Physics and Astronomy News Archive: January 2008

Image: Magnetism Loses Under Pressure

Magnetism Loses Under Pressure

Source: CIW   Posted: 1/30/08

Scientists have discovered that the magnetic strength of magnetite—the most abundant magnetic mineral on Earth—declines drastically when put under pressure.
Image: The World's Lowest Noise Laser Created

The World's Lowest Noise Laser Created

Source: MPG   Posted: 1/30/08

Researchers in Hanover outsmart quantum physics by organizing the photons of a laser beam in an orderly fashion.
Image: Intergalactic 'Shot in the Dark' Shocks Astronomers

Intergalactic 'Shot in the Dark' Shocks Astronomers

Source: Caltech   Posted: 1/30/08

A team of astronomers has discovered a cosmic explosion that seems to have come from the middle of nowhere—thousands of light-years from the nearest galaxy-sized collection of stars, gas, and dust.
Image: NASA Spacecraft Streams Back Surprises From Mercury

NASA Spacecraft Streams Back Surprises From Mercury

Source: NASA   Posted: 1/30/08

The recent flyby of Mercury by NASA's MESSENGER spacecraft has given scientists an entirely new look at a planet once thought to have characteristics similar to those of Earth's moon.
Image: Solution to Mars Enigma Offered

Solution to Mars Enigma Offered

Source: MIT   Posted: 1/3/08

Solution to the enigma of the missing limestone on Mars is offered by the scientists of MIT and Harvard.
Image: White Dwarf Pulses Like a Pulsar

White Dwarf Pulses Like a Pulsar

Source: NASA   Posted: 1/3/08

New observations from Suzaku have challenged scientists’ conventional understanding of white dwarfs.
Image: Metal Foam Has a Good Memory

Metal Foam Has a Good Memory

Source: NSF   Posted: 1/3/08

A new class of materials known as 'magnetic shape-memory foams' has been developed by two research teams.
Image: Red Dust in Planet-Forming Disk May Harbor Precursors to Life

Red Dust in Planet-Forming Disk May Harbor Precursors to Life

Source: CIW   Posted: 1/3/08

Astronomers at the Carnegie Institution have found the first indications of highly complex organic molecules in the disk of red dust surrounding a distant star.