Researchers at Kyushu University analyzed data from NASA's InSight lander to determine the sources of different types and frequencies of Martian microtremors. The study found that low-frequency P-waves were related to changes in wind and solar irradiation, while higher-frequency ambient noises were dominated by lander vibration.
SourceKyushu University, I2CNER·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJul 2, 2020
A recent study found that the Maryland Wind Energy Area, where an offshore wind farm is planned, serves as a crucial migration corridor for Atlantic sturgeon and striped bass. The development of wind turbines in this area could create habitat around which fish linger, potentially disrupting their migrations.
SourceUniversity of Maryland Center for Environmental Science·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 26, 2020
A new study found that albatrosses wait for stronger winds to fly again and males rely more on strong winds for take-off due to their larger size. The research tracked over 300 albatrosses and combined tracking data with computer modeling to shed light on the role of wind in flight decisions.
SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalJournal of Animal Ecology·DateJun 19, 2020
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.
Researchers at the University of Birmingham have developed a 'smart' system that controls energy storage and release in wind turbines to regulate the national grid. The system uses variable speed rotors to keep pace with electricity demand, reducing the risk of power cuts and supporting widespread wind energy use.
SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalIEEE Open Access Journal of Power and Energy·DateJun 19, 2020
Researchers at Stanford University have devised a model that considers the impact of interactions between developers and landowners on the success and cost of wind farms. The model highlights three actions developers could take to increase landowner acceptance and ultimately reduce costs, including community engagement meetings, prelim...
SourceStanford University·JournalJournal of Mechanical Design·DateJun 19, 2020
A Romanian research team found that wind farms along the Black Sea coast are killing large numbers of migrating bats, including those from distant regions. The scientists recommend implementing turn-off times during migration months to reduce bat mortality and protect populations.
SourceForschungsverbund Berlin·JournalEuropean Journal of Wildlife Research·DateJun 17, 2020
A study by Jacek Kapica identifies three indicators to help find the perfect size for renewable wind and solar energy storage facilities while optimizing energy harvesting. Increasing power reliability influences the nominal power of energy generation units at a given size of storage.
SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Renewable and Sustainable Energy·DateJun 2, 2020
Scientists at the DOE's Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory have reproduced a process that occurs in space to deepen understanding of what happens when the Earth encounters the solar wind. The research aims to help forecast space weather and protect satellites that enable global communication.
SourceDOE/Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory·JournalPhysics of Plasmas·DateJun 2, 2020
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.
A new study maps the potential for 'solar-wind-water' strategies in West Africa, finding that flexibly dispatched hydropower can increase renewable power generation by over 30%. Hydropower plants can support solar and wind energy, reducing CO2 emissions and environmental impact
SourceKU Leuven·JournalNature Sustainability·DateMay 28, 2020
Researchers found that US wind plants experience relatively low performance decline over time, with a 13% drop in 17 years. Performance drops significantly after the production tax credit window closes, but at a lower rate than European wind fleets.
Researchers at the University of Southampton have created a global dataset of major renewable energy sites, mapping solar and wind farms worldwide. The study shows that Europe, North America, and East Asia dominate the renewable energy sector, with data correlating well with official statistics.
SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalScientific Data·DateMay 4, 2020
A UMass Lowell researcher has received a $1.4 million federal grant to develop a novel solution for detecting damage in wind turbine blades using sound monitoring technology.
A new study by the University of the Basque Country confirms that offshore wind turbines can produce hydrogen fuel with significant increases in energy generation. The research found that adding vortex generators and Gurney flaps to wind turbines improved aerodynamics, resulting in 2.5% higher annual energy production.
SourceUniversity of the Basque Country·JournalInternational Journal of Hydrogen Energy·DateApr 30, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
Researchers at Purdue University are working on a method to fabricate wind turbine substructures and anchors using 3D-printed concrete, which could reduce material costs and increase design flexibility. The team is collaborating with RCAM Technologies to develop concrete additive manufacturing for offshore wind energy technology.
A new study found that weakened wind patterns and a thinner ocean mixed layer fueled the record-breaking 2019 marine heat wave, dubbed Blob 2.0, which damaged marine ecosystems and hurt coastal fisheries.
SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 21, 2020
A study at the University of Gothenburg found that wind turbine noise influences people's perception of restorative effects of sleep and has a small but significant effect on dream sleep. Participants who lived near wind turbines reported worse sleep quality during quiet nights.
SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalSLEEP·DateApr 20, 2020
Tropical Storm Jeruto was identified by NASA's Suomi NPP satellite on April 15, 2020, with a visible image showing elongated shape due to wind shear. Forecasters predict the storm will likely dissipate within a couple of days as vertical wind shear increases.
Meta Quest 3 512GB
Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.
University of Wisconsin-Madison physicists have provided an explanation for the discrepancy in solar wind temperature. By applying mirror machine theory, they found that the hot electrons stream from the sun to large distances, losing energy slowly and distributing it to trapped particles.
SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 14, 2020
A study using supercomputers found that the US can double or quadruple its installed wind turbine capacity without significantly affecting local climate. The researchers used simulations to model the impact of wind turbines on local climates, finding that adding more turbines in a given area would have minimal effects.
SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin, Texas Advanced Computing Center·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 14, 2020
Cyclone Harold's transformation into an extra-tropical cyclone was captured by NASA's Terra satellite, revealing elongated clouds and convection displaced to the southeast. The system is undergoing a transition characterized by wind shear and baroclinic processes, which may retain hurricane-force winds.
Heavy rainfall from Tropical Storm Irondro was displaced southeast of the center due to strong wind shear, with light rain throughout the rest of the storm. The storm had maximum sustained winds near 40 knots despite wind shear, and is expected to become a cold core low pressure area later in the day.
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.
Researchers at Berkeley Lab are developing fiber optic sensors to monitor offshore wind operations and underground natural gas storage. These sensors aim to detect issues such as gearbox failure and marine mammal activity, improving the reliability and safety of these systems.
SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·DateMar 30, 2020
A new machine-learning algorithm helps design lightweight glass compositions that are very stiff, suitable for next-gen materials in vehicles and wind turbines. The goal is to reduce weight while maintaining strength, leading to fuel efficiency improvements.
SourceUniversity of Michigan·Journalnpj Computational Materials·DateMar 26, 2020
A researcher at Samara Polytech has designed a wind-powered generator with irregular cross-section conductors that reduces mass and dimensions, increasing efficiency. The design has been patented and implemented in electric machines with integrated electronic units and liquid cooling.
SourceSamara Polytech (Samara State Technical University)·JournalIEEE Transactions on Industry Applications·DateMar 26, 2020
A study on US public perceptions of energy mixes found that most participants underestimated oil and gas contributions and overestimated wind and solar energy. Participants showed a strong preference for a steep increase in solar and wind energy and a decrease in fossil fuels by 2050.
SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 16, 2020
Researchers at Cornell University found that quadrupling wind turbine capacity can achieve a 20% share of US electricity from wind power without expanding to new lands. This scenario eliminates approximately 825 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions by 2030.
SourceCornell University·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 24, 2020
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.
A recent study suggests that China's coastal provinces can be powered by offshore wind farms, potentially increasing the country's wind power capacity to meet its Paris Agreement goals. The research estimates that offshore wind could provide up to 6,000 terawatt-hours of electricity, equivalent to 200% of total energy demand.
SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalScience Advances·DateFeb 21, 2020
A new method predicts how extreme climate events affect energy systems with a focus on renewable energy sources. Future climate events can have a considerable impact, leading to power supply reliability reductions of up to 16%. Collaboration between energy system experts and climate researchers is necessary for optimization.
SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalNature Energy·DateFeb 20, 2020
Tropical Storm Gabekile rapidly intensified from hurricane-force winds to weakening due to strong northwesterly wind shear, according to NASA's Aqua satellite imagery. Wind shear disrupts the storm's rotation by pushing it apart at different altitudes.
Scientists at Tokyo University of Science have developed a novel technology to measure thermal energy conversion efficiency. This innovation can shed light on the processes of energy-converting systems like leaves during photosynthesis, improving the understanding of energy transfer in plants and solar cells.
SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalApplied Sciences·DateFeb 17, 2020
GoPro HERO13 Black
GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.
A new study has refined our understanding of the amount of hydrogen, helium, and other elements present in violent outbursts from the Sun. The research found that helium and neon are enriched in coronal mass ejections, providing clues to the underlying physics in the Sun.
SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalMeteoritics and Planetary Science·DateFeb 14, 2020
Wind shear, a measure of changing winds with altitude, affects Tropical Cyclone Uesi's rotation and strength. The NASA Aqua satellite revealed this impact, showing clouds being pushed to the southeast of the center of circulation.
Wind shear is displacing deep convection about 125 nautical miles to the southeast, causing elongation and weakening the storm. The JTWC expects Francisco will continue moving to the southeast until it dissipates.
A SwRI-led team used data from NASA's Parker Solar Probe to identify low-energy particles near the Sun, likely originating from solar wind interactions beyond Earth orbit. The particles are thought to be created by stream interaction regions and can pose a radiation threat to space travelers and technology.
SourceSouthwest Research Institute·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Supplement Series·DateFeb 3, 2020
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.
Tropical Cyclone Diane formed on January 24 and quickly weakened due to wind shear, dissipating by January 27. The storm's clouds were blown southwest of the weak center, revealing its final state.
Tropical Cyclone 09S formed on Jan 22 despite wind shear, but was weakened and eventually dissipated by the same force. The storm's rapid deterioration was attributed to increasing wind shear and movement into cooler waters.
Tropical Storm Claudia is battling strong vertical wind shear as it moves away from Western Australia and through the Southern Indian Ocean. The storm's shape, elongated from west to east, provides forecasters with an idea of its organization and strength.
A new study in Nature Communications documents a previously undocumented relationship between erosion and wind speed in the Gobi Desert, revealing that changes in landscape can exacerbate extreme conditions. The research found that wind erosion heated up the air within the depression, increasing wind speeds by up to 25 percent.
SourceColumbia Climate School·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 8, 2020
Researchers warn of potential negative impacts of offshore renewable energy on marine life, including head trauma and hearing loss. The study suggests that consideration should be given to the impact of technologies like wind turbines and wave energy converters on marine animals before implementation.
SourceCell Press·JournalTrends in Ecology & Evolution·DateDec 17, 2019
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.
Scientists developed a two-scale coupled momentum balance method to simulate wind farm aerodynamics, accounting for the impact of turbine towers. This updated model helps understand the potential impact of wind turbine support structures on the wind farm blockage effect.
SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Renewable and Sustainable Energy·DateDec 12, 2019
The Parker Solar Probe has returned significant data on the Sun's atmosphere, revealing insights into the solar wind and its effects on space weather. The probe's findings have shed light on magnetic disturbances in the solar wind and the processes that heat the Sun's outer atmosphere.
The Parker Solar Probe has discovered new evidence on how the solar wind is accelerated away from the Sun's surface, finding that bursty 'spikes' originate in holes near the equator and are generated by magnetic reconnection. The probe also measured a sideways speed of the solar wind, which contradicts previous predictions.
SourceImperial College London·JournalNature·DateDec 4, 2019
The Parker Solar Probe mission has unveiled a surprisingly chaotic world within the sun's corona, characterized by rogue plasma waves, flipping magnetic fields, and distant solar winds. The findings have significant implications for space weather forecasting and our understanding of the sun's behavior.
SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalNature·DateDec 4, 2019
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.
Tropical Storm 07A is experiencing significant wind shear, causing powerful thunderstorms with cold cloud top temperatures. The storm is expected to weaken into a depression by December 5 and dissipate.
Expert survey reveals conflict between renewable energy and bat protection, with most stakeholders agreeing that ecosystem sustainability is crucial. Possible solutions include accepting reduced wind turbine efficiency to compensate for shutdown times and prioritizing bat conservation over green electricity production.
SourceForschungsverbund Berlin·JournalJournal of Renewable and Sustainable Energy·DateNov 27, 2019
A survey of stakeholders in the wind energy field reveals a consensus on prioritizing biodiversity protection over climate change concerns. Stakeholders agree that measures to make wind energy production ecologically sustainable should be taken, with most suggesting increased research and improved efficiency.
SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Renewable and Sustainable Energy·DateNov 26, 2019
Tropical Storm Fung-Wong was found to have two small areas of moderate to heavy rainfall despite strong wind shear. The Global Precipitation Measurement mission measured rainfall rates throughout the storm on Nov. 22, with heaviest precipitation occurring at a rate of 1.6 inches per hour.
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.
Tropical Storm Sebastien is being pushed towards becoming a hurricane due to strong winds and low pressure. NASA's Terra satellite has captured images showing the storm's clouds and showers have been displaced by wind shear, weakening its rotation.
Researchers from the University of Cambridge found that wind-driven ventilation can increase room ventilation rates by up to 40% compared to temperature-driven ventilation. The study's results suggest that designing buildings with natural ventilation principles can help reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalBuilding and Environment·DateNov 20, 2019
Research reveals surface discontinuity plays a significant role in developing nearshore convection systems, sustaining precipitation in coastal areas of Korea. The study found changes in wind stress and potential temperature enable these systems, with roughness changes enhancing convergence and energy transfer.
SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateNov 19, 2019
Using a first-time combination of multiple modelling systems, researchers show that relying mainly on wind and solar would bring most co-benefits for the health of people and planet. Land use requirements for power production will increase in all scenarios, with bioenergy being the most land-devouring method.
SourcePotsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK)·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 19, 2019
Research by Princeton University shows a reversal of global terrestrial stilling, with wind speeds in northern mid-latitude regions increasing by 7% since 2010. This trend has significant implications for wind power generation, predicting a 17% increase in energy production and a potential 37% increase by 2024.
SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalNature Climate Change·DateNov 18, 2019
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Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.
A team of researchers has successfully tested a superconducting rotor on an active wind turbine, demonstrating the compatibility of this technology with operational environments. The achievement marks a significant step towards wider adoption of superconducting generator technology in wind turbines.
SourceIOP Publishing·JournalSuperconductor Science and Technology·DateNov 12, 2019
A new study finds that increasing solar and wind energy in California can enhance drought resilience and benefit groundwater sustainability. The researchers developed a trade-off frontier framework to quantify the water sustainability value of solar and wind energy.
SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 6, 2019
A new control system has been developed to better control wind energy systems, improving efficiency and reducing costs. By decoupling power generation and feedback, the system enables turbines to respond quicker and with less strain on physical components.
SourceChinese Association of Automation·JournalIEEE/CAA Journal of Automatica Sinica·DateNov 6, 2019
A Princeton University-led study shows that solar and wind energy enhance drought resilience and aid in groundwater sustainability by reducing reliance on hydropower. The researchers suggest deploying solar and wind energy simultaneously with regulations on groundwater use can increase overall benefits.
SourcePrinceton School of Public and International Affairs·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 6, 2019
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.
A new Harvard study identifies the Upper Midwest as ideal for wind turbines and the Great Lakes/Mid-Atlantic region for solar power to achieve maximum benefits. The research, funded by Harvard University's Climate Change Solutions Fund, provides a guide for policymakers, businesses, and utilities on where to deploy renewable energy.
SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateOct 29, 2019
Typhoon Bualoi continued to exhibit asymmetric shape due to ongoing wind shear, as revealed by NASA-NOAA's Suomi NPP satellite. The storm was transitioning into an extra-tropical cyclone, losing its tropical characteristics. Forecasters predict it will weaken and make landfall well east of Japan.
Researchers identify three grand challenges in wind energy research: understanding wind resources, addressing turbine and system dynamics, and designing wind plants for grid reliability. Addressing these challenges is crucial for advancing the state of the art in wind plant energy output.
SourceDOE/National Renewable Energy Laboratory·JournalScience·DateOct 22, 2019
Tropical Storm Neoguri is undergoing extratropical transition due to southwesterly wind shear, resulting in elongated storm structure and weakened convection. The system's maximum sustained winds near 40 knots (46 mph) are expected to decrease within 12 hours.
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.