and aims to be a large research laboratory in space by 2004.

Traumstart eröffnet neue Epoche in der Raumfahrt: The launch of the Russian "Sarja" module, the first component of the ISS, marked a significant milestone. The module, financed by the USA, is intended to orbit Earth at an altitude of 179 to 341 kilometers. The ISS project is a collaboration between the USA, Russia, Japan, Canada, and ten European nations, with the European contribution including the "Columbus" research laboratory.

Die USA liefern das zweite Modul: The US-built module "Unity" was launched by the Space Shuttle Endeavour to dock with the "Sarja" module, forming the initial structure of the ISS. The mission involved multiple spacewalks to connect the modules.

Erste Probleme im Weltall-Labor: Minor technical issues were detected in the "Sarja" module, including a problem with one of its eight batteries and water pressure. However, these were not considered critical, and the docking maneuver was not jeopardized.

Erfolgreicher Ausflug ins All: A spaceflight aboard the "Discovery" carrying John Glenn also facilitated experiments for the University of Heidelberg's biochemistry center. Crystals of an enzyme from a malaria pathogen were grown in orbit, with half of the proteins showing growth, offering potential for malaria treatment.

Alarm im Endeavour-Cockpit: The launch of the Endeavour was aborted due to a technical alarm related to a hydraulic pressure loss, delaying the mission by 24 hours and requiring the crew to disembark.

Mit Laser-Kraft ins Weltall: Researchers are developing a "Laser-Lightcraft" technology that could replace traditional rocket propulsion for launching satellites. This system uses pulsed lasers to heat a propellant, creating thrust and potentially making satellite launches significantly cheaper and more efficient.

Europa nimmt Kurs auf Mars: The European Space Agency (ESA) is planning the "Mars-Express" mission for 2003 to study the Martian surface, including the potential for liquid and frozen water.

Neuer Riesen-Planet: Swiss astronomers have discovered a planet five times more massive than Jupiter in a nearby solar system, orbiting the star Gliese 86.

Raumstation: The Russian parliament has decided to continue operating the aging Mir space station beyond its planned decommissioning.

Neuer Höhenrekord: A US research aircraft set a new altitude record of 20,940 meters.

Ufo-Alarm: Geheimnisvolle Behälter gelandet: A UFO alarm was triggered in Waterford, Ireland, where mysterious containers were found after descending with parachutes. The containers held an unknown clear liquid and a red fingerprint.

Tierleben gibt es doppelt so lange wie bisher angenommen: Geologists have discovered fossils in India dating back 1.1 billion years, suggesting that animal life on Earth is twice as old as previously believed.

Computer immer intelligenter: Advances in nanotechnology are expected to lead to computers that are hundreds or thousands of times more powerful within the next 10-15 years.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently covers advancements in space exploration, from the construction of the ISS to ongoing planetary missions and astronomical discoveries. There is a strong emphasis on scientific reporting, often citing research institutions and space agencies. The publication also touches upon unexplained phenomena, such as UFO sightings and anomalies in space probe trajectories, suggesting an open-minded yet evidence-based approach to these topics. The editorial stance appears to be one of informing the public about scientific progress and intriguing mysteries in space and beyond.