Articles tagged with Sun
Comprehensive exploration of living organisms, biological systems, and life processes across all scales from molecules to ecosystems. Encompasses cutting-edge research in biology, genetics, molecular biology, ecology, biochemistry, microbiology, botany, zoology, evolutionary biology, genomics, and biotechnology. Investigates cellular mechanisms, organism development, genetic inheritance, biodiversity conservation, metabolic processes, protein synthesis, DNA sequencing, CRISPR gene editing, stem cell research, and the fundamental principles governing all forms of life on Earth.
Comprehensive medical research, clinical studies, and healthcare sciences focused on disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Encompasses clinical medicine, public health, pharmacology, epidemiology, medical specialties, disease mechanisms, therapeutic interventions, healthcare innovation, precision medicine, telemedicine, medical devices, drug development, clinical trials, patient care, mental health, nutrition science, health policy, and the application of medical science to improve human health, wellbeing, and quality of life across diverse populations.
Comprehensive investigation of human society, behavior, relationships, and social structures through systematic research and analysis. Encompasses psychology, sociology, anthropology, economics, political science, linguistics, education, demography, communications, and social research methodologies. Examines human cognition, social interactions, cultural phenomena, economic systems, political institutions, language and communication, educational processes, population dynamics, and the complex social, cultural, economic, and political forces shaping human societies, communities, and civilizations throughout history and across the contemporary world.
Fundamental study of the non-living natural world, matter, energy, and physical phenomena governing the universe. Encompasses physics, chemistry, earth sciences, atmospheric sciences, oceanography, materials science, and the investigation of physical laws, chemical reactions, geological processes, climate systems, and planetary dynamics. Explores everything from subatomic particles and quantum mechanics to planetary systems and cosmic phenomena, including energy transformations, molecular interactions, elemental properties, weather patterns, tectonic activity, and the fundamental forces and principles underlying the physical nature of reality.
Practical application of scientific knowledge and engineering principles to solve real-world problems and develop innovative technologies. Encompasses all engineering disciplines, technology development, computer science, artificial intelligence, environmental sciences, agriculture, materials applications, energy systems, and industrial innovation. Bridges theoretical research with tangible solutions for infrastructure, manufacturing, computing, communications, transportation, construction, sustainable development, and emerging technologies that advance human capabilities, improve quality of life, and address societal challenges through scientific innovation and technological progress.
Study of the practice, culture, infrastructure, and social dimensions of science itself. Addresses how science is conducted, organized, communicated, and integrated into society. Encompasses research funding mechanisms, scientific publishing systems, peer review processes, academic ethics, science policy, research institutions, scientific collaboration networks, science education, career development, research programs, scientific methods, science communication, and the sociology of scientific discovery. Examines the human, institutional, and cultural aspects of scientific enterprise, knowledge production, and the translation of research into societal benefit.
Comprehensive study of the universe beyond Earth, encompassing celestial objects, cosmic phenomena, and space exploration. Includes astronomy, astrophysics, planetary science, cosmology, space physics, astrobiology, and space technology. Investigates stars, galaxies, planets, moons, asteroids, comets, black holes, nebulae, exoplanets, dark matter, dark energy, cosmic microwave background, stellar evolution, planetary formation, space weather, solar system dynamics, the search for extraterrestrial life, and humanity's efforts to explore, understand, and unlock the mysteries of the cosmos through observation, theory, and space missions.
Comprehensive examination of tools, techniques, methodologies, and approaches used across scientific disciplines to conduct research, collect data, and analyze results. Encompasses experimental procedures, analytical methods, measurement techniques, instrumentation, imaging technologies, spectroscopic methods, laboratory protocols, observational studies, statistical analysis, computational methods, data visualization, quality control, and methodological innovations. Addresses the practical techniques and theoretical frameworks enabling scientists to investigate phenomena, test hypotheses, gather evidence, ensure reproducibility, and generate reliable knowledge through systematic, rigorous investigation across all areas of scientific inquiry.
Study of abstract structures, patterns, quantities, relationships, and logical reasoning through pure and applied mathematical disciplines. Encompasses algebra, calculus, geometry, topology, number theory, analysis, discrete mathematics, mathematical logic, set theory, probability, statistics, and computational mathematics. Investigates mathematical structures, theorems, proofs, algorithms, functions, equations, and the rigorous logical frameworks underlying quantitative reasoning. Provides the foundational language and tools for all scientific fields, enabling precise description of natural phenomena, modeling of complex systems, and the development of technologies across physics, engineering, computer science, economics, and all quantitative sciences.
A wide coronal mass ejection (CME) is traveling at approximately 700 miles per second and expected to reach Earth on September 29. The CME is associated with a small solar flare, classified as C-class, which is not expected to cause significant disruptions to electronic systems.
Researchers at Princeton University suggest that life on Earth could have come from space via lithopanspermia, a process where microorganisms are transferred through meteorite-like planetary fragments. The study found that low-velocity processes can increase the chances of solid material being captured by other planets.
A team of space scientists has shed light on the mysterious physical mechanisms underlying coronal mass ejections (CMEs) that can impact Earth-based power grids and satellites. The study, published in Nature Physics, uses state-of-the-art computer simulations to connect motions in the sun's interior with CMEs.
New research finds that identifying oneself as part of the same group can improve memory of members of another race. In three experiments, participants showed better memory for members of their own group than others, regardless of race. This effect was especially pronounced when people were motivated to serve a collective goal
Researchers analyze temperatures, shapes, and densities of coronal cavities to understand space weather disruption. By studying these structures, scientists aim to get advance warning on CME eruptions and improve technology protection near Earth.
Astronomers have discovered evidence of a planet's destruction by its aging star, BD+48 740. The star's peculiar chemical composition and highly unusual elliptical orbit suggest that it consumed a massive planet, leaving behind a surviving massive planet with an eccentric orbit.
Scientists study electron strahl, a stream of high-energy electrons from the sun, using five years of data. They found that widths vary, with some being much wider than expected, indicating an unknown scattering mechanism.
New data from the Hinode mission reveals insights into the Sun's coronal magnetic field structure and an unusual asymmetry in its magnetic field. This finding could impact the behavior and prediction of the next solar cycle, which is critical for understanding our nearest star.
Scientists at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center recorded a coronal mass ejection traveling at unprecedented speeds using data from the STEREO spacecraft. The event produced a strong magnetic field and intense solar radiation, offering insights into the causes of space weather events.
Curiosity rover successfully landed on Mars in August, beginning its primary mission to assess the planet's surface radiation environment. Researchers will use the Radiation Assessment Detector (RAD) instrument to measure energetic particle species and provide insights into potential habitability.
A mid-level solar flare, classified as M7.7, was detected by NASA on July 19, 2012, causing brief radio communications blackouts at the poles. Increased numbers of flares are expected during the sun's peak activity cycle, which is approaching its maximum in 2013.
A new technique developed by NASA scientist Nicholeen Viall uses color-coded images to track the 12-hour history of cooling and heating on the sun. The technique reveals that coronal heating is likely caused by numerous nanobursts of energy, lending credence to those theories.
Researchers have discovered a type of plasma wave moving faster than expected, suggesting electrical instabilities may be driving the waves. This finding could lead to a better understanding of how heat and energy are transferred through plasma.
Researchers at Brown University have discovered a pyramid in El Zotz, Guatemala, that provides new information about the Maya civilization. The temple features ornate masks depicting different phases of the sun and stucco carvings revealing how the Maya conceived of the heavens.
The Solar Ultraviolet Magnetograph Investigation (SUMI) mission aims to study the intricate magnetic fields in the sun's chromosphere, a hard-to-observe area of the sun's low atmosphere. By observing ultraviolet light, SUMI will create a three-dimensional magnetic map of the region.
Hi-C will capture the highest-resolution images of the sun's corona, providing unprecedented views of dynamic activity in the solar atmosphere. The mission aims to understand coronal heating and structuring, placing significant new constraints on theories.
Mathematicians at the University of Sheffield have discovered space tornadoes in the Sun's atmosphere, which can channel energy from below the surface to heat the magnetised solar plasma. The process has the potential to develop technology for producing free, clean, and green energy on Earth.
A new study using Cassini images shows that turbulent jet streams on Saturn are powered by internal heat from the planet. The condensation of water vapor in mid-latitudes creates temperature differences, leading to eddies that accelerate the jets like rotating gears.
A previously unappreciated open star cluster, Ruprecht 147, has been found to be an important tool in understanding stellar astrophysics and the search for Earth-like planets. The cluster is close to Earth and contains stars similar in mass and age to the Sun, making it a valuable laboratory for studying bright stars.
A research team has discovered two planets, Kepler-36b and Kepler-36c, in an orbital tug-of-war as they orbit the same star about 1,200 light years from Earth. The planets occupy nearly the same orbital plane and come within 1.2 million miles of each other at their closest approach.
The UK Space Agency has invested £11.5M in the Solar Orbiter mission, which will discover how the Sun creates and controls the heliosphere by flying closer than ever before to the Sun. The mission will study the Sun's magnetic field and solar activity, including coronal mass ejections that can affect Earth.
NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center detected a new solar active region, AR1504, which fired off two M-class flares and two coronal mass ejections (CMEs) on June 13-14, 2012. The CMEs are traveling towards Earth at speeds of 375 and 800 miles per second.
Researchers have found that terrestrial planets like Earth could have formed earlier than expected in the universe's history. The study suggests that rocky worlds don't need to orbit metal-rich stars to form and that their sizes are not directly linked to the star's metallicities.
Researchers used NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory and New Solar Telescope to observe ultrafine loops in the sun's corona. These narrow loops are connected to higher lying, wider loops and may help explain how temperatures rise throughout the corona.
Fermi detects the highest-energy gamma rays ever associated with a solar flare, surpassing visible light by two billion times. The discovery showcases Fermi's capabilities as a solar observatory, providing insights into solar outbursts and charged particles acceleration.
The RHESSI satellite will utilize the June 5-6, 2012 Venus transit to improve its measurements of the sun's diameter. By analyzing the sharpness of the Venus disk as it crosses the sun, scientists can calibrate their instrument and refine their observations of the sun's horizon.
The photon sieve, a variant of Fresnel zone plate, focuses light through diffraction to create high-resolution images. The technology has been successfully demonstrated in ground tests and is set to be deployed on a Cubesat satellite, offering a game-changing solution for space-based imaging.
Researchers will observe the Arc of Venus, a glowing rim around Venus, to learn about its atmosphere and super-rotation. The phenomenon reveals temperature and density structures in Venus' middle atmosphere, shedding light on the planet's mysterious evolution.
The NASA Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) will observe the June 2012 Venus transit to calibrate its instruments and learn more about Venus' atmosphere. The transit provides a unique opportunity to test the SDO's orientation accuracy and understand the point spread function of the telescope.
University of Iowa professor Jack Scudder and colleagues have observed a milestone discovery in astrophysics: the first experimentally resolved site of collision in magnetic reconnection. This process links magnetic field lines from the sun to the Earth's core, allowing charged particles to cross previously forbidden boundaries.
Astronomers use XMM-Newton data to detect X-ray 'echoes' from a distant galaxy, revealing a new way to study supersized black holes and their accretion disks. The echoes, which lag behind AGN flares by up to 30 minutes, provide insights into the environment around these massive black holes.
The University of New Hampshire is poised to analyze a unique dataset from the PAMELA European satellite, which recorded a moderate solar flare and produced a ground-level enhancement (GLE). This rare event has puzzled scientists, but the PAMELA data will provide fresh insights into the evolution of high-energy particles.
Scientists have discovered that the moon's presence affects the solar wind, creating turbulence and changes in direction and density. Computer simulations explain this phenomenon by showing an electric field near the lunar surface generated by sunlight and solar wind flow.
Scientists discover that the sun does not have a bow shock due to insufficient speed to create one in the tenuous region. The new data from IBEX and Voyager spacecraft indicates a strong external magnetic field influencing the heliosphere's structure, leading to a new paradigm.
Researchers found four white dwarfs with dust from shattered planetary bodies containing oxygen, magnesium, iron, and silicon, similar to the Earth's composition. The study provides evidence of a 'terminal phase' in the death of rocky exoplanets, potentially shedding light on their destruction process.
Astronomers will witness a rare transit of Venus, appearing as a small black dot on the Sun's surface, which won't happen again until 2117. The event will help scientists study Venus's atmosphere and potentially aid in finding extrasolar planets.
Astronomers have discovered a group of over 675 hypervelocity stars on the outskirts of the Milky Way, which are believed to have been ejected from the galactic core. These stars, found in intergalactic space between the Milky Way and Andromeda galaxy, exhibit high metallicity indicating an inner galactic origin.
Researchers use NASA's Swift satellite to study Comet Garradd as it moves beyond the solar system's snow line. The comet sheds water and dust at an unprecedented rate, offering clues about its composition and behavior.
Researchers used advanced technology to observe dying stars, revealing winds of gas and dust. The discovery solves the long-standing puzzle of stellar superwinds.
Researchers suggest that highly massive black holes began growing rapidly in the early universe due to chaotic gas flows. By simulating gas discs orbiting a black hole at different angles, they found that collisions between these discs can lead to a significant increase in the black hole's mass.
NASA's models predict two CMEs will impact Earth and Mars, causing severe geomagnetic storms and aurora at low latitudes. The flares, part of the sun's normal 11-year solar cycle, were triggered by an active region named AR 1429.
A new model, published by Anne Hofmeister and Robert Criss, presents a three-dimensional gas cloud scenario for planetary accretion. The model explains planetary orbits and spins without relying on heat production, conserving angular momentum in a cold environment.
Researchers are developing an artificial 'leaf' that can convert sunlight into liquid fuel, and optimizing natural photosynthesis through enzyme engineering. The goal is to improve crop yields and create a sustainable carbon-neutral economy.
Researchers Auna Moser and Paul Bellan observed a surprising phenomenon in lab experiments that provides clues to the origin of solar flares. The discovery reveals a connection between kink instability and Rayleigh-Taylor instability, which are two distinct phenomena occurring at different scales.
Two new planets, Kepler-34 and Kepler-35, have been discovered orbiting binary suns in the Cygnus constellation. The discovery indicates that planets can revolve around double stars, challenging our understanding of solar systems.
A team of scientists has detected a potentially habitable super-Earth orbiting a nearby M-class dwarf star called GJ 667C. The planet receives 90% of the light that Earth receives and is expected to absorb similar amounts of energy, which could lead to surface temperatures similar to those on Earth.
Researchers using IBEX data measure neutral 'alien' particles entering our solar system, revealing their speed, direction, and interaction with the heliosphere. The findings provide insights into the local interstellar medium, galaxy distribution of elements like oxygen and neon, and the future trajectory of the Sun's planetary system.
The IBEX team has analyzed samples of captured interstellar neutral atoms, providing insights into the formation of new stars, planets, and human beings. The findings also reveal that the solar system is still in a local interstellar cloud and will transition to a different region within a few thousand years.
Researchers found oxygen molecules remain stable up to 1.9 terapascals, then polymerize, showing unique electrical conductivity patterns. The molecule's behavior is influenced by its double covalent bond and lone pairs, which repel other molecules and hinder polymerization.
Scientists at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory have created a 2-million-degree piece of matter using the world's most powerful X-ray laser. This achievement takes them a significant step forward in understanding extreme matter found in stars and giant planets, potentially leading to advancements in nuclear fusion research.
The NRL SoloHI instrument will study coronal mass ejections and their effects on the solar wind, impacting power lines, satellite communications, and cell phone service. The Solar Orbiter mission will provide scientists with increased understanding of the Sun's influence on its environment and the solar dynamo.
A comet was caught doing something never seen before: dying a scorching death as it flew too close to the sun. The comet's size and mass were estimated to be between 150-300 feet long, with its core evaporating in intense heat.
Scientists have discovered two new circumbinary planets, Kepler-34b and Kepler-35b, orbiting two stars in the constellation Cygnus. The discovery suggests that planets with two suns are common, potentially existing in millions in the Galaxy. This finding sheds light on the formation of these unique planetary systems.
The Cygnus X region is home to thousands of massive stars and many more stars around the size of our sun or smaller. Infrared data from NASA's Spitzer Space Telescope reveals a complex of star-forming clouds, with bubbles carved out by radiation and winds from massive stars.
Astronomers have discovered two Earth-sized planets, KOI 55.01 and KOI 55.02, that survived the red-giant expansion of their host star, KIC 05807616. The planets are extremely close to their host star and experience harsh temperatures up to 16,000 degrees Fahrenheit.
The Solar Heliophysics Observatory (SOHO) has discovered a new Kreutz-family comet, C/2011 W3 (Lovejoy), through ground-based telescope observations. This is the first time a Kreutz comet has been found in this way since the 1970s, providing scientists with an opportunity to study it before it moves into view of space-based telescopes.
Researchers have discovered two massive black holes, each with a mass equivalent to 10 billion suns, in nearby galaxies. These 'sleeping giants' are thought to be remnants of quasars that powered the early universe.
NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter recorded the total lunar eclipse on Dec. 10, 2011, providing insights into the moon's surface cooling during the event. The West Coast saw totality, while East Coasts experienced a slight dimming of the moon.
Astronomers have found two massive black holes, each with a mass of 10 billion suns, in nearby galaxies. These 'sleeping giants' are thought to be remnants of quasars that powered matter into black holes in the early universe.
Researchers have developed a cheap material to store solar-heated energy, releasing it slowly at night to keep homes warm without fossil fuels. The phase change material blends paraffin wax and stearic acid, which can be stored in small spherical capsules.