Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Radiation belt electron wisp inside South Atlantic anomaly due to terrestrial VLF transmitter observed by MSS-1

Scientists detected a 'wisp' precipitation with peak intensity inside the South Atlantic Anomaly, a region of weaker geomagnetic field and higher energetic particle flux. Ground-based VLF transmitter in Australia scatters electrons into this 'wisp', which is characterized by its peak intensity outside the anomaly.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Earth Sciences·DateMar 25, 2025

Betelgeuse Betelgeuse? Bright star Betelgeuse likely has a ‘Betelbuddy’ stellar companion

A new study suggests that Betelgeuse's pulsing is due to an orbiting companion star known as the 'Betelbuddy'. The star acts like a snowplow, pushing light-blocking dust out of the way and making Betelgeuse appear brighter. Researchers used computer simulations to confirm this hypothesis, ruling out other possible causes.

SourceSimons Foundation·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 21, 2024

Could more of Earth’s surface host life?

A new study suggests that Earth's habitability could increase if Jupiter's orbit becomes more eccentric, leading to parts of the surface warming up and becoming habitable for multiple life forms. The researchers also found that this change in Jupiter's orbit could have implications for the search for habitable planets around other stars.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalThe Astronomical Journal·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 9, 2022

Efficient satellite downlink with a Ka band dual circular polarization transmitter

Researchers from Tokyo Institute of Technology have developed a novel Ka band dual circular polarization transmitter, reducing signal losses and increasing transmission efficiency. The design integrates adaptive impedance tuning and calibration techniques, enabling practical devices with improved power efficiency and wide-angle coverage.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 24, 2022

How scientists designed the orbit of theChang'E 5 mission

The article discusses how scientists at Beijing Institute of Technology Press Co., Ltd. used key orbit design technologies to achieve a 23-day journey of lunar sample return with the Chang'E 5 mission. The success relied on precise orbit designs for lunar orbit rendezvous and docking, precision landing, and inclination optimization.

SourceBeijing Institute of Technology Press Co., Ltd·JournalSpace: Science & Technology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 4, 2022

Orbital mayhem around a red dwarf

Researchers at UNIGE detected an exoplanet with a highly inclined orbit around a red dwarf star, evading circular motion and instead following a polar path. This unusual behavior is attributed to the presence of an unknown companion planet that disturbs its path.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature·DateDec 18, 2017

Wide binary stars can wreak havoc in planetary systems

A recent study found that wide binary stars in planetary systems can lead to dramatic events over time. In one hypothetical system, at least one of four giant planets was ejected in almost half of the simulations. The researchers also discovered substantial evidence that this process occurs regularly in known extrasolar planetary systems.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature·DateJan 7, 2013