Physics and Astronomy News Archive: July 2004

Image: New theory links neutrino's slight mass to accelerating universe expansion

New theory links neutrino's slight mass to accelerating universe expansion

Source: UW   Posted: 7/27/04

Two major physics breakthroughs in the last decade are the discovery that neutrinos have mass and that universe expansion is accelerating. Three physicists are suggesting the two discoveries are integrally linked through one of the strangest features of the universe: dark energy.

Image: Growing Tiny Totally Tubular Formations

Growing Tiny Totally Tubular Formations

Source: UArizona   Posted: 7/26/04

An accidental discovery may provide insights into the creation of tubular structures such as those found in caves and at hydrothermal vents

Image: Cassini Exposes Saturn's Two-Face Moon

Cassini Exposes Saturn's Two-Face Moon

Source: NASA/JPL   Posted: 7/18/04

The moon with the split personality, Iapetus, presents a perplexing appearance in the latest images snapped by the Cassini spacecraft.

Image: Spacecraft Fleet Tracks Blast Wave Through Solar System

Spacecraft Fleet Tracks Blast Wave Through Solar System

Source: NASA/GSFC   Posted: 7/13/04

A fleet of spacecraft dispersed throughout the solar system gave the most comprehensive picture to date of how blast waves from solar storms propagate through the solar system and the radiation generated in their wake.

Image: Possible Quantum Stumbling Block Found For Nanotechnologies

Possible Quantum Stumbling Block Found For Nanotechnologies

Source: URochester   Posted: 7/12/04

Quantum nanorods, atomic structures that have been heralded as the key to everything from super-efficient solar cells to an elusive white laser, appear to have an inherent surface charge that may tarnish their gleaming image.

Image: Neutrino Oscillation Observed For The First Time

Neutrino Oscillation Observed For The First Time

Source: UCI   Posted: 7/8/04

A new analysis of atmospheric neutrino data by a team of international scientists has shown for the first time the distinctive pattern of neutrino oscillation that has eluded researchers until now.

Image: A New Twist on Fiber Optics

A New Twist on Fiber Optics

Source: NSF   Posted: 7/7/04

By twisting fiber optic strands into helical shapes, researchers have created unique structures that can precisely filter, polarize or scatter light.

Image: Cassini Provides New Views of Titan, Saturn's Largest Moon

Cassini Provides New Views of Titan, Saturn's Largest Moon

Source: NASA/JPL   Posted: 7/5/04

The Cassini spacecraft has revealed surface details of Saturn's moon Titan and imaged a huge cloud of gas surrounding the planet-sized moon.