Fw: Latest News from the Astrobiology Magazine

[LARRY KLAES]

----- Original Message ----- From: Astrobiology Magazine To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Wednesday, September 29, 2004 5:34 AM Subject: Latest News from the Astrobiology Magazine Coming Soon: "Good" Jupiters http://www.astrobio.net/news/article1222.html Most of the extrasolar planets discovered to date are gas giants like Jupiter, but their orbits are either much closer to their parent stars or are highly eccentric. Planet hunters are on the verge of confirming the discovery of Jupiter-size planets with Jupiter-like orbits. Solar systems that contain these "good" Jupiters may harbor habitable Earth-like planets as well. Blown Away by Dry Mars? http://www.astrobio.net/news/article1221.html Where did all the martian water go? It is a basic question that has puzzled planetary scientists, even more now that evidence of past water becomes more comprehensive. One theory that the Mars Express orbiter is trying to test suggests that solar wind has scavenged volatile gases and liquids from the martian atmosphere. Making Tracks on Mars http://www.astrobio.net/news/article1220.html In a remarkable series of orbital pictures, the Mars Global Surveyor's cameras have imaged the tracks of the Spirit rover on the surface. Individual debris pieces including the backshell and lander are visible with remarkable clarity using an innovative roll of the satellite. Toutatis: Almost Too Close for Comfort http://www.astrobio.net/news/article1219.html The asteroid Toutatis last flew close by Earth in 1992 and 1996, but it has not come as close to us as it will this year since 1353. On Wednesday morning, scientists and skywatchers alike will be able to witness its passage within only four Earth-moon distances. At three miles in diameter, this massive asteroid is the largest to pass that close in a century. Toutatis will measure about half the size of the asteroid that 65 million years ago caused the last mass extinction--or what is sometimes called 'The Great Dying'. Wednesday, September 29 ------------------------ For more astrobiology news, visit http://www.astrobio.net To unsubscribe, send subject UNSUBSCRIBE to [EMAIL PROTECTED]