Herschel solves mystery of Jupiter's water!!

(news courtesy ESA)

Shoemaker-Levy 9 impact site G

24 April 2013

Jupiter, the largest planet in the Solar System, is mostly made of the gases hydrogen and helium. Tiny amounts of water have been found in its upper atmosphere, but, until now, no one was sure where this water came from. The answer to the long-standing mystery has been given by ESA’s Herschel space observatory, the most sensitive infrared telescope ever launched. Herschel has found conclusive evidence that the water was delivered by multiple comet impacts in July 1994!

Collisions with incoming cosmic debris are a continuous threat to the planets of the Solar System, including Earth. However, few impacts have actually been observed by scientists. The first direct observation of such an event occurred at Jupiter, 19 years ago. Astronomers watched in astonishment as 21 pieces of comet Shoemaker-Levy 9 plunged into the planet’s upper atmosphere and exploded.

Water in Jupiter's Atmosphere

ESA’s Infrared Space Observatory, launched in 1995, was the first to detect and study water in Jupiter's upper atmosphere. Scientists were able to exclude an internal source, such as water rising from below. But if the water was delivered from outside, where did it come from?

It was widely speculated that comet Shoemaker-Levy 9 may have been the origin of this water, but direct proof was missing. Now Herschel’s sensitive infrared eyes have solved the mystery. The space observatory has found 2-3 times more water in the southern hemisphere of Jupiter than in the northern hemisphere. The traces of water are only found at high altitudes and most of it is concentrated around the sites of the 1994 comet impacts.

Even more detailed observations of the gases that make up Jupiter’s massive atmosphere will be made by ESA’s JUICE mission, which is planned for launch towards the giant world in 2022.

Comets can do so much and more!! 

Glimpse of our new product launch: Science Shows for Primary

6th August 2013: Kids of Amity International School, Gurgaon enjoy the demo launch of Science Shows!!

Science Shows has been especially designed for classes I - V, it gives students an interesting combination on Hands on Activities and interactive science demos wherein kids learn interesting concepts of Physics, Chemistry & Astronomy. This program is designed to inculcate an interest among primary students for science related subjects. 

Cheers Team Zlife

Space & Science Workshop Conducted at Delhi Public School, Nashik

Our team from Delhi was recently in Nashik to conduct a Science Workshop at the newly inaugurated Delhi Public School (Nashik). The school is nicely situated at the outskirts of the city with a fine infrastructure and a very cordial staff. ­

Around 40 students of 4th& 5th Standard attended this 3 day workshop. The aim of the workshop was to impart learning by involving kids in various hands on activities related to space and science like Circumference of Earth, Sun Spots Observation, Hydro Rocketry & Evening Sky Observation. Learning is always fun when you can practically apply what is taught to you!!


Day 1: 22nd May’13

The workshop started around 11:00 A.M and continued till 3:00 P.M, the first topic covered was Circumference of Earth – Kids used Eratosthenes primitive yet effective way to evaluate COE. 
Later the kids observed Sun Spots using Sky Watcher EQ 3-2 (telescope) securely covered by a solar filter as we should not see the sun through naked eye. (Viewing the sun directly through naked eye can permanently damage the eyes). 

Day 2: 23rd May’13

On the second day of the workshop the kids were introduced to Hydro Rocketry. The session started with a presentation where they learnt about the dynamics and trajectory of Rockets. 

Later the students applied the concepts learned during the presentation by designing their own Double Bottle Rockets. The whole group was divided into 4 teams while designing the rockets. The kids were at their creative best and had lots of fun designing their own rockets.

The last and the most exciting step was to launch those rockets. This final step hardly lasts a few minutes but is the most fun when you see the rockets going high above the ground and crashing 100 feet away!!

Day 3: 24th May’13
The last day of the workshop had the most interesting part - Evening Sky Observation which started around 6:00 P.M and went on till 9:00 P.M. The kids observed Saturn and Moon using the Sky Watcher EQ 3-2. On this final day the kids were accompanied by their parents and even the parents actively and excitedly participated in observing these celestial objects. 

During the first half of this workshop the kids were given a presentation to make them understand the working and handling of a telescope. Later the kids were divided into 4 teams and each team was given a 3.5 inch reflector telescope which they handled themselves and observed Saturn and Moon. As expected the kids and their parents were in awe when they observed the crater’s on the Moon and the Rings of Saturn.

Lastly there was a small closing ceremony where everybody together celebrated the successful completion of the workshop. We presented the kids with certificates & medals, and the school was given a memento and in return our team was presented with return gifts as an appreciation gesture.