First Direct Evidence Of Lightning Detected On Mars

University of Michigan researchers say direct evidence of lightning has been detected on Mars for the first time ever.

According to professor Chris Ruf, a professor in the departments of Atmospheric, Oceanic and Space Sciences and Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences, the lighting bolts that were observed, were dry lightning. The lighting apparently appeared as a result of a large dust storm, and not as a result of rain, as one would think.

Researchers believe that electric activity in the Martian atmosphere, even from dust storms, carries with it important scientific implications for the red planet.

As one may imagine, these events will have an effect on atmospheric chemistry, and also for future manned exploration of the planet.

An innovative microwave detector developed at the U-M Space Physics Research Laboratory, was responsible for the discovery. Capable of differentiating between thermal and non-thermal radiation, the Kurtosis detector took microwave emission measurements from Mars for approximately five hours a day, over a 12 day period. The measurements were taken between May 22 and June 16, 2006.

The findings are based on an unusual pattern where non-thermal radiation, combined with an intense Martian dust storm occurred. It was during this time only that non-thermal radiation was detected. From a scientific point of view, non-thermal radiation would suggest the presence of lightning, and this new evidence is also in line with findings regarding soil measurements from the Viking landers, 30 years ago.

Mars is the fourth planet from the sun in our solar system, and is often referred to as the 'red planet', because of its reddish appearance caused by iron oxide on Mars's surface.

As far as exploration goes, the Mars surface is also home to two Mars Exploration Rovers namely 'Spirit' and 'Opportunity', as well a three functional orbiting spacecraft - these are: Mars Odyssey, Mars Express, and the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter.

Mars is about half the size of earth, and in addition, Mars also has two moons, Phobos and Deimos, which are small and odd shaped. Exploration and research of Mars is ongoing.

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Nissan LEAF - The World's First Affordable Electric Car

Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. Sunday, (Aug. 2, 2009) unveiled the world's first affordable, zero-emission car - the Nissan LEAF. Nissan LEAF is a medium-size hatchback able to comfortably seat five adults with a range in excess of 160km (100 miles). The chassis has been designed specifically to be lithium-ion battery-powered.

Nissan Leaf, will be available in Japan, Europe, and the United States in the second half of 2010. The car can be summarised as being part of Nissan's radical, transformative vision for the future, and also the result of decades of investment and research.

Nissan President and CEO Carlos Ghosn has described Nissan LEAF as a 'tremendous accomplishment in which all of the company's employees can take pride'. He said the company has been working tirelessly to make possible a day when a zero-emission car - not just reduced emissions - will be possible, and said this is the first step on an exciting journey for both Nissan as a company and also the entire industry as a whole.

The most notable characteristic of the car is of course its zero emission platform and power train. In addition it also has an affordable price range, and boasts Connected Mobility: Advanced intelligent transportation (IT) system. Pricing details are not yet available, but will be released near the commencement of sales in late 2010. It is expected though that the car will be in the range of a well-equipped C-segment vehicle.

It is no coincidence that the car has been named LEAF, as this name has a direct connotation to how leaves in nature also purify air. Nissan LEAF purifies mobility, by removing emissions from the driving experience.

Nissan LEAF is expected to qualify for various significant local, regional and national tax benefits and incentives in world markets. Of course the added benefit is that Nissan LEAF has much less mechanical parts and complexity, which should make maintenance user, and pocket, friendly.

SOME TECHNICAL ASPECTS

The car is powered by laminated compact lithium-ion batteries, generating output power in excess of 90kW, while the electric motor delivers 80kW/280Nm. These performance figures are very much in line with cars in the same class to which consumers are used to today.

Nisan LEAF uses also uses its regenerative braking system to ensure maximum range efficiency. It is interesting to note that according to consumer research, about 70% of all people worldwide that drive cars, drive within the zero to 160 km (100 mile) range daily.

Now here's the very interesting part - how long will it take to recharge? According to the company, the LEAF can be charged up to 80% of its full capacity in less than 30 minutes using a quick charger. Charging the car at home will take approximately 8 hours through a 200V power outlet - which makes it perfect for an overnight charge.

Also interesting to note is the chassis and body layout - according to the company the car enjoys a completely new layout. (Although looking at a photo of the car, the changes are visually less obvious.)

The car features up-slanting light-emitting diode (LED) headlights (which consume only 10 percent of the electricity of conventional lamps), which also serves another unique purpose - it splits and redirects airflow away from door mirrors, reducing drag and external wind noise.

CONNECTED MOBILITY IT SYSTEM

In addition, Nissan LEAF features an exclusive advanced IT system, that is connected to a global data center, enabling the system to provide support, information, and entertainment for drivers at any time of the day or night.

One more state-of-the-art feature is the ability to utilize mobile phones to control air-conditioning and program charging functions. This feature is possible even when Nissan LEAF is powered down.

Source: Nissan