Articles tagged with Solar Wind
Scientists have discovered a 'space tsunami' that creates the third Van Allen Belt, a region of intense radiation in space. This finding helps mitigate the effects of extreme space weather and has significant implications for satellite operations and human exploration.
A new study by MIT researchers found that certain energy storage systems, such as pumped hydroelectric storage, can add significant value to solar and wind installations in various locations. The study demonstrated that despite regional variations in prices and demand fluctuations, the optimal storage technology is similar across locat...
A new hybrid decision-making model has been developed to help Serbia and other developing nations meet their renewable energy targets. The tool ranks 20 decision-making criteria according to investor priorities, favoring wind power projects due to under-utilized wind resources.
Researchers at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center have found that the slow solar wind originates from magnetic reconnection in the sun's hot atmosphere. The team used newly processed observations to determine the source of the slow wind, which is important for understanding space weather around Earth.
Scientists have created a rechargeable battery driven by bacteria, addressing safety issues and high costs associated with conventional lithium-ion batteries. The microbial battery successfully stored energy for 16 hours and discharged it over the next 8 hours, mimicking day-night patterns typical of solar energy production.
The Solar Wind Around Pluto (SWAP) instrument collected three years' worth of measurements before the July 15 Pluto flyby. Data showed that the solar wind's tumultuous flow becomes more uniform by the time it reaches Pluto's orbit.
New Horizons provided three years of measurements of the solar wind, filling a crucial gap between what other missions see closer to the sun and what Voyager spacecraft see further out. The data helps round out our picture of the sun's influence on space, including the origins of radiation hazards for astronauts.
Researchers from UCL and NASA used the Chandra X-Ray Observatory to study Jupiter's X-ray aurora triggered by solar storms. The findings reveal a high-energy X-ray aurora eight times brighter than Earth's, providing insights into Jupiter's magnetic field and its interaction with the solar wind.
A new study uses IBEX data to determine the strength and direction of the interstellar magnetic field beyond the solar system, providing insight into the galaxy's magnetic forces. The findings are based on simulations that correctly predict the locations of neutral ribbon particles and agree with Voyager 1 measurements.
A new study by MIT economist Christopher Knittel suggests that technology-driven cost reductions in fossil fuels will lead to continued use of oil, gas, and coal unless governments pass new taxes on carbon emissions. Burning all available fossil fuels could raise global average temperatures by 10-15 degrees Fahrenheit by 2100.
Astronomer Maxim Pshirkov discovered a new source of gamma-radiation in the Gamma Velorum binary system, confirming that colliding stellar winds generate high-energy photon emission. The system's strong stellar winds produce a photon flux with energies exceeding 100 MeV, detected by Fermi LAT.
The DXL-2 mission aims to better understand the nature of the local hot bubble and solar wind charge exchange. It will study diffuse x-ray emissions, which are believed to originate from remnants of a supernovae, but are also influenced by the solar wind's charge exchange process.
NASA's MAVEN mission has determined that Mars is losing gas to space via stripping by the solar wind, a process that may have contributed to the planet's dry climate. The research suggests that powerful solar storms can accelerate this process, potentially playing a significant role in changing Mars' climate over billions of years.
The Martian atmosphere is losing gas to space via stripping by the solar wind, with erosion rates increasing significantly during solar storms. Researchers have determined that almost 75% of escaping ions come from Mars' tail region.
Scientists at the University of South Carolina have created a new catalyst that efficiently converts CO2 into carbon monoxide, a potential fuel source. The nitrogen-doped carbon nanotubes are more stable and cost-effective than traditional metal-based catalysts.
A NASA team analyzed seven Apollo samples and found amino acids at low concentrations, likely from terrestrial sources. Isotopic analysis and molecular orientation revealed a stronger connection to Earth than previously thought, ruling out the solar wind and lunar module exhaust as sources.
A study published in Scientific Reports found that surface solar radiation in China has decreased due to higher air pollution and lower wind speeds. The research reveals that the solar dimming increased significantly during the day in polluted areas, with 20% of reduced solar radiation attributed to aerosols.
A team of scientists from the University of New Hampshire led the study, using IBEX to create high-fidelity maps of the solar system boundary. The research reveals a higher temperature than previously reported for the interstellar wind.
A SwRI-led study found that a comet's tail can provide insights into the solar wind's variable nature and high temperatures. Turbulence in the solar wind was observed to drive high-temperatures, while mixing of turbulent motions explains variability.
A new study using NASA's Solar and Terrestrial Relations Observatory (STEREO) revealed that the solar wind's turbulence explains its hot temperatures and variable behavior. Scientists tracked hundreds of ionized gas clumps in Comet Encke's tail to reconstruct the solar wind's motion, catching an unprecedented look at turbulence.
The US lags behind Europe in offshore wind power deployment, with only land-based wind and solar reaching new heights since 2005. Researchers from the University of Delaware urge policy changes, tax incentives, and research focus on U.S.-specific barriers to overcome current obstacles.
A new Harvard study finds that the supply of wind and solar power could be increased tenfold without additional storage, making gas turbines cost-effective carbon mitigation candidates. Low capital cost and good emissions performance also make them a viable alternative to intermittent renewables.
The LADEE spacecraft has confirmed the presence of neon in the lunar atmosphere for the first time, finding it to be relatively abundant. The moon's thin atmosphere is composed mostly of helium and argon, with neon levels varying by time of day.
The NASA-led group has developed a wide-field-of-view imager capable of detecting soft X-ray emissions produced when the solar wind encounters neutral gas, including Earth, Mars, and comets. The imager uses Lobster-Eye optics to focus soft X-rays onto a plane located at half the radius of the sphere.
Researchers created a simulation of Pluto's space environment to estimate solar wind densities and understand how they affect the dwarf planet's atmosphere. The models, which take into account coronal mass ejections and other factors, suggest that Pluto may experience low solar wind densities for about a month before being compressed.
Scientists have discovered Kelvin-Helmholtz waves at the boundaries of near-Earth space, which are now found to be much more prevalent than previously thought. These waves are triggered by plumes of charged gas from Earth's plasmasphere and interact with the solar wind and magnetosphere.
Researchers from Boston University, University of Michigan, and Chinese Academy of Sciences develop comprehensive solar wind models. The CISM, CSEM, and SIGMA groups create high-performance coupled models to simulate the complex behavior of solar winds and their impact on Earth's environment.
The US saw net job growth in electricity generation between 2008 and 2012, with natural gas, solar and wind-energy jobs rising by nearly 200,000. However, coal jobs declined significantly, particularly in regions hardest hit by the industry's decline.
Physicist Ramon Lopez will use a combination of computer simulation models and real observations to understand the role of solar wind fluctuations in space weather. The research aims to enhance our understanding of the near-Earth space environment and provide critical information for managing satellite and communications technology.
Scientists discover that the sun's magnetic field controls the large-scale shape of the heliosphere, producing two jets that split its tail, similar to astrophysical jets observed in other stars and black holes. The discovery could lead to better understanding of particle acceleration, cosmic rays, and space travel protection.
The NOAA DSCOVR satellite is launching to study the solar wind and forecast space weather at Earth. It will measure the movement of positively-charged particles, negatively-charged electrons, and magnetic fields to determine what heats the solar wind.
Researchers from the Max Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self-Organization have developed a new concept that focuses on fully decentral matching of electricity supply and demand. This approach enables smart meters to regulate consumption directly and decentrally, reducing the risk of hacker attacks and data protection issues.
Researchers have solved the mystery of the theta aurora by studying data from the European Space Agency's Cluster and NASA's IMAGE satellites. The study found that the plasma trapping mechanism is responsible for the phenomenon, which occurs when the interplanetary magnetic field points northwards.
Scientists have made groundbreaking discoveries about how space weather affects our planet, including the role of magnetic reconnection in accelerating solar wind particles. Researchers have also found significant differences in plasma density between the solar wind and magnetosphere, shedding light on this complex phenomenon.
The study provides five key findings on the sun's atmosphere, including heat pockets of 200,000 degrees Fahrenheit and structures resembling mini-tornadoes. These discoveries help researchers better understand the sun's energy transfer and dynamic solar activity that impacts technological infrastructure in space and on Earth.
The study reveals two distinct stages in Earth's response to solar wind forcing, with most energy deposited in the polar atmosphere during the second stage. Researchers are working to understand a potential delay between stages, which could provide near-term warnings for space weather disruptions.
A new study finds that shale gas has comparable greenhouse gas emissions to conventional natural gas, but is better than renewables in some areas. However, it's worse than coal in others. The researchers recommend strict regulation to mitigate the environmental impacts of shale gas.
A NASA-funded X-ray instrument has confirmed that a region of million-degree interstellar plasma known as the local hot bubble is the main source of a foggy glow observed over the entire sky. The study also establishes upper limits on soft X-rays produced within our planetary system by solar wind.
A recent study led by University of Miami scientist Massimiliano Galeazzi has identified the 'local hot bubble' as the dominant source of the diffuse X-ray background in space. The team measured the soft X-ray emission at low energy, confirming that it comes from a hot bubble of gas within our galaxy.
An international research team has shown that the soft X-ray glow blanketing the sky originates from both inside and outside the solar system. The bulk of the radiation comes from a local hot bubble of gas in our galactic neighborhood, while the solar wind contributes up to 40 percent.
Finland is developing a new energy system for storing solar and wind energy, targeting greenhouse gas reduction and energy self-sufficiency. The NEO-CARBON ENERGY project aims to create Finnish companies' international RÝ competitiveness and explore business opportunities in the global market.
A NASA model can predict and visualize the interaction between solar wind, solar radiation, and asteroid surfaces in unprecedented detail. The model adapts to complex activities and provides highly efficient simulations, potentially identifying hazards for human explorers.
Researchers at the Swedish Institute of Space Physics studied solar wind interactions with the Earth's magnetic field. They found that asymmetrical reconnection can occur when two regions of plasma have different characteristics.
The Solar Wind Ion Analyzer will measure solar wind ions and density to understand Mars' atmospheric loss. Scientists believe interactions between solar wind ions and Martian particles are key to escape, leading to a barren planet.
Researchers found a significant increase in lightning rates across Europe after high-speed solar wind streams arrived, suggesting particles from space trigger lightning bolts. The study provides potential benefits for long-range weather forecasts by tracking these solar wind streams.
A Stanford University study finds that wind farms can afford lots of grid-scale storage to support up to three days of uninterrupted power. In contrast, the solar industry can only afford about 24 hours of energy storage due to the high energy required for manufacturing solar panels.
Researchers reveal that a combination of solar eruptions led to the formation of a powerful storm. The STEREO mission helped detect key features, providing new insights into the causes of extreme space weather events.
Researchers found that interplanetary dust particles carry both water and organics needed for the origin of life. This mechanism could also work for exoplanets, enabling water formation through solar wind irradiation. The discovery sheds light on the Moon's OH and water ice, as well as asteroid and comet origins.
The Solar Wind Electron Analyzer (SWEA) will track how charged particles, such as planetary oxygen ions, escape the planet's atmosphere. By identifying electrons in the solar wind and Martian ionosphere, SWEA can determine where the boundary layer between the two regions is located.
The study finds that high levels of wind and solar power reduce fossil fuel costs by $7 billion per year, while incurring cycling costs of $35 million to $157 million. Cycling increases operations and maintenance costs by $0.47 to $1.28 per megawatt-hour of generation.
Data from 11 spacecraft shows a change in the direction of the interstellar wind, which may be due to turbulence near our solar system's edge. The heliosphere could be exposed to different directions of wind as it interacts with the local interstellar cloud.
Neutral interstellar atoms flow into the solar system from a different direction than previously observed, according to IBEX measurements. The longitude of the interstellar helium wind has changed by 6.8 degrees over the past 40 years.
A new rechargeable flow battery has been engineered by MIT researchers, generating three times as much power per square centimeter as other membraneless systems. The device stores and releases energy through laminar flow, without relying on expensive membranes, and may enable cheaper, large-scale energy storage.
A gigantic coronal hole has been observed by NASA's SOHO near the sun's north pole, providing valuable insights into space weather. The coronal hole is a dark region of the sun's corona with lower temperatures and appears much darker than its surroundings.
Researchers have designed a low-cost, long-life battery that can regulate natural fluctuations in solar and wind energy. The new battery uses lithium and sulfur molecules and has excellent energy-storage performance through over 2,000 charges and discharges.
NREL employees Debbie Lew, Greg Brinkman, Maureen Hand, Trieu Mai, and Brian Parsons were awarded for their contributions to wind and solar integration studies. The Utility Variable-Generation Integration Group recognized their work on grid operations with high renewable power shares.
Researchers at Stanford University have found that the majority of grid-scale battery technologies have high embodied-energy costs compared to pumped hydroelectric storage. Improved cycle life can reduce long-term energetic costs for batteries, making them a more practical option.
Researchers propose that charged particles trapped in the region create the ribbon as they escape as neutral atoms, producing higher fluxes of ENAs and forming the bright ribbon seen by IBEX. The model shows good association with observed data, offering insights into the nearby galactic magnetic field and its strength.
Scientists have proposed a theory that explains the formation of a mysterious 'ribbon' of energy and particles at the edge of our solar system. The retention theory suggests that neutral hydrogen atoms from the solar wind become trapped by intense waves in the magnetic field, creating the ribbon.
Scientists used Cluster data to study the spatial characteristics of turbulence in the solar wind, finding evidence of small 'current sheets' that dissipate magnetic energy into heat. These current sheets play a crucial role in the dissipation of turbulence, contributing to the overall heating of the solar wind.