Physics and Astronomy News Archive: January 2006

Image: Nuclear Physics Technology Saves Lives

Nuclear Physics Technology Saves Lives

Source: JLab   Posted: 1/24/06

New imaging technology called Nuclear Functional Imaging save lives with sharper images of cancerous tissues.
Image: Experiments Help Explain Mysterious ‘Floppy’ Space Molecule

Experiments Help Explain Mysterious ‘Floppy’ Space Molecule

Source: NIST   Posted: 1/24/06

A lab method developed for making and analyzing cold, concentrated samples of a mysterious “floppy” molecule thought to be abundant only in outer space has revealed new data that help explain it’s properties.
Image: Spacecraft, heal thyself

Spacecraft, heal thyself

Source: ESA   Posted: 1/24/06

Once a spacecraft is in orbit, engineers have virtually no chance of repairing anything that breaks. But what if a spacecraft could fix itself? Thanks to a new study engineers have taken a step towards that amazing possibility.
Image: MIT researcher sees big impact of little cracks

MIT researcher sees big impact of little cracks

Source: MIT   Posted: 1/24/06

An MIT researcher's atom-by-atom simulation of cracks forming and spreading may help explain how materials fail in nanoscale devices, airplanes and even in the Earth itself during a quake.
Image: NASA Astronomers Spot Rare Lunar Meteor Strike

NASA Astronomers Spot Rare Lunar Meteor Strike

Source: NASA   Posted: 1/8/06

Astronomers at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, Ala., have recorded a small but powerful meteoroid strike in the night on the moon’s surface.
Image: First Galileo satellite on orbit to demonstrate key technologies

First Galileo satellite on orbit to demonstrate key technologies

Source: ESA   Posted: 1/8/06

The first Galileo demonstrator is in orbit, marking the very first step to full operability of Europe’s new global navigation satellite system.
Image: Einstein Was Right (Again): NIST and MIT Confirm that E= mc2

Einstein Was Right (Again): NIST and MIT Confirm that E= mc2

Source: NIST   Posted: 1/8/06

Albert Einstein was correct in his prediction that E=mc2, according to scientists at NIST and MIT who conducted the most precise direct test ever of what is perhaps the most famous formula in science.
Image: Hubble Finds Additional Moons and Rings Around Uranus

Hubble Finds Additional Moons and Rings Around Uranus

Source: NASA   Posted: 1/8/06

The Hubble Space Telescope photographed a new pair of rings around Uranus and two new, small moons orbiting the planet.