Postmortems in the sky
Astrophysicists use 'forensic science' to study gamma-ray bursts, seeking clues about their causes. Observations suggest that many bursts are linked to star formation and blue galaxies.
NASA/Marshall Space Flight Center--Space Sciences Laboratory
Dodging pitfalls in the hunt for the cause of gamma-ray bursts
Gamma-ray bursts remain a mystery despite over 2,500 recorded events and numerous burst sources identified. Scientists caution against interpreting data carefully due to potential systematic errors in measurement systems.
Outbursts result in controversy
Researchers discuss alternative theories for Magnetar outbursts, including the role of intense magnetic fields and environmental influences. The magnetar theory suggests that giant flare events occur when the neutron crust cracks, while an alternative explanation proposes a relativistic wind of interstellar material surrounding the SGR.
Fading embers hold clues to puzzle of gamma-ray bursts
Astronomers have found evidence of a prompt high-energy afterglow component from a gamma-ray burst, suggesting multiple energy emission processes and mechanisms. This discovery supports the idea that different activities cause what appears to be a chaotic explosion.
Plasma, plasma everywhere
The Earth is surrounded by a complex system of electric and magnetic fields, known as the magnetosphere, which interacts with charged particles called plasma. Scientists have developed a general model to describe the density of this surrounding plasma, revealing its behavior and effects on our planet.
"Braking glitch" may point to massive starquake
The 'braking glitch' in the spin rate of a soft gamma repeater (SGR) suggests a massive starquake may have occurred. The SGR's rotational period increased steadily until a rapid decrease was observed, indicating a massive energy release.
Spirits of another sort
Researchers at NASA and the University of Alaska have discovered mysterious bursts of colored light in thunderstorms, known as sprites. These brief, fleeting phenomena contain a great deal of energy, which may be sufficient to drive novel chemical reactions, potentially impacting the Earth's protective ozone layer.
Solar flares show their true colors: New research points to common mechanism for spectral behavior in flares
A new study reveals that the detailed spectral behavior of solar flares falls into just two categories, suggesting a common mechanism for particle acceleration. The finding could provide insight into how particles are accelerated to high energies in solar flares.
How do gusts in solar wind stir the aurora?
Scientists measure solar wind gusts that squeeze the Earth's magnetosphere, triggering brightening in the aurora borealis. This phenomenon can lead to global magnetic storms, potentially disrupting communications and power supplies.
'Cool' microflares could be solar hot spots
Researchers believe that microflares, miniature solar flares, are the key to heating the sun's corona. These events release as much energy as 10 million H-bombs and are found near magnetic islands and extended loops. The study suggests that cooler microflares drive the heating in these areas.
The search for life on Mars begins in Siberia
Researchers investigate microorganisms found in Siberia's permafrost, glaciers, and polar ice caps, which could hold clues to life on Mars. The study aims to develop techniques for exploring icy worlds and understanding the potential for life beyond Earth.
Pushing The Limits Of Computer Technology
Researchers use ultraviolet lamps to create thin polymer films with precise patterns, reducing convection issues that affect film uniformity. These films have the potential to replace electronic circuits in all-optical computer systems, increasing efficiency and compactness.
Autopsy Of An Explosion
Researchers use telescopes and computer simulations to understand gamma-ray burst explosions. They find evidence of shock waves generated by collisions between material flowing out at different velocities, potentially revealing the cause of initial visible light emission.
Old Photographic Technique Applied To Future Energy Research
Scientists are using an old photographic technique to study nuclear physics and potentially develop a clean, long-term power source through thermonuclear fusion. The petawatt laser facility generates high-energy gamma rays that can be used to trigger tiny fusion reactions.
Scientists Present 1998 Earth-Temperature Trends
The study adds 1998 data to a two-decade global temperature trend, showing significant warming in the troposphere and cooling in the lower stratosphere. The results contradict past claims that the lower tropospheric data show no warming trend.
Interstellar Burp Leads To Discovery Of New Pulsar
A new pulsar has been discovered orbiting a massive star, providing insights into the mysterious behavior of transient objects. The pulsar, named XTE J1946+274 or GRO J1944+26, exhibits complex orbital patterns and intense magnetic fields, challenging our understanding of these enigmatic celestial bodies.
Polar Spacecraft Measures "Auroral Fountain" Flowing Out As Solar Wind Flows In
Polar spacecraft has taken the first measurements showing that solar events directly affect our outer atmosphere. The results correlate CMEs with enhanced ion outflows from the upper ionosphere, providing a new understanding of the complex interactions between the sun and Earth's magnetic field.
Science Communication: Making Research Valuable To Everyone
A NASA-led panel aims to create a road map for science communication, considering new technologies and their impact. The Research/Road Map group will focus on adding value to scientific research and communicating findings to the public.
Seeing The Invisible
Researchers have developed new methods to visualize the magnetosphere, a complex region surrounding Earth, by analyzing images of charged particles. The technique uses neutral atoms in space to create detailed maps of the magnetosphere's structure and behavior.
Sunspot Cycle Closely Following Prediction
Scientists at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center have accurately predicted the current phase of Cycle 23 of the sunspot cycle. The team predicts that Cycle 23 will be above average but not a record setter, with the sun now on the upswing of its 23rd activity cycle.
Surprising gap in auroral oval surprises scientists
Researchers have found a small gap in the auroral oval, which appears about 7% of the time between 10pm and midnight. The discovery was made using data from the Ultraviolet Imager aboard the Polar spacecraft and suggests that changes in the interplanetary magnetic field may be responsible.
SourceNASA/Marshall Space Flight Center--Space Sciences Laboratory·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateOct 16, 1998
Plugged in to Space
Researchers at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center aim to demonstrate a propellant-free propulsion system using a tether system similar to those used on earlier SEDS missions. The ProSEDS flight could enable shorter tethers for propulsion or electrical power generation, and even de-orbit satellites with minimal cost and weight.
Gamma-Ray Bursters Cross The
Recent study examines over 100 gamma-ray bursts, finds no evidence supporting synchrotron shock model. Researchers analyze low-energy spectra to determine burst causes.
Tune-Up For The Leonids
This week, Earth will pass by the orbit of comet Giacobini-Zinner on October 8th, which could lead to a historic Giacobinid meteor storm. If debris is present ahead of the comet, hourly rates may exceed 3000 meteors per hour, rivaling the predicted Leonid storm.
Staring Directly At The Sun: That's Where The Science Is
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.
NASA Using Space Incubator To Understand Breast Cancer
Scientists are using NASA Bioreactors to culture breast cells on Earth, learning what controls their growth and how to thwart malignancies. The research has the potential to improve healthcare for women, including those traveling to Mars, by developing new therapies that target cancer's genetic weaknesses.
Crusty Young Star Makes Its Presence Known
Astronomers detect powerful gamma rays from SGR 1900+14, confirming the existence of magnetars and linking three mysteries: what are Soft Gamma Repeaters (SGRs) and Anomalous X-ray Pulsars (AXPs)? The discovery provides insights into neutron star behavior and suggests a million old magnetars might be drifting through the Galaxy
Hurricane Georges Puts On A Light Show
The third Convection and Moisture Experiment (CAMEX-3) campaign observed rare lightning fields and purple sprites in the eye of Hurricane Georges. The team studied the hurricane's unique characteristics, including large cloud turrets and variable wind speeds.
Looking For Pulsars Living In The Fast Lane
Researchers Dr. Jan van Paradijs and his team are using the Advanced X-ray Astrophysics Facility (AXAF) to study two Anomalous X-ray Pulsars (AXPs) - magnetar candidates - that differ from the bulk of X-ray pulsars due to their red X-ray colors and short pulse periods, indicating strong magnetic fields aging the pulsars faster.
Nature's Electronic Ink
Bacteriorhodopsin, a salt-loving organism's defense mechanism, is grown in space to produce stable crystals, offering new insights into complex membrane proteins and their applications in all-optical computing. The findings may lead to the development of battery-conserving computer displays.
Great Bugs Of Fire
Scientists have discovered archaea, an ancient branch of microbial life that can thrive in extreme environments like volcanic vents and acidic hot springs. These microorganisms produce enzymes that are stable under harsh conditions, offering potential benefits for environmental cleanup, pollution prevention, and energy production.
Nature's Sugar High
Researchers from NASA and French-American teams crystallized thaumatin in space, producing larger and more defect-free crystals with improved x-ray diffraction properties. This breakthrough paves the way for better understanding of the molecule's shape and function, potentially leading to new treatments for diabetes and obesity.
Heavy Metal Hit Parade Could Point Scientists To Source Of Gamma-Ray Bursts
Researchers propose instrument to measure high-energy gamma rays from blazars, pulsars, and bursts, offering improved tracking capabilities and higher energy detection limits. The scintillating fiber detector system will act as both a tracker and calorimeter, providing a wide-angle view of the sky with unprecedented precision.
NASA, NOAA Team Seeks Secret Of Hurricanes' Power
Researchers are studying the upper levels of hurricanes to understand their mechanics, a shift from traditional middle-altitude observations. This is part of ongoing research to save lives by providing more accurate data on storm intensity and energy exchange.
Salt Lake City Shows Hot And Cold Spots: Mountains To East Provide Cool Refuge
The image clearly demonstrates the principle behind UHIPP, showing how natural and manmade surfaces affect city temperatures. Urban forests are crucial in keeping cities cool, according to Dr. Jeff Luvall, and streamside vegetation has a cooling effect as streams flow from mountains.
Digging In And Taking Cover
Scientists discuss ways to use lightweight materials like hydrogen, boron, and lithium for radiation shielding. Researchers also explore using composites and polyamide binders for efficient protection against space radiation.
A New Look At Solids In Microgravity: Scientists Report On Ways To Peer Inside Solid Materials
Researchers at NASA have developed innovative methods to study molten metals in space, including electrodes and magnets to measure fluid flows and dendrite growth. These techniques will help improve manufacturing processes on Earth by understanding subtle phenomena affected by gravity.
Levitating Furnace Holds Promise For Future Experiments
The TEMPUS furnace, used on NASA's Microgravity Sciences Laboratory-1 mission in 1998, has demonstrated its value by making repeat measurements that matched very closely with one another. Scientists are now analyzing the data to correct surface tension measurements and make the first-ever reliable viscosity measurements.
Space Station will put experimenters "on the rack"
Materials scientists will use microgravity conditions to study material formation and behavior, producing high-value products. The U.S. Laboratory Module will house three Materials Science Research Racks, with each rack capable of conducting various experiments.
Materials Sciences Meeting To Review Recent Missions, Preview Space Station Plans
The conference will bring together over 100 principal investigators to discuss recent microgravity materials science research, including results from the Microgravity Sciences Laboratory-1 (MSL-1) mission. Researchers will also preview plans for the International Space Station and its Materials Science Research Facility.
A Whole Lot Of Shakin' Going On: Starquakes Lead To Discovery Of First New Soft Gamma Repeater In 19 Years
Astronomers detected a series of at least 26 starquakes, leading to the discovery of SGR 1627-41, the fourth conclusively identified SGR. The new SGR is believed to be caused by massive starquakes and has been linked to a supernova remnant.
Sacramento Glows With Urban Heat
A NASA image reveals the significant impact of urbanization on Sacramento's city temperature, with buildings reaching up to 140 degrees F. The study emphasizes the importance of urban forests in regulating city temperatures and suggests that their extent and arrangement play a crucial role in mitigating heat island effects.
Getting A Solid View Of The Suns's Corona
Scientists plan to use stereo imaging to analyze the three-dimensional structures of the Sun's corona, which can help predict explosive events like coronal mass ejections and solar flares.
The Shape Of Life: How Does The Computer "Know" When It Sees It?
Dr. David Noever's project aims to classify tiny life forms on Earth and in Mars samples using shape analysis, leveraging AI and neural networks. The 'D'Arcy Machine', a network of volunteer computers, will help process the massive dataset.
Astronomy Conference Devotes Session To Gamma Ray Bursts
Scientists are making significant progress in discovering gamma-ray burst counterparts and afterglows, shedding light on these mysterious events. Fourteen papers are scheduled to be presented at the session, covering the electromagnetic spectrum from radio to gamma rays.
Odd Auroral Arc Crosses Rather Than Circling The North Pole
Scientists observed unusual transpolar auroral arcs during a geomagnetic storm in January 1997, contradicting existing models of the magnetosphere. The phenomenon was caused by energy propagating towards the dayside along the arc, indicating dynamic events in the magnetosphere.
Giant Convective Cells Found On Sun After 30-Year Search
Scientists have discovered giant convection cells on the sun, which could play a major role in its rotation and solar activity. These cells are large enough to swallow Jupiter and last for long periods, influencing space weather.
Soil Mechanics Experiment Yields Unique Results
A NASA experiment has yielded new insights into the internal fabric of soil and powders under very low confining pressures. The Mechanics of Granular Materials (MGM) experiment showed unusual density patterns and unique shear band formations, which could lead to improved engineering standards and disaster preparedness.
Blasts From The Past: High-Redshift Burst Is the Latest Piece In 30-Year Trail Of Discovery
Recent discoveries have revealed that Gamma-Ray Bursts originate from the most remote parts of the universe, releasing enormous amounts of energy in just 10 seconds. The high-redshift burst announcement adds to the body of research indicating these explosions are the most powerful in the Universe.
Cities Team With NASA And EPA For "Urban Forests" Study
Urban Heat Island Pilot Project measures city cooling with urban forests. Cities like Sacramento & Salt Lake City use trees to reduce surface heating, improving air quality & mitigating heat stress. The study helps develop planning strategies for cities worldwide.