Tag

Obliquity

All articles tagged with #obliquity

astronomy1 year ago

Seasons Beyond Earth: A Comparative Look at Planetary Variations

Earth's regular seasons are unique due to its slight tilt on its rotational axis, causing variations in sunlight throughout the year. This phenomenon, known as obliquity, can lead to drastic seasonal changes on other planets, with high obliquity resulting in extreme temperatures and reversed zonation. Spin-orbit resonances and the presence of moons can also influence a planet's obliquity and stability. Research on exoplanets, such as Kepler-186f, aims to understand the diversity of seasonal patterns across the universe.

science-and-astronomy2 years ago

Mysterious Martian Gullies: Unraveling the Red Planet's Watery Past

Gullies on Mars may have formed when the planet was highly tilted on its side, causing shifts in climate that allowed water to flow down slopes and carve out ravines. Previous theories suggested carbon dioxide frost or past favorable climates as potential sources, but a new study suggests that a combination of melting ice, sublimating carbon dioxide, and high obliquity can explain the pattern of gullies seen on Mars. These findings have implications for the potential existence of life on Mars, as water is a key ingredient for life as we know it.