Physics and Astronomy News Archive: September 2010

Image: Putting a Spin on Light and Atoms

Putting a Spin on Light and Atoms

Source: LBL   Posted: 9/20/10

Researchers have now made sensitive measurements of magnetic fields by maintaining the spin polarization of atoms in an alkali-vapor magnetometer for more than 60 seconds at room temperature.
Image: Surprisingly Complicated Molecule Found in Open Space

Surprisingly Complicated Molecule Found in Open Space

Source: AlphaGalileo   Posted: 9/20/10

In interstellar clouds of extremely small density scientists managed to find a molecule that has an unexpectedly complicated structure. The discovery will force a change in the way of thinking about chemical processes occurring in the apparently empty areas of the Galaxy.
Image: Telling Time on the Moon

Telling Time on the Moon

Source: MIT   Posted: 9/20/10

New map of lunar craters sheds light on early solar-system activity and points to oldest parts of the moon’s surface.
Image: Solar Funnel

Solar Funnel

Source: MIT   Posted: 9/20/10

New antenna made of carbon nanotubes could make photovoltaic cells more efficient by concentrating solar energy.
Image: Missing Piece Inspires New Look at Mars Puzzle

Missing Piece Inspires New Look at Mars Puzzle

Source: JPL/NASA   Posted: 9/9/10

Experiments prompted by a 2008 surprise from NASA's Phoenix Mars Lander suggest that soil examined by NASA's Viking Mars landers in 1976 may have contained carbon-based chemical building blocks of life.
Image: Hubble Discovers Composition of 'Star Guts' Pouring Out

Hubble Discovers Composition of 'Star Guts' Pouring Out

Source: UColorado   Posted: 9/7/10

Observations made with NASA's newly refurbished Hubble Space Telescope of a nearby supernova are allowing astronomers to measure the velocity and composition of 'star guts' being ejected into space following the explosion.
Image: Researchers Create 'Quantum Cats' Made of Light

Researchers Create 'Quantum Cats' Made of Light

Source: NIST   Posted: 9/7/10

Researchers at the NIST have created 'quantum cats' made of photons, boosting prospects for manipulating light in new ways to enhance precision measurements as well as computing and communications based on quantum physics.
Image: New View of Tectonic Plates

New View of Tectonic Plates

Source: Caltech   Posted: 9/3/10

Scientists have developed new computer algorithms that for the first time allow for the simultaneous modeling of the earth's mantle flow, large-scale tectonic plate motions, and the behavior of individual fault zones, to produce an unprecedented view of plate tectonics and the forces that drive it.
Image: Shrinking Atmospheric Layer Linked to Low Levels of Solar Radiation

Shrinking Atmospheric Layer Linked to Low Levels of Solar Radiation

Source: NSF   Posted: 9/3/10

Large changes in the sun's energy output may drive unexpectedly dramatic fluctuations in Earth's outer atmosphere. Results of a study link a recent, temporary shrinking of a high atmospheric layer with a sharp drop in the sun's ultraviolet radiation levels.