CENAP Infoline - no 178

Magazine Overview

This issue of MORGEN, dated Wednesday, June 25, 2003, with the volume identifier NR.178 and published by CENAP-INFOLINE, focuses on scientific and technological advancements. The cover prominently features a striking image of the sun's surface, with the headline "Jeder Blubb ist 450 Kilometer hoch" (Every Blubb is 450 Kilometers High) and "Kochtopf Sonne" (Stove-top Sun). The article details new 3D images of the sun's surface captured by a mega-telescope on La Palma, revealing gigantic, wave-like mountains of plasma known as granules.

Planetarium Mourns Dr. Elsässer

The issue begins with an obituary for Professor Dr. Hans Friedrich Elsässer, a Heidelberg astronomer who passed away at the age of 74. Professor Elsässer was a close friend of Mannheim and its Planetarium. He came to Heidelberg University in 1962 and became director of the Landessternwarte on the Königsstuhl. Under his leadership, the Max-Planck-Institut für Astronomie was established. He also played a key role in establishing an external site at Calar Alto in Spain in 1984. His contributions to fundamental research and his role as founder and editor of the journal "Sterne und Weltraum" were recognized with the Federal Cross of Merit, First Class, in 1995. Professor Elsässer was also an advisor for the construction of Mannheim's new Planetarium and an active member of its friends' association. His public lectures were noted for their clarity and enthusiasm. The International Astronomical Union has named a small planet in the solar system after him.

Sun's Surface Revealed in 3D

A significant article details the first 3D images of the sun's surface, obtained through angled photography by researchers at the Californian Astrophysical Lab. Solar physicist Tom Berger explained that these images reveal previously unseen structures. Previously, it was thought the sun's surface was flat, but these new images show what are described as "granules" – massive, turbulent structures resembling bubbles in a pot. These granules are formed by rising hot solar plasma and sinking cooler gas, reaching heights of up to 450 kilometers and widths of over 1000 kilometers. The images were captured by a telescope on the Spanish island of La Palma.

Mars Rover "Opportunity" Delayed

The issue reports on the further delay of the American Mars lander robot "Opportunity." The launch, originally scheduled for Saturday, was postponed to Thursday, July 1st, 2003, due to a problem with the cork insulation on the Delta rocket. A 60-centimeter-wide band of this insulation needs to be replaced because it is not adhering correctly. The Nasa confirmed this issue, noting that the rocket had already been delayed multiple times, including once for the same insulation problem and due to weather conditions. The concern is that insufficient insulation could lead to the rocket being damaged during launch, similar to the Columbia disaster, where damage during launch was suspected as a cause for the accident. Nasa expressed confidence that the insulation could be replaced within a day. The launch window for "Opportunity" to reach Mars closes on July 15th.

"Columbia" Should Fly Again

In related space news, the commission investigating the "Columbia" disaster on February 1st, 2003, expects Nasa to resume shuttle flights in six to nine months. Recommendations for improvements developed during the investigation are expected to be implemented by then. Admiral Harold Gehman, head of the investigation, stated that the impact of detached insulating foam on the shuttle's left wing during launch has emerged as the most probable cause of the crash. The exact wording in the final investigation report is still pending, with its release expected in late July. Meanwhile, Japan's Ministry of Science announced that Japan and Europe plan to send a probe to Mercury in seven years. The unmanned spacecraft is expected to reach Mercury in 2011 after a four-year journey. The mission, in collaboration with the European Space Agency (ESA), includes a lander and two orbiters. All three probes are slated to launch in 2010 using Russian Soyuz rockets. Mercury has only been approached once before, by the American Mariner 10 probe in 1974-75.

God's Fireworks: What Lightning Looks Like Above the Clouds

This section explores fascinating atmospheric phenomena occurring above thunderstorms. Researchers from Taiwan have identified and classified these high-altitude electrical discharges. They are described as "sprites," "elves," and "jets," appearing as luminous, hot gas formations that shoot upwards through the atmosphere, reaching the edge of space. These phenomena resemble giant carrots or trees and can extend up to 100 kilometers in altitude. The "jets" are particularly fast, traveling at 360,000 km/h and glowing for only half a second. The "elves" and "kobolds" are also part of this electrical circuit between the Earth and the atmosphere. A pilot described observing them as sudden flashes of light, like a divine sign from another world.

Possible Life on Mars?

A brief report mentions a new American study suggesting that Mars may have more water than previously thought, much of it frozen at the North Pole. This discovery increases the probability that simple life could have developed there.

Japanese Spacecraft Crashes in Sweden

Another brief report details the crash of a jointly constructed "Space Shuttle 2" from Japan and the USA during a test in Northern Sweden. Instead of a gentle landing, the spacecraft crashed.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently covers cutting-edge scientific discoveries, particularly in astronomy and space exploration. There is a strong focus on international collaboration in space missions, as seen with the Mercury probe and the Mars Rover. The publication also addresses significant events in spaceflight, such as the Columbia disaster, and explores intriguing natural phenomena like atmospheric electrical discharges. The passing of Professor Elsässer highlights the magazine's connection to prominent figures in the scientific community and its commitment to honoring their contributions. The editorial stance appears to be one of informing the public about scientific progress and significant events in a clear and engaging manner, with a particular interest in the mysteries of the universe and the potential for life beyond Earth.