Researchers at NIST have demonstrated that three atom waves can be mixed together to produce a fourth matter wave, similar to combining optical laser beams. This breakthrough opens a new field of non-linear atom optics, which may lead to applications in amplifying matter waves and exploring quantum behavior.
Physicists have successfully created an atom laser from a Bose-Einstein condensate using light manipulation, building on previous research funded by the Office of Naval Research. The NIST atom laser produces a highly directional beam with improved collimation compared to earlier experiments.
Astronomers have discovered a large number of slow X-ray pulsars in supernova remnants, which are believed to be neutron stars with huge magnetic fields. These so-called magnetars rotate much slower than expected and are invisible to radio probes.
Volcanologists at the University at Buffalo have developed a method to analyze satellite data and identify weak spots on a volcano's surface. By interpreting the data, they can determine properties such as water or iron-bearing minerals that contribute to weakening of the volcanic structure.
JASMIN will measure magnetic field direction and strength from space, resolving details of the Sun's magnetism nearly 20 times better than ground-based telescopes. The instrument aims to unravel mysteries of the Sun's corona heating, heat waves and solar flares, with potential implications for Earth's climate.
The University of Washington is launching a doctoral program in astrobiology, funded by a $2 million NSF grant. Students will study organisms living in extreme conditions on Earth to prepare for finding life on Mars and Europa.
A powerful gamma-ray and X-ray burst from a distant star caused significant changes in Earth's upper atmosphere, leading to increased ionization levels and reduced radio signal range. The event has implications for our understanding of the ionosphere and its interactions with external energy sources.
The Aerosonde successfully completed the 2,000-mile, 26-hour trans-Atlantic flight, becoming the smallest aircraft to cross the Atlantic. The achievement marks a significant milestone in autonomous aviation and demonstrates the potential of unmanned aircraft as workhorses for the next century.
Researchers aim to prove robotic planes can operate autonomously over the Atlantic Ocean, improving weather forecasting. The autonomous aircraft will gather meteorological data for improved forecast accuracy and potentially detect severe weather.
Researchers create neural network pattern recognition software to predict battery performance and life, providing faster and cheaper data for manufacturers. The software uses only minutes of laboratory test data and can be used to build better batteries.
A panel of scientists concludes that some UFO sightings are accompanied by physical evidence deserving scientific study. While the panel was not convinced of an extraterrestrial explanation, it highlighted potential health risks and noted that rare natural phenomena can cause similar effects.
The meeting explores hyperbaric oxygen therapy's potential in minimizing damage from strokes and preventing paralysis after spinal cord injuries. Dr. Mary Anne Frey will discuss the results of the Neurolab Space Shuttle Mission, while Sen. John Glenn will talk about his upcoming space-based research on aging.
The Aviation System Analysis Capability (ASAC) is an integrated suite of models and databases that assesses the impact of new technologies on air transportation efficiency and safety. Developed by Logistics Management Institute, ASAC assists researchers in air traffic management analysis and aircraft technology analysis.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a genetic algorithm that optimizes low-thrust trajectories for interplanetary missions, increasing payload capability and flexibility.
Astronomers Ari Buchalter and David Helfand study 103 galaxies to draw conclusions about the universe's shape. They believe their findings can be confirmed with results from 500 galaxies.
Purdue University researchers are constructing a Mach 6 wind tunnel to study supersonic airflow and its effects on aircraft. The new facility will conduct experiments in airstreams traveling at six times the speed of sound, producing a quiet-flow Reynolds number of 13 million.
FORCAST, a new infrared camera, will be built at Cornell to image the universe in the infrared spectrum and study stars' neonatal environments. The instrument will fly aboard NASA's Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA) and make observations that are impossible for ground-based telescopes.
The Mars 2001 Lander mission aims to investigate the geological record of ancient Martian waterways and possible biology. Cornell's Athena rover will use its integrated scientific instruments to collect data on the planet's surface, including an imager, infrared spectrometer, and Alpha-Proton-X-Ray spectrometer.
A Stanford doctoral student has developed a dynamic control system that uses Global Positioning System signals to actively control errant oscillations in large space structures. The system can detect centimeter-level precision and automatically fire thrusters to compensate for wayward motions, allowing for stable structure operation.
The Stanford team perfected a system to control tractors at all speeds with centimeter-level precision, exceeding the best human drivers' accuracy. This technology has potential applications in autonomous tractors and smart roads, improving farm productivity while reducing environmental impact.
The UW smogmobile generates no emissions and can actually remove pollutants from the air as its fuel is produced. Its efficiency is currently around 20% due to a less-than-ideal motor design, but further development aims to increase range to match gas-powered vehicles.
Resources for the Future (RFF) is studying the economic implications and commercial possibilities of satellite remote sensing. The research aims to find a reliable way to measure the value of NASA's technology transfer to the public and private sectors.
Scientists at NCAR are testing new forecasting methods to predict treacherous icing zones and improve pilot safety. The experiment uses weather observations, numerical models, and aircraft measurements to target large-droplet icing conditions, providing escape routes for pilots.
A Purdue University researcher has discovered that spacecraft can 'surf' through space at libration points, which could lower costs of planetary missions. Libration points are locations in the solar system where gravitational forces cancel each other out, creating stable orbits for spacecraft.
Congress approved a 4.1% increase in R&D funding for FY 1997, but the boost was insufficient to overcome three years of level funding and inflation. Only NIH and NSF kept their budgets ahead of inflation during the period.
A new set of curriculum guides, developed with NSF support, helps teachers stimulate students' curiosity about life in the universe. The guides provide tools for elementary school teachers to explore topics like planetary systems and extraterrestrial life.
The SOHO mission has provided stunning images of the Sun's south polar region, revealing that even in quiet areas, there is tremendous activity. The observations suggest that solar plumes are associated with small regions of high magnetic activity and are more dynamic than previously thought.