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Citizen Science: From the cosmos to the classroom

Citizen science project EEE enables students to collect and analyze data on cosmic rays, producing secondary particles that can be detected on Earth. The network of 60 detectors across Italy allows for correlations between events hundreds of kilometers apart.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal Plus·DateJan 20, 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.

Introducing COSMOCAT

COSMOCAT proposes using cosmic rays to transport random numbers, eliminating the need to send decryption keys and enhancing local device and network security. The system can be used alongside current wireless technologies, offering faster speeds and limited distance capabilities.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournaliScience·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 12, 2023

Scientists reveal secrets to burping black hole with the green bank telescope

A team of astronomers used the Green Bank Telescope to image a galaxy cluster and revealed new information about a supermassive black hole. The study found that at least a portion of the pressure support in the cavities is due to non-thermal sources, such as relativistic particles and cosmic rays.

SourceGreen Bank Observatory·JournalAstronomy and Astrophysics·DateDec 7, 2022

Tree rings offer insight into devastating radiation storms

A University of Queensland study analyzed tree ring data to understand cosmic radiation 'storms', known as Miyake Events. The research suggests that these events are not correlated with sunspot activity and may be a kind of astrophysical 'storm' or outburst.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society A Mathematical Physical and Engineering Sciences·DateOct 25, 2022

VLA finds cosmic rays driving galaxy's winds

Astronomers using the VLA discovered that fast-moving cosmic ray electrons drive winds in the neighboring galaxy M33, slowing down new star formation. This finding challenges previous theories, suggesting cosmic rays are a more general cause of galactic winds.

SourceNational Radio Astronomy Observatory·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·TypeObservational study·DateOct 25, 2022
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.

Geomagnetic fields reveal the truth behind Biblical narratives

A joint study by TAU and Hebrew University accurately dated 21 destruction layers at 17 archaeological sites in Israel, using geomagnetic field reconstruction. The new data verify Biblical accounts of Egyptian, Aramean, Assyrian, and Babylonian military campaigns against the Kingdoms of Israel and Judah.

SourceTel-Aviv University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 24, 2022

Cosmic ray protons reveal new spectral structures at high energies

Researchers detected a spectral softening around 10 TeV in the high-energy cosmic ray proton spectrum, suggesting the proton energy spectrum is not consistent with a single power law variation. The study contributes to understanding of cosmic ray acceleration by supernovae and propagation mechanism.

SourceWaseda University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeObservational study·DateOct 3, 2022

NASA's Fermi confirms star wreck as source of extreme cosmic particles

Astronomers have long sought the launch sites for high-energy protons in our galaxy, and NASA's Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope has confirmed that a supernova remnant is just such a place. The shock waves of exploded stars boost particles to speeds comparable to light, producing a tell-tale glow in gamma rays.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateAug 11, 2022
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Astrophysicists prove neutrinos originate from Blazars

A team of scientists led by Clemson University's Marco Ajello has provided conclusive evidence that astrophysical neutrinos come from blazars, which are powerful black holes. This breakthrough resolves the long-standing question about the origin of high-energy cosmic rays.

SourceClemson University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 14, 2022

Neutrino factories in deep outer space

An international research team has shed light on the origin of neutrinos, shedding new evidence that blazars can be confidently associated with astrophysical neutrinos. The study utilizes neutrino data from the IceCube Neutrino Observatory and BZCat catalogue to establish a connection between high-energy neutrinos and galactic nuclei.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 14, 2022

Fossils in the ‘Cradle of Humankind’ may be more than a million years older than previously thought

Fossils found in the 'Cradle of Humankind' in South Africa are estimated to be between 3.4 and 3.7 million years old, making them older than previously thought. This new age range places these fossils at the beginning of the Australopithecus era, challenging previous theories that they were near the end.

SourcePurdue University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 27, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Famous Sterkfontein Caves deposit 1 million years older than previously thought

Fossils from Sterkfontein Caves in South Africa reveal nearly four million years of hominin evolution. The new ages of Australopithecus-bearing deposits place the South African hominins as contemporaries of other early species, like Australopithecus afarensis, in east Africa.

SourceUniversity of the Witwatersrand·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 27, 2022
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.

Keeping time with the cosmos

The cosmic time synchronizer uses cosmic rays from deep space to detect specific signatures, allowing devices to synchronize their clocks accurately. This technology has the potential to fill gaps in current time synchronization methods, particularly in remote or underwater locations.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 9, 2022

MAGIC telescopes observe nova explosion

The MAGIC telescopes detected gamma rays with energies of 250 gigaelectronvolts from the RS Ophiuchi nova, a hundred billion times more energetic than visible light. This suggests that nova outbursts are a source of cosmic rays, specifically accelerated protons and nuclei of hydrogen atoms.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Physics·JournalNature Astronomy·TypeObservational study·DateApr 14, 2022
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.

Undersea detector proves it’s swell

A new undersea detector has successfully detected a mild tsunami in Tokyo Bay using the power of muons and cosmic rays. This innovative system uses sensitive detectors to measure changes in ocean swells, providing accurate data for early warning systems and potentially revolutionizing tsunami monitoring.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 13, 2022

Shadow of cosmic water cloud reveals the temperature of the young universe

A team of astrophysicists has discovered a new method to measure the cosmic microwave background radiation's temperature at an early epoch of the universe. By observing HFLS3, a massive starburst galaxy, they found a cold water cloud that casts a shadow on the microwave radiation, revealing the Big Bang's relic temperature.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalNature·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 2, 2022
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.

Supernovae and life on Earth appears closely connected

A recent study by Dr. Henrik Svensmark and colleagues reveals a close connection between supernovae occurrence and the burial of organic matter in sediments on Earth. The correlation indicates that supernovae are essential for life's existence, with high nutrient concentrations leading to increased bioproductivity and oxygen production.

SourceTechnical University of Denmark·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJan 5, 2022

Large effect of solar activity on Earth's energy budget

Researchers from DTU Space and The Hebrew University of Jerusalem found that solar eruptions reduce cosmic ray flux, leading to reduced aerosol production and decreased cloud cover. This results in an increase in the Earth's energy budget by almost 2 W/m2 within 4-6 days.

SourceTechnical University of Denmark·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 12, 2021

Physicists point out window of opportunity for manned Mars mission

Researchers at Skoltech have identified a favorable window of opportunity for manned Mars missions in the mid-2030s. The study suggests that launching during the decaying phase of solar activity can help shield astronauts from cosmic rays, allowing for longer flight durations.

SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalSpace Weather·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 7, 2021
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Icarus can fly high and save on wax too

A research team from Kyoto University assessed eight flight routes during five ground level enhancements to evaluate the risks of solar particle events. The study found that the maximum flight route dose and dose rate arising from major GLE events would need to exceed 1.0 mSv and 80 µSv/h, respectively, for countermeasures to be deemed...

SourceKyoto University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeMeta-analysis·DateSep 2, 2021

Cosmic rays may be key to understanding galactic dynamics

Recent studies suggest that cosmic rays, originating from supernova remnants and pulsars, have a significant impact on galactic dynamics and star formation. The streaming instability triggered by cosmic rays in the interstellar medium can create plasma waves that heat and scatter gas, influencing the formation of planets and stars.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Plasmas·DateAug 24, 2021

Cosmic rays help supernovae explosions pack a bigger punch

Cosmic rays play a critical role in the final stages of supernovae explosions, allowing for a bigger impact on surrounding interstellar gas. The study suggests that these particles can give an extra push to the gas, increasing momentum by up to 4-6 times.

SourceRoyal Astronomical Society·DateJul 19, 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.

Probing deeper into origins of cosmic rays

A team of researchers from the University of Notre Dame developed a simulation model to better understand cosmic ray transport characteristics and improve detection techniques.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalAIP Advances·DateMay 25, 2021

LHAASO detect dozen sources of ultra-high energy gamma-rays

The LHAASO observatory detected 12 Ultra-high Energy gamma-ray sources, prompting the presence of active or recent PeVatrons. The team identified possible candidates, including pulsar wind nebulae and supernova remnants.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalNature·DateMay 25, 2021
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Probing deep space with Interstellar

The Interstellar Probe mission aims to study how our Sun interacts with the local interstellar medium and learn more about the formation and evolution of the heliosphere. The probe will take 'images' of the heliosphere using energetic neutral atoms and observe extragalactic background light, shedding new light on the region.

SourceEuropean Geosciences Union·DateApr 26, 2021
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Discovery of potential cosmic-ray accelerator in the galaxy opens window for PeV cosmic rays origin

The Tibet ASgamma experiment has discovered gamma rays beyond 100 TeV from a supernova remnant, suggesting that cosmic-ray nuclei are accelerated up to PeV energy and collide with a nearby molecular cloud. This discovery identifies the first candidate object in the Milky Way that can accelerate cosmic rays up to 1 PeV.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature Astronomy·DateMar 2, 2021

UD physicist named Sloan Research Fellow

Frank G. Schroeder, a University of Delaware assistant professor, has received the prestigious Sloan Research Fellowship to study cosmic rays. His research aims to uncover the origins of nature's highest-energy particles, which have sparked upgrades at major cosmic ray observatories.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·DateFeb 16, 2021
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Cosmic rays may soon stymie quantum computing

Researchers at MIT have found that cosmic rays and low-level environmental radiation can cause decoherence in superconducting qubits, limiting their performance. This effect could limit the practicality of quantum computing within a few years, prompting scientists to explore shielding or design improvements.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature·DateAug 26, 2020

NASA data helps uncover our solar system's shape

Scientists use NASA data to predict heliosphere's characteristics, revealing a deflated croissant shape without a long tail. The shape of the heliosphere acts as our solar system's shield against galactic cosmic rays, protecting Earth and space travelers.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalNature Astronomy·DateAug 5, 2020

How cosmic rays may have shaped life

Researchers propose that cosmic rays influenced the evolution of DNA-based life on Earth, promoting one form of molecular handedness over its mirror image. This idea suggests a connection between fundamental physics and the origin of life, with potential experiments to test their hypothesis.

SourceStanford University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateMay 20, 2020
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.

Galactic cosmic rays affect Titan's atmosphere

Scientists using ALMA detected chemical signatures of acetonitrile and its rare isotopomer in Titan's stratosphere, indicating the presence of galactic cosmic rays. The findings suggest a universal process that could influence atmospheres on other solar system bodies.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·DateFeb 14, 2020

Galactic gamma-ray sources reveal birthplaces of high-energy particles

Researchers have identified nine galactic sources of super-high-energy gamma rays with energies over 56 trillion electron volts, three of which emit gamma rays extending to 100 TeV and beyond. These discoveries help explain where high-energy particles originate and how they are accelerated.

SourceDOE/Los Alamos National Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJan 14, 2020

NASA's Fermi Mission links nearby pulsar's gamma-ray 'halo' to antimatter puzzle

The discovery of a faint gamma-ray 'halo' around Geminga, a nearby pulsar, may hold the solution to a long-standing mystery about the amount of antimatter in our neighborhood. The halo's size and energy suggest that it could be responsible for as much as 20% of high-energy positrons detected by NASA's Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalPhysical Review D·DateDec 19, 2019
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Pressure runs high at edge of solar system

Researchers have measured pressure at the edge of the solar system for the first time, finding it to be greater than expected. The pressure, caused by plasma, magnetic fields and particles like ions and cosmic rays, was calculated using observations of galactic cosmic rays from NASA's Voyager spacecraft.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateOct 8, 2019

Hunters of cosmic ray particles come together in CREDO

The CREDO project combines data from various detectors, including smartphone cameras, to study the impact of cosmic radiation on health and potential relationships between earthquakes and cosmic ray flux. Researchers aim to verify hypotheses about these phenomena.

SourceThe Henryk Niewodniczanski Institute of Nuclear Physics Polish Academy of Sciences·DateSep 11, 2019

IceCube: Antarctic neutrino detector to get $37 million upgrade

The IceCube neutrino detector is receiving a $37 million upgrade to expand its scientific capabilities. The new strings will enable more precise studies of neutrino oscillation properties and better characterization of the ice around detectors, helping to reveal additional sources of high-energy neutrinos.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·DateJul 17, 2019
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.

The highest energy gamma rays discovered by the Tibet ASgamma experiment

The Tibet ASgamma experiment has discovered the highest energy gamma rays ever observed from an astrophysical source, exceeding 450 TeV. The most energetic gamma rays were produced by interaction between high-energy electrons and cosmic microwave background radiation.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJul 3, 2019

Electron-gun simulations explain the mechanisms of high-energy cosmic rays

Chinese physicists develop mathematical equations and computer simulations to model photodetachment of negative ions via photons, simulating cosmic rays' collisions with planets. The speed of a moving surface significantly affects the chances of photodetachment, with Chloride (Cl-) ions being less prone than hydrogen (H-) ions.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal D·DateFeb 6, 2019

Tangled magnetic fields power cosmic particle accelerators

Researchers at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory found that twisted magnetic field lines in black holes create the most powerful particle accelerators in the universe. This process can accelerate electrons and protons to extreme energies, resulting in cosmic rays with unprecedented powers.

SourceDOE/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateDec 13, 2018
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.