Articles tagged with Sun
A team of scientists has developed a software that uses pulsar navigation to determine the position and velocity of spacecraft. By observing the timing of pulses from specific pulsars, the software can provide accurate location data for deep-space missions.
Researchers at the University of Maryland say Voyager 1 has entered interstellar space, leaving a 'fuzzily-defined transition zone' behind. The spacecraft crossed the heliopause on July 27, 2012, but its exact location is still debated.
Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed solar cells that can restore their effectiveness after degradation due to ultraviolet rays. The device uses a microfluidic regeneration system, mimicking the branching networks found in nature, to replenish photoactive molecules and maintain performance.
Scientists predict the sun's magnetic field will reverse in three to four months, affecting space weather and potentially cosmic rays. This change marks the midpoint of Solar Cycle 24, with half of 'solar max' behind and half yet to come.
The discovery of GJ 504b challenges traditional planet-formation theories, suggesting alternative formation methods may be needed. The exoplanet orbits its star at nearly 9 times the distance of Jupiter from the sun.
VERIS will focus on the very hot material present in active regions of the corona, magnetically complex spots that can cause solar flares and coronal mass ejections. The rocket's six-minute flight will yield rich information about the tiny details of these processes.
The article highlights NASA's Hubble Space Telescope's incredible view of Comet ISON against a vast backdrop of galaxies and stars. The comet appears to be swimming through the cosmos despite its immense distance from Earth, showcasing the telescope's unparalleled resolution.
The IRIS mission provides state-of-the-art observations of the interface region, revealing fine structures and energy transport mechanisms. The data will help scientists understand how the sun's lower atmosphere powers solar events and impacts Earth's climate.
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.
A CME passed Earth on July 16, 2013, causing a geomagnetic storm that can degrade communication signals and cause electrical surges in power grids. The event was predicted by NASA research models and may also affect the Messenger and Juno spacecraft.
Scientists have observed magnetic reconnection at the heart of solar flares and coronal mass ejections, which can affect satellites near Earth. The high-quality data from NASA's SDO and RHESSI spacecraft reveals a complex process involving charged particles, magnetic field lines, and plasma.
A powerful coronal mass ejection (CME) from the sun has been directed towards Earth and Mercury, posing a risk to electronic systems and communication signals. The CME's magnetic fields can cause geomagnetic storms, potentially leading to aurora displays.
Astronomers have discovered that the Sun's corona loops appear as a constant width due to an optical illusion, but in reality, they are tapered structures. This finding has significant implications for coronal heating models.
Comet ISON is approaching Earth, expected to be visible to the naked eye in November. The comet's icy nucleus and bright star-like coma create a tail of gas and dust streaming behind it.
A coronal mass ejection was detected heading towards Mercury and Venus on July 1, 2013. The CME is expected to pass by NASA's Messenger, Spitzer, and STEREO-B satellites with only slight particle radiation associated with it.
A new study by the University of Chicago and Northwestern University expands the habitable zone for alien planets orbiting red dwarfs, doubling the number of potentially habitable planets. The research suggests that up to 60 billion planets may be habitable in the Milky Way galaxy.
A June 20, 2013, solar eruption sent billions of tons of particles into space, potentially affecting electronic systems on satellites and the ground. The event, known as a geomagnetic storm, can cause aurora and degrade communication signals.
A new species of moth, Stenoloba solaris, has been described from China with a striking orange circular patch on its wings resembling the rising sun. The moth belongs to the Noctuidae family and is part of a group known for their economic importance in agriculture.
NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory captured spectacular images of June 7, 2011 solar eruption and splashdown. The event provided an 'up close' view of what happens on distant stars during accretion. Astronomers can now learn about young star growth by analyzing ultraviolet light emission.
Researchers have found evidence of an exoplanet forming at a distance of about 80 astronomical units (AU) from its star, TW Hydrae. The discovery is surprising as planets typically form closer to the central star.
Astronomers studied young star TW Hydrae to understand the birth of our Sun, finding it was clumpy and episodic in accretion. The study revealed that accretion drove magnetic activity on TW Hydrae.
IRIS aims to unravel the interface region by providing high-resolution images and spectrograph data, revealing structures like giant jets that affect the solar wind and Earth's climate. The mission will utilize advanced computing to interpret the light flowing out of this region.
IRIS will provide high-resolution images and spectra to unravel the interface region, allowing scientists to track solar material as it is accelerated and heated. The mission enables the observation of temperature ranges from 5,000 to 10 million kelvins.
A mid-level solar flare (M7) was observed by NASA's SDO on May 22, 2013, causing brief radio blackouts at the poles and disrupting GPS signals. The sun is in its solar maximum phase, leading to an increase in flares and coronal mass ejections.
NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) detected a M7-class solar flare on May 22, 2013, accompanied by a coronal mass ejection (CME). The CME was not Earth-directed but may cause disruptions to satellites and electronic systems.
A powerful coronal mass ejection (CME) was detected by NASA's Solar Terrestrial Relations Observatory on May 17, 2013, traveling at speeds of around 745 miles per second. The CME is expected to cause a geomagnetic storm when it connects with the Earth's magnetic envelope.
The sun emitted a third significant solar flare, exceeding the strength of earlier X-class flares, with an associated coronal mass ejection (CME) traveling at approximately 1,400 miles per second
The May 12, 2013 solar flare was classified as an X1.7, making it the first X-class flare of 2013 and part of the sun's normal 11-year activity cycle. The flare was associated with a coronal mass ejection (CME) that sent solar material into space, but was not Earth-directed.
Researchers from the University of Pablo de Olavide suggest that the Elephant's Tomb in Carmona, Spain was originally a temple for worshipping the god Mithras. The structure features an equinox window that aligns with celestial bodies, reinforcing this theory.
A mid-level solar flare with an M5.7-class rating was detected by NASA on May 3, 2013, affecting GPS and communication signals. The flare caused a temporary disruption to radio signals before subsiding.
Two CMEs sent by the sun are hurtling towards Mercury at speeds of approximately 500 miles per second. These solar phenomena may pose a risk to NASA's Messenger and STEREO-A spacecraft due to potential particle radiation effects.
Experimental NASA research models show that three coronal mass ejections (CMEs) have erupted from the sun, with speeds of up to 625 miles per second. The CMEs may pass by NASA's Messenger and STEREO-A satellites, posing a risk of particle radiation to interplanetary spacecraft.
Astronomers have uncovered a massive star factory in the universe's youth, producing stars at a rate 2,000 times that of our Milky Way. The galaxy, HFLS3, has a reservoir of gas and dust, with over 40 billion stars and 100 billion tons of gas.
The University of California, Berkeley will design, build, and operate the Ionospheric Connection Explorer (ICON) satellite to study the impact of Earth's weather on space weather. The satellite aims to improve forecasts of extreme space weather events that can disrupt GPS signals and radio communications.
A mid-level solar flare, classified as an M6.5 flare, was detected by NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory on April 11, 2013, producing a radio blackout. The flare disrupted radio signals for hours and is the strongest seen in 2013 so far.
A powerful M6.5 solar flare was detected by NASA on April 11, 2013, which also triggered an Earth-directed coronal mass ejection (CME). The CME caused a geomagnetic storm, potentially affecting electronic systems in satellites and on the ground.
Researchers used supercomputer simulations and atmospheric conditions to determine that Byrd indeed neared the Pole, but likely flew within 80 miles of it before turning back. The analysis questioned whether Byrd could have completed a 1,500-mile round trip in just 15 hours and 44 minutes.
A University of Toronto-led study reveals how carotenoid pigments capture blue/green light and pass the energy to chlorophylls, absorbing red light. The research sheds light on a previously unknown 'dark state' in carotenoids that acts as a mediator to efficiently transfer energy.
Astronomers use NASA's Swift satellite to estimate the size of comet ISON's icy nucleus based on water and dust production rates. The team finds that the comet is shedding large amounts of dust but relatively little water, indicating that other volatile materials are fueling its activity.
A team of researchers at Stanford University has designed a new structure that reflects most sunlight and efficiently radiates heat into space, cooling buildings even in the daytime. The device can achieve net cooling powers in excess of 100 watts per square meter, offsetting up to 35% of air conditioning needs.
Researchers have discovered a single nanowire can concentrate sunlight up to 15 times the normal intensity, raising the potential for highly efficient solar cells. The breakthrough could lead to a significant impact on solar cell development and energy extraction.
NASA's Voyager 1 spacecraft has traveled beyond the influence of the Sun and exited the heliosphere, a region dominated by the Sun's wind. Anomalous cosmic rays dropped to less than 1% of previous amounts while galactic cosmic rays spiked to levels not seen since launch.
A new nanomaterial dubbed Multi-use Titanium Dioxide (TiO2) can generate hydrogen, produce clean water, and create energy. It also desalinate water, be used as flexible water filtration membranes, recover energy from waste brine, and double the lifespan of lithium ion batteries.
A NASA research model revealed that a coronal mass ejection (CME) left the sun at speeds of around 900 miles per second, causing mild to moderate effects on Earth. The CME may also pass by the Spitzer and Messenger spacecraft, with only minor particle radiation associated.
Two CMEs were emitted by the sun on March 12-13, 2013, traveling at speeds of around 400 miles per second. These events are expected to have a minimal impact on Earth, with no particle radiation and limited geomagnetic storm effects.
Researchers observed four planets orbiting HR 8799 star using a new telescope imaging system, revealing chemical imbalances and unusual properties. The planets have methane or ammonia alone in their atmospheres, with little to no sign of their natural partners.
Astronomers have discovered the closest star system to the Sun, located 6.5 light years from Earth, making it an ideal target for planet-hunting expeditions. The star system consists of a pair of brown dwarfs, which are too small in mass to ignite hydrogen fusion.
NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) observed two transits: an Earth transit from March 2-3 and a lunar transit from March 11. The eclipses showed distinct features due to Earth's atmosphere and the moon's curved shape.
The Van Allen Probes have discovered a surprise third radiation belt extending out into space, offering scientists new insights into the region. The discovery provides a unique opportunity for researchers to study the dynamics of the belts and shed light on the complex interactions between solar energy and magnetic waves.
On July 19, 2012, NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) detected a rare event: coronal rain. This phenomenon occurs when hot plasma in the sun's corona cools and condenses along strong magnetic fields. The SDO's footage shows the plasma as it slowly falls back to the solar surface, outlining the magnetic fields.
A long duration solar flare triggered an Earth-directed coronal mass ejection (CME), which left the sun at speeds of around 500 miles per second. This CME is likely to cause a geomagnetic storm when it connects with the outside of the Earth's magnetic envelope, potentially affecting auroras near the poles.
Two coronal mass ejections (CMEs) were observed by NASA's Solar Terrestrial Relations Observatory and Solar and Heliospheric Observatory, emitting solar particles into space at speeds of up to 750 miles per second. Historically, CMEs of this strength have caused minimal effects on Earth
A coronal mass ejection erupted from the sun on January 31, 2013, leaving the sun at speeds of around 575 miles per second, which is a fairly typical speed for CMEs. This event had historically mild effects but could cause geomagnetic storms if it connects with the outside of the Earth's magnetic envelope.
Scientists observed a flux rope forming ahead of time in a coronal mass ejection (CME), providing a case study on its formation. The high-temperature plasma glow helped highlight the flux rope, which was then severed from the sun's surface, releasing billions of tons of solar material.
A Sun coronal mass ejection occurred on January 23, 2013, at a speed of around 375 miles per second, impacting the magnetosphere. The event caused a space weather phenomenon called a geomagnetic storm, potentially affecting GPS and satellite communications.
Researchers aim to explore the mysteries of Alfvèn waves, fueling the Sun's heat and magnetic influence on planets. The study uses advanced simulations and observational data from NASA's Hinode solar observatory and Swedish Solar Telescope.
The Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph (IRIS) will study the lower levels of the sun's atmosphere, including the chromosphere and transition region. The mission aims to unravel how matter, light, and energy move from the surface to the corona, with implications for solar flares and coronal mass ejections.
Researchers at Jena University have developed a new theory to simulate the strong atomic nuclear interactions that govern neutron stars. By intelligently modifying nuclear forces and solving the stacking problem of atoms, they have enabled the calculability of these complex systems.
A new study reveals that photovoltaics (PV) outperform biofuels in terms of energy efficiency, land use, and greenhouse gas emissions. PV systems are 30-200 times more efficient than biomass-based pathways, requiring significantly less land to produce the same amount of energy.
Researchers have found an asteroid belt surrounding Vega, a star similar to the Sun, and believe multiple planets are orbiting it. The discovery was made using Infrared Space Telescopes, which detected infrared light emitted by warm and cold dust in discrete regions around the stars.