The solar wind, explained
The solar wind is a flow of particles that comes off the sun at about one million miles per hour and travels throughout the entire solar system. First proposed in the 1950s by University of Chicago physicist Eugene Parker, the solar wind is visible i.....»»
Will space-based solar power ever make sense?
Years of talk have now moved to design studies and hardware in space. Enlarge (credit: Pgiam) Is space-based solar power a costly, risky pipe dream? Or is it a viable way to combat climate change? Although beaming solar.....»»
Could resources on Mars support human explorers?
In the coming decades, multiple space agencies and private companies plan to establish outposts on the moon and Mars. These outposts will allow for long-duration stays, astrobiological research, and facilitate future solar system exploration. However.....»»
Solar flares and solar magnetic reconnection get new spotlight in two blazing studies
Two recent studies published in The Astrophysical Journal discuss findings regarding solar flare properties and a new classification index and the sun's magnetic field, specifically what's called solar magnetic reconnection......»»
Scorching storms on distant worlds revealed in new detail
Astronomers have created the most detailed weather report so far for two distant worlds beyond our own solar system. The international study—the first of its kind—reveals the extreme atmospheric conditions on the celestial objects, which are swat.....»»
Nearby exoplanet could be first known ocean world: Webb telescope
A planet relatively close to Earth could be the first ever detected with a potentially life-sustaining liquid ocean outside our Solar System, according to scientists using the James Webb space telescope......»»
How astronomers work out the size of the solar system
The size of the solar system is defined by the volume of space over which the sun's influence exceeds those of other nearby stars in the Milky Way galaxy. This influence derives from two fundamental forces of nature: gravity and magnetism......»»
The Gulf Stream is wind-powered and could weaken from climate change, research suggests
New evidence of changes to the Gulf Stream during the last ice age could indicate additional sensitivity to future climatic changes, finds a new study led by UCL researchers......»»
Astronomers find the nearest massive black hole, a missing link in massive black hole formation
Newly identified fast-moving stars in the star cluster Omega Centauri provide solid evidence for a central black hole in the cluster. With at least 8,200 solar masses, it is the best candidate for a class of black holes astronomers have long believed.....»»
Astronomers suggest up to 60% of near-Earth objects could be dark comets
Up to 60% of near-Earth objects could be dark comets, mysterious asteroids that orbit the sun in our solar system that likely contain or previously contained ice and could have been one route for delivering water to Earth, according to a University o.....»»
What is anti-aliasing? TAA, FXAA, DLAA, and more explained
You'll find anti-aliasing in just about every PC game available today. We're here to tell you what anti-aliasing is, from TAA to FXAA, and explain how it works......»»
Age data show planetesimals provided building materials for water-rich planets in the early solar system
Age data for certain classes of meteorite have made it possible to gain new findings on the origin of small water-rich astronomical bodies in the early solar system. These so-called planetesimals continually supplied building materials for planets—.....»»
"Southerly busters" in Australia are becoming more frequent but less severe as the climate changes
When Australia's east coast is caught in the grip of a heat wave, relief can come in the form of abrupt, often gale-force wind changes known as "southerly busters.".....»»
Beryl downgraded after slamming Texas with deadly rains, wind
Beryl was downgraded Monday evening to a tropical depression after slamming the southern US state of Texas as a Category 1 hurricane, killing at least four people and causing millions to lose power amid scorching summer heat......»»
NASA mission to study mysteries in the origin of solar radio waves
NASA's CubeSat Radio Interferometry Experiment, or CURIE, is scheduled to launch July 9, 2024, to investigate the unresolved origins of radio waves coming from the sun......»»
Painting roofs white helps lower city heat, studies say
White or reflective paint is more effective at cooling cities than covering roofs in solar panels or greenery, scientists say, and could offer some relief on extremely hot summer days......»»
NASA"s Parker Solar Probe completes 20th close approach to the sun
NASA's Parker Solar Probe completed its 20th close approach to the sun on June 30, 2024, matching its own distance record by coming about 4.51 million miles (7.26 million kilometers) from the solar surface......»»
Elusive temporary star described in historical documents recreated using new computer model
A mysterious remnant from a rare type of supernova recorded in 1181 has been explained for the first time. Two white dwarf stars collided, creating a temporary "guest star," now labeled supernova (SN) 1181, which was recorded in historical documents.....»»
Hugh Jackman recalls chance meeting with Kevin Feige after disastrous Wolverine audition
Hugh Jackman explained how his disastrous Wolverine audition led him to meet Kevin Feige, which changed his career......»»
Extreme Hail Storms Are Wrecking Solar Farms—but Defending Them May Be Easier Than It Seems
Climate change is making hail storms more intense, so designers have to find novel solutions to protect panels from expensive damage......»»
Honest dialogue is needed to help build consensus around solar radiation modification technology
Solar Radiation Modification (SRM) is a suite of possible technologies to counteract global warming by reflecting incoming solar radiation......»»