CENAP Infoline - no 148

Magazine Overview

This issue of CENAP-INFOLINE, dated December 16, 2001, is a science and technology focused publication that delves into space exploration, physics, and environmental observations. It features news from the International Space Station (ISS), discoveries about Mars, and advancements in fundamental physics research.

Key Articles and Features

Mars: A Watery Past and Changing Climate

The cover story, "Mars war einst voller Wasser" (Mars was once full of water), reports on a study by US scientists suggesting that Mars was once a water world with reserves 1.3 times larger than Earth's. This conclusion is based on measurements of molecular hydrogen in the Martian atmosphere using the Nasa probe 'Fuse'. The study posits that complex chemical reactions and bombardment by asteroids and comets led to the loss of its water over millions of years. The current research aims to determine what happened to this water.

Another article, "Das Mars-Klima ändert sich" (The Mars climate is changing), details observations from the Nasa Mars Global Surveyor probe. It reveals that the white snow cover on Mars, composed of carbon dioxide (dry ice), is melting. Vertices in the dry ice layer at the south pole have grown several meters larger within a year. This melting is linked to an increase in atmospheric pressure, as the Martian atmosphere is primarily carbon dioxide. Scientists estimate that the atmospheric mass could increase by one percent every ten years, potentially triggering climate changes by allowing the atmosphere to hold more dust and heat up.

International Space Station (ISS) Missions

Several articles focus on the ISS. "Endeavour startet am Dienstag" (Endeavour launches on Tuesday) reports the postponement of the Endeavour's launch due to a problem with a Russian cargo freighter. The two Russian cosmonauts aboard the ISS were scheduled to perform an extravehicular activity (EVA) to secure the faulty docked freighter. "Kosmonauten müssen ins All" (Cosmonauts must go outside) and "Kosmonauten beheben Panne" (Cosmonauts fix malfunction) detail this EVA, where two Russian cosmonauts successfully removed a jammed sealing ring from a docking port, allowing the Progress cargo freighter to dock without further issues.

"Abgehoben: Astronauten zeigen Flagge" (Lifted off: Astronauts show flag) highlights the Endeavour's mission, emphasizing the heightened security and patriotic displays following the September 11th terrorist attacks. The mission's primary goal, the crew exchange on the ISS, was overshadowed by these events. The crew carried 6000 American flags to distribute to victims' families and a flag recovered from the World Trade Center. The new crew, including Russian commander Juri Onufrienkow and Americans Daniel Bursch and Carl Walz, is tasked with expanding the ISS, including installing a metal backbone that will support solar sails. The outgoing crew, led by Frank Culbertson, had to deal with the emotional impact of the 9/11 attacks, which Culbertson witnessed from space.

"Astronauten bringen das „Luxusgut Obst“ ins All" (Astronauts bring the 'luxury good fruit' into space) describes the arrival of the Endeavour crew and their delivery of fresh fruit, a welcome luxury for the long-term ISS residents. The article also mentions a minor instrument problem on the Endeavour and the possibility of extending the mission by a day for power conservation. The new crew is scheduled to stay until May and will conduct experiments in biology, physics, and medicine.

Physics and Fundamental Research

"Den Zustand der Erde nach dem Urknall im Labor rekonstruieren" (Reconstructing the state of the Earth after the Big Bang in the lab) features Heidelberg physicist Johanna Stachel, who is to receive the Lautenschläger Research Prize. Her research involves recreating the conditions of the early universe by colliding atomic nuclei at high speeds to produce 'Quark-Gluon Plasma'. This work aims to understand the fundamental properties of matter and may yield insights into planet and star formation. Stachel plans to use the prize money for the 'Alice' project, an international experiment involving 800 researchers, set to begin in 2006.

"Scharfer Blick ins Weltall" (Sharp view into space) reports on the development of the 'Conica' infrared camera, the world's most powerful astro-camera, installed at the European Southern Observatory's (ESO) Very Large Telescope (VLT) in Chile. This camera, utilizing adaptive optics, can correct for atmospheric disturbances, providing images with unprecedented resolution, surpassing even the Hubble Space Telescope. Its first target was the young star cluster NGC 3603.

Other News

"Hellseher lagen richtig daneben" (Psychics were way off) discusses the failure of psychics and fortune-tellers to predict the 9/11 terrorist attacks, according to the Society for the Scientific Investigation of the Paranormal (GWUP). The article criticizes the misleading promises made by some psychics and warns readers against fraudulent offers.

"Bundeswehr kriegt Satelliten" (Bundeswehr gets satellites) briefly mentions the German government's plan to award defense contracts worth 2.4 billion marks, including the acquisition of a radar satellite system for the Bundeswehr.

"Arktis-Gletscher schmelzen in Rekord-Tempo" (Arctic glaciers melt at record speed) reports on satellite data showing rapid melting of the three largest glaciers in Antarctica, contributing to a rise in sea levels. Polar researcher Andrew Shepard warns of a potential one-meter sea level rise if these glaciers collapse entirely.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of CENAP-INFOLINE demonstrates a strong focus on scientific discovery and technological advancement, particularly in space exploration and physics. The magazine presents complex scientific findings in an accessible manner, highlighting the work of international research teams and space agencies. There is a clear emphasis on empirical evidence and scientific methodology, as seen in the critical assessment of psychic predictions. The coverage of climate change, both on Earth and Mars, suggests an underlying concern for environmental issues. The editorial stance appears to be one of promoting scientific literacy and critical thinking, while also celebrating human achievement in space and fundamental research.