Can i explore the depths of your kindness

However, on a dive at the Kermadec Trench near New Zealand in , the Nereus vehicle lost contact with its mothership and disappeared.

It is thought that the staggering ocean pressure likely caused the robot to implode. New species, all kinds of stuff discovered. Since the loss of Nereus, the deepest part of the ocean has largely been closed to long-term exploration by researchers.

Until now. To do so with autonomous robots that act on their own is even harder. For decades, scientists at JPL have been developing systems that can operate autonomously on other planetary bodies.

The challenges are so enormous that only recently have researchers had both the computing power and the expertise to write algorithms that may be able to deal with all the contingencies and complexities of exploring in such extreme environments.

Part of that effort will depend on a sensory capability not often employed by autonomous vehicles in the deep. Most underwater systems depend on sonar for navigation, measuring the reflection of sound waves hitting an object to determine location, size, and shape. But the Orpheus system uses visual capability, employing small cameras that can map and record the local terrain.

We do this all the time on Mars. On Mars and at the bottom of the ocean, navigation systems like the Global Positioning System GPS are obviously unavailable, so spacecraft exploring other bodies in space or at ocean depths need to use different techniques to determine where they are.

By memorizing various features in an environment and accessing them while in motion, these new vehicles can understand where they are, and provide that information to future expeditions.

As Orpheus traverses the bottom, it will take high-resolution, overlapping images that create a three-dimensional picture of the seafloor. It will also carry a vast array of sensors that will allow it to detect the chemical signatures of hydrothermal vents or low-temperature seeps. Right now, the state-of-the-art set of algorithms for autonomous vehicles is called Terrain Relative Navigation TRN , and it is currently working on the surface of Mars.

The Mars Perseverance Rover , which landed on Feb. It also allows the vehicle to navigate hazardous terrain on the surface by building a 3D visual map of the surroundings.

By using a similar system in Orpheus vehicles, which can perform many missions and have that data available for analysis, the engineers are able to further train the system for the future, a future that they hope will include missions to space, including a potential mission to Europa.

The tests that have been performed so far offer hope that the vehicle will perform well at great depths. Her vision is audacious. If she has her way, the sub that will take her miles below the surface will have a pressure hull made of glass.

Sylvia Earle wants to discover what lives in the icy ocean depths Science Photo Library. We normally think of glass as a brittle, fragile substance. But in deep sea conditions, it undergoes molecular changes that make it the perfect material for ocean exploration — better than steel or titanium. Even so, manufacturing such a large glass orb will present some unique challenges and dangers. But if she succeeds, she will be the first to do so while protected by a glass shell.

The US Navy had, in fact, first looked into the idea of a glass submersible in the 60s — but it turned out not to be suited to some of their demands. In some ways, her attitude harks back to the scientist-explorers of old, who had a hand in every part of their mission.

This video is no longer available. Lawson admits the prospect was daunting. For one thing, it has a higgledy-piggledy molecular structure a bit like a liquid, rather than the ordered lattices often found in other solids.

Place your hands in a comfortable position that feels supportive. Take a few deep breaths. With full intention, repeat your chosen affirmation. As you continue to practice, feel free to extend these well-wishes to others. It may feel awkward or even silly at first, but allow yourself to explore the idea. Spend some time this week reflecting on the concept of self-compassion. Whether it's a new concept for you or something you actively practice, there's likely room for improvement.

What challenges do you have? At what points in your life has it been particularly difficult to be kind to yourself? How can you prepare yourself to be more self-compassionate in the future? There is a problem with information submitted for this request. Sign up for free, and stay up-to-date on research advancements, health tips and current health topics, like COVID, plus expert advice on managing your health.

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