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Technique may reveal the age of moon rocks during spaceflight

A new laser ablation resonance ionization mass spectrometry technique has successfully dated an Earth rock analogous to the rocks covering one-third of the Moon's nearside. This breakthrough enables direct dating of lunar terrains, filling a critical gap in understanding the Solar System's history.

SourceWiley·JournalRapid Communications in Mass Spectrometry·DateJul 20, 2015

Best view yet of dusty cloud passing galactic center black hole

A team of astronomers using ESO's Very Large Telescope has observed a dusty cloud, known as G2, passing close to the supermassive black hole at the galactic center. The observations confirm that the cloud survived its closest approach and is likely a compact object surrounding a dense core.

SourceESO·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateMar 26, 2015

Researchers develop new instrument to monitor atmospheric mercury

Researchers developed a new sensor to detect ambient mercury levels in the atmosphere, providing a more accurate method for measuring global human exposure. The sequential two-photon laser-induced fluorescence (2P-LIF) instrument detects mercury at parts-per-quadrillion sensitivity, outperforming existing methods.

Hardness, in depth

Researchers have developed a new machine that measures a material's hardness with unprecedented accuracy. The Precision Nanoindentation Platform (PNP) can test properties beyond the reach of previous devices, including viscoelastic creep.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalReview of Scientific Instruments·DateJul 30, 2013

Visual assistance for cosmic blind spots

Researchers at Max Planck Institute for Astrophysics create a system called information field theory (IFT) to reconstruct incomplete image data. IFT asks two questions to determine the probability of images based on measured data and prior knowledge, allowing for optimal reconstruction in areas where telescopes are blind.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalPhysical Review D·DateNov 23, 2009

New NIST method reveals all you need to know about 'waveforms'

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has introduced a novel calibration technique for entire waveforms, enabling more accurate measurements in oscilloscopes. This new method improves the characterization of diverse waveforms, particularly in high-speed devices, and offers potential cost savings in industries such a...

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalIEEE Transactions on Instrumentation and Measurement·DateOct 6, 2009