Diurnal
In space and astronautical engineering, diurnal refers to the daily cycle of light and dark periods on a celestial body, such as a planet or moon. The length of a diurnal cycle is determined by the rotation period of the celestial body. For example, on Earth, the diurnal cycle is approximately 24 hours long, while on Mars it is approximately 24.6 hours long. Understanding the diurnal cycle of a celestial body is important for designing and operating spacecraft and rovers, as well as for planning scientific observations and experiments. It can also have implications for the habitability of a planet or moon, as the availability of sunlight and darkness can affect the temperature and other environmental conditions.
Your Previous Searches
Random Picks
- Pulsating Variable Star: A pulsating variable star is a type of star that undergoes periodic changes in luminosity due to expansion and contraction of its outer layers. These changes in luminosity are caused by variations in the star's internal structure and physic ... Read More >>
- Structural Damage: Structural damage refers to any damage or deformation that occurs to the physical structure of a spacecraft or any of its components. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including impacts from micrometeoroids or debris, thermal stre ... Read More >>
- Oxygen Supply Systems: Oxygen Supply Systems are the life support systems that provide breathable air to astronauts in spacecraft and space stations. These systems are responsible for generating, storing, and distributing oxygen to the crew members. Oxygen is a c ... Read More >>
Top News
Check out this interactive map of the early universe, considered largest ever cr...
A team of astronomers have put together the largest, most detailed map of the universe ever created – and you can explore it now....
News Source: USA Today on 2025-06-12
The Vera C. Rubin Observatory is about to totally transform astronomy...
With the ability to scan the entire southern night sky every three days, the huge Vera C. Rubin Observatory could be about to start solving the mysteries of the universe, from dark matter to Planet Ni...
News Source: New Scientist on 2025-06-12
Trump's proposed science cuts will have huge consequences...
The universe will still be there to marvel at, despite brutal cuts set to hit NASA and the National Science Foundation's budgets. But the damage to future research will be long-lasting, says Chanda Pr...
News Source: New Scientist on 2025-06-11
Starlink satellites are leaking radio signals that may ruin astronomy...
Our ability to study faint radio signals from when the first stars began to form is being threatened by SpaceX's Starlink satellites, which seem to be unintentionally leaking radio signals that overpo...
News Source: New Scientist on 2025-06-09
Asteroids around Venus pose possible 'invisible threat' to Earth: Should you be ...
A swarm of large asteroids likely lurking around Venus could one day pose an "invisible threat" to Earth if left unchecked, astronomers have warned....
News Source: USA Today on 2025-06-06