Physics and Astronomy News Archive: October 2011

Image: Bristly particles could be boon for powerplants

Bristly particles could be boon for powerplants

Source: MIT   Posted: 10/30/11

Multi-scale material may have applications in heat transfer, potentially helping powerplants be more efficient.
Image: Diamonds, Silver and the Quest for Single Photons

Diamonds, Silver and the Quest for Single Photons

Source: NSF   Posted: 10/29/11

Tiny crystal towers enlighten understanding of photon emission, could inspire diamond microchips for quantum computing.
Image: 'Microring' device could aid in future optical technologies

'Microring' device could aid in future optical technologies

Source: Purdue   Posted: 10/29/11

Researchers have created a tiny 'microring resonator,' which converts continuous laser light into numerous ultra-short pulses.
Image: Astronomers Explain 'Blue Stragglers'

Astronomers Explain 'Blue Stragglers'

Source: Northwestern   Posted: 10/21/11

Mysterious 'blue stragglers' are old stars that appear younger than they should be: they burn hot and blue. Astronomers now may have an answer.
Image: Scientists Uncover a Delicate Magnetic Balance for Superconductivity

Scientists Uncover a Delicate Magnetic Balance for Superconductivity

Source: Kavli   Posted: 10/21/11

A new imaging technology is giving scientists unprecedented views of the processes that affect the flow of electrons through materials.
Image: 2011 Nobel Prize in Physics

2011 Nobel Prize in Physics

Source: Nobel   Posted: 10/5/11

The Nobel Prize in Physics 2011 was awarded to Saul Perlmutter, Brian P. Schmid and Adam G. Riess for the discovery of the accelerating expansion of the Universe through observations of distant supernovae.
Image: 2011 Nobel Prize in Chemistry

2011 Nobel Prize in Chemistry

Source: Nobel   Posted: 10/5/11

Nobel Prize in Chemistry for 2011 was awarded to Dan Shechtman Technion for the discovery of quasicrystals.
Image: New Multi-Planet System Discovered

New Multi-Planet System Discovered

Source: UTexas   Posted: 10/5/11

An unusual multiple-planet system containing a super-Earth and two Neptune-sized planets orbiting in resonance with each other was discovered.