Behind the Paper
The real stories behind the latest research papers, from conception to publication, the highs and the lows
This "Behind the paper" Commentary refers to the recently accepted paper for publication in Nature-Astronomy: "Direct observation of turbulent magnetic reconnection in the solar wind" by Rongsheng Wang et al.( 2022 ).
The lightest neutron star?
The mass of the central compact object in supernova remnant HESS J1731-347 estimated using modelling of its X-ray spectrum turns out to be almost too low
IXPE explores polarization of an X-ray pulsar
NASA's brand new X-ray polarimetry mission IXPE reveals spin-orbital misalignment and surprisingly low polarization for the accreting pulsar Her X-1
Will opacities be the next accuracy bottleneck in exoplanet retrieval?
The limits of our knowledge on light–matter interactions will affect the exploration of exoplanetary atmospheres. Accounting for these limits will prevent biased claims. Guided improvements will ensure maximum return on investment from the next-generation observatories, including the JWST.
New Mechanism of Cross-scale Energy Transfer in Space Plasmas
Identifying energy transfer processes from macroscales down to microscales in collisionless plasmas is an indispensable step towards a complete understanding of various space and astrophysical systems. Here we demonstrate with observations that cross-scale wave-ion interactions are a candidate.
Volatiles supplied by icy volcanism on Charon and other distant icy worlds
NASA's New Horizons data revealed a geologically complex past on Charon. Here, we show cryovolcanic eruptions released enough methane to source Charon's red polar cap. We observe methane and their products on other Kuiper belt objects, so this process could be important across the Kuiper belt.
The implications of the contamination of Arctic ice samples to future space missions to Europa and Enceladus
We developed a protocol that may be used to monitor and minimise the microbiological contamination of planetary field analogues of icy moons in their analysis. It may serve as a test-bed for procedures of decontamination of samples from future landing/return missions to icy moons.