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13/01/2005
European space probe closes for encounter with Titan
On Christmas Day 2004 NASA's Cassini spacecraft, currently in orbit above Saturn, flawlessly released the European Space Agency's 2.7m-wide, 319kg Huygens probe, sending the craft on a 22-day trip towards Titan, the ringed planet's largest moon.
That journey will conclude tomorrow as Huygens, which has spent the last seven years aboard Cassini, attempts to pierce the mysterious moon's atmosphere.
If the probe successfully penetrates Titan's thick, orange-coloured clouds, which have until now prevented scientists observing details of the moon's surface, it will parachute to the surface over a period of two-and-a-half hours, taking photographs and readings along the way.
Scientists are uncertain what kind of surface the probe will encounter when it 'lands', but speculate a richly diverse topography. To splash down in an ocean would probably mean better data from Huygens, as even if the probe lasted only a few minutes before sinking it would at least stay in an upright position, essential for sending the data back to Cassini and to the scientists on Earth. Moreover, some of Huygens's instruments are better prepared to analyse liquids.
If Huygens lands on a solid surface instead, however, there is a higher risk of it falling in the wrong direction and being therefore unable to easily communicate with Cassini.
Anxious scientists anticipate that data from Huygens will contribute to a greater understanding of the moon, as well as of the solar system as a whole.
Titan, the second largest moon in the Solar System (after Ganymede of Jupiter), was discovered by Christiaan Huygens in 1655.
(GB)
That journey will conclude tomorrow as Huygens, which has spent the last seven years aboard Cassini, attempts to pierce the mysterious moon's atmosphere.
If the probe successfully penetrates Titan's thick, orange-coloured clouds, which have until now prevented scientists observing details of the moon's surface, it will parachute to the surface over a period of two-and-a-half hours, taking photographs and readings along the way.
Scientists are uncertain what kind of surface the probe will encounter when it 'lands', but speculate a richly diverse topography. To splash down in an ocean would probably mean better data from Huygens, as even if the probe lasted only a few minutes before sinking it would at least stay in an upright position, essential for sending the data back to Cassini and to the scientists on Earth. Moreover, some of Huygens's instruments are better prepared to analyse liquids.
If Huygens lands on a solid surface instead, however, there is a higher risk of it falling in the wrong direction and being therefore unable to easily communicate with Cassini.
Anxious scientists anticipate that data from Huygens will contribute to a greater understanding of the moon, as well as of the solar system as a whole.
Titan, the second largest moon in the Solar System (after Ganymede of Jupiter), was discovered by Christiaan Huygens in 1655.
(GB)
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14 January 2005
European joy as Huygens probe lands on Titan
The European-built Huygens probe has successfully landed on Titan, penetrating the thick, orange-coloured clouds that have until now prevented scientists observing details of the moon's surface. The first scientific data to reach Earth arrived at the European Space Operations Centre (ESOC) in Germany at around 16:30 GMT today.
European joy as Huygens probe lands on Titan
The European-built Huygens probe has successfully landed on Titan, penetrating the thick, orange-coloured clouds that have until now prevented scientists observing details of the moon's surface. The first scientific data to reach Earth arrived at the European Space Operations Centre (ESOC) in Germany at around 16:30 GMT today.
04 June 2004
Saturn orbiter mission makes final approach
The international Cassini-Huygens spacecraft is on final approach to Saturn in a multi-agency mission that includes British involvement that will see the probe commence a four-year tour of Saturn, its rings and moons. After a 2.2 billion-mile journey lasting seven years, the 5.
Saturn orbiter mission makes final approach
The international Cassini-Huygens spacecraft is on final approach to Saturn in a multi-agency mission that includes British involvement that will see the probe commence a four-year tour of Saturn, its rings and moons. After a 2.2 billion-mile journey lasting seven years, the 5.
11 February 2013
Man Arrested In Toddler Death Probe
A 30-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the murder of a three-year-old girl. The toddler was brought to hospital on Friday but died in the early hours of Saturday morning. A South Yorkshire Police spokesman said: "A 30-year-old man from Beck Road, Shiregreen, has been arrested on suspicion of murder and inquiries are continuing.
Man Arrested In Toddler Death Probe
A 30-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the murder of a three-year-old girl. The toddler was brought to hospital on Friday but died in the early hours of Saturday morning. A South Yorkshire Police spokesman said: "A 30-year-old man from Beck Road, Shiregreen, has been arrested on suspicion of murder and inquiries are continuing.
05 May 2011
Medical Body Probe Tomlinson Pathologist
The pathologist who determined Ian Tomlinson's death was a result of natural causes is being investigated. Dr Freddy Patel recorded that Mr Tomlinson died as a result of a heart attack after the G20 protest in 2009.
Medical Body Probe Tomlinson Pathologist
The pathologist who determined Ian Tomlinson's death was a result of natural causes is being investigated. Dr Freddy Patel recorded that Mr Tomlinson died as a result of a heart attack after the G20 protest in 2009.
22 July 2003
Blair distances himself in Kelly row
The onus is falling back on the government to provide answers as to how Dr David Kelly was outed as a possible source for a BBC report claiming that the government had 'sexed up' intelligence in their February dossier. Today it was Tony Blair's turn to distance himself from suggestions that he had allowed Dr Kelly's name to be leaked to the press.
Blair distances himself in Kelly row
The onus is falling back on the government to provide answers as to how Dr David Kelly was outed as a possible source for a BBC report claiming that the government had 'sexed up' intelligence in their February dossier. Today it was Tony Blair's turn to distance himself from suggestions that he had allowed Dr Kelly's name to be leaked to the press.
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