The First Magnetic Fields

We review current ideas on the origin of galactic and extragalactic magnetic fields. We begin by summarizing observations of magnetic fields at cosmological redshifts and on cosmological scales. These observations translate into constraints on the strength and scale magnetic fields must have during the early stages of galaxy formation in order to seed the galactic dynamo. We examine mechanisms for the generation of magnetic fields that operate prior during inflation and during subsequent phase transitions such as electroweak symmetry breaking and the quark–hadron phase transition. The implications of strong primordial magnetic fields for the reionization epoch as well as the first generation of stars are discussed in detail. The exotic, early-Universe mechanisms are contrasted with astrophysical processes that generate fields after recombination. For example, a?Biermann-type battery can operate in a proto-galaxy during the early stages of structure formation. Moreover, magnetic fields in either an early generation of stars or active galactic nuclei can be dispersed into the intergalactic medium.     

Extended Pile Driving Model to Predict the Penetration of the Insight/HP<Superscript>3</Superscript> Mole into the Martian Soil

The NASA InSight mission will provide an opportunity for soil investigations using the penetration data of the heat flow probe built by the German Aerospace Center DLR. The Heat flow and Physical Properties Probe (HP³) will penetrate 3 to 5 meter into the Martian subsurface to investigate the planetary heat flow. The measurement of the penetration rate during the insertion of the HP³ will be used to determine the physical properties of the soil at the landing site. For this purpose, numerical simulations of the penetration process were performed to get a better understanding of the soil properties influencing the penetration performance of HP³. A pile driving model has been developed considering all masses of the hammering mechanism of HP³. By cumulative application of individual stroke cycles it is now able to describe the penetration of the Mole into the Martian soil as a function of time, assuming that the soil parameters of the material through which it penetrates are known. We are using calibrated materials similar to those expected to be encountered by the InSight/HP³ Mole when it will be operated on the surface of Mars after the landing of the InSight spacecraft. We consider various possible scenarios, among them a more or less homogeneous material down to a depth of 3–5 m as well as a layered ground, consisting of layers with different soil parameters. Finally we describe some experimental tests performed with the latest prototype of the InSight Mole at DLR Bremen and compare the measured penetration performance in sand with our modeling results. Furthermore, results from a 3D DEM simulation are presented to get a better understanding of the soil response.     

Midlatitude Sporadic E. A Typical Paradigm of Atmosphere-Ionosphere Coupling

This paper provides a comprehensive update on sporadic E layers that is placed in the context of atmosphere-ionosphere coupling, exemplified here by the fundamental windshear theory processes that govern sporadic E layer formation and variability. Some basics of windshear theory are provided first, followed by a summary of key experimental results, their interpretation and physical understanding. The emphasis is placed on the wind shear control of the diurnal and sub-diurnal variability and altitude descent of sporadic E layers and the key role behind these properties of the diurnal and semidiurnal tides. Furthermore, the paper summarizes recent observations that establish a role also for the planetary waves in sporadic E layer occurrence and long-term variability. The possible mechanisms behind this interaction are examined and evidence is presented which shows that planetary waves affect sporadic E layers indirectly though the amplitude modulation of tides at lower altitudes in the MLT region. Only a brief mention is made about gravity wave effects on sporadic E, which apparently exist but cannot be as crucial in layer forming as thought in the past. There is now enough evidence to suggest that mid- and low-latitude sporadic E is not as “sporadic” as the name implies but a regularly occurring ionospheric phenomenon. This may suggest that the sporadic E layer physics can be incorporated in large-scale atmosphere-ionosphere coupling models.     

Electrophysiological, histochemical, and hormonal adaptation of rat muscle after prolonged hindlimb suspension

The perspective of long-duration flights for future exploration, imply more research in the field of human adaptation. Previous studies in rat muscles hindlimb suspension (HLS), indicated muscle atrophy and a change of fibre composition from slow-to-fast twitch types. However, the contractile responses to long-term unloading is still unclear. Fifteen adult Wistar rats were studied in 45 and 70 days of muscle unweighting and soleus (SOL) muscle as well as extensor digitorum longus (EDL) were prepared for electrophysiological recordings (single, twitch, tetanic contraction and fatigue) and histochemical stainings. The loss of muscle mass observed was greater in the soleus muscle. The analysis of electrophysiological properties of both EDL and SOL showed significant main effects of group, of number of unweighting days and fatigue properties. Single contraction for soleus muscle remained unchanged but there was statistically significant difference for tetanic contraction and fatigue. Fatigue index showed a decrease for the control rats, but increase for the HLS rats. According to the histochemical findings there was a shift from oxidative to glycolytic metabolism during HLS. The data suggested that muscles atrophied, but they presented an adaptation pattern, while their endurance in fatigue was decreased.