8/10/2019 science illustrated australia - issue 32 2014.pdf
1/84ISSUE #SCIENCEILLUSTRAT
DAINTREE RAINFORESThe jewel in Australias crown
STORING CARBONCan it work? Can buryingCO
2save the world?
BODY ENERGYHow you can poweryour next smartphone
THE SOL R SYSTEMS
SE RET
PL NETS
MEET
SEDNA
ERIS
CERES
ND M N
MORE!
Beyond the 8 we know,dozens of worlds could be hiding
THE
RE L
RE SON
WE H D TO
DEMOTE
PLUTO
TWOYEARSON MARSCuriosity confirms: thiswill be our second home
ARE YOU ANEANDERTHAL?
Our nearest relativescould be a lot nearerthan you think!
OLDPLAGUES
RETURNWe thought wead them beatbut do we?
8/10/2019 science illustrated australia - issue 32 2014.pdf
2/84
The universality of science and the importance of inquisitive
minds is applauded in the first release of the Clever Australia
three-coin series, showcasing:
Crystallography Sir William Lawrence Bragg, 1912)
The pacemaker Dr Mark C Lidwill, 1926)
Penicillin Howard Florey, 1939)
IVF embryo freezing Professor Carl Wood, 1983)
Spray-on skin for burns victims Professor Fiona Wood, 1999)
This exquisite piece is a great reminder of the importance
of having big ideas and even bigger dreams.
Visit eshop r mint gov uand be inspired today!
iv
a
ve
alia
1300 652 020
1
4
U
r
u
l
n
Cry
The
Pe
IV
This e
Sp
Be inspiredREMARKABLE MEDICAL INNOVATIONS
8/10/2019 science illustrated australia - issue 32 2014.pdf
3/84
umans are
responsible for
some pretty terrible
things (as well as
some pretty great things)
but most of the atrocities
we feel properly bad
about - the genocides, the
slavery, the epic wars - are at least perpetrated
against our own species. And as for all those
animals we kill, eat, displace and drive
extinct... at least they dont really KNOW whats
happening to them, right?
Yet theres mounting evidence that not too
long ago - in geological terms anyway - we
systematically drove another intelligent species
to extinction: the Neanderthal.
As more fossils are uncovered, it seems
that in the last million or so years, there were
several species of intelligent human-like
animals. Modern humans are descended from
a plains-dwelling ancestor probably originating
from Africa. Neanderthals are different -
squatter, more physically powerful, but less
sophisticated in their tool-using, especially
when it comes to weapons. Their hunting
methods too, were possibly less effective than
ours, and that might have spelled their doom.
As humans moved up into Europe, they
followed an earlier migratory wave of
Neanderthal. Lets be clear - the difference
between humans and Neanderthal is pretty
minimal, sort of l ike the difference between
horses and donkeys. We could, and probably
did, breed with them. But we also forced them
out of their hunting grounds, drove them to the
sea, and eventually killed them.
Maybe we didnt do it in the same way we
practice genocide today. Maybe Neanderthals
simply slunk away whenever humans turned
up, and eventually there were too many humans
for the Neanderthal communities to survive.
But human nature hasnt changed much in
thousands of years. I suspect we did hunt them
down. I think some of our earliest true wars
would have been with Neanderthal tribes. Lithe
humans going up against a big, powerful but
sadly dumber enemy. Overwhelming them with
force of numbers or with clever traps.
And its possible the Neanderthals werent
our only victims. The evidence isnt in yet, but
its likely other species of hominid existed in
places like China or South East Asia, and we
out-competed them as well.
Perhaps there simply isnt room on a planet
as small as Earth for more than one intelligent,
technological species. It certainly seems strange
that humans are the only smart animals, since
for almost every other kind of animal you can
think of, there are many different species.
The explanation is grim, but obvious: there
were, and we killed them. Remember, most of
human history comes before we thought up the
concept of history. Our current civilisation only
goes back 2000-odd years. Then add another
2500 years for the Egyptians, and maybe go all
the way back to 10,000 BC for the founding of
Jericho and a few other settlements. But thats
only 12,000 years. The modern human, as a
species, could be as much as a million years old.
Nearly 90% of our past could still be waiting forus to discover or decipher.
Its a past populated by people who, if
they were born today, would be physically
indistinguishable from us (give or take
some body hair). It will be fascinating to see
what other truths - pleasant and disturbing -
archaeologists uncover in the years ahead.
Anthony Fordham
Twitter: @sci_illustrated
Facebook: facebook.com/ScienceIllustratedAus
Things we learned in this issue+The Curiosity rover has spent TWO
YEARS ON MARSand made an incredible
number of discoveries already.
+The Solar System has MAYBE 900 MORE
PLANETSthan we originally thought.
+The TREE LOBSTERShave survived
because birds mistook them for sticks!
+If we harness BODY ENERGYwe can
charge our phones just by walking around.
Issue #32 (2nd October 2014)
EDITORIAL
EditorAnthony Fordham
DESIGN
Group Art DirectorKristian Hagen
Art DirectorMalcolm Campbell
ADVERTISING
National Advertising Manager
Cameron Ferris [email protected]
ph: 02 9901 6348
National Advertising Executive
Lewis Preece [email protected]
ph: 02 9901 6175
Divisional Manager
ph: 02 9901 6150
Production ManagerPeter Ryman
Circulation Director Carole Jones
INTERNATIONAL EDITION
Editor-in-Chief Sebastian Relster
International EditorLotte Juul Nielsen
BONNIER INTERNATIONAL
MAGAZINES
International Licensing irector
Amy ManginoArt DirectorHanne Bo
Picture EditorsAllan Bagges,
Lisbeth Brnnich, Peter Eberhardt
NEXTMEDIA
Chief Executive OfficerDavid Gardiner
Commercial DirectorBruce Duncan
Science Illustrated is published
7 times a year by nextmedia Pty Ltd
ACN: 128 805 970
Building A, 207 Pacific Highway
St Leonards, NSW 2065
Under license from Bonnier International
Magazines. 2014 Bonnier Corporation
and nextmedia Pty Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
Reproduction in whole or part without
written permission is prohibited. Science
Illustrated is a trademark of Bonnier Cor-
poration and is used under limited license.
The Australian edition contains materialoriginally published in the US and UK edi-
tions reprinted with permission of Bonnier
Corporation. Articles express the opinions
of the authors and are not necessarily those
of the Publisher, Editor or nextmedia Pty
Ltd. ISSN 1836-5175.
Privacy Notice
We value the integrity of your personal infor-
mation. If you provide personal information
through your participation in any competi-
tions, surveys or offers featured in this issue
of Science Illustrated, this will be used to
provide the products or services that you
have requested and to improve the content of
our magazines. Your details may be provided
to third parties who assist us in this purpose.
In the event of organisations providing prizes
or offers to our readers, we may pass your
details on to them. From time to time, we
may use the information you provide us to
inform you of other products, services and
events our company has to offer. We may also
give your information to other organisations
which may use it to inform you about their
products, services and events, unless you tell
us not to do so. You are welcome to access the
information that we hold about you by getting
in touch with our privacy officer, who can be
contacted at nextmedia, Locked Bag 5555, St
Leonards, NSW 1590
www.scienceillustrated.com.au
To subscribe,call 1300 361 146 or 9901
6111 or visit mymagazines.com.au
THE SCIENCE ILLUSTRATED CREDO
We share with our readers a fascination
with science, technology, nature, culture
and archaeology, and believe that through
education about our past, present and future,
we can make the world a better place.
E ITORS LETTER
The Neanderthal
Our Greatest Crime?
scienceillustrated.com.au 3
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.scienceillustrated.com.au/http://www.scienceillustrated.com.au/mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]8/10/2019 science illustrated australia - issue 32 2014.pdf
4/84
ONT NTS
SCIENCE ILLUSTRATED AUSTRALIAN EDITION
PUBLISHED 2ND OCTOBER 2014
30NEANDERTHALS
Our extinct cousins came off second-best inthe battle for Earth. But were we really to
blame for their demise?
60OLD PLAGUES RETURN
If diseases like plague, smallpox, TB and
other historical killers came back, would
modern humans be able to withstand them?
ISSUE#32
24COVER STORY SECRET PLANETS
If youre still worried about Pluto
getting demoted, take heart: there
could be hundreds of undiscovered
planets in the Solar System...
4 SCIENCE ILLUSTRATED
8/10/2019 science illustrated australia - issue 32 2014.pdf
5/84
REGULARS
6
MEGAPIXELVolcanic lightning totally goes off!
8
EXTREME REMOTE
COMMUNITIESCould you live in genuine isolation?
1
SCIENCE UPDATEThe latest news and developments in
science!
18
ASK USWould getting painted gold kill you?
2
TREE LOBSTERLong thought extinct, this giant stick
insect survived - by looking like a stick.
8
TRIVIANow with more solar car supposition!
82
BIODIVERSITYA blue butterfly... that isnt really blue
46TWO YEARS ON MARS
The Curiosity rover has already madeamazing discoveries, and taken more selfies
than any other space robot in history...
54CARBON SEQUESTER
While we wait for renewable energytechnologies to become economical, will
storing carbon dioxide stave off disaster?
68DAINTREE RAINFOREST
One of Australias most remarkable
wildernesses is just a few hours drive
from Cairns. Heres why you should go.
76BODY ENERGY
Bored with having to plug your phone in to
charge every day? Soon you could generate
electricity - with your regular body movements.
SU SCRI E
NOW! 62Get Australian ScienceIllustrated delivered toyour door and save $$$!
scienceillustrated.com.au 5
8/10/2019 science illustrated australia - issue 32 2014.pdf
6/84
8/10/2019 science illustrated australia - issue 32 2014.pdf
7/84
scienceillustrated.com.au 7
8/10/2019 science illustrated australia - issue 32 2014.pdf
8/84 SCIENCE ILLUSTRATED
GLOBAL EXTREMES TRISTAN DA CUNHA
The most remote
community
to the closest neighbour. That s the concept of
"local" for the 263 inhabitants of the South
Atlantic island of Tristan da Cunha, making theircommunity the most remote on Earth. The
nearest inhabited land, the island of Saint
Helena, is located 2,430 km to the north, or the
same as the distance between Moscow and
Amsterdam. The closest mainland is South
Africa, 2,800 km to the east.
Tristan da Cunha forms part of an archipelago
under British rule including a total of six islands.
The 98 km island mainly consists of a fertile
stratovolcano rising 2,062 m above the ocean
surface. The only flat area is located towards
the north-west, where you will find the
islanders homes in the village of Edinburgh.The Tristans go all the way back to 1816.
Napoleon was placed under house arrest on
the island of Saint Helena, and the British
feared that France would use other Atlantic
islands to launch an attack. So, the UK
stationed a corporal and his family on Tristan
da Cunha. Until 1908, the island experienced
limited immigration. Today, the population lives
by agriculture, fishery, and the sale of coins.
S UT
AMERICA
TRISTAN DA CUNHA IS A DOT IN THE OCEAN
Seven families All
Tristans descend from six
women and eight men, so
there are only seven family
names on the island: Glass,
Green, Hagan, Lavarello,
Repetto, Rogers, and Swain.
Volcanic refugees for1.5 years: In 1961, thevolcano of the island erupt-
ed, and the entire
population was evacuated
to England. Most chose to
return 18 months later.
Successful community:There is no unemployment
on Tristan da Cunha. People
are busy running for instance
a shop, a cafe, a school, and
two churches. Once a year,
a ship with supplies and mail
arrives from Saint Helena.
Animals and plants:The Tristans breed cattle and
chickens and they grow
potatoes in small gardens.
The island is also endemic
to several wild animal
species such as the
Tristan albatross.
2,430 km
By Bjrn Bojesen. Photo: Getty Images, Alamy/Imageselect, NASA, CERN
Tristan da Cunha
S UT
AFRICA
8/10/2019 science illustrated australia - issue 32 2014.pdf
9/84
9
The most remotebat speciesis the Hawaiian Lasiuruscinereus semotus,which lives 4,000 kmfrom its closest relativein North America.
The most remotetree was the Tnrtree of the SaharaDesert, located 400 kmfrom other trees, untila car struck and killedit in 1973.
The most remoteland mass is theBouvet Island territoryof Norway, 1,642 kmfrom the island ofGough and 1,700 km
from Antarctica.
The UK stationed CorporalWilliam Glass and his family in 1816.
Over the years, more men arrived,
and so, a whaler fetched five women
from Saint Helena. All islanders
descend from these five women
and Mrs Glass.
The most remoteprobe is the Voyager1, which has moved19 billion km away fromEarth since 1977 and
has now left ourSolar System.
OTHER REMOTE RECORDS
The 5 other islandsName Size Inhabitants Distance
1.Gough Island 65 km 6* 400 km
2.Inaccessible Island 14 km 0 45 km
3.Nightingale Island 2.6 km 0 35 km4.Middle Island 0.2 km 0 34 km
5.Stoltenhoff Island 0.14 km 0 33 km
2
5
3
4
* No residents, but the weather station is manned by around 6 people.
Tristan da Cunha
1
8/10/2019 science illustrated australia - issue 32 2014.pdf
10/84
SCIENCE UPDATE
10 SCIENCE ILLUSTRATED
Editor: Rasmus Palludan
LATEST NEWS AND DISCOVERIES
One of the worlds most sophisticated deep sea
submarines, Nereus, has disappeared. The sub is believed
to have imploded at a depth of 10 km due to high pressure.
SUPER S TELLITES
BECOME E RTHS
GU RDI N NGELS
A new fleet of satellites will monitor Earth and protect it against threats.
TECHNOLOGY693 km above Earth, you willfind the Sentinel-1A satellite, which takes
extremely detailed photos of our planet,
using a 12-m-long radar antenna. At thispoint, the satellite has already captured
melting glaciers and flooding.
The 2.3 tonne satellite was launched on
3 April 2014, and that is only the beginning
of what ESA has named the most
extensive observation programme ever
focusing on the surface of the Earth.
Approaching 2020, a total of five Sentinel
missions will be initiated. The satellites will
monitor our planet and provide data and
high-resolution radar images of anything
from pollution, oceans, landscape changes,
and flooding to earthquakes.In 2016, the Sentinel-1A will be followed
by a twin, the Sentinel-1B. Together, the two
of them are capable of collecting data from
anywhere on Earth within a period of six
days. The special radar aerial of the
satellites enables them to take photographsof Earth when it is cloudy or even dark.
These qualities come in handy in connection
with emergencies such
as flooding, when relief
agencies need fast
access to data. The
future Sentinel
satellites will all be
assigned a set of
unique tasks.
Calving ice, Antarctica
Level differences, Antarctica
Dead 115-year-oldreveals limit of lifePHYSIOLOGYIn 2005, Hendrikje van Andel-
Schipper of the Netherlands passed away atthe age of 115. Scientists have studied her
body and discovered a possible connection
between the number of stem cells and age.
The woman was running out of stem cells.
Approximately two thirds of the white blood
cells she had left originated from just two
blood stem cells. That is very few, as we are
born with around 20,000 blood stem cells
and typically, 1,000 stem cells are
constantly producing vital white blood cells.
Studies of the woman
reveal that stem cells may
determine how old we get.
WRIST B ND DJUSTS
BODY TEMPERATUREThe Wristify wrist band decreases or
increases your body temperature at the
back of the wrist. The new temperature
spreads to the rest of the body, producing a
psychological effect: People feel warmer or
cooler than they really are.
ESA,
CLAUSLUNAU
WRISTIFY
FIORELLIETAL.
The Sentinel-1A has
already sent the firstdetailed images of ice and
mountains in Antarctica.
8/10/2019 science illustrated australia - issue 32 2014.pdf
11/84scienceillustrated.com.au 11
1.Radar sendselectromagnetic signals
to and from Earth.
2.The Sentinel-1A transfersimages to the GEO satellittes.
3.The GEO satellitestransmit the images
to a radar station
on Earth at a speed
of 2 gigabits
per second.
Radar sees in the dark
The satellite takes clear images, even if Earth is
wrapped in clouds or darkness. The images are
taken with a 12-m-long radar that sends
electromagnetic signals towards Earth from
where they are reflected back to the satellite.
Photographing sea ice by thepoles.
Monitoring oceans and lakesto spot oil spills, etc.
Photographing disaster areasto get a general idea of thesituation.
Mapping out land surfaces,focusing on shifts inconnection with earthquakes,
volcanic eruptions, etc.
Monitoring city infrastructure.
SENTINEL 1AS
TASKS:Radar beam
ARCHAEOLOGYIn a grassyBronze Age burial site in
Northern Israel, workmen
installing a gas pipe found a
sarcophagus, complete withan approximately 3.300-year-
old skeleton of an adult man
and his golden seal.
The lid of the sarcophagus is
made of clay and shaped like a
human being, including a life-
like impression of a face with
hair, ears, and hands folded
across the chest.
The seal is the shape of the
holy Egyptian scarab beetle.
Attached to a finger ring, it
includes the symbol of Pharaoh
Seti I, who ruled Egypt from
1304 to 1290 BC and
conquered the region of Israel,in which the sarcophagus was
excavated. According to one
theory, the man in the
sarcophagus was a local, who
had been hired to be an
Egyptian government official.
He could also have been an
imposter, who copied
Egyptian burial rites. Scientists
believe he was an Israeli with
Egyptian relations.
Under a rare sarcophagus lid adorned with a human face, there were a wealth
of artefacts such as a knife, animal bones, and pottery.
WORKMEN FIND TOMB
ISRAEL ANTIQUITIES AUTHORITY
12-m-longradar aerial
10-m-longsolar panel
GEO satellite
GEO satellite
8/10/2019 science illustrated australia - issue 32 2014.pdf
12/84
8/10/2019 science illustrated australia - issue 32 2014.pdf
13/84
scienceillustrated.com.au 13
A 50-million-year-old bird fossilhas been discovered in Wyoming, USA. Named Eocypselus
rowei, the bird is believed to be an extinct cousin of modern humming birds and apodiformes.
ASTEROIDS COULD DESTROY CITIESGEOLOGYScientists have made a list of the
number of asteroids that hit Earth in 2000-
2013. A total of 26 times, our world wasstruck by violent explosions, which were
caused by asteroids.
The count demonstrates that asteroid
impacts are not rare, but it also shows us how
often we should expect asteroid impacts
that could ruin entire cities. According to the
scientists, an impact of this type takes place
every 100 years. The latest asteroid of this
force hit the Russian city of Tunguska in
1908. The asteroid had a 45 m diameter andan explosive energy of 5 megatonnes
(corresponding to 5,000 kilotonnes).
The impacts of the report ranked between
1 and 600 kilotonnes, as measured by a
global network of sensors. In comparison,
the Hiroshima nuclear bomb of 1945 had an
explosive power of 15 kilotonnes.
LOC L FOC L POINT
500 m from Nishino-shima Japan
A fuming volcanic island has risen out of the Pacific Ocean about
1,000 km south of the Japanese capital of Tokyo. The volcanic
island "vomited" magma, until after months of slow approaches
fusing with the nearby island of Nishino-shima. The new island
is approximately 1000 metres long and 60 metres
high at its most elevated point.
olcanic island doubled
SCIENTISTS REVEAL
KILLER FLY DNA
10,000 people die annually inAfrica, infected with sleeping
sickness by tsetse flies. Now,
scientists on the verge of
developing a cure for the
disease. After 10 years of work,
they have managed to sequence
the killer flys genome. The
scientists have already
identified genes in the fly that
can cripple it. The knowledge
can be used to manufacture
new types of insecticides.
Nishino-shima
Nishino-shima
Volcanic island
Volcanic island
BEFORE
AFTER
S
N
P
X
JAPANC
OASTGUARD
B612FOUNDATION
8/10/2019 science illustrated australia - issue 32 2014.pdf
14/84
8/10/2019 science illustrated australia - issue 32 2014.pdf
15/84
NEWYORKAUDIOSH W14M
a
rrottat t
he BrooklynBri
dge
26- 28 S E
N T ON L
AUDIOSHO 14WHITTLEBU
RY
HA L UK
, -21 SEPTHiltonBon ventureHote l, ar ch 2 1 5
MONTREALAUDIO HOW
The Australian Audio & AV Show is your only chance to
hear ALL the worlds best audio & AV in one place. New
technology and digital delivery to classic vinyl and glowing
valves compare hundreds of hi-fi, headphone and home
theatre brands before you buy. Sit down and listen to the
worlds best systems many valued in the hundreds of
thousands of dollars. Learn about the latest tech how
to stream music around your home, how to turn your
computer into a high-end audio source, how to control
everything from smartphone and tablet.
Live music, competitions, specialevents its all in Melbourne fromFriday 17th to Sunday 19th October.
ONE LOCATION
HUNDREDS OF
TOP HI FI AND
AV BRANDS
For Trade and Show Exhibitor information andsales please call + 61 (0) 426 889 431
Amazing to see (and hear!)all this great hi-fi in oneplace. I want it all!Bernard from Geelong Victoria
Was able to hear about 30headphones at the show.Bought my favourite!Nigel from Brisbane QLD
Great music and greatpeople able to answer all
the technical questions I had.Coming back next year!Morrisey NSW
twitter.com/OzAudioShow
facebook.com/AustralianAudioShow
chestergroup.org
UST
RL
N
UDIO VSHOW
InterContinental Melbourne The Rialto, 17-19 OCT
TICKETS NOW ON SALE AT
www.australianaudioandavshow.com
http://www.australianaudioandavshow.com/http://www.australianaudioandavshow.com/http://www.australianaudioandavshow.com/8/10/2019 science illustrated australia - issue 32 2014.pdf
16/84
SOLAR POWERED
PLANE TRAVELS
ROUND THE WORLD
TECHNOLOGYIn March 2015,the Solar Impulse 2 solar cell
plane will take off for a 35,000
km mission around the world
without consuming as much as
one droplet of fuel. More than
17,000 solar cells mounted onthe aircraft wings, which are
bigger than those of a jumbo
jet, will supply the energy
required for the flight.
The Solar Impulse 2 is made
of super strong and ultralight
carbon fibre composites with a
surface of integrated solar
panels which will supply all the
energy for four propeller
engines. The energy is stored
in lithium batteries, allowing
the aircraft to remain in the air
around the clock.
The solar plane was already
introduced in April 2014 and is
the successor of the SolarImpulse, which took off for the
first time in 2010. The
predecessor has completed
several missions, including one
from San Francisco to New York.
The man behind the plane is
engineer Bertrand Piccard. He
hopes that the winged solar
aircraft can inspire other solar
powered planes.
Solar cells supply energy 24/7.
Flying solar cell is ultralightThe plane body is made of ultralight carbon fibre,
consuming as little energy as possible. The top of the
plane is covered in 17,000+ solar cells, which supply
all the energy.
o
o
gleglassesilm
s
u
r
g
e
r
y
O
r
t
h
o
p
a
e
d
i
c
S
u
r
g
e
o
n
S
e
l
e
n
e
a
r
e
k
h
f
r
o
m
t
h
e
D
u
k
e
n
i
v
e
r
s
i
t
y
M
e
d
i
c
a
l
C
e
n
t
e
r
n
t
h
e
U
S
r
e
c
o
r
d
s
h
e
r
u
r
g
e
r
y
b
y
m
e
a
n
s
o
f
t
h
e
o
o
g
l
e
G
l
a
s
s
s
p
e
c
t
a
c
l
e
s
.
u
b
s
e
q
u
e
n
t
l
y
t
h
e
f
i
l
m
s
a
r
e
t
o
r
e
d
o
n
a
h
a
r
d
d
r
i
v
e
t
o
bewatchedlater.
Pilots
2 (plus a supportteam of 60 peopleon the ground).
Fuel consumption:0 litres.
Weight:2,300 kg(about the same asa mid-sized car)
Top speed:140 km/h.
Average speed
70 km/h.
Cruising altitude
8,500 m in daylight,1,500 m at night.
Length of flight:35,000 km.
Duration of flight:10 laps lasting atotal of 500 hours.
Carbon fibrewings and bodyensure lowweight.
Four 17.4 hpengines
3.8 squaremetre cockpit
Wing span of70 m (more than a
jumbo jet).
17,248 solar cells coveran area of 269.5 square me-tres. The energy isstored in lithium batteriesweighing 633 kg.
MONASTERY SEALEXCAVATEDARCHAEOLOGYIn the BayitVeGan neighbourhood of Jerusalem,
archaeologists have found an
800-year-old seal from the Saint
Sabas Monastery.Sabas was a saint and one of the
most influential leaders of the
Byzantine period.
The seal provides historians with
new knowledge about the Bayit
VeGan neighbourhood. It was
found in a farming area, possibly
the same area that the monastery
bought in 1163-64, but whose
location was unknown.
The face of the seal depicts a saint
dressed in a frock and holding a cross
in his right hand.
FIO
RELLIETAL.
SOLARIMPULSE
BY THE NUMBERS
16 SCIENCE ILLUSTRATED
SCIENCE UPDATE
years-old: The age of an ice core that has been extracted in
central Antarctica. The ancient ice core will provide scientists
with the most detailed local ancient climate data so far.
8/10/2019 science illustrated australia - issue 32 2014.pdf
17/84
Brilliant Bose, indoors and out.
Get superb Bosesound indoors and out! Tis amazing prize
includes a complete Bose Lifestyle 535 Series II home
entertainment system for indoors, plus the latest Soundouch
SA-4 amplifier package and a pair of fully weather proof
FreeSpace51 environmental speakers for your garden or patio.
AN AMAZING BOSE
HOMET RTAINMEN SYSEM!
HOW TO ENTER:For your chance to win this fantastic prize, simply subscribe
or renew to Science Illustrated magazine for a minimum
of 12 months, and tell us in 25 words or less: Winning this
indoor/outdoor Bose prize would improve my lifestyle by...
Soundouch Mrequires a home Wi-Ficonnection
Terms: Pricing - Australia 6 issu es $44.95, NZ 6 issues $44.95, Overseas 6 issues $99. Expires 19/11/14. Savings based on total cover pri ce; includes GST. Subscription will comm ence with next a vailable issue. Please allow 6 -8 weeks fordelivery of your firs t magazine. nextmedia P ty Ltd ABN 84 128 805 970. Competition open to Australian and NZ residents, over 18 years of age. Competition commenc es 00:01 AEST 18/08/14 and closes 11:59 AEDST 22/10/14. This is a gameof skill. You will be eligible by telling us in 25 words or l ess, Winning this indoo r/outdoor Bose prize would improve my lifestyle by.... 1 lucky subscriber with the most cre ative entry will win a Bose Home Entertainment Pack compri sed of aBose Lifestyle 535 Series II home entertainment system, SA-4 amplifier package and FreeSpace 51 environmental sp eakers; valued at $6547.00. Total prize pool is $6547.00. Entrants must subscribe to participating magazines for 12
months or more. Multiple entries are accepted however a separate subscription must be purchase d for each entry. One winner will be selec ted at 11:00am AEDST on 28/10/14 at the Promoters premises. The judges decision i s final and nocorrespondence will be e ntered into. The winner will be notified by email and publis hed online. The Promoter is nextme dia Pty Ltd 207 Pacific Highway, St Leonards NSW 2065, visit www.mymagazines.com.au/ bose for full terms. Please tickif you do not wish to receive special offers or information from nextmedia or its partners via Mail email.
SUBSCRIBE TO
W
FOR YOUR CHANCE TO
VALUED AT$6,547!
http://www.mymagazines.com.au/http://www.mymagazines.com.au/8/10/2019 science illustrated australia - issue 32 2014.pdf
18/84
SCIENCE ILLUSTRATED
HE ANSWERSO LIFESITTLE MYSTERIES
EDITOR:Anne Lykke
ow do astronautskeep healthy?
ROOM FOR EXERCISE
With an interior the volume two
Boeing 747s, the ISS can fit in
exercise, work, and
leisure activities.
SOYUZ SPACE CAPSULE
In case of severe disease or
accidents, the Soyuz space
capsule can bring astronauts
back to Earth in a few hours.
TREADMILL
The astronaut wears a safety harness, including
rubber bands, to hold him against the sur face.
Inside the ISS, the astronauts orbit Earth
in a state of weightlessness, and if theirstay lasts for weeks or months, keeping
fit is a specific challenge. The human body
is used to the gravity on Earth, and
without this effect, muscles and
bones will weaken fast. After just six
months in space, up to 15 % of the muscle
mass and up to 10 % of the bone mass
will disappear. Consequently, special
exercise equipment is required aboard the
station. The astronauts exercise in atleast three different ways, using
treadmills, exercise bikes, and a versatile
exercise bench, which can be utilised to
strengthen several different groups of
muscles. Although astronauts on long
missions exercise two hours a day, they
will still lose muscle and bone mass, but
not as much as without exercise.
If an astronaut is very unlucky and needs
medical treatment, at least one of the
astronauts on every mission ISS will have
high-level first aid and medication training
as the flight doctor. Moreover, the space
station is stocked with many types of
medication, equipment for infection
testing of saliva and blood, plus a heart
defibrillator. A sophisticated ISS monitoringsystem keeps an eye on the quality of the
air and sounds the alarm if toxic gasses or
unhealthy microbes are detected. And as a
matter of standard procedure, the staff
tests the water quality and whether there
are bacteria on any surfaces inside the
station. In the longer term, the astronauts
health may be affected by cosmic
radiation, which can cause a slightly
increased risk of developing cancer and
damage to the nervous system.
Space capsule Service module Control module Air lock anddocking
Laboratory
Control roomControl room and storageSleeping quarters
NASA,
CLAUSLUNAU
Sleepingquarters
8/10/2019 science illustrated australia - issue 32 2014.pdf
19/84
scienceillustrated.com.au 19
WHI H DRUG
IS THE MOST
ADDICTIVE?
TOP5
WHY DOES CO
HEAT UP EARTH?
Heroin is the most
addictive drug, physically
and mentally.
EXERCISE BENCHVacuum cylinders can be
adjusted to provide a resistance
corresponding to weights of up
to 270 kg. The exercise bench
can be used in several ways,
exercising all big muscles.
WHAT DETERMINES BREAST SIZE?According to a US study from 2012, at least seven
genes determine the size of breasts, but twin
studies indicate that the genes can only
explain 56 % of breast size differences.
Another important factor is the womans
weight. If she gains weight, some of
the extra kilos will end up in the breast
tissue, providing her with bigger
breasts. Moreover, hormones such as
oestrogen play an important role.
Mental addiction Heroin 3.0
2 Cocaine 2.8
3 Nicotine 2.6
4 Alcohol 1.9
5 Hashish 1.7
Physical addiction Heroine 3.0
2 Nicotine 1.8
3 lcohol 1.6
4 Cocaine 1.3
5 Hashish 0.8
Laboratory and docking
CO2, also known as carbon
dioxide, is a so-called green-
house gas, as it retains heat.When the sunlight hits Earth,
Earth emits thermal energy
into space in the form of infra-
red radiation - which is just
electromagnetic radiation
with a lower frequency than
the light absorbed. At the low-
er frequencies, greenhouse
gasses absorb a major part of
the radiation energy, and the
thermal energy is sent backto Earth. So, heat remains.
Different greenhouse
gasses do not equally absorb
radiation energy in the
infrared spectrum. For
instance, methane is much
more efficient at holding
heat than carbon dioxide.
Addiction can be measured
physically, as the body
adapts to the drug, andmentally, as it provides
well-being and satisfaction.
Addiction is rated on a scale
from zero to three.
G S TYPE
GLOBAL WARMING POTENTIAL GWP IN 20 YRS
Methane (natural gas) 86
Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) 268
Carbon tetrafluoride coolant) 4,950
Without thegreenhouse effect,
the temperate zoneswould have eternal
winters
Carbon dioxide always
boasts a GWP of 1. Hence,
the GWP of a gas indicates
how much more heat the
gas absorbs over a period
of time compared to CO2
.
GREENHOUSE GASSES WORSE THAN CO2
CO2
is a very mild greenhouse gas compared to otherssuch as natural gas, coolants, and laughing gas.
Sleeping quartersand living room
THINKSTOCK
SHUTTERSTOCK
THINKSTOCK
8/10/2019 science illustrated australia - issue 32 2014.pdf
20/84
20 SCIENCE ILLUSTRATED
HE ANSWERSO LIFESITTLE MYSTERIES
ASK US id you knowthat some viruses attack
bacteria and live inside them? Such a
virus is called abacteriophage the
Latin word for bacterium eater
HOW THINGS WORK
Is an MRI scan dangerous
No, only if the
patient has metal in his body. If so, the magnet willpull at the metal, and that could be dangerous.
Even if we leave aside gas giants (which
are made of clouds!), any planet big
enough to hold an atmosphere can formclouds. But the clouds do not necessarily
consist of water droplets like on our
planet. Instead, they could be made up of
sulphur dioxide, carbon dioxide, ammonia,ammonium hydrosulphide, or methane.
Large moons can also have clouds.
Saturns Titan, has a weather system with
clouds. According to new scientific
studies, planets elsewhere in the galaxy
also have clouds. In 2013, astronomers
found signs that the big, hot planet
Kepler-7 b - which is 1,000+ light years
away - has clouds made of silicon
compounds, so it is raining minerals.
Mercury has no clouds,
as the planet is not big
enough to maintain
an atmosphere
DO OTHER PLANETS HAVE CLOUDS?
1.A radio transmitter in the key uses the same numbergenerator as the car's receiver, so transmitter and receiver will
always be synchronised. When a code is sent, the number
generator generates a new code, which is stored. The car does
the same thing.
2.When you press the remote control, the radiotransmitter sends the code to the car along with a function
code telling the car to lock, unlock, or open the boot.
3.The car's computer makes sure that its own code is the sameas the one received from the remote control. If so, the locking/
unlocking is carried out. Otherwise, nothing happens. Many
cars today do not even require the drive to press a button. The
car unlocks when it detects the remote nearby.
VENUS:Sulphur dioxide
MARS:Water and carbon dioxide
JUPITER:Ammonia,ammonium hydrosulphide, water
SATURN:Ammonia,ammonium hydrosulphide, water
URANUS:Methane
NEPTUNE:Methane
SOLAR SYSTEM CLOUDS
Radiotransmitter
ARCHIVE
NASA
A remote keyless entry system
involves a radio transmitter with a
reach of 5-20 m. By means of a random
number generator, a chip in the remote control
generates a code of 40 numbers either zeros or
ones. The chip can generate 240 different codes, so in
practice, it will never be the doors of your neighbours
car that unlock. The manufacturer hopes, anyway!
HOW DOES REMOTE
ENTRY WORK?
8/10/2019 science illustrated australia - issue 32 2014.pdf
21/84
scienceillustrated.com.au 21
Super typhoon Nina, which hit China in 1975, was
the most severe considering both financial and
human costs. The number of people affected was:
The easiest language to learn
is Chinese Mandarin,
according to Norwegian
language professor Rolf Theil
from the University of Oslo.
Mandarin is spoken by
around 70 % of the Chinese
and ranks No. 1, as the
language is regularly
structured and easy to
pronounce. According to Rolf
Theil, Greenlandic is the most
difficult language to learn
due to sentence and word
complexity.
How can insects tolerate extreme cold
without suffering frost damage and dying?
Severe frost is a challenge for living
organisms, as cold weakens the
functionality of enzymes and cell
membranes, and ice crystals damage cells.
Insects feature low heat production and
poor insulation, so insects in cold regionshave developed enzymes and cell
membranes that can function at low
temperatures. Some insects can also avoid
ice formation in their tissue by producing
antifreeze proteins that lower the freezing
point of body fluids. Many freezing-tolerant
insects from the Arctic produce ice outside
cells in their bodies on purpose to protect
the cells' vital parts from ice, which takes
up much more space than water. The ice-
free environment inside cells means that
water tries to get out, making them shrink.
To avoid shrinking damage, the insects
have developed cryoprotectants often
proteins supporting the cell structure.Another cryoprotectant is glycerol, also
known from windscreen washer fluid. It
accumulates inside cells, preventing them
from being emptied of liquid. In some frozen
insects, glycerol may make up to 30 % of
the body fluid.
MOTH LARVAE
of the Gynaephora groen-
landica species can pass the
winter frozen. They tolerate
body temperatures down to
minus 70 degrees C.
I E OLD
SURVIVORS
GALL MIDGE LARVAE
grow inside the stem of the
goldenrod plant and survive
by means of special proteins
that lower the freezing point
of body fluids.
THIS ALASKAN BEETLE
contains antifreeze mole-
cules of sugar and fatty
acids enabling it to live on
even after winter months
of severe frost.
GETTYIMAGES,
K.W
ATERS/UNIVERSITYOFNOTREDAME,
SCANPIX
SHUTTERSTOCK
IN SHORT
Flavour enhancers have no
taste, but they can enhance
the flavour of other foods. The
most well-known is MSG,
also known as mono-
sodium glutamate, which has
traditionally been used in Asia.
8/10/2019 science illustrated australia - issue 32 2014.pdf
22/84
22 SCIENCE ILLUSTRATED
HE ANSWERSO LIFESITTLE MYSTERIES
ASK US
IN THE GROUND
Are strawberries nuts? The myth that the red berries are
nuts does not hold water. But they arent really berries either.
Technically, a strawberry is a swollen floral receptacle
carrying the fruits of the plant: the small, brown nuts.
HOW DID STONE AGE PEOPLE
CUT THE UMBILICAL CORD?Scientists most likely theory of how the
umbilical cord was cut is that the new mother
cut the cord using a sharp rock or shell.
However, this is pure guesswork, as no ar-
chaeological or written evidence exists.
The mother could also have
simply bitten the cord
WHAT IS A MINERAL?Three examples of minerals are salt (NaCl), diamond,
which is only made up of carbon, and asbestos
(MgSiO(OH)). Sugar is not a mineral, as it is organic
and full of carbon-hydrogen bonds. And glass
is not a mineral, as its atoms are not organised in a
crystal grid. But water ice (HO) meets all the
requirements of a mineral and falls within the definition.
Salt has a simple
crystal structure.
The crystal grid of salt
is made up of 50 %
sodium atoms and
50 % chlorine atoms
linked by ion bonds.
A MINERAL MUST MEET REQUIREMENTS
It must:
1.be solid
2.be expressible as
a chemical formula
3.have its atoms
organised in a crystal lattice
4.be produced naturally
5.be inorganic (not hold carbon-
hydrogen bonds)
Salt exists in nature and is often extracted from salt
mines, seawater, or salt water lakes.
Na+
CI-
THINKSTOCK
SHUTTERSTOCK
Placenta, including
umbilical cord
8/10/2019 science illustrated australia - issue 32 2014.pdf
23/84
scienceillustrated.com.au 23
In Goldfinger,
Jill Mastersons (Shirley
Eatons) death is explained by
fictional skin suffocation.
The skin can absorb oxygen, but only for its
own use. Humans do not breathe through
their skin and consequently will not
suffocate after having their skin covered in
airtight paint. If a person were plastered with
gold paint in real life and died, the cause of
death would probably be something else.
Gold paint may contain heavy metals,
organic solvents such as turpentine, or other
toxins that have a damaging effect on body
cells. These substances are readily
absorbed through the skin, from where they
are taken to all corners of the body by the
blood system. A less likely cause of death
could also be overheating, as the paint
retains body heat.
Will gold on your skin kill you
In the Bond film Goldfinger, actor
Shirley Eatons character dies
after getting covered in gold paint
from head to foot by the baddies.
Were supposed to believe she
suffocated, as her skin couldnt
breathe. But would this happen?
ow can body
paint be lethal?
Heavy metals:The epidermis absorbs
substances from the surroundings such
as heavy metals and solvents, which
could be lethal in large quantities.
Vitamin D deficiency
The skin's production of
vitamin D depends on
sunlight. Hence, gold pain
could cause lethal vitamin
D deficiency over time.
Overheating:Sweat glands and blood
vessels control body temperature. Gold would
prevent the body from sweating and shedding
body heat - this could be lethal in
warm weather.
Possible
Most likely
Unlikely
HYPOTHESIS
SCANPIX
SPECIAL EFFECTS
8/10/2019 science illustrated australia - issue 32 2014.pdf
24/84
THE
SOL R SY
SECRET
4 SCIENCE ILLUSTRATED
VICTORHABBICKVISIONS/SPL/SCANPIX
NEW DISCOVERY
2012 VP113Diameter:450 km
Distance to Sun:12 billion km
Orbital period:4,590 years
8/10/2019 science illustrated australia - issue 32 2014.pdf
25/84
AU:
DICTIONARY
ALLANHJEN
MYSTERIOUS NEIGHBOURS IN OUR SOLAR SYSTEM'S BACK YARD
Astronomers have discovered two dwarf planets, Sedna and 2012 VP113,
in a region far from the other inhabitants of the Solar System.
2012 VP113
Sednas orbit
DISCOVERED IN 2003
By Torben R. Simonsen
SEDNADiameter:1,000 km
Distance to Sun: 11.3 billion km
Orbital period: 11,400 years
8/10/2019 science illustrated australia - issue 32 2014.pdf
26/84
6 SCIENCE ILLUSTRATED
2012 VP113 is its orbit. The dwarf planet
never gets any closer to the Sun than some
12 billion km, or 80 times Earths distance to
the Sun, and it is probably located in a region
called the Oort cloud.
Our Solar System is divided into a number
of regions relative to the Sun. At the closestrange, you will find the small rocky planets,
such as Earth, in a region 58 - 628 million km
from the Sun. After the rocky planets, the
asteroid belt follows, before the big gas
planets such as Jupiter in a region 748 million
- 4.5 billion km from the Sun. After the gas
planets, you will find the icy Kuiper belt, that
stretches 4.5 - 7.5 billion km from the Sun.
And beyond the Kuiper belt is the Oort cloud.
Until recently, astronomers did not
believe the Oort cloud to contain much more
than dust or comets, and so far, they have
only found two objects in the region: Sedna
and 2012 VP113. Like the dwarf planet of
Pluto, their orbits are inclined compared to
the those of other Solar System planets. But
unlike Pluto, the newly discovered objects
leave the Kuiper belt, as their orbits are highly
elliptical. Sedna moves 140 billion km away
from the Sun, whereas the maximum
distance of 2012 VP113 is 67 billion km.
THREE THEORIES EXPLAIN
THE OORT CLOUD
The astronomers behind the discovery still
do not know how the two dwarf planets
ended up in the special orbit, but they areworking with three theories concerning
Spotted by several telescopesOfficially, the dwarf planet was discovered in
2012, but actually, the Gemini telescope imaged
2012 VP113 in 2011, without astronomers
discovering nor registering the small object.
The dwarf planetis captured twiceby the Gemini tele-scope of MaunaKea, Hawaii, but isnot registered.
System with the most remote orbit around
the Sun. The closest that 2012 VP113 ever
gets to the Sun is 80 AU (some 12 billion km).
The only other object orbiting the Sun, which
is also located outside the Kuiper belt, is
Sedna, whose closest distance to the Sun is
76 AU (some 11.3 billion km), ScottSheppard explains.
According to the astronomers, the
discovery of the new dwarf planet shows
that Sedna is no fluke or rogue, and that the
region outside the Kuiper belt has probably
got a lot more to offer.
ONLY 2 OBJECTS FOUND IN
THE REGION
The scientists spend the following months
making more observations to be sure
that they have a true and fair
impression of 2012 VP113, which
many astronomers now
consider a dwarf planet,
although it has not yet
been categorised (or
properly named).
F e a t u r i n g a
diameter of 450 km,
the dwarf planet has
ice on its surface as a
r e s u l t o f t h e
e x t r e m e l y l o w
temperatures on the
outskirts of our Solar
System. But what isvery special about
ne November night in 2012, two
American astronomers have taken
their seats at the Cerro Tololo
observatory in the mountains of Chile. From
an altitude of 2,200 metres, they are
looking for dwarf planets in the Solar
System, which are usually located farbeyond the belt of planets orbiting the Sun.
In 2003, one of the astronomers,
Chadwick Trujillo, discovered the dwarf
planet of Sedna in an unusual orbit around
the Sun, and ever since, he has been
looking for other dwarf planets, which could
tell us more about the birth of the Solar
System. Trujillo and his colleague, Scott
Sheppard, are particularly interested in the
vast unknown zone that makes up the
remote outskirts of the Solar System.
The astronomers adjust the telescope to
photograph a region beyond the area inwhich most planets are located. At regular
intervals, the scientists take photos with the
telescopes super-sensitive camera.
Sophisticated photo processing software
isolates objects which move over time as
compared to the stationary background
stars. And the two astronomers are lucky: A
new inhabitant, 2012 VP113, has been
discovered in our Solar System.
We have found an object of the Solar
2012 VP113
The dwarf planet was discovered in
November 2012 and has been
observed several times by the
Chilean Magellan telescope.
The radioactiveirradiation of ice,
carbon dioxide, and
methane gives this
dwarf planet a
weak reddish glow.
2011
CTIO&
SCANPIX
GIANT MAGELLAN TELESCOPE GMTO CORPORATION
OCTOBER 2011
8/10/2019 science illustrated australia - issue 32 2014.pdf
27/84
1
23
4
5
scienceillustrated.com.au 27
Dry air fine tunes
super telescope
ONE HECK OF A DIGITAL CAMERA
On 5 November 2012, the 2012
VP113 dwarf planet was detected
by the Victor M. Blanco telescope in
the dry mountain desert of Chile.The observatory is in one of the
best locations in the world, as the
air surrounding the mountain
peaks is extremely stable and dry,
and that's ideal for astronomy.
The Victor M. Blanco telescopes camera is the worlds
most accurate digital camera. It can cover an area
20 times bigger than the Moon in one single shot.
The Victor M. Blancotelescope of the CerroTololo observatoryin Chile observesthe dwarf planetseveral times.
The 6.5 mMagellan telescopein Chile observes2012 VP113 anddeterminesits orbit.
More Magellantelescopeobservationsverify the smallworlds surfaceand orbit.
The surfacecomposition ofthe dwarf planetis determinedbased on newobservations.
Silicon blocksmake up the cameras light-sensitive film,
allowing 570 megapixel recordings.
Six steering armsadjust the objective to a degree of
accuracy of 0.00015 cm. The arms can carry 3,500 kg.
The camera filterscan be exchanged, allowing
astronomers to analyse the images at different wavelengths.
ive lensescorrect the incident light, so the images
across entire telescope diameter become accurate.
Electronicsdraw data from the camera, passing the
information on to computers.
A DIGITAL CAMERA
(Dark Energy Camera)records images ofthe starry sky.
A ROTATING WHEEL
keeps the telescope focusedat the same point duringlong recordings.
THE REFLECTORhas a diameter of 4 m.It captures light andsends it on to the camera.
THE APERTURE
of the dome allows faintlight from remote starsand galaxies to enter.
ALLANHJEN
GEMINI OBSERVATORY/AURA
1
2
4
5
3
NOVEMBER 2012 MARCH 2013 OCTOBER 2013AUGUST 2013
2012 2013 2014
8/10/2019 science illustrated australia - issue 32 2014.pdf
28/84
the birth of the Oort cloud.
According to one theory, a stray planet
was pushed out from the gas giant region at
an early point, perhaps by Jupiter. On its way
out, the displaced planet pushed objects,
including 2012 VP113, into the Oort cloud,
where the planet may still be located,
according to Scott Sheppard.
The second theory involves that a star
from another solar system passed by our
Solar System at some point, leaving
objects, including the two dwarf planets, in
the Oort cloud.
Or perhaps the explanation is the direct
opposite: the Oort cloud may have been
formed, when, in connection with the
formation of our Solar System, another star
passed by the Sun, taking a number of
objects from our Solar System with it.
Today, no other stars affect Sedna and
2012 VP113, so astronomers do not know
with any certainty how the dwarf
planets got their odd orbits.
The Oort cloud objects are
mysterious due to their eccentric
orbits, and at some point in
history, they must have been
subjected to considerable forces.
Based on what we know about
the Solar System, there is nothing
here that could have affectedthe orbits of these objects,
Scott Sheppard explains.
900 HIDDEN
NEIGHBOURS
Once astronomers
have found at least 10
other objects in the
Oort cloud, Scott
Sheppard expects
scientists to be
The super sensitive camera in
Victor M. Blanco telescope
captures the faint light of the
starry sky using silicon blocks.FERMILAB
Scott Sheppard, astronomer.
SILICON BLOCKS
8 SCIENCE ILLUSTRATED
8/10/2019 science illustrated australia - issue 32 2014.pdf
29/84
able to determine which theory is the
most likely one. The orbits of the
objects will be different, depending
on the applicable theory. According to
the astronomer, it should not be so
very difficult to track down new,
unknown dwarf planets in the
remotest regions of our Solar System.
We believe that the inner Oort
cloud contains more objects than the
Kuiper belt or the asteroid belt (region
occupied by rocks between Mars and
Jupiter), Scott Sheppard explains:
We expect the region to include at
least 900 objects sized 1,000+ km. A
few of them may even be bigger than
Earth, but most will be so far away that
they are impossible to discover.
In order for astronomers to spot
these remote neighbours, they need to
watch for when the distant member of
the planetary family gets close enough
to Earth for astronomers to make
observations and study the object long
enough to determine its orbit and how
it relates to the Oort cloud. This willrequire some luck, if the other objects
of the region have just as extreme
orbits as Sedna and 2012 VP113.
The two astronomers, Trujillo and
Sheppard, are still searching for
planets and dwarf planets in the inner
Oort cloud. At the moment, the
scientists are observing six different
objects that could belong in this
remote, unexplored, and dark corner
of our Solar System
Three types of planetsHuge gas planets, compact rocky worlds, and small
dwarf planets all exist in the Solar System.
The four so-called outer planets are called gas
giants. They are bigger and heavier than the
rocky planets and characterised by apart
from a small, solid core being made ofgas. The four worlds all have ring
systems and lots of moons.
GAS GIANTS
Astronomers have discovered and categorised
five dwarf planets, but the Solar System probably
includes several hundred. Dwarf planets often
orbit the Sun further away than Neptune.
DWARF PLANETS
The mountain desert of Chile is the
perfect place for telescopes,
as the air is both dry and stable.REIDAR HAHN/FERMILAB VMS
NASA&SCANPIX
The four inner planets orbitingthe Sun are called rocky planets.
They are relatively small and
boast solid surfaces consisting
of silicate rock and cores made
of iron and nickel.
ROCKY PLANETS
Mercury
Planet
Venus
Earth
Mars
4,879 km
Diameter
12,104 km
12,756 km
6,805 km
45,693,773 km
Distance to Sun
107,476,002 km
147,098,073 km
206,644,545 km
Pluto
Jupiter
Planet
Planet
Haumea
Saturn
Eris
Uranus
Makemake
Ceres
Neptune
2,390 km
142,984 km
Diameter
Diameter
1,600 km
120,536 km
2,400 km
51,118 km
1,420 km
950 km
49,528 km
4,436,824,613 km
740,742,598 km
Distance to Sun
Distance to Sun
5,259,666,499 km
1,349,467,376 km
5,670,000,000 km
2,735,555,035 km
6,850,000,000 km
382,520,000 km
4,459,631,485 km
scienceillustrated.com.au 29
8/10/2019 science illustrated australia - issue 32 2014.pdf
30/84
3 SCIENCE ILLUSTR TED
e nd
the
truth
about THE
SCIENTISTS NSWER
THE BIG QUESTIONS
Due to incredible new discoveries, accurate DNA
sequencing, and detailed climate analyses, scientists have
managed to paint a complete portrait of our closest
relative, the Neanderthal for the very first time. And they
might be more human than we ever suspected.
VOLKERSTEGER
FEATURE| ARCHAEOLOGY
8/10/2019 science illustrated australia - issue 32 2014.pdf
31/84
scienceillustr ted com u
|
3
PAGE
SPECIAL
rthal
By Rasmus Kragh Jakobsen
SYLVAINE
NTRESSANGLE&
ELISABETHD
AYNES/LOOKATSCIENCES
8/10/2019 science illustrated australia - issue 32 2014.pdf
32/843 SCIENCE ILLUSTRATED
t first he thought he'd found a bear,but in fact it was a very strong
hominid that Latin teacher
Johann Carl Fuhlrott found, when he came
across a heap of old bones in the German
Neander Valley in 1856. Indeed, scientists
initially believed that the massive bones were
those of a bear, but the discovery soon proved
to be much more sensational. The fossils were
from an unknown hominid, the Neanderthal,
who lived more than 40,000 years ago.
Since then, bones have proven a
veritable gold mine to scientists. Thanks to
new techniques, geneticists can now extractDNA from even small and very old bone
fragments. So these bones have not only
revealed the physiology of the Neanderthal,
they have also provided scientists with a
clear-cut idea of their abilities and ancestors.
Altogether, this knowledge has painted an
accurate picture of the Neanderthal and their
everyday life in Ice Age Europe.
NEANDERTHAL FOUND
IN 70 PLACES
Today, scientists have found the fossils of
more than 350 Neanderthal in 70 placesthroughout the world. Their territory
stretched from the Atlantic in the west tothe Altai Mountains of Siberia in the east.
Complete skeletons from France and
Croatia have provided us with substantial
knowledge about Neanderthal anatomy.
General ly, the bones are sturdy,
indicating very strong, compact people.
Modern man is designed to easily cross long
distances. Neanderthals were made for brief,
explosive power discharges.
Neanderthal genome sequencing has
revealed that, genetically, they parted from
modern humans 270-440 thousand years
ago, and that our common ancestor was atall, slim hominid from Africa named Homo
heidelbergensis. Whereas the Neanderthal
are the descendants of a branch that left
Africa, our branch remained in Africa. In Ice
Age Europe, the Neanderthals ancestors
experienced a rough, barren climate. In
slightly warmer Southern Europe, the
ancestors could survive the severe winters,
but over time, their bodies adjusted: the
Neanderthal became short and
compact with minimal heat loss
perfect for severe winters.
Ice age shapedthe eanderthalIn recent years, several hundred fossils have been unearthed,
providing us with an increasingly detailed impression of
Neanderthal physiology: they were a strong, stocky people,
well-adapted for biting cold.
Fossils of 350+ Neanderthals have been found
in Europe and Asia. This is the skull of a
3-year-old child from France.
BIG EYES
EXCELLENT EYESIGHT
2 NOSE HEATED
COLD AIR
3 BIG MUSCLES
HEAVY BODY
4 INFLEXIBLE
SHOULDER POOR
THROW
4
PHILIPPE PLAILLY/LOOK AT SCIENCES
ALAMY/IMAGESELECT
ELISABETH DAYNES/LOOK AT SCIENCES
8/10/2019 science illustrated australia - issue 32 2014.pdf
33/84scienceillustrated.com.au 33
What did theylook like?
Wide pelvis.
rdy, curvedghbones.
The bones aregenerally sturdy,indicating greatstrength.
Sturdy kneeand elbow joints.
Low, ratherlong skull.
Low, recedingforehead .
The rear of the teethwere curved like theblade of a shovel.
Receding chin.
GOOD HEARING
TALENT FOR LANGUAGE
The Neanderthal had the same soundspectrum sensitivity as us, indicating
that they spoke. They had the samemutations of an important language
gene as we do.
5.EXCELLENT EYESIGHT
BIG BRAINS
The brain was 1.45 l on average in comparisonwith our modest 1.34 l. The size is attributable tothe fact that they had bigger eyes and used more
brain capacity to process visual impressions.
10.IRON GRIPMuscle attachments in
the hand reveal a very firm,clamp-like handshake.
8.THE TEETH WERE
SCOOPSHAPED
The rear side of teeth were curved
like the blade of a shovel,
as observed in some modern Asians.
11 SHORT LIMBS
KEPT OUT THE COLD
The short fingers, toes, lower legs,and forearms plus the powerful
chest and dense body build meant asmaller surface area, so the body
was easier to keep warm.
9 LIGHT SKIN
AND RED HAIR
Genetic studies have revealed thatsome Neanderthals had red hair and
pale skin. But not all of them.
6 SENSE OF BALANCE
FOR SHORT RUNS ONLY
The internal ear was different inthe balance area, as the rear canal
was located lower than ours,indicating less agile mobility and that
the Neanderthal did not run a lot.
Stocky and very strongThe Neanderthal body was perfect for life in Ice Age
Europe. The short limbs minimised the bodys
heat loss, and the wide nasal cavity heated the cold air.
2
1
6
87
9
10
11
5
IRA BLOCK/NGS
ELISABETH DAYNES/LOOK AT SCIENCES
8/10/2019 science illustrated australia - issue 32 2014.pdf
34/84
SCIENCE ILLUSTRATED
Hominidsslept with
other hominidsGenetic sequencing has revealed
that different hominids mated with
each other. The family tree supports
the discoveries made so far. For
instance, the Denisovans of the Altai
Mountains had 0.5 % Neanderthal in
their genes.
HOBBIT LIVED ON ISLANDS
Until 12,000 years ago, people nicknamed"hobbits" by modern science, lived on theIndonesian island of Flores. They madestone tools and hunted dwarf elephants,using spears and arrows.
Range:the Indonesian island of FloresHeight:90-110 cmWeight:16-36 kgBrain: 380-400 mlLived:2 million-
12,000 years ago
he
world
was full
of people50,000 years ago, the Neanderthal
would come across both long-
limbed, modern humans and dark
Denisovans in Europe and Asia,
whereas several types of pygmies
roamed the East. The world of the
Neanderthal was full of intelligent
hominids, who lived side by side.
HOMO FLORESIENSIS
Africa
Europe
Asia
Oceania
MODERN MAN
DENISOVANS
NEANDERTHALS
%
%
AltaiUnknown
>
5
%
AltaiVindija
Mezmaiskaya
Unknown
Unknownhominid
The red arrows indicate thepercentage of genes from otherhominids in specific sites.
5
%
0
5
%
P. PLAILLY, E. DAYNES/EURELIOS/LOOK AT SCIENCES
RECONSTRUCTION ELISABETH DAYNES, PARIS
P. PLAILLY & E. DAYNES/LOOK AT SCIENCES
8/10/2019 science illustrated australia - issue 32 2014.pdf
35/84
scienceillustrated.com.au 35
NEW HOMINID INTRODUCED
Range:Height:Weight:Brain:Lived:
ange
Height:Weight:Brain:Lived:
NORTHERN ANCESTOR
ange
Height:Weight:Brain:Lived:
EUROPEANS REACHED ASIAHUNTER LEFT AFRICA
Range:Height:Weight:Brain:Lived:
HOMO ERECTUS IWO ELERU HOMO HEIDELBERGENSIS HOMO NEANDERTHALEN
ne late night in 1996, Svante Pbo
has just fallen asleep, when thephone r ings. Confused, the
Swedish geneticist picks up to hear the
message: It is not one of us. Suddenly,
Pbo is wide awake.
The call comes from Matthias Kring, a
PhD student from Svante Pbos lab. Just
this morning, he began to sequence the DNA
of a 40-50,000-year-old Neanderthal bone.
When Pbo arrives at the lab, he sees
sequences of DNA letters, which would
seem like random sequences of letters to
a layman. But Matthias Kring is thrilled.
The sequence of letters does not matchany sequences of modern humans, and
Svante Pbo is immediately aware that
the dream has come true: The first
genetic material from an extinct hominid
has been properly sequenced.
SUCCESSFUL WORK
Ever since then, the continued successful
sequencing of fossil DNA and epoch-making
results have been produced en masse,
boosted by a combination of the genome
sequencing technological revolution and
improved capacity for isolating andsubsequently sequencing even tiny amounts
of DNA molecules.
In 2010, scientists discovered an
unknown hominid based on fossil DNA from a
small bone fragment. The hominid, who lived
at the same time as the Neanderthal, was
named the Denisovan - a dark and still rather
mysterious stranger who we need to learn
more about. And last year, Pbos team
sequenced the complete genetic material of
a 50,000-year-old Neanderthal.
We are allNeanderthalThe sequencing of fossil genetic material has revealed a world in which a wealth of different
hominids lived side by side and even mated with each other, producing hybrid children.
SYLVAIN ENTRESSANGLE & ELISABETH DAYNES/LOOK AT SCIENCES PHILIPPE PLAILLY/LOOK AT SCIENCES E.DAYNES/LOOK AT SCIENCES P. PLAILLY/SPL/SCANPIX
Who were theirneighbours?
8/10/2019 science illustrated australia - issue 32 2014.pdf
36/84 6 SCIENCE ILLUSTRATED
All the new molecular data from
hominid fossils have provided scientistswith new knowledge of the world of the
Neanderthals, in which several different
hominids lived side by side.
DNA REVEALS
HOMINID KINSHIP
The sequencing has shown that modern
man and the Neanderthal met again, long
after they parted genetically, 400,000
years ago, and that the two even mated.
Scientists compared the Neanderthal
genome to genetic material from modern
peoples, concluding that populationsoutside Africa are more closely related to
the Neanderthal than Africans. The two
hominids must have mated on their way
out of Africa. Scientists can see that they
met 40-80,000 years ago where the
African continent ends.
Both the Neanderthals and modern
man even mated with a third hominid, the
Denisovan, who lived in Asia until some
30,000 years ago. New DNA sequencing
has revealed that the Denisovan includes
0.5 % Neanderthal DNA, while Aboriginal
Australians include 3-6 % Denisovan DNA.This indicates that the Denisovan did not
only live in the close vicinity of the
Siberian cave, where the bone was found,
and scientists think that Eurasia was
inhabited by Neanderthal in the West and
Denisovans in the East.
Sequencing also reveals that the
Neanderthal included several different
peoples or societies, and that the
encounters with other hominids took
place between local groups.
This knowledge allows scientists to
look at the fossils with fresh eyes. Forinstance, the last Neanderthal in Europe
have more features in common with
modern humans than older fossils,
indicating that the two hominids mated
several times during this period.
In Israel, archaeologists have found a
40-50,000-year-old fossil, which could be
a crossbreed. The person was
Neanderthal, but had several modern
man features such as a protruding chin
and a long, slim body structure.
Range Worldwide
Height: 150-185 cmWeight:55-85 kgBrain:1,350 ml
Lived:200,000 years ago-the present
Modern humans originated in Africa200,000 years ago and subsequentlyspread to all continents. Our long-limbedspecies made a broad range ofsophisticated tools such as rope, fishingnets, and delicate sewing needles.Moreover, burials, carved figurines, andbeautiful cave paintings reveal ouradvanced intellectual capacity.
WE CONQUERED THE WORLD
PYGMY RULED CHINA
A type of Chinese pygmies weredescribed in 2012. The bonesreveal a mixture of primitivefeatures from much older homi-nids and modern characteristics.
Range:Southern ChinaHeight:120-150 cmWeight:25-35 kgBrain:1,000 mlLived:14,500-
11,500 years ago
Range sia
Height:UnknownWeight: UnknownBrain:UnknownLived:300,000-
30,000 years ago
DARK HOMINID LIVED IN ASIA
Genetic material from a bone fragmentrevealed the existence of an unknownspecies, the Denisovan. The brown-skinned, black-haired hominid was so-phisticated, spreading to most of Asia.
Low, recedingforehead.
Receding chin
Compact body
HOMO SAPIENSDENISOVAN RED DEER CAVE PEOPLE
PETER SCHOUTEN/UNSW
8/10/2019 science illustrated australia - issue 32 2014.pdf
37/84scienceillustr ted com u
|
7
High, steep forehead
Protrudingchin
Tall, slender body
Homo sapiens DNA
Sequences of
Neanderthal DNA
Chromosome No. 22
8.UV PROTECTION
In Asians, 18 genesprotecting against UVradiation carry Neanderthalmarks. In Southern China,it is 49 % of the sequences.
3
AUTOIMMUNE
DISEASES
Neanderthal marks on fourchromosomes may be thecause of a series of autoim-mune diseases such as lupus.
2
METAB
OLISM
Part of cell meta-bolism is controlled by
genes with Neanderthalmarks on them.
5 KERATIN FOR SKIN,
HAIR, AND NAILS
Several keratin genes areNeanderthal, providing us withan advantage in the shape offor instance thicker skin.
4
STRONGER
IMMUNE SYSTEMThe Neanderthals influenced200 immune system genes,giving us weapons againstnew, unknown diseases.
6
SKIN CELL
PRODUCTION
Asians have a gene markedby Neanderthal, whichregulates the productionof epidermis cells.
1
BREAKDOWN OF
FAT IN BRAINEuropeans have 38 geneswith Neanderthal marks.They are involved in thebrains breakdown of fat.
SKIN
PIGMENTATION
70 % of all Europeans haveNeanderthal sequencesin a gene that affectsepidermis pigmentation.
The Neanderthal gave us thick skinOur ancestors intimate encounters with other hominids can be observed in our genes
today. At least 1.5 % of the chromosome DNA of all non-Africans come from the Neanderthal,
whom we can probably thank for both a strong immune system and thicker skin.
4
6
1
5
55
3
8
2120
1918
15
14
1312
1110
98
76
5
4
3
2
1
x
16
17
2
Who were theirneighbours?
8/10/2019 science illustrated australia - issue 32 2014.pdf
38/84 8 SCIENCE ILLUSTRATED
The Neanderthals lived in
Woolly rhinos and packs
of wolves. That was what
the Neanderthals
encountered in freezing
cold Europe. Scientists
have found fossils of 350
Neanderthals in 70
places. The fossils bear
witness to a hominid who
forced by hunger andcold evolved differently
in different places.
HALF SIBLINGSMATED,
PRODUCINGCHILDREN
Where:Altai Mountains, SiberiaWhen:50,000 years ago
T
he sequenced genetic materialof a Neanderthal from the Altai
Mountains of Siberia reveals thatthe individuals parents could havebeen half-siblings. The inbreedingis probably due to the groupsof the region being small andextremely isolated.
FAMILYDEVOURED
BYPEERS
Where:El Sidrn, SpainWhen:45-50,000 years ago
S
panish scientists have found anentire Neanderthal family
who was killed and devoured bytheir peers. The slaughtering mayhave happened because theNeanderthals starved after a coldperiod, or a victory over anothergroup was ritually celebrated.
EARLY PEOPLES
LIVEDLIKE US
Where:Mount Carmel, IsraelWhen:100-120,000 years ago
F
ossils from Israel haverevealed that some 100,000
years ago, modern man and theNeanderthal used the sametools and buried their dead.So in spite of physical differences,the behaviour of thetwo species was similar.
1 2 3
1
SIBERIA
BENCE VIOLA/MPI
MANIMAL WORKS, ROTTERDAM
ICE AGEEUROPE
8/10/2019 science illustrated australia - issue 32 2014.pdf
39/84scienceillustr ted com u
|
9
DIFFERENT PLACES
DIFFERENT LOOKS
Where:Krapina, CroatiaWhen:120,000 years ago
A
lmost 900 fossils from upto 82 individuals have been
found in Krapina. The discoveriesreveal that the Neanderthalappearance changed over timeand from place to place as theydid not yet have the classic looksuch as a projecting face.
CLASSIC APPEARANCE
BLURRED OVER TIME
Where:Amud, IsraelWhen:45-50,000 years ago
T
he Israeli Neanderthal havemore modern features.
They were quite tall andfeatured a protruding chin.They still had classic characteris-tics such as heavy brow ridges.Our ancestors may have matedwith Neanderthals here.
MARKEDFEATURES
DISAPPEARED
Where:Saint-Csaire, France
When:35,000 years ago
F
or the last Neanderthals in Eu-rope, the classic features such
as heavy brow ridges are less
striking. This may be due
to crossbreeding with humans
who came to the re-
gion at this point
in time.
4 5 6 WEMATED WITH
NEANDERTHALS
Where:The Middle EastWhen:50-100,000 years ago
N
eanderthals and modernhumans took turns at
conquering the same Middle Eastcaves and probably mated.
WHAT WHO WHEN
YELLOW 30,000-45,000 years ago
RED 45,000-135,000 years ago
BLUE 135,000-250,000 years ago
Homo sapiens discovery
Neanderthal discoveryDNA from fossils
Ice sheet
Tundra
Permafrost
DesertWater
Steppe
Cold fauna
El Sidrn
Neander Valley
Hayonim
Skhul
Kebara
Amud
TabunQafzeh
Mezmaiskaya
Vindija
EUROPE
FR NCE
SP IN
CRO TI
ISR EL
MIDDLE EAST
42
6
AFRICA
3
5
P PLAILLY/SPL/SCANPIX
MIKKELJUULJENSEN
8/10/2019 science illustrated australia - issue 32 2014.pdf
40/84
8/10/2019 science illustrated australia - issue 32 2014.pdf
41/84
scienceillustrated.com.au 41
TOOLS
Wooden spears, perhaps with stone points
Stone knivesStones for sharpening toolsStone points
MEDICINE CABINET
Medical plants such as camomileand yarrow were frequentlyconsumed, probably due totheir effect as drugs.
MUSICAL
INSTRUMENTS
Scientists have found a 10-cm-long thighbone from a bear,carved into a flute.Dating back 55,000 years,
the flute is the oldest knownmusical instrument, meaningthat Neanderthal played music.
TOOL BOX
The Neanderthals used sophisticated toolsincluding fine scrapers, points, and knifeblades. The stone tools were used for a widerange of purposes such as butchery, plantprocessing, woodwork, and as spearheads.
UNIVERSITY OF TBINGEN
SHUTTERSTOCK
SCANPIX
How didthey live?
8/10/2019 science illustrated australia - issue 32 2014.pdf
42/84
4 SCIENCE ILLUSTR TED
SHANIDAR, IRAQ
A skeleton surrounded by flowersbears witness of a ritual burial.In other graves, scientists foundskeletons that had been treatedfor bone fractures and wounds.One man lived for at least 20years with an amputated arm.
The eanderthal
buried their deadIt has been debated for years whether theNeanderthals ritually buried their dead. Recent
studies of a tomb near La Chapelle-aux-Saints,
France, determine that Neanderthals had
funerals. The hole, in which the fossils were found,
was dug, and as it is located in a hard soil layer, the
digging must have taken hours to complete. The bones
had been carefully placed and had no damage from
scavengers, so the body must have been left alone
and covered immediately. This kind of ritualised
burial shows solicitude and abstract thinking.
LA CHAPELLEAUX
SAINTS FRANCE
Scientists have found a 60,000-year-old tomb which containedan elderly, gout-ridden, andtoothless man. He probably onlysurvived because other peoplein the group took care of him.
AFRICA
EUROPE
SHUTTERSTOCK
C.BEAUVAL/ARCHEOSPHERE/CNRS
J.CONNELL/FLICKR
8/10/2019 science illustrated australia - issue 32 2014.pdf
43/84
8/10/2019 science illustrated australia - issue 32 2014.pdf
44/84
SCIENCE ILLUSTRATED
he climate killed
the NeanderthalsNew analyses show that the cl imate
59-74,000 years ago and 37-44,000
years ago was extremely unstable,
swinging between freezing cold and
a relatively mild climate within a few
centuries. The Neanderthals
needed to adapt to flora and faunachanges. This pressure isolated the
small family groups, which could no
longer support themselves.
PROS:The theory is supported byboth climate data and DNA studies.
CONS:The Neanderthal had survivedin a rough ice age climate for hundreds ofthousands of years prior to this.
PROS:
The Neanderthalgoes extinct atthe same time asmodern humans arrive.
CONS:
Few archaeological sitesshow evidence of fight,
murder, and cannibalism.
Deliberate genocideIn France, scientists found a Neanderthal child jaw with marks
indicating that the flesh was cut off. The jaw was found
among animal bones with similar cut marks, so the butcher
did not distinguish between animals and Neanderthals. The
butchers tools are part of a tool culture associated with
modern man. The theory of the Neanderthals going extinct in
a genocide is supported by other finds, of which the
murderers were definitely modern humans.
A conical chestwith big lungsdesigned for lotsof physical activity.
The skull was lowand rather longwith a big brain.
The rather shortarms and legswere verymuscular.
Compact body used lots of energy
In cold periods, the Neanderthals were restricted by their
robust bodies, which required more energy than our bodies.
9,200kilojoulesper day
Cut marks on a child's
skull demonstrate that
someone cut off the flesh.
Cut marks
Modern humans were
the first artists.
This is a 32,000-
year-old figurine.
THEORY 1
THEORY 2
KENNETH GARRETT
F. RAMIREZ ROZZI & M. VANHAEREN
CLAUS LUNAU
18,000kilojoulesper day
8/10/2019 science illustrated australia - issue 32 2014.pdf
45/84
scienceillustr ted com u
|
5
Three theories explainNeanderthal 'extinction'For more than 200,000 years, the Neanderthals thrived in a huge region ranging from Portugal
in the west to Siberia in the east. But 40,000 years ago, the species began to dwindle, and 12,000
years later, the last families died out at the southern point of Europe. Scientists do not know
exactly why, but several theories have been put forward.
Outcompeted by Homo sapiensModern human genetic material has
revealed that all non-Africans descend
from a small group who left Africa
75-100,000 years ago. This new hominid
- an effective hunter - defeated their
more ancient cousins everywhere.
In Europe, archaeologists have found
new tools such as sewing needles and
fishing nets as well as art in the form of
cave paintings and carved figurines. This
indicates a so far unknown intelligence,
making scientists describe Homo sapiens
as a creative superpower in a league of
its own compared to previous hominids.
Modern people gave up nomadic life,
settling down to develop a new social
structure, including trade across long
distances. This meant that they utilised
their resources more efficiently, allowing
the population to grow, and the growth
forced the Neanderthals
to leave their
usual hunting
grounds.
PROS:
The theory is based on several different types of evidence infossils, DNA sequencing, and discoveries of tools and art.
CONS:
Between the arrival of the first modern humans and the emer-gence of art and advanced tools, there is a time gap of around10,000 years. So, the theory is on the retreat, and today, scientists be-lieve that other factors such as the climate were also important.
THEORY 3
KENNIS & KENNIS RECONSTRUCTIONS & K . WEBB/NHM
KENNETH GARRETT
CORBIS/ALL OVER
Why did theygo extinct?
8/10/2019 science illustrated australia - issue 32 2014.pdf
46/84
R
6 SCIENCE ILLUSTRATED
FEATURE| SPACE TRAVEL
With its cargo of sophisticated measuring equipment, the
Curiosity roverstruggles across Mars to explore rocks and river
deltas for signs of life. The rover has discovered that there were
once favourable conditions for life on Mars and that the planet
boasted foaming rivers of water. Scientists are more than content.By Lone Djernis Olsen. Photos: NASA & ESA
8/10/2019 science illustrated australia - issue 32 2014.pdf
47/84
scienceillustrated.com.au 47
TH ROV RS FIV
MAJOR DISCOVERIES
1.Evidence of flowing, fresh waterand elements that are vital for life.
2.
Evidence of a several-m-deep, prehistoric river.
3. The atmosphere does not contain methane,which could otherwise be a sign of life.
4. The radiation is no more intense than what theInternational Space Station is subjected to.
5. The newly developed Skycrane, that loweredCuriosity onto the surface, has proved that heavy
craft can be landed in this way in the future.
Gale Craterlanding site
The Skycrane landerlowers Curiosityonto the surface.
Here, a few weeks after
landing, Curiosity looks for
prehistoric water and life
on the Red Planet.
8/10/2019 science illustrated australia - issue 32 2014.pdf
48/84
CURIOSITYS ROUTE
3 4
5
6
7
SCIENCE ILLUSTRATED
Curiosity is a mobile labCuriosity is an automatic research station crammed with equipment.
Its laser boils rock into vapour, which is analysed by an arsenal of
cameras and instruments. The results are sent back to Earth.
Laser and
cameraChemCam
Navigational cameras
NavCamsNAVIGATE THROUGH TERRAIN)
HazardcamerasHazCams
(MONITOR ANYHAZARDS IN TERRAIN)
Cameras(two)
MastCam
X-rayspectrometer
APXS
Camera onrobotic armMAHLI
Monitoring stationREMSCONTINOUSLY MEASURES AIR HUMIDITY, PRESSURE,TEMPERATURE, WIND SPEED, AND RADIATION)
RadiationdetectorRAD
Sample analysisinstrumen