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Mars and Earth - Small difference & big consequences

Einstein's theory of relativity suggests that time is not a constant and can vary based on gravitational fields and speed. In a strong gravitational field, time moves slower compared to a weaker one. Since Mars has a weaker gravitational field than Earth, time actually flows slightly faster there.  This concept has implications for future space missions, as the timing of communication and operation of spacecraft will need to account for this difference in how time elapses on Mars compared to Earth. Missions may need to adjust their schedules, operations, and technology to ensure accuracy and synchronization with Earth. Basically, the moment you bring gravity and velocity into the picture, time stops behaving like the simple, universal tick‑tock we experience in everyday life. And you’re absolutely right: Mars’ weaker gravity means clocks there run a little faster than clocks on Earth. What’s fascinating is how small the difference is—and how big the consequences become ...

Near-Earth asteroid pairs offer clues to composition, dynamics and environmental conditions of early solar system

Near Earth Objects (NEOs) are small solar system bodies whose orbits sometimes bring them close to the Earth, making them potential collision threats. NEOs also offer clues to the composition, dynamics and environmental conditions of the early solar system and its evolution, and because they are relatively close to the Earth they lend themselves to astronomical measurements. Most NEOs are discovered in optical searches, but one crucial NEO parameter, its size, usually cannot be determined from optical detections alone. This is because an NEO's optical light is reflected sunlight, and an object can be bright either because it is large or because it has a high reflectivity. A CfA team has been using the IRAC infrared camera on Spitzer to measure NEO infrared emission signals which provide an independent measure of its size.

from Space Exploration News - Space News, Space Exploration, Space Science, Earth Sciences https://ift.tt/2X0Yr8f

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