Scientists Make Lava

On this week’s news update...

Mars Express

15 years of the Mars Express...

Making Lava

the scientists who made their own lava...

Walking Car

and the car that can walk!

First up, it’s Space Track.

Mars Express

15 years ago, the European Space Agency’s Mars Express satellite went into orbit around Mars.

Korolev crater

Since then, it’s gathered a huge amount of data and sent back thousands of images of the planet’s surface, including this one, of the ice-filled Korolev crater, this one, of a huge frozen cloud, and this one, showing Mars’s ice-covered south pole.

Scientists believe that knowing more about Mars’s past and present will help us to better understand our own planet.

For example, working out why liquid water disappeared from the surface of Mars could help us predict whether that might ever happen on Earth!

Next up ... These scientists wanted to know more about what happens when lava meets water.

But studying volcanic eruptions up-close is difficult, and it can be dangerous.

So instead they created their own lava!

basalt

They took chunks of basalt, a rock that forms when lava cools, and heated them until they melted—at 1,315 degrees Celsius.

Then, they sprayed water through pipes into the red-hot liquid, and watched what happened.

Sometimes, the mix of water and lava exploded right away!

Other times, a sledgehammer knocking the container helped to trigger an explosion.

It looks fun, but it has a serious purpose.

Understanding what causes these explosions could help people stay safe during real volcanic eruptions.

And finally, it’s Tech Beat.

After natural disasters such as earthquakes or tsunamis, rescue teams often have to climb over rubble to reach survivors.

Now, car company Hyundai has announced plans to develop a vehicle that could help—by walking!

Elevate

Called Elevate, the car has four wheels attached to legs.

The legs can be folded up, allowing Elevate to travel like a normal car.

But if it needs to cross uneven ground, it can stretch its legs and clamber over it!

Elevate’s designers were inspired by the walking movements of mammals and reptiles.

The car is still being developed, and right now it only exists as a small model.

But one day, maybe a full-size version will help carry survivors to safety!

That’s all for this week. We’ll see you next time.