Tag: Japan
“Our worst crisis since World War Two”
First results from the Hayabusa asteroid samples
First results from the Hayabusa asteroid samples.
A preliminary analysis of asteroid samples returned last year by Japan’s Hayabusa probe show evidence the dust grains have a similar composition to stony meteorites that commonly fall to Earth. . . . The initial research also shows the samples inspected so far contain no organic molecules. Scientists also say the analysis confirms the rocks at Itokawa were formed 4.6 billion years ago at the dawn of the solar system.
A detailed explanation of what has happened at the Fukushima nuclear power plant
Check out this detailed engineering explanation of what has happened, is happening, and will happen at the Fukushima nuclear power plant in Japan. Key quote:
The point is that the nuclear fuel has now been cooled down. Because the chain reaction has been stopped a long time ago, there is only very little residual heat being produced now. The large amount of cooling water that has been used is sufficient to take up that heat. Because it is a lot of water, the core does not produce sufficient heat any more to produce any significant pressure. Also, boric acid has been added to the seawater. Boric acid is “liquid control rod”. Whatever decay is still going on, the Boron will capture the neutrons and further speed up the cooling down of the core.
Second nuclear meltdown likely under way in Japan, official says
More bad news: According to Japanese officials, a second nuclear meltdown is likely under way.
Nuclear Meltdown at Quake-Damaged Japanese Plant
This ain’t good: A nuclear meltdown appears to have occurred at the quake-damaged Japanese power plant.
Quake moved Japan coast 8 feet; shifted Earth’s axis
The earthquake moved Japan’s coast eight feet while shifting the Earth’s axis about four inches.
Japan to fill leaking nuke reactor with sea water
Japan to fill leaking nuke reactor with sea water.
Earthquake update
An earthquake update, with images.
Japan’s Third Disaster
Japanese quake disrupts space station operations
The 8.9 earthquake has shut down the Japanese space station mission control center, forcing NASA to take over monitoring Japanese ISS modules.
No, the “supermoon” didn’t cause the Japanese earthquake
No, the “supermoon” didn’t cause the Japanese earthquake.
Panic buying as Hawaii and Pacific islands braced for killer waves to strike across thousands of miles of ocean
Hawaii and Pacific islands brace for killer tsunami waves to strike across thousands of miles of ocean.
More here about the situation in Japan.
Video:
Robot arm on ISS shifts Japanese freighter to different port to clear path for shuttle
The robot arm on ISS shifted the Japanese freighter docked there to a different port today to clear a path for the shuttle.
Japanese Volcano Filled to the Brim
The caldara of the erupting Japanese volcano Mount Shinmoe now appears to be filled to the brim. More photos here.
Japan’s Mount Shinmoe erupts again
Japan’s Mount Shinmoe volcano erupted again today.
Japan’s second robot cargo vehicle successfully docks at ISS
Another Japanese space success today: Its second robot cargo vehicle has successfully docked at ISS.
Japan’s IKAROS Solar Sail Mission Extended for a Year
More solar sail news: Japan’s solar sail mission, IKAROS, has been extended for a year. Key quote:
With the extended lease on life, the team will try new navigational tricks, such as varying the sail’s angle toward the sun and changing the craft’s trajectory. Mori called these “risky” maneuvers because they are not sure if the sail will remain fully extended. They intend to model the sail’s behavior and the craft’s response to plan future solar sail missions.
Cracked nozzled was possible cause of Japanese Venus probe failure
Engineers now think that a cracked nozzle caused the Japanese probe Akatsuki to miss Venus.
Ikaros still operating
The Japanese Venus probe Akatsuka might have failed, but its partner, the solar sail Ikaros, continues to function, and remains in contact with its ground controlers, even at a distance of 45 million miles. (The google translation of the daily blog is sometimes spotty (” I will go home 入Rita bath. It will fit your feet smell.”) but still worth reading,)