Radiating exoplanet discovered in "perfect tidal storm"
Can tidal forces cause an exoplanet's surface to radiate heat? This is what a study accepted to the Astronomical Journal hopes to address as a team of international researchers used data collected from ground-based instruments to confirm the existenc.....»»
Estimating uncertainty in atomic spectroscopy
If you repeat a measurement with the same or different instruments, you'll get slightly different numbers each time. Estimating the uncertainties associated with these numbers turns them into an informative result......»»
NASA"s VIPER moon rover gets its head and neck
In this image from Feb. 12, 2024, engineers lift a mast into place on NASA's VIPER (Volatiles Investigating Polar Exploration Rover) robotic moon rover. VIPER's mast and the suite of instruments affixed to it look a lot like the rover's "neck" and "h.....»»
From tape measures to space lasers: Quantifying biomass of the world"s tallest forests
In this era of accelerating climate crisis, accounting for all aspects of Earth's carbon cycle is a crucial task. The magnitude of atmospheric carbon burden means trees and forests are limited but important instruments among a suite of mitigation opt.....»»
Formation-flying spacecraft could probe the solar system for new physics
It's an exciting time for the fields of astronomy, astrophysics, and cosmology. Thanks to cutting-edge observatories, instruments, and new techniques, scientists are getting closer to experimentally verifying theories that remain largely untested. Th.....»»
Making ultra-fast electron measurements in multiple directions to reveal the secrets of the aurora
The energetic electrons that drive the aurora borealis (the northern lights) have a rich and very dynamic structure that we currently do not fully understand. Much of what we know about these electrons comes from instruments that have fundamental lim.....»»
Revolutionizing spectrometry with ultra-simplicity: Disrupting conventional designs through novel diffraction computing
Spectrometers are crucial scientific instruments in various research fields and have consistently served as indispensable tools for foundational research. However, the unwieldy size of conventional spectrometers poses challenges for cost-effective an.....»»
NASA selects first lunar instruments for Artemis astronaut deployment
NASA has chosen the first science instruments designed for astronauts to deploy on the surface of the moon during Artemis III. Once installed near the lunar South Pole, the three instruments will collect valuable scientific data about the lunar envir.....»»
New NASA software simulates science missions for observing terrestrial freshwater
From radar instruments smaller than a shoebox to radiometers the size of a milk carton, there are more tools available to scientists today for observing complex Earth systems than ever before. But this abundance of available sensors creates its own u.....»»
NASA, industry improve lidars for exploration, science
NASA engineers will test a suite of new laser technologies from an aircraft this summer for Earth science remote sensing. Called "lidar," the instruments could also be used to improve models of the moon's shape and aid the search for Artemis landing.....»»
Advancing plant biology with breakthroughs in single-cell RNA sequencing
Recent breakthroughs in single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA), such as the recently developed "RevGel-seq" method, have revolutionized plant cell analysis. This technique, independent of special instruments, streamlines processes and resolves protoplast.....»»
NASA Artemis science, first intuitive machines flight head to moon
A suite of NASA science instruments and technology demonstrations is on the way to our nearest celestial neighbor for the benefit of humanity. Through this flight to the moon, they will provide insights into the lunar surface environment and test tec.....»»
Humanity’s most distant space probe jeopardized by computer glitch
"It would be the the biggest miracle if we get it back. We certainly haven't given up." Enlarge / An annotated image showing the various parts and instruments of NASA's Voyager spacecraft design. (credit: NASA/Hulton Archive/Gett.....»»
Ultrathin membranes for uncovering the atomic scale problem in operando conditions
When someone comes up with the word "magnify," it is referring either to making distant objects closer or making small objects bigger on a tangible scale. There is no doubt that the power of magnifying instruments, regardless of the scale and directi.....»»
What it takes to build a next-generation observatory
From rats to snow, building massive scientific instruments in harsh environments requires money, brilliant engineering, and good old-fashioned human sweat......»»
Astronomers analyze masses, orbital properties and atmospheric features of six exoplanets
A recently discovered solar system with six confirmed exoplanets and a possible seventh is boosting astronomers' knowledge of planet formation and evolution. Relying on a globe-spanning arsenal of observatories and instruments, a team led by research.....»»
Ghana is behind the curve on climate change laws: Expert suggests way to get corporations on board
Ghana has introduced some climate change policies and general environmental regulations but has yet to pass a Climate Change Act. This leaves the country without effective legal and regulatory instruments for addressing climate change. Climate change.....»»
Fighting superbugs with medical nanomachines
Instruments smaller than a human hair are being designed to eradicate antibiotic-resistant bacteria and fight cancer......»»
Navajo objection to flying human ashes to the Moon won’t delay launch
"They’re not going to remove the human remains and keep them here on Earth." Enlarge / The Moon sets over sandstone formations on the Navajo Nation. (credit: David McNew/Getty Images) Science instruments aren't the onl.....»»
Innovative X-ray lobster-eye mission set to launch
The Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) spacecraft Einstein Probe is ready to launch in January 2024. Equipped with a new generation of X-ray instruments with high sensitivity and a very wide view, this mission will survey the sky and hunt for powerful.....»»