Solar Orbiter tracked a 'switchback' in the solar wind's magnetic field to its origin at the Sun's surface, revealing more about solar magnetism and its role in solar storms. The discovery confirmed the switchback's S-shaped configuration and pinpointed its formation process, reconciling two competing theories.
Researchers at the University of California San Diego developed a new method to grow perovskite crystals with fewer defects, leading to higher efficiency and durability in solar cells and LEDs. The temporary melting liquid, called a eutectic, helps to neutralize electronic defects and produce larger, more uniform crystals.
ICFO researchers have increased the power conversion efficiency of organic solar cells by restricting light emission angles, narrowing Boltzmann losses. This innovation enables solar cells to approach efficiencies near 43%, overcoming the Shockley-Queisser limit.
Scientists have discovered that Jupiter employs a surprisingly complex system to counteract the solar wind's impact, using multiple frequencies of plasma waves to heat and slow down particles. This finding may help explain how powerful shocks function in other powerful energy releases, such as those from dying stars.
Scientists at the University of Groningen discovered a way to harvest extra energy from 'hot electrons' in solar cells, slowing down energy loss to nanoseconds. This breakthrough could lead to more efficient solar cells, exceeding the theoretical 33% limit.
Researchers have successfully deployed underwater solar cells to generate 324 mWh of energy at 10 meters below sea level. The cells retained 96% of their initial efficiency after 300 days and showed exceptional long-term operational stability.
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin–Madison have designed a new tin-based perovskite with built-in protection against air and moisture, addressing one of the biggest challenges facing tin-based perovskite solar cells. The new material achieved 16.2% efficiency and remained stable during extended testing.
Chen Shi has received the 2026 Kamide Lecture Award from the Asia Oceania Geosciences Society for his research on plasma turbulence and its role in generating supersonic solar wind. This recognition acknowledges his contributions to understanding space weather, which can impact satellites, communications, and other technologies.
A Southwest Research Institute study of Solar Orbiter data provides the most detailed view of the heliospheric current sheet, revealing a clear change in ion composition tied to magnetic polarity flips. The findings offer new insights into the origin and composition of the solar wind.
A study of 2,344 Chinese counties found that stronger solar expansion policies are associated with significant declines in bird diversity, largely due to habitat loss and fragmentation. The expansion of renewable energy can help combat climate change, but it may also create environmental trade-offs that must be carefully considered.
A new AI model, EarlyDetect, can detect precursor signals of active region emergence in the Sun's acoustic activity and magnetic field, forecasting solar eruptions nearly nine hours in advance. This technology has the potential to allow satellite communications companies or power grid companies to prepare for solar storms.
Researchers used the NSF Inouye Solar Telescope to capture high-resolution images of swirling vortices in the sun's photosphere, which are believed to be the 'engine' driving twisting magnetic field lines. This discovery could fundamentally change our understanding of solar dynamics and evolution.
Researchers have made a groundbreaking discovery in solar physics by visualizing tiny plasma vortices on the Sun's surface. These vortices are changing our understanding of the Sun and its magnetic field, providing new perspectives on energy storage and release.
High-resolution Solar Orbiter data detected abundant high-frequency magnetohydrodynamic waves in coronal plumes, with energy contributions similar to those of transverse Alfvénic waves. The findings provide crucial evidence for the role of these waves in coronal heating and solar wind acceleration.
A new AI-based system called ShadowSense learns from real-world data to predict short-term changes in solar module power output. The system outperforms conventional methods with an accuracy rate of over 92%, providing valuable insights for electricity grid management.
A new study reveals that household members who work together and have a champion for solar adoption are more likely to install rooftop panels. The research found that greater support from all household members predicted eventual adoption, while disagreement was linked to a higher likelihood of installing solar.
Researchers at HZB developed a novel perovskite triple-junction solar cell with a GO/SAM bilayer, achieving an efficiency of 27.3% and retaining over 90% of its original efficiency after 770 hours. This study demonstrates the potential of all-perovskite multi-junction solar cells for high power conversion efficiencies.
Researchers discovered that the solar wind slows down by 13-15% as it approaches the outer boundary of the heliosphere, aligning with previous models. This slowdown is crucial for understanding the impact of interstellar material on long-term space travel.
A new study reveals rooftop solar panels can offset nearly half of increased electricity demand during peak cooling periods. Climate change alone is projected to push up residential cooling demand by 5%, but rooftop solar growth could halve this additional load, easing pressure on the grid.
Scientists predict that New Horizons will encounter the termination shock as early as 2029 or as late as 2040, helping improve understanding of heliosphere interactions with interstellar space. The research aims to prepare for future missions exploring solar system boundaries.
Researchers use helioseismology to track sound waves inside the Sun, finding a gradual change in structure just beneath the surface that spans multiple cycles. This discovery reveals a shift towards more tightly confined magnetic activity near the surface, with implications for space weather predictions.
The report highlights rapid growth of solid-state implementation since SKKU's first successful realization in 2012, with China, US, and South Korea leading global research efforts. Sungkyunkwan University demonstrates world-class research competitiveness, ranking highly in key indicators.
Researchers developed a feature selection-based solar irradiance forecasting method to improve stand-alone photovoltaic system operation. The approach forecasts solar irradiance using a bidirectional long short-term memory hybrid network, then estimates the optimum tilt angle to increase PV output power.
A study suggests that integrating wind and solar power into Ecuador's energy mix can prevent energy crises caused by droughts. The researchers found that large-scale wind and solar farms could increase the availability of hydropower, reducing the need for fossil fuels during dry periods.
The University of Michigan's new solar particle forecasting technology has been integrated into NASA's Artemis II mission to provide situational awareness of impending harmful radiation released during solar flares and eruptions. The machine-learning model uses satellite images of the sun and corona to forecast solar particle storms up...
Researchers Paolo Sossi and Dan Bower found that the Earth is composed entirely of non-carbonaceous material, originating from the inner Solar System. This conclusion contradicts previous theories suggesting a significant contribution from the outer Solar System.
TUM researchers have identified the microscopic causes of instability in perovskite solar cells and developed a strategy to prevent degradation through temperature swings. They discovered that a 'burn-in' phase triggers early loss of relative performance, but using special organic molecules as spacers can stabilize the material.
A team from the University of Córdoba developed an AI-based model that forecasts annual solar energy availability in Andalusia until 2100 using temperature data. The study found a significant positive trend in solar radiation and available energy, with peak hours increasing across all climate change scenarios.
Researchers analyzed Ryugu asteroid samples to understand magnetic field evolution in early solar system. The study found that 23 of 28 samples exhibited stable NRM components, providing critical information on the spatiotemporal evolution of magnetic fields.
A two-year study found that small household solar power systems have limited capacity, typically only 6 watts, which does not deliver meaningful energy services. Households with access to higher-capacity systems (50+ watts) reap the most direct benefits and are more likely to adopt additional solar components.
A new study introduces a semi-transparent, color-tunable solar cell designed for flexible surfaces and windows. The 3D-printed pillar structure allows for precise control over light transmission and appearance, enabling better integration of solar technology into building façades and curved surfaces.
Researchers at NJIT's Center for Solar-Terrestrial Research have pinpointed a previously unknown class of high-energy particles in the Sun's upper atmosphere responsible for generating intense gamma-ray signals during major solar flare events. These particles, energized to millions of electron volts, are linked to bremsstrahlung emissi...
The new vapour-deposition method delivers unprecedented durability in perovskite–silicon tandem solar cells, achieving over 30% power-conversion efficiency and operating stability exceeding 2,000 hours. This breakthrough paves the way for real-world deployment of tandem solar modules.
The CoDICE instrument has successfully collected first-light data from IMAP, measuring energized particles from interstellar space, the solar wind, and solar energetic particles. This will provide a better understanding of our place in the universe by studying the interaction between the interstellar medium and the solar wind.
A modeling study reveals that increasing numbers of households with rooftop solar panels can lead to higher rates for those without their own solar system. As the cost of solar systems falls, more customers defect from the grid, leading to increased rates and a 'utility death spiral' that disproportionately affects low-income households.
A SwRI-led study finds that quasi-periodic pulsations (QPPs) in solar flares are driven by dynamic oscillations in magnetic reconnection. This research could help refine traditional solar flare models, providing new insights into the mechanisms driving space weather.
A new study found that tin-perovskite solar cells have significantly lower ion density and degrade five times slower than lead-based cells. The tin material also exhibits excellent stability during operation, paving the way for developing innovative thin-film solar cells.
Researchers identified two distinct defect types in silicon heterojunction solar cells, a slow component and a fast component, to improve passivation technologies and enhance device performance.
Researchers analyzed data from Solar Orbiter's PHI and EUI instruments to study the Sun's supergranulation and magnetic network at the south pole. The findings show that the magnetic field drifts towards the poles faster than expected, providing important clues about the Sun's global plasma and magnetic field circulation.
A novel AI optimization model called GAN-Solar has been developed to address the technical bottleneck of accurate short-term solar forecasting. The model achieves significant improvements on key metrics compared to existing advanced models, producing high-definition forecasts that capture crucial details.
A new study suggests that well-managed solar farms with wildflower margins could double bumblebee numbers within themselves. However, their benefits are largely constrained to the local site and have a limited impact on wider landscapes.
Researchers have identified key barriers to safely extending the life of solar panels and decreasing waste. One major challenge is the low cost of new panels undercutting the resale market for used systems.
A new study by the University of Surrey finds that solar energy has become the world's cheapest source of power, with costs ranging from £0.02 per unit in sunny countries. The research highlights the increasing adoption of hybrid systems combining solar panels with batteries to create a more reliable and dispatchable source of power.
Researchers propose that high-energy collisions and core formation triggered chemical changes, shaping the earliest outer solar system planetesimals. The study suggests a more dynamic and complex pathway to planetary formation.
Understanding Sun's polar magnetic fields and dynamic processes is essential for answering pressing questions in solar physics. The SPO mission aims to overcome past limitations by providing a true polar view.
Scientists have made significant progress in developing iron-based solar fuel systems, which could pave the way for cheaper and more sustainable fuels. The study reveals new mechanisms that enable efficient charge transfer between light-absorbing molecules and acceptor molecules, reducing energy losses and increasing efficiency.
Scientists at NYU Abu Dhabi create an AI model that forecasts solar wind speeds up to four days in advance, improving accuracy by 45% compared to current methods. The breakthrough helps protect satellites and power grids from disruptions caused by space weather events.
Researchers aim to bring perovskite solar cells to market maturity by improving long-term stability and scalability. Nanostructured materials hold the key to enhancing photovoltaic performance and reducing energy losses.
Researchers achieved excellent passivation of perovskite top cells on textured silicon surfaces, leading to improved efficiency and conductivity. The breakthrough enhances understanding of processes occurring in top cells and paves the way for further innovation in tandem solar cell development.
Scientists at the University of St Andrews propose that solar flare ions reach over 60 million degrees, contradicting the long-held assumption of equal ion and electron temperatures. This discovery could provide an unexpected solution to a decades-long astrophysics mystery about the enigmatic line widths of solar flare spectra.
The European Space Agency-led Solar Orbiter mission has split energetic particles into two groups, tracing them back to distinct solar outbursts. Researchers found that one type of particle is connected to intense solar flares and the other to larger coronal mass ejections.
Researchers are testing how crops grow between rows of solar panels on a farm in New York state. The team is growing various crops, including strawberries, raspberries, and soybeans, with promising early results.
Surya is a visual AI model trained on massive amounts of solar data, leveraging NASA's deep scientific expertise in cutting-edge AI models. The system aims to determine the Sun's magnetic field generation and structure, as well as its impact on the heliosphere and geospace.
Astronomers captured dark coronal loop strands with unprecedented clarity during an X1.3-class flare, measuring 48.2 km in width, the smallest ever imaged. The team's high-resolution images offer a potential breakthrough in resolving the fundamental scale of solar coronal loops and improving space weather forecasting.
A study published in the journal Joule estimates that space-based solar power could reduce Earth-based renewable energy costs by 7-15% and offset up to 80% of wind and solar power by 2050. The heliostat design, with higher potential for continuous solar energy capture, would outperform wind and solar power.
A recent study published in Nature Astronomy confirmed decades-old theoretical models of magnetic reconnection in the solar corona, using data from NASA's Parker Solar Probe. The research provides new insights into the process that drives solar flares and coronal mass ejections, which can impact technology on Earth.
Scientists at the University of Sharjah have developed a cooling system that utilizes waste air from central air conditioning systems to cool the rear surfaces of solar panels. The system is designed to reduce energy losses caused by high operating temperatures and can recover up to 10% more solar power production.
Researchers at KIMS developed a highly durable flexible perovskite solar cell material and fabrication process that remains stable under high humidity conditions. The breakthrough enables the production of high-efficiency solar cells in ambient air without expensive equipment, offering significant cost reductions.
Researchers found that solar energy delivers the biggest climate payoff in certain US regions, with California and Florida seeing significant CO2 reductions. A 15% increase in solar power led to a reduction of up to 147.18 metric tons of CO2 in California alone.
A research team at HKUST introduces comprehensive bio-inspired multiscale design strategies to address key challenges in commercializing perovskite solar cells. The approaches focus on leveraging insights from natural systems to create solar cells that can withstand environmental stressors and prolonged use.