Astronomers have found a clue to the evolutionary relationship between pulsars and magnetars by examining archival RXTE data of a young neutron star. The study reveals that a regular pulsar can produce powerful bursts similar to those from magnetars, challenging current understanding of their life cycles.
Scientists will embark on a six-week research expedition to measure turbulence, waves, and bubbles in the Southern Ocean to improve the accuracy of climate models. The goal is to understand how gases important to climate change move between the atmosphere and ocean under high winds and seas.
A NASA study reveals that warming air temperatures are causing the surface of Greenland's massive ice sheet to melt, leading to loss of ice throughout the mass beneath. The team found a strong connection between melting on the surface and ice loss below 6,500 feet in elevation.
The James Webb Space Telescope employs the miniaturized SIDECAR to convert analog signals into digital data, reducing noise and improving transmission robustness. This technology enables efficient signal processing and minimizes system noise.
Two groundbreaking technologies, a nano chemsensor unit (NCSU) and a variable emissivity film, have proven successful on NASA's MidSTAR-1 satellite. The NCSU can detect harmful chemicals and contaminants in space, while the film controls heat on spacecraft, reducing weight and power consumption.
The GLAST observatory will explore extreme environments and search for new laws of physics, with a scheduled May 16 launch from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The rocket's first stage has arrived at the space station, joining the second stage and solid rocket motors.
Scientists found that summer storms in the Southeast drop more rainfall on weekdays than weekends. The study suggests that atmospheric pollution from humans may be driving this trend, as pollution levels peak midweek.
Researchers found that El Nino winters lead to altered jet stream positions, resulting in intensified storm activity in several US regions. The study analyzed daily records of snow and rainfall events over 49 US winters, finding a connection between ENSO events and increased probability of severe winter storms.
The Keck Nuller has produced the first unified model for a nearby nova called RS Ophiuchi. The team observed the explosion using the nulling mode of the instrument and recorded the spectral signature of silicate dust at distances starting around 20 times the Earth-Sun distance, indicating that the dust pre-dates the explosion.
NASA researchers found that 2007 was tied with 1998 for the second-warmest year on record, with significant warming in the Arctic region. The study used temperature data from various sources and confirmed a strong trend of global warming over the past 30 years.
Researchers found that rapidly spinning black holes produce light echoes, where X-ray photons travel different paths around the black hole, causing a constant delay independent of source position. This effect would allow astronomers to measure black hole masses with high accuracy.
A giant cloud of antimatter surrounding the galactic center has been traced back to binary star systems containing black holes or neutron stars. The cloud's imbalance matches the distribution of these binaries, suggesting they are churning out most of the antimatter.
The Hubble servicing mission, scheduled for August 2008, aims to equip the telescope with new instruments, including the Cosmic Origins Spectrograph and Wide Field Camera 3. These upgrades will enhance Hubble's capabilities to explore the universe, studying dark matter, dark energy, and planetary atmospheres.
Astronomers have detected a record-breaking short gamma-ray burst (GRB) 7.4 billion years ago, revealing new insights into their formation mechanisms.
A team of astronomers discovered that a white dwarf, AE Aquarii, emits high-energy X-rays as it whirls around on its axis, similar to the Crab Nebula's pulsar. This behavior indicates that white dwarfs can accelerate charged particles to near-light speed, potentially contributing to cosmic rays.
The Suzaku X-ray observatory has provided new insights into cosmic powerhouses, identifying pulsar wind nebulae as the source of high-energy gamma rays. The observations also suggest that these objects are accelerating mostly protons, leading to a better understanding of the origin of cosmic rays.
The GLAST satellite, a gamma-ray telescope, has arrived at the Naval Research Laboratory in Washington for testing before its launch later in 2008. The mission will study extreme environments in the universe, identifying unknown sources of gamma rays.
A team of astronomers discovered a long-duration gamma-ray burst (GRB) in the middle of nowhere, thousands of light-years from the nearest galaxy. The GRB's afterglow was bright and fast-fading, but there was no dense gas or dust to absorb its light.
Researchers are working on operational global forecasts of air pollution, which could aid in improving air quality and addressing climate change. NASA satellites are providing crucial data to support these efforts, helping to evaluate the effectiveness of environmental regulations.
A NASA fleet of spacecraft has made significant discoveries about Northern Lights, revealing giant magnetic ropes and small explosions in the Earth's magnetic field. The THEMIS mission observed a rapidly developing substorm, confirming the existence of these structures and witnessing vivid auroras for over two hours.
NASA researchers present groundbreaking discoveries on polar mesospheric clouds, Voyager 2's solar system boundary, Mars rovers' water evidence, and Northern Lights dynamics.
The AIM satellite has provided the first global-scale, full-season view of iridescent polar clouds that form 50 miles above Earth's surface. The clouds consist of ice crystals formed when water vapor condenses onto dust particles in these coldest regions of our planet.
Voyager 2 has entered the heliosheath, a vast region at the edge of our solar system where the solar wind meets interstellar space. The spacecraft's Plasma Science instrument provided direct measurements of the solar wind, revealing an unusual shock wave with lower temperatures than predicted.
Researchers found that smaller tropical storms and depressions contribute significantly to cumulative rainfall, with over half of the seasonal rainfall attributed to these weaker systems. In contrast, major hurricanes produce heavy rainfall on any given day but are not the primary storm type relieving drought in the region.
The Mid-InfraRed Instrument (MIRI) will undergo thermal and electromagnetic calibration, scientific and environmental testing at the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory in Oxfordshire. The successful completion of the first tests just before Christmas will enable scientists to understand the best ways of making discoveries with the instrument.
The James Webb Space Telescope has successfully completed its preliminary design review, verifying the integrated performance of its Optical Telescope Element. The telescope, set to be the premier space observatory of the next decade, will study various phases in the universe's history.
The Gamma-ray Large Area Space Telescope (GLAST) spacecraft has successfully completed two environmental tests and is now undergoing thermal and vacuum testing at the Naval Research Laboratory. The satellite will study extreme universe phenomena, including black holes and gamma-ray bursts.
The newly completed map of Antarctica is a result of NASA's state-of-the-art satellite technologies, offering the most geographically accurate and high-resolution views of the continent. The Landsat Image Mosaic of Antarctica will enable researchers to better plan scientific expeditions and help scientists map various rock formations.
A new NASA study estimates that most US ground-level particulate pollution comes from regional sources within North America. The research found that controlling local pollution emissions is the most effective way to manage US air quality.
A customized telemetry system has been successfully tested by Northrop Grumman Corporation, enabling the James Webb Space Telescope to communicate with Earth. The system, developed in collaboration with Raytheon Corporation, will be used for sending commands and collecting telemetry data.
A NASA study found that Hurricane Katrina killed or severely damaged 320 million trees in Gulf Coast forests, weakening their ability to store carbon from the atmosphere. This has led to these forests releasing large quantities of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, potentially amplifying climate warming.
NASA Goddard's method for producing high-quality carbon nanotubes has been recognized as a winner in the Nano 50 awards. The technology eliminates the need for metal catalysts, resulting in safer and less expensive production methods.
Astronomers have discovered a massive black hole with a mass 24 to 33 times that of our Sun, exceeding expectations. The discovery was made using two NASA satellites and suggests that stellar-mass black holes can be much larger than previously thought.
The James Webb Space Telescope will utilize the advanced SpaceWire technology to improve communication between its components, allowing for higher data collection rates and enhanced scientific discovery. This enables the telescope to study more of the universe with its 66 million detector pixels.
Recent observations from NASA and Japanese X-ray observatories have helped clarify the origin of cosmic rays. The study, published in Nature, suggests that magnetic fields in supernova remnants are stronger than previously thought, enabling them to accelerate charged particles to enormous energies.
A NASA satellite has captured the first-ever images of a comet's plasma tail detaching from Encke's comet due to a coronal mass ejection. The event was triggered by magnetic reconnection between the comet's and solar wind fields, releasing a burst of energy that detached the tail.
The 2007 Arctic sea ice season saw a remarkable decrease, with record losses shown in NASA satellite images. This drastic change has significant implications for the environment and climate, highlighting the impact of global warming on the Arctic region.
A new NASA study reveals record-breaking snow melting in high-altitude areas of Greenland, with melting occurring 25-30 days longer than average. This trend is expected to impact Earth's energy budget and contribute to sea level rise.
A team of scientists from MIT, NASA, and Carnegie Institution created models for 14 different types of solid planets that might exist in our galaxy. The models predict a planet's diameter for a given composition and mass, revealing surprising similarities in how gravity compresses planets of varying materials.
A new NASA study reveals that Antarctic snow is melting farther inland from the coast over time, with increased melting at higher altitudes. This trend is linked to climate change, threatening Antarctica's role as a 'brake system' for glaciers.
Researchers have used NASA's SeaWiFS instrument to study ocean biological productivity and its connection to climate change, providing insights into the health of the oceans. The data has applications for setting pollution standards, sustaining coastal economies, and predicting future ocean health.
The Montreal Protocol has been a resounding success, with chlorine compound levels leveling off and beginning to decline. Researchers study climate change and the timing of ozone recovery through space-based instruments and computer models, aiming to ensure CFC emissions fall below levels that produce an ozone hole.
Astronomers found a low-mass companion to a rapidly spinning pulsar, which orbits the neutron star every 54.7 minutes at an average distance of 230,000 miles. The system is thought to have formed billions of years ago and is now accreting mass from the companion, causing an outburst.
The Extreme Ultraviolet Variability Experiment (EVE) will measure the sun's ultraviolet radiation changes, causing outages in radio communications and affecting satellites. EVE will provide space weather forecasters with warnings of potential communications and navigation outages every ten seconds.
Researchers can now investigate the relationship between eyewall lightning outbreaks and hurricane strength using highly-sensitive sensors thousands of miles from the storm. The study, supported by NASA and the U.S. Office of Naval Research, uses data from a network of new sensors to improve hurricane forecasts and potentially save lives.
A new company, Nanotailor, has licensed NASA Goddard's innovative process to produce high-quality, low-cost single-walled carbon nanotubes. This technology will benefit industries such as medical, construction, manufacturing, and imaging, making affordable nanotechnology available for a broad range of applications.
The NASA-NOAO partnership will facilitate major discoveries by enabling simultaneous observations of objects in vastly different regions of the electromagnetic spectrum. This agreement streamlines the approval process, allowing researchers to submit one peer-review proposal for funding from GLAST and observing time on NOAO telescopes.
A new NASA model simulates the strength of updrafts in severe storms, predicting more violent thunderstorms and tornadoes with a warmer climate. The study found that continents warm more than oceans, leading to stronger storms with fewer overall.
Researchers used NASA satellites to monitor water quality in Tampa Bay, finding accurate measurements of turbidity and clarity. The method can resolve questions about events leading to decreased water quality and inform resource management decisions.
Astronomers have pioneered a new technique to measure the properties of neutron stars, allowing them to study the extreme conditions under which matter is packed. Using XMM-Newton and Suzaku satellites, scientists observed distorted space-time around three neutron stars, confirming predictions by Einstein's theory of general relativity.