posted by admin on Mar 25
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The Space Probe That Can See Through The Earth!
The European Space Agency (ESA) have just launched their long awaited GOCE Probe, and it is already sending back impressive data!
The Gravity field & steady-state Ocean Circulation Explorer (GOCE) is set to map the gravity fields of the Earth, and in doing so give scientists some potentially very important data relating to predicting natural disasters and monitoring climate change.
What Will GOCE Do?
According to reports on the official ESA website and from other sources, the main aims will be the following:
Ocean Currents- GOCE will be monitoring and recording ocean currents across the globe to set a benchmark for future changes. By knowing how the heat from the oceans is transferred and how certain patterns can be altered by gravity and other factors, they will be able to make predictions about future interventions or preventative technologies.
Gravity Mapping- It is already known that the strength of gravity varies across the globe depending on natural features in the landscape, and they will be using this new data to detect changes to the standard levels and the potential results of tectonic movements and human activity.
Resources Identification- By mapping the forces acting on the surface of the planet, it may well be possible to identify what is under the visible surface of the earth by detecting and recording ’signatures’ in the gravity landscape. For example, a known large body of water running underground may create a recognisable pattern, therefore allowing scientists to predict where unknown sources of water are - or other natural occurrences like oil fields and other valuable minerals.
Disaster Spotting- By knowing what is happening under the earths surface will also allow for early prediction of volcanic eruptions by identifying when lava flows are active underground. Again, by comparing known active sites and keeping data on these, it may well be possible to reduce the fatalities by evacuation.
Climate Change - By having these details on record for the first time (this probe is one of the most sensitive probes ever created for space studies) it may be possible to help study the effects of climate change on a large scale - and hopefully offer some preventative advice based on long-term studies.
In Addition:
Adding to the program will be 2 further probes being released later this year:
Herschal: The most powerful space telescope ever to be built and with an even larger mirror than the famous Hubble. Herschal will though, only be taking images of infrared radiation and it’s creators hope it will solve the mystery of the formation of the galaxy!
Planck: This smaller probe will collect microwave radiation and attempt to help scientists study the effects and actions of the ‘Big Bang’ 13.7 million years ago!
And Finally:
You can even track the flight path of the GOCE probe on a world map - and it is currently over Somalia, moving a wobbly but very fast path north!
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