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Last experiments of the Aeolus satellite for TROPOS before re-entry into the Earth's atmosphere

The Aeolus satellite is conducting a controlled reentry, involving extensive scientific experiments led by the Leibniz Institute for Tropospheric Research (TROPOS). Key findings include tests on vertical winds and the ATLID lidar, which will be replicated on the EarthCARE satellite.

SourceLeibniz Institute for Tropospheric Research (TROPOS)·JournalAtmospheric Measurement Techniques·TypeObservational study·DateJul 28, 2023
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Supercomputer used to simulate winds that cause clear air turbulence

A research group from Nagoya University simulated clear air turbulence using Japan's fastest supercomputer. They found that wind speed disturbances occur due to the collapse of Kelvin-Helmholtz instability waves, creating turbulence in the absence of visible clouds or other atmospheric disturbances.

SourceNagoya University·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 12, 2023

City buildings could blow air taxi future off course

Recent studies have measured the impact of sudden wind gusts around city buildings on aircraft stability, revealing significant safety challenges for air taxis. To address this, regulations are being compiled globally to ensure safe operation in urban environments.

SourceRMIT University·JournalDrones·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 23, 2023

New study identifies mechanism driving the sun’s fast wind

Researchers used data from NASA's Parker Solar Probe to explain how the solar wind surpasses speeds of 1 million miles per hour. The energy released from the magnetic field near the sun's surface drives the fast solar wind, comprising ionized particles flowing outward from the sun.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalNature·TypeObservational study·DateJun 7, 2023

How insects track odors by navigating microscale winds

Researchers found near-surface wind direction is highly variable over timescales of less than 10 minutes, especially in urban areas. They hypothesize an optimal range of wind speed and environmental surface complexity helps insects locate odor sources.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Fluids·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 30, 2023

Scientists map gusty winds in a far-off neutron star system

Scientists have created the first 2D map of wind patterns around a neutron star, revealing clues to galaxy formation. The map shows the wind's vertical structure and velocity, which is about 1 million miles per hour, and offers new insights into the influence of disk winds on galaxy evolution.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Astronomy·DateApr 10, 2023
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

AI could set a new bar for designing hurricane-resistant buildings

Researchers at NIST have developed a new method of digitally simulating hurricanes using AI techniques, accurately representing the trajectory and wind speeds of real storms. The simulations can help develop improved guidelines for building design in hurricane-prone regions.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalArtificial Intelligence for the Earth Systems·DateMar 29, 2023

A pool at Yellowstone is a thumping thermometer

The study of Doublet Pool reveals that the interval between episodes of thumping reflects the amount of energy heating the pool, while also indicating heat loss through the surface. The researchers found that wind speed over the pools was correlated with silence intervals, suggesting that blowing wind removes heat energy from the water.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·TypeObservational study·DateMar 8, 2023

Seabirds in the eye of the storm

Researchers found that seabird species have unique wind tolerance strategies, with some flying fast to counteract wind drift. Albatrosses can fly in most storm conditions, while tropical species use special avoidance tactics.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMar 1, 2023

Tracking data reveals how seabird species adopt different strategies to cope with extreme storms

Researchers investigated how seabird flight characteristics vary among different species in response to cyclone-strength winds. Birds living in windier environments are faster fliers, while tropical species use strategies to cope with extreme events. Some albatrosses even avoid strong winds by flying into the eye of the storm.

SourceSwansea University·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeObservational study·DateMar 1, 2023

Protecting bats with better wind turbine control

Researchers develop site-specific mitigation strategy for wind turbines, significantly reducing bat fatalities. The approach uses wind speed, temperature, and rainfall data to adapt curtailment strategies, resulting in a 86% reduction in bat deaths.

SourceDe Gruyter·JournalMammalia·TypeCase study·DateFeb 14, 2023
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

New wind field models accurately describe wind gusts

Researchers at the University of Oldenburg have developed a new statistical model that accurately describes wind turbulence and generates fully three-dimensional wind fields using limited measurement points. This breakthrough enables precise wind turbine load estimation and improves wind farm planning, with applications in various fiel...

SourceUniversity of Oldenburg·JournalPRX Energy·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 15, 2022

NTU Singapore scientists develop inexpensive device that can harvest energy from a light breeze and store it as electricity

The NTU-developed wind harvester generates a voltage of three volts at wind speeds as low as two meters per second, powering commercial sensor devices. The device can also store excess charge for extended periods in the absence of wind, serving as an alternative to smaller lithium-ion batteries.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalMechanical Systems and Signal Processing·TypeMeta-analysis·DateOct 5, 2022
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Powerful hurricanes get second wind in Europe

Stronger hurricanes are more likely to reach Europe, with those encountering strong jet stream winds often reintensifying and moving further east. This study investigates the link between hurricane strength and European impact.

SourceUniversity of Reading·JournalMonthly Weather Review·TypeObservational study·DateSep 26, 2022

Following the wind

Researchers at King Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST) have developed a more robust and realistic general method for dealing with wind-driven phenomena in geostatistical modeling, which promises to greatly improve the accuracy of pollutant dispersion prediction.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalJournal of the American Statistical Association·DateSep 6, 2022

Study achieves longest continuous tracking of migrating insects

Researchers radio-tracked migrating hawkmoths for up to 80 kilometers, employing sophisticated flight strategies to counter unfavorable wind conditions. The study confirms that insects can accurately maintain straight trajectories over long distances using internal compasses.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScience·TypeObservational study·DateAug 11, 2022

Wind has caused 479 injuries, 28 deaths in bounce houses since 2000

New research from the University of Georgia found at least 479 people were injured and 28 died worldwide in more than 130 bounce house accidents due to weather events. Basic precautions such as securing bounce houses could have prevented many accidents.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalBulletin of the American Meteorological Society·DateAug 9, 2022
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

New wind sensor uses smart materials to improve drone performance

Researchers at Ohio State University have developed a more efficient wind sensor for drones, balloons, and autonomous aircraft. The sensor uses smart materials to measure wind speed and direction, improving safety and efficiency in autonomous flight.

SourceOhio State University·JournalFrontiers in Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 8, 2022

A new perspective of the tropical cyclone size-intensity relationship

Researchers discovered a new perspective on the tropical cyclone size-intensity relationship, finding that latitude and environmental vertical wind shear are primary influences. This reexamination sheds light on the physical mechanisms underlying coordinated changes within TCs, enabling better warning systems.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateAug 7, 2022

New study offers insight into past—and future—of west-side wildfires

Researchers examine historical data and weather patterns to understand west-side wildfires' timing, size, and causes. They find that severe fires are normal for the region when looking at longer time scales, and conventional fire management tools may be less effective due to extreme winds.

SourceUSDA Forest Service - Pacific Northwest Research Station·JournalEcosphere·DateJun 24, 2022

Researchers show dynamic soaring isn’t just for albatrosses

A new study reveals that Manx shearwaters use dynamic soaring to harvest wind energy and travel efficiently across the ocean. The birds' ability to adapt their flight patterns to optimize energy gain suggests a potentially game-changing strategy for drones and other aerial vehicles.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 1, 2022
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Improved wind forecasts save consumers millions in energy costs

Researchers found that improved wind forecasts resulted in at least $384 million in energy savings for US consumers over the last decade. The study used NOAA's HRRR model to compare forecast accuracy and quantify cost savings.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Renewable and Sustainable Energy·DateMay 17, 2022

Study finds offshore wind could drive down energy costs in New England

A new analysis found that offshore wind power in New England could reduce wholesale electricity prices by $28.81 megawatts per hour, while lowering emissions consistently. However, extreme winter storms may cause temporary losses of power due to high wind speeds, but these events are rare and do not break the system.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalEnergy·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 21, 2022
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

The jet stream that brought in Storm Eunice is moving northwards

A new study reveals a significant shift in the Northern Hemisphere jet stream position, increasing by up to 330 km and speed by 8% during 1871-2011. This shift is linked to warming Arctic winters and decreased temperature gradients, with implications for climate predictions and storm activity.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalClimate Dynamics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 22, 2022

The secret of Venus may be hidden in the heat of the night

A study led by Pedro Machado reveals a significant difference in wind speed at two altitudes, suggesting energy transfer from the lower layers to the atmosphere. The team collected measurements of wind speed parallel to the equator and at the altitude of the bottom of the cloud deck, providing new insights into Venus' climate.

SourceFaculty of Sciences of the University of Lisbon·JournalAtmosphere·DateFeb 22, 2022

Jet stream models help inform US offshore wind development

A new study from Cornell University provides detailed models characterizing the frequency, intensity, and height of low-level jet streams over the U.S. Atlantic coastal zone. The research finds that low-level jets can occur up to 12% of the time in the late spring and early summer, potentially impacting wind turbine performance.

SourceCornell University·JournalEnergies·DateFeb 7, 2022
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Effects of meteorological factors and airmass movements on airborne pollen in Betula wetland in Xinjiang

Airborne pollen concentrations in Betula microphylla-dominated wetland of Ebinur Lake, Xinjiang, are influenced by meteorological factors such as temperature, precipitation, wind speed, and direction. The study found that airborne pollen composition corresponds to local vegetation and reflects long-distance transported pollen taxa.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Earth Sciences·DateOct 28, 2021

Using overpasses as shelter from tornado?

Researchers from the University of Rhode Island studied the interaction between tornado-strength winds and highway overpasses, finding no evidence of wind acceleration under an overpass. The study, published in Physics of Fluids, suggests that using an overpass as a shelter during a tornado may not be safer than other options.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Fluids·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 26, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Smoggier skies, lower scores? A Brazilian study examines the effects of air pollution on students’ cognitive performance

A Brazilian study examines the causal relationship between outdoor air pollution and students' cognitive performance in Brazil. The findings suggest that an increase of 10 micrograms per cubic meter of PM10 decreases students' scores by 6.1 points, with poorer students more susceptible to air pollution's effects.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of the Association of Environmental and Resource Economists·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 6, 2021

Feather phenomenon: Radar indicates stronger hurricanes trap, transport more birds

Researchers found that stronger hurricanes trap and transport more birds due to their intense winds and thunderstorms. The study used radar data from 33 Atlantic hurricanes between 2011 and 2020, revealing a correlation between hurricane intensity and the presence of birds within the eye.

SourceUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln·JournalRemote Sensing in Ecology and Conservation·DateOct 6, 2021

Scientists solve mystery of icy plumes that may foretell deadly supercell storms

Researchers at Stanford University have discovered the physical mechanism behind icy plumes that precede severe thunderstorms and potentially deadly tornadoes. The study reveals a hydraulic jump phenomenon triggered by fluid obstacles in the atmosphere, leading to rapid water vapor injection into the stratosphere.

SourceStanford University·JournalScience·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 9, 2021
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Remotely-piloted sailboats monitor 'cold pools' in tropical environments

Researchers from the University of Washington and NOAA's Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory gather data on cold air pools using Saildrones, which alter surface temperature, wind, and moisture over the ocean. The study provides detailed measurements of these events, shedding light on their role in tropical climate cycles.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJul 8, 2021

Temperature cues for bird migration

Research reveals that Asian houbara birds use internal temperature cues to fine-tune their migration departure times, adapting to annual temperature variability without genetic changes. Temperature cues are more consistently used than other environmental factors like daylight length or wind velocity.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 5, 2021

Better predicting how plants and animals will weather climate extremes

Researchers developed a new model to predict how plants and animals will weather climate extremes by considering biomechanics and environmental factors. The 'ecomechanical models' can help understand evolutionary patterns and animal interactions with their environment.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalTrends in Ecology & Evolution·DateJul 1, 2021
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Steering wind turbines creates greater energy potential

Researchers from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign designed controllers to optimize wind turbine performance by considering downstream effects, resulting in noticeable gains. The study demonstrates that incorporating networked wind farms and time-dependent wind estimation models can improve power extraction.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Renewable and Sustainable Energy·DateJun 29, 2021

Optimizing wind farm size

A simulation study found that wind farms generate little power beyond a certain size, causing interference with neighboring installations. Optimizing arrangement and placement of turbines can increase power density up to a site-specific point.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 28, 2021

How to build a better wind farm

Researchers discovered that wind turbines in close proximity to each other reduce overall energy output. They suggest smaller, spaced-out farms may be more efficient, but further research is needed. The study's findings have implications for global energy supply and the transition away from fossil fuels.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 28, 2021

Has the stilling of the surface wind speed ended in China?

A recent study found that China's annual mean surface wind speed stopped weakening around 2014 and started strengthening, but stilling persists in certain regions. The reversal was driven by regional and seasonal variations.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Earth Sciences·DateJun 27, 2021
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

More than a bumpy ride: turbulence offers boost to birds

A Cornell University-led study reveals that birds can use turbulence to their advantage, offering a potential boost to the aerospace industry. The research found that birds' accelerations are highly irregular and fluctuating, similar to particles in turbulent airflows, allowing them to harness energy from wind speed.

SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 14, 2021

Are wind farms slowing each other down?

A recent study by Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon found that wind farms in the North Sea experience a significant slowing down of wind speeds when built close together, leading to reduced power output and economic consequences.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Hereon·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 3, 2021

Recent warming weakens global dust storm activity

Recent warming leads to a weakening of global dust storm activity, according to researchers from Tianjin University. The study found that changes in wind patterns and atmospheric stability are responsible for the decrease in dust storm frequency and intensity.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Earth Sciences·DateMay 26, 2021
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Hungry fruit flies are extreme ultramarathon fliers

Researchers discovered that fruit flies can fly up to 15 kilometers in a single journey, outpacing many migratory bird species. The study, led by Kate Leitch, used 'release and recapture' experiments with hundreds of thousands of common lab fruit flies.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 22, 2021

Decreased winds and onset of autumnal leaf changes

A 34-year climate study reveals that decreased wind speed is associated with delayed onset of annual leaf drop, extending favorable growth conditions later into autumn. The authors suggest that reduced soil drying due to decreased winds may be a key factor in this phenomenon.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 12, 2021

Tornado intensity and size

A study analyzing tornado wind speed and size data from 120 events found that stronger and wider tornadoes exist than damage-based estimates indicated. The median peak wind speeds were around 60 m/s, sufficient for Enhanced Fujita scale ratings of 2-3.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 22, 2021
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Sea spray aerosols and sea surface temperature

Researchers found that sea spray aerosol (SSA) concentrations tend to rise with increasing sea surface temperature (SST), offering a more accurate prediction method. This discovery could lead to improved climate modeling by incorporating SSA's dependence on SST.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 22, 2021

New global 'wind atlas' propels sustainable energy

A new global wind atlas provides documented extreme wind speeds for all parts of the world, enabling engineers to select turbines and accelerate sustainable energy development. The atlas is a digital compendium that helps ensure cost-efficient and dependable electricity generation.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature Energy·DateFeb 3, 2021
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Tracking flight trajectory of evaporating cough droplets

Researchers tracked the dispersion of large, medium, and small airborne cough droplets under different wind speeds and environmental conditions. They found that evaporated droplets can travel further due to increased viral loading, posing a higher risk of infection when inhaled deep into the lung.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Fluids·DateNov 3, 2020

NASA finds wind shear affecting Tropical Storm Nangka post-landfall

NASA's Aqua satellite revealed strong winds and wind shear affecting Tropical Storm Nangka as it pushed inland, leading to weakening of the storm's circulation. The storm was forecast to move further inland and dissipate over mountainous terrain in northwest Vietnam and northern Laos.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateOct 15, 2020

In the eye of a stellar cyclone

Apep, the newest star to join an elite club of elegant binary pairs, has been found to break all rules. Its dust spiral is expanding four times slower than the measured stellar winds, a phenomenon unheard of in other systems. This discovery makes Apep a strong contender for producing a gamma-ray burst when it does finally explode.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateOct 11, 2020
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Wind forecasts power up for reliable energy production

KAUST researchers developed a statistical model providing the best wind forecast yet for Saudi Arabia, aiming to increase renewable energy in the grid and reach 9 gigawatts of installed wind energy by 2030. The model uses advanced statistical approaches to jointly model wind speed and direction, showing improved prediction performance.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalThe Annals of Applied Statistics·DateSep 27, 2020