NASA’s Juno spacecraft has discovered that Jupiter’s moon, Ganymede, has organic compounds and salt on its icy surface. Taking a closer look at these substances, scientists have discerned the ingredients of the moon’s materials include sulfur compounds such as sulfurous acid, and chloride salts like magnesium chloride and sodium chloride. The discovery of these salts and organics suggests the moon may have once had a subsurface ocean over its history. With more future studies, scientists hope to understand the moon’s evolution and its hidden ocean better.
Salt crystals contain minute drops of ancient ocean water that can provide valuable information about the Earth’s climate conditions from millions of years ago. By analysing magnesium and oxygen isotopes in these small drops of water trapped in the salt, scientists are able to collect valuable insight into Earth’s history. This knowledge can paint a clearer picture of the geological development of our planet from its very beginnings.
The Perseid meteor shower is an event that will occur in August 2023 and is expected to be easily visible from Salt Lake City, Utah. This is likely due to the city’s low light pollution levels, allowing for clearer viewing of the stars and meteors. Peaks of activity are expected to occur in August, making this a great opportunity for stargazing.
