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Origin of Alps-size Antarctic mountain range unknown

A U.S.-led team of scientists will use advanced radar and seismic tools to explore the Gamburtsev Mountain range in Antarctica. They hope to determine how this massive mountain range formed, defying geological understanding, and whether it played a role in shaping the East Antarctic Ice Sheet.

Hurricane Dean tracked from space

ESA's Envisat and ERS-2 satellites track Hurricane Dean's path and strength, providing timely warnings with high-resolution cloud structure and wind field data. The satellites' instruments also measure sea surface temperature and height, allowing researchers to predict the hurricane's potential impact on the Yucatan Peninsula.

Solar power at play

A team of scientists observed the speeding up of an asteroid's rotation, showing it is due to the heating of its surface by the Sun. The YORP effect, a theoretical prediction, was directly detected in action on a small near-Earth asteroid.

SourceESO·JournalScience·DateMar 7, 2007

Geologists finding a different Mars underneath

Researchers have found evidence of ancient impact basins and topographic depressions in the Martian lowlands using MARSIS instrument, confirming the subsurface's complexity. The discovery sheds light on the geologic evolution of Mars, revealing a dichotomy between the northern and southern hemispheres.

SourceSmithsonian·JournalNature·DateDec 13, 2006

Titan's seas are sand

Scientists discovered massive sand dunes on Saturn's moon Titan, formed by tidal winds and unique atmospheric conditions. The dunes, similar to those in Namibian Deserts, suggest that Titan's atmosphere can create surface winds powerful enough to sculpt sand.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalScience·DateMay 4, 2006

Falcon decoys and simulated rifle fire keep birds from oil

Researchers developed a radar-activated system that uses cannons and falcon decoys to deter birds from oil sands mining ponds, showing promise for reducing bird deaths. The system detects birds more effectively than traditional deterrents and can be used in conjunction with industry efforts to reclaim mines and reduce hazardous waste.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·DateMar 2, 2006

Putting pedestrian safety in the driving seat

The SAVE-U project developed an innovative pre-impact sensing platform that combines sensors, radar, and cameras to protect cyclists and pedestrians. The system can identify potential collisions and apply automatic braking to prevent them, even in challenging weather and light conditions.

Buried craters and underground ice

The MARSIS radar has provided direct information about Mars' deep subsurface, revealing buried impact craters and hints of underground water-ice. The radar's measurements have changed our perception of the Red Planet, adding a new dimension to its knowledge.

SourceEuropean Space Agency·JournalNature·DateNov 30, 2005

Mowing back antennas

The Navy is developing a new radio frequency concept, AMRF-C, to enable a limited number of transmit and receive antennas to handle multiple communications, radar, and electronic warfare functions. The goal is to reduce costs and improve performance by leveling so-called 'antenna forests'.

AGU Journal highlights - 25 March 2004

Researchers made new discoveries about the Earth's magnetic field, Mars rover data, and post-earthquake ground movement. A thin layer in the Earth's magnetic field was observed, while a Martian rover's landing site may be coated with iron oxide, affecting water detection. GPS technology also revealed ground movement after an 8.0-magnit...

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateMar 25, 2004

Felling antenna forests

The Office of Naval Research (ONR) is developing an Advanced Multi-Function Radio-Frequency Concept (AMRF-C) antenna aperture that can integrate radar and communications functions, reducing the need for separate antennas and increasing stealth.

Hi-tech weather watchers on worldstage

The new radar technology can measure wind speed, direction and turbulence, and can be used to predict weather patterns. It has been commercialized by Atrad and is being used in various applications, including flight trials of a supersonic transport aircraft and weather forecasting in the UK.