Articles tagged with Sun
Researchers developed a method for Curiosity to use solar eclipses to determine its precise location on Mars, reducing positional error from kilometers to meters. The technique utilizes data from the rover's antennas and space probes, offering an independent alternative when direct communication with Earth is unavailable.
Astronomers have detected radio-emitting jets from a stellar-mass black hole outside our galaxy, providing insight into extreme accretion rates. The discovery sheds light on the nature of ultraluminous X-ray sources and their connection to black hole binaries.
The EUNIS mission will gather data on the sun's corona by observing extreme ultraviolet light over a six-minute flight, providing insights into temperature ranges of solar plasma. The instrument will observe wavelengths from 525 to 630 Angstroms, covering temperatures from near the surface to millions of degrees Fahrenheit.
Scientists observed and measured the tiny distortion in a star's light caused by Venus passing in front of it. The effect, known as the Rossiter-McLaughlin effect, is difficult to detect but holds promise for studying exoplanets. Measuring this effect will aid in understanding the history of exoplanet formation.
The discovery of L1527 IRS marks the oldest known solar system in formation, with a rotating dust disk and a protostar expected to grow to match the Sun's mass. The system is thought to be around 300,000 years old, compared to the 4.6 billion-year age of our own Solar System.
Astronomers used the Hobby-Eberly Telescope to measure a massive black hole in galaxy NGC 1277 with a mass 17 billion Suns, rewriting theories on black hole formation. This unusual finding comes from a survey of the most massive galaxies in the universe.
The GOES-R Series Program has completed a successful review, demonstrating readiness to launch the new series starting in late 2015. The new satellites will provide improved weather forecasts and warnings, with enhanced imaging and atmospheric observations.
The installed price of US solar photovoltaic systems decreased by 11-14% in 2011 and 3-7% in California's first half of 2012. Module prices fell precipitously since 2008, while non-module costs like installation labor and marketing declined by 30% from 1998 to 2011.
A coronal mass ejection (CME) with speeds of 375 miles per second reached the sun's surface in November 2012, marking the third Earth-directed CME since November 20. The event may cause geomagnetic storms and auroras near the poles, but is unlikely to disrupt electrical systems or GPS communications.
On Nov. 20, 2012, a coronal mass ejection (CME) was observed by NASA spacecraft, with speeds of 450 miles per second, a slow to average speed for CMEs. The event had significant space weather implications and was closely monitored by NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center.
Astronomers have discovered a super-Jupiter orbiting the star Kappa Andromedae, with a mass about 12.8 times greater than Jupiter's. The object's ambiguity between being a planet or brown dwarf allows researchers to explore theoretical limits of planetary formation.
NASA's Solar Dynamic Observatory captured two prominence eruptions on Nov 16, 2012, releasing plasma into space. The eruptions occurred between 1-5 a.m EST and did not appear to be Earth-directed.
A narrow corridor in the southern hemisphere experienced a total solar eclipse on Nov. 13, 2012, with observers in northern Australia witnessing dim structures around the sun's edge. The corona, made of electrified gas and plasma, was observed to be constantly moving in response to magnetic fields.
A mid-level solar flare, classified as M6, was observed by NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory on November 13, 2012. The flare caused a moderate radio blackout affecting GPS and communications signals for several minutes to hours.
The Hinode mission will coordinate with ground-based observations during the November 13, 2012, total solar eclipse to produce a combined dataset. This study will focus on the sun's corona, including its temperature distribution and magnetic fields.
A significant solar flare occurred on Oct. 22, 2012, peaking at an X1.8-class intensity, impacting radio communications for about an hour. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association categorized the radio blackout as R3 on a scale from R1 to R5.
Astronomers detect the lightest exoplanet ever found around a Sun-like star, orbiting about six million kilometers away from the star. The newly discovered planet has a mass similar to Earth and orbits Alpha Centauri B every 3.2 days.
Two O-type stars in the Cygnus OB2 #9 binary system emit intense X-rays as their stellar winds collide during closest approach. The interaction reveals details about the stars' masses, luminosity, and orbits, shedding light on star formation and galaxy evolution.
A team using ALMA discovered a surprising spiral structure in the gas around red giant star R Sculptoris, suggesting a previously unseen companion star. The astronomers found that far more material than expected had been ejected by the star, contributing to the dust and gas that form future stars.
Scientists optimize SDO's HMI instrument to improve resolution quickly after eclipses. By adjusting heater timing and temperature, they've reduced the recovery time from 60 minutes to around 45-50 minutes.
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.
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 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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.