Articles tagged with Sun
STEREO-A has resumed its normal science operations, transmitting lower-resolution real-time data and high-definition images of the sun's surface and atmosphere with a two- to three-day delay. This allows scientists to better track solar events and make accurate models of interplanetary space weather.
A new study suggests that vast quantities of radiation from superflaring Red Dwarf stars like Kepler-438 can strip away an atmosphere and make a planet uninhabitable. The energy released by each superflare is equivalent to 100 billion megatons of TNT, posing a significant threat to life on Earth-like planets.
Researchers at Yale and Harvard have found a galaxy with a heartbeat, detecting the effects of pulsating older red stars on its light. The mean pulse of the stars in M87 is about one beat every 270 days.
Scientists at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center are developing a beach ball-sized titanium occulter to study the sun's corona and predict solar flares. The mission aims to improve scientists' understanding of coronal mass ejections, which can disrupt electronics and power grids.
The six PNNL researchers honored with the Breakthrough Prize have made profound contributions to human knowledge, revealing new frontier beyond the standard model of particle physics. They worked on a variety of physics questions and continue to collaborate.
Astronomers at the University of Leeds used ALMA telescope to observe a massive star forming in a similar way to low-mass stars. The discovery suggests that massive stars may form in a disk-like structure, just like low-mass stars, and mirrors their formation process.
Michigan Technological University researchers have developed a method to increase the output of solar panels by 30 percent or more by using reflectors to bounce sunlight back onto panels. This innovation could lead to major retrofits for existing solar farms, making solar energy more efficient and cost-effective.
John Wesley Miller, a UA College of Engineering alumnus and pioneer in energy efficiency and green building, has received the 2015 Lasting Legacy Award. His contributions to environmentally sustainable construction have been recognized through his work on projects such as Biosphere 2 and Armory Park del Sol, which showcase innovative t...
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 MIT Deshpande Center has awarded grants to 15 research teams working on emerging technologies with potential impact in disease monitoring, cancer treatment, and more. The center provides support and guidance to innovators as they develop viable technologies.
NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) captured an image of a mid-level solar flare, peaking at M5.5 on Oct. 1, 2015. The flare emitted powerful bursts of radiation that can disturb the atmosphere in the layer where GPS and communications signals travel.
NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory captured an image of a mid-class solar flare on September 28, 2015, which peaked at M7.6 intensity. The event is expected to disturb the atmosphere in layers where GPS and communications signals travel.
A team of astronomers at the University of Maryland and NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center has found evidence for a new intermediate-mass black hole about 5,000 times the mass of the sun. The discovery adds to the list of potential medium-sized black holes and strengthens the case for their existence.
The Solar and Heliospheric Observatory has discovered its 3,000th comet, thanks to a volunteer astronomer in Thailand. This milestone marks a significant achievement for SOHO's comet project, with over 200 comets found annually by citizen scientists.
Scientists at NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) have captured the rare alignment of the sun, moon, and Earth. During this event, a partial solar eclipse was visible from parts of Africa and Antarctica, providing a unique opportunity to study the effects of these celestial alignments.
Scientists have developed a hybrid solar-energy system that harnesses the full spectrum of sunlight by pairing a photovoltaic cell with polymer films. The system produces a voltage over 20% higher than other hybrid systems and can operate an LED lamp and electrochromic display.
Researchers at the University of Michigan have developed solar cells that can track the sun using a kirigami-inspired design. The array of small solar cells tilts within a larger panel, keeping their surfaces more perpendicular to the sun's rays and raising the effective area soaking up sunlight.
Researchers confirm coronal heating mechanism using observations from NASA's IRIS and Japan's Hinode solar observatory. Resonant absorption process converts magnetic waves into heat energy, explaining why the sun's corona is hotter than its surface.
A mid-level solar flare, peaking at M5.6, occurred on Aug 24, 2015. The flare emitted powerful bursts of radiation, potentially affecting Earth's atmosphere and disrupting GPS and communications signals.
A study by Carnegie's Alan Boss and Sandra Keiser suggests that a shock wave from a supernova may have induced the spin of our Solar System, enabling the formation of a disk around our proto-Sun. This finding challenges previous theories and provides new insights into the earliest phases of planet formation.
A team of astronomers has discovered a Jupiter-like exoplanet called 51 Eridani b, which shows the strongest methane signature ever detected on an alien planet. The new planet is the faintest exoplanet on record and provides clues about how planets formed around the sun.
The sunshield on NASA's James Webb Space Telescope is the largest part of the observatory, separating a warm sun-facing side from a cold environment to protect sensitive infrared instruments. The precise unfolding of the five-layer sunshield must be accurate within a few centimeters to maintain alignment and operate effectively.
The installed price of US distributed solar PV systems fell 10-20% in 2014 and 6-13% in early 2015, with significant reductions attributed to decreases in solar soft costs. The 'Tracking the Sun' report highlights progress in lowering solar system prices, with substantial variability observed across different market segments.
Researchers from the University of New Hampshire's Space Science Center use MESSENGER spacecraft data to investigate interplanetary coronal mass ejections, improving space weather prediction capabilities. The study sheds light on the speed and deceleration of ICMEs after their launch from the sun.
The Reynolds Creek Fire in Montana began on July 21 after a lightning strike and has consumed mixed conifer trees, shrubs, and grass. As of July 24, the fire is at 4000 acres with predicted extreme fire behavior due to gusty west winds.
A new study suggests high solar activity in the 1950s-80s slowed down ocean circulation between the South Atlantic and North Atlantic, cooling Greenland while the rest of the Northern Hemisphere warmed. Weak solar activity could now fire up the circulation mechanism, leading to faster ice sheet melting and increased sea-level rise.
A Brazilian-led team has discovered a planet with a mass similar to Jupiter's, orbiting a Sun-like star at almost the same distance. The planet's host, HIP 11915, is also similar in mass and age to our Sun, with a composition that hints at possible rocky planets.
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.
The new detector, made of Mercury-Cadmium-Telluride alloy, processes infrared signals at a single-photon level, offering unparalleled sensitivity. It has customers for Earth and planetary remote sensing, as well as potential uses in telecommunications, medical imaging, and materials science.
A mid-level solar flare was observed by NASA's SDO on June 25, 2015, reaching a magnitude of M7.9. The event has the potential to disturb the atmosphere, affecting GPS and communications signals.
A mid-level solar flare, peaking at M6.6, was emitted by the sun on June 22, 2015. This event may disturb the atmosphere and affect GPS and communications signals.
A new measurement and modelling tool can predict coronal mass ejections with more than 24 hours' notice, improving forecasting of geomagnetic storms that affect GPS technology, utility grids, and satellite systems.
A new study links lower life satisfaction to sleep problems during midlife, finding that shorter sleep onset latency is associated with higher life satisfaction. The research suggests that improving one variable, such as sleep quality, may have a positive impact on another, like life satisfaction.
Researchers have discovered a young planetary system with a ring-like disk of debris surrounding a Sun-like star, sharing similarities with the formation of our own early solar system. The disk is roughly the same size as our solar system's Kuiper Belt and may contain dust and icy particles.
An international team of astronomers has identified a young planetary system, located 360 light years away, with a disc-shaped bright ring of dust around a star similar to the sun. The disc's brightness and composition are consistent with the Kuiper Belt in our solar system.
A calibration mission on a Terrier-Black Brant suborbital sounding rocket will help calibrate the EVE instrument on NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO). The mission aims to measure the total energy output of the sun in extreme ultraviolet light waves and track changes over time.
Chemistry student Anders Bo Skov has made a breakthrough in developing molecules capable of harnessing and storing substantial amounts of solar energy. His achievement doubles the energy density in a molecule that can hold its shape for a hundred years, offering potential for sustainable solar power.
A UH-led team successfully observed the total solar eclipse over the Arctic, capturing breathtaking images of the sun's corona. The team braved extreme weather conditions and polar bear danger to set up equipment at two locations in the Svalbard archipelago.
Scientists capture first high-res images of flaring magnetic structures known as solar flux ropes, providing insights into massive eruptions on the Sun's surface. The images were taken with NJIT's newly commissioned 1.6m New Solar Telescope at Big Bear Observatory.
Researchers present strong evidence for the coronal heating theory, suggesting that tiny explosive bursts of heat called nanoflares are responsible for heating the sun's atmosphere. The new findings come from NASA's EUNIS sounding rocket mission and NuSTAR X-ray observations, providing insight into the solar corona.
A NASA study found that small solar eruptions, like a slow-moving CME, can cause significant atmospheric loss in planets without magnetic shields. This research has implications for understanding habitability and the potential effects of solar storms on other planets.
The Milky Way's star formation rate peaked 10 billion years ago, but our sun formed about 5 billion years ago. This may have fostered the growth of our solar system's planets by enriching the galaxy with heavier elements.
New observations show that Jupiter's auroral glow sometimes flares up due to a process unrelated to the Sun. The giant planet's polar auroras are powered by a separate interaction between Jupiter and its moon Io, causing intense electric fields at Jupiter's poles.
Researchers propose that a second generation of planets, including super-Earths, existed in the inner solar system before being destroyed by Jupiter's massive migration. This scenario helps explain why Earth and other terrestrial planets have relatively low masses compared to exoplanets orbiting other sun-like stars.
Scientists have observed two large coronal holes on the sun, with one covering about 6-8% of the total solar surface and another 0.16%. These regions can emit fast solar winds that affect Earth. The unique magnetic fields in these areas extend far into space.
A significant solar flare was emitted by the sun on March 11, 2015, peaking at 12:22 p.m. EDT. The X2.2-class flare may cause disturbances in the atmosphere where GPS and communications signals travel.
On March 9, 2015, NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) captured images of two mid-level solar flares, classified as M5.8 and M5.1, from the same active region. The flares occurred after the region rotated over the left side of the sun on March 7, marking the second and third flares in this cycle.
A mid-level solar flare occurred on March 7, 2015, peaking at 5:22 pm EST, as captured by NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory. The event was classified as an M9.2-class flare, which is twice as intense as the next largest category, M8.
A new study published in Geology reveals a close correlation between solar activity and sea surface temperatures in the North Atlantic during cool periods over the last 4,000 years. The research sheds light on the importance of solar forcing in shaping climate change patterns, providing a crucial piece of the overall climate puzzle.
An international team of astronomers has found a huge and ancient black hole powering the brightest object in the early universe. The massive black hole is 12 billion times the size of our Sun and lives at the center of a quasar, emitting millions of billions of times more energy than the Sun.
A unique comet, not part of a known family, survives its trip to within 2.2 million miles of the sun's surface. This is one of the few instances where a comet has been observed and recorded by SOHO in recent years.
Researchers propose a new model showing the sun's magnetic field controls the shape of the heliosphere by accelerating solar wind into two jets. This understanding could have implications for future space travel and help us comprehend the filter protecting the solar system from galactic cosmic rays.
Researchers have discovered that licorice extract's antioxidant active compound Licochalcone A strengthens the skin's defense systems, producing higher amounts of self-protecting molecules. This approach may provide superior sun protection by combining physical and biological defenses.
Researchers analyzed the trajectory of Scholz's star and found it passed through the outer Oort Cloud, 98% certain of its close flyby. The star's proximity to our solar system was confirmed, challenging previous predictions for the closest known flyby.
International team of astronomers observes multiple-star system forming in Perseus constellation, revealing how stars are separated during early stages of formation. The discovery advances understanding of conditions governing the type of star systems to develop.
Research finds cyclical variations in Earth's tilt and orbit coincide with 100,000-year changes in Earth's orbit and climate. Volcanic activity at mid-ocean ridges may release carbon dioxide, contributing to climatic shifts.
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 developed a microscale solar concentration technology that enables ultra-high efficiency solar cells to be used on rooftops. The system consists of miniaturized photovoltaic cells, 3D-printed lens arrays and a moveable focusing mechanism, reducing size, weight and cost while increasing power generation.
A smartphone app improved some sun protection behaviors, including increased shade use and combined use of all sun protection behaviors. However, there was no significant difference in sunburns between groups. Strategies to increase mobile app usage are needed for effective deployment.
DSCOVR will observe the sun, tracking Coronal Mass Ejections that can affect power grids and communications systems. The satellite will also study the Earth from its unique L1 orbit, providing multi-spectral images and radiation measurements.