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Abstract:

Solar energetic events can have considerable effects on planetary ionospheres. However, the erratic nature of these solar energetic events make observations difficult. Here we show a mutual radio occultation observation, which serendipitously occurred just 10 minutes after a large solar flare impacted Mars. This resulted in the largest lower ionospheric layer ever recorded, where it was 278% its typical size. We used in-situ soft x-ray irradiance measurements to show a threefold increase in flux. This infers a different relation of soft X-ray to this layer's density than previously thought, with variations depending on the amount of spectrum 'hardening' leading to the increase of ionisation from secondaries.

Abstract:

Abstract The Lunar Trailblazer smallsat mission High‐resolution Volatiles and Minerals Moon Mapper (HVM 3 ) science instrument was designed to acquire targeted spectral image cubes of the lunar surface at visible to shortwave infrared (VSWIR) wavelengths (0.6–3.6 μm) in an effort to understand the distribution, abundance, and form (OH, H 2 O, ice) of lunar water, as well as the lunar water cycle. The Lunar Trailblazer mission end was declared in July 2025. Here, we describe the formulation and testing of VSWIR spectral parameters in preparation for previously anticipated returned data from HVM 3 using global image cubes and mosaic data from the Moon Mineralogy Mapper (M 3 ) imaging spectrometer, HVM 3 's predecessor, and the Deep Impact spacecraft. We expand upon the existing M 3 global spectral parameter library, test the efficacy of presented parameters individually and alongside existing M 3 spectral parameters, provide examples of quantitative thresholds intended to indicate robust mineral detections, and discuss the spectral parameter limitations. We demonstrate that newly formulated and existing parameters capture lunar mineral diversity well and serve as a reliable indicator of lunar surface hydration, making them useful for existing and future scientific analysis using lunar orbital remote sensing data sets. Plain Language Summary The High‐resolution Volatiles and Minerals Moon Mapper (HVM 3 ) is one of two science instruments on the Lunar Trailblazer smallsat mission, whose science goal is to understand the distribution, abundance, and form of water on the Moon, as well as the lunar water cycle. HVM 3 uses patterns in infrared light reflection and absorption at different wavelengths to detect water and minerals in rocks and soils on the Moon's surface. In July 2025 the Lunar Trailblazer mission end was declared. Here, we detail the formulation and testing of algorithms for making water and mineral maps in preparation for the anticipated HVM 3 returned data using existing Moon Mineralogy Mapper (M 3 ) and Deep Impact spacecraft lunar data sets, which are similar types of instruments. We demonstrate that presented spectral parameters can distinguish lunar minerals of interest and therefore, capture lunar mineral diversity well. We also show that a newly developed water spectral parameter can be used as a reliable indication of lunar surface water presence, thereby demonstrating the value of expected HVM 3 maps for the broader scientific community as well as planning future exploration of the Moon. Key Points Legacy M 3 and updated visible‐shortwave infrared spectral parameters were formulated and tested for the Lunar Trailblazer mission Spectral parameters capture lunar mineral diversity well and are readily distinguished particularly in conjunction with each other A newly presented water parameter serves as a reliable indicator of lunar surface hydration

Abstract:

Plain Language Summary: In hot and wet “hothouse” climate conditions, rainfall transitions from a pattern that fluctuates from about a mean of 3 mm day − 1 ${\text{day}}^{-1}$ to more intense outbursts that are separated by multi‐day dry spells. Previous studies on hothouse climates did not consider the role of the diurnal cycle even though it strongly controls precipitation in Earth's current climate. This study uses radiative‐convective equilibrium simulations to investigate the impact of rising temperatures on the transition to hothouse conditions, incorporating the diurnal cycle with both swamp‐like and open ocean surface conditions. We find that episodic precipitation occurs at surface temperatures above 322 K even when accounting for the diurnal cycle. However, the diurnal cycle significantly influences the timing of convection and rainfall at high temperatures with precipitation primarily starting late at night or in the early morning.

Abstract:

The recent discovery of strong tidal dissipation in Saturn’s interior has radically changed our view of the Saturnian system. While some questions are naturally answered by the new paradigm, others are emerging and require further measurement. This article presents the next key questions to be addressed by future space missions and analysis. Suggestions for space measurements to discriminate between different scenarios concerning the formation, evolution and internal state of the Saturnian system are given.

Abstract:

Abstract Intermittently sunlit areas near the lunar south pole are estimated to harbor thermal conditions permitting long‐term stability of water ice and other volatiles. They are targets for future science and exploration missions due to the combination of sunlight availability for solar power generation, and the possibility for extraction of volatiles for scientific analysis and ISRU. We construct a geodatabase of spatially co‐registered remote sensing and thermal model results, and perform a probabilistic analysis to determine the likelihood of successfully landing and operating on such locations for a quadrangular study area that bounds the 80°S parallel. In addition to water ice thermal stability, we consider factors relevant for the operation of solar‐powered landed spacecraft: visibility to the Earth, visibility to the sun, and local slope. For two scenarios representing sets of most‐ and least‐constrained landing site requirements, we find that circular landing ellipse diameters of ∼0.9 and 2.6 km, respectively, would allow to target available compliant terrains with 100% success. We quantify the reduction in success probability with increasing landing ellipse size. Further, we explore the distributions of geometric properties of compliant areas, and identify three sites of interest that 91̽�� large areas of compliant terrain: near De Gerlache crater, near Shackleton crater, and Mons Mouton (informally named as Leibnitz‐β massif). This study is provided to 91̽�� planning for future lunar missions. Plain Language Summary Researchers have identified areas near the lunar poles that receive occasional sunlight and could keep water ice and other resources stable over a long period of time. These spots are valuable for future lunar missions since they could provide solar power and possibly resources such as water for scientific study and on‐site use. To assess potential landing sites in the south polar region, we created a database combining remote sensing and thermal data set, then used it to calculate the likelihood of successful landing on accessible terrains with stable water ice conditions from the 80°S to the South Pole. The study looked at factors critical for solar‐powered landers: the terrain's visibility to Earth (for communication), sunlight access, and the slope of the ground. We analyzed two scenarios with different landing precisions. We found that landing areas with diameters of about 0.9 and 2.6 km could ensure a 100% success rate under the most‐ and least‐constrained scenarios, respectively. Larger landing areas decreased the success probability. We also mapped the physical characteristics of ideal areas and highlighted three promising locations near De Gerlache crater, Shackleton crater, and Mons Mouton. Key Points We identify intermittently sunlit areas that permit long‐term stability of sub‐surface water ice, and accessible by landed missions “Compliant terrains” in two scenarios range from 13,071 km² (least constrained) to 290 km² (most constrained) in the south polar region For areas ≥80°S, we recommend sub‐km landing precision for missions with success criteria involving exploration of lunar polar water ice