A new way to transfer data to observatories - Laser bond

Recently open a new optical laser ground station in Spain on the island of Tenerife. Enhanced laser system requires a significantly higher speed and quality of the data in the interaction with spacecraft located outside our solar system. This system is ready for operation after a series of crucial tests on the ground.

Laser system, which transmits data in the infrared, can open the door to the future in the field of reception of large amounts of information received from the spacecraft from Earth orbit, and the orbit of Mars and other more distant planets.

Parade of the three planets

During these three days, in the clear sky you can see the "parade of three planets" that are low in the north-eastern part of the sky.

Three bright planets are placed diagonally across the sky at this weekend's pre-dawn sky which is right at the top of Jupiter, in the middle of Mars and Mercury at the bottom left. In addition, the company they will be waning moon.

The formation of planetary systems

Researchers found that the planetary systems are moving around other stars, more organized than our system.  In fact, the way they are located, means that astronomers can use the old law to predict where new discoveries will be made.

More than 200 years ago, it was found that the distance between the planets of our solar system can be loosely described mathematical relation, now known as the "Titius - Bode." Since the law is not fully understood, many modern astronomers believe that the law - no more than a meaningless coincidence.