Tuesday Space News

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The team observed nine of the most massive, blob-shaped galaxies within 400 million light years of Earth. All were probably quasars at one time, but have since cut down on the amount of gas they eat and therefore do not shine brightly from their discs as quasars do. The researchers measured the brightness and temperature of the central regions of the galaxies to determine the rate at which gas was falling into the black holes. Then, they measured the size of cavities blown out by the jets as they slammed into surrounding gas. This provided an estimate of the jets' energy.

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Aside from the gain in scientific knowledge, soil excavations will provide useful experience for at least one future mission. The Phoenix Mars lander is expected arrive on Mars in May 2008. This stationary lander will use its robot arm to probe the layers of Martian ice and soil, similar to Spirit's latest task. Already, Spirit has spotted at least three types of rocks scientists hope to analyse in the coming months (pictured). The dark grey rocks with small holes in them may have come from volcanic sources. Light, thin jagged rocks are jutting out from the sand. And on the top of a drift sits a smooth light grey rock.

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Spokesman Alan Buis said the CloudSat and CALIPSO satellites would not be launched at 1002 GMT Monday because of the unavailability of a refuelling aircraft needed to sustain a radar tracking plane. The launch is now scheduled for Tuesday at 1002 GMT from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. Problems have plagued attempts to deploy the satellites. Months of delays preceded the first launch attempt on Friday, which was scrubbed due to a communications malfunction. The take-offs planned for Saturday, Sunday and Monday were postponed because of the absence of the refuelling aircraft.