Rosetta Finds Comet Sinkholes Similar to Earth

When the Rosetta spacecraft entered orbit around comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko, first images captured deep circular depressions among the other surface features.  Now that the orbiter has taken significant observations of the comet’s surface, the science team has concluded that these depressions are actually sinkholes that form by the same processes that form sinkholes 500 Million kilometers away here on Earth. Sinkholes on Earth form when subsurface material is eroded away.  Though not initially visible on the surface, the material falls deep underground leaving a circular cavern.  Once enough material has eroded away, the top of the cavern collapses, leaving a large...

Four Moons Larger than Luna

Our Solar System is so much more than just the eight planets that inhabit it.  One of the things I learned a bit later in my career as an astronomer (my teenage years; been doing this for awhile) is how unique and diverse the natural satellites are.  Our own moon seems somewhat tame, and it’s easy to think the same of all moons.  Many of them are boring quiescent rocks with little more scientific value than asteroids, but the largest hide deep and profound secrets that we are just starting to unlock.  Four moons in our solar system are larger...