Physics and Astronomy News Archive: November 2007

Image: First Observation of ‘Persistent Flow’ in a Gas

First Observation of ‘Persistent Flow’ in a Gas

Source: NIST   Posted: 11/28/07

Using laser light to stir an ultracold gas of atoms, researchers a have demonstrated the first 'persistent' current in an ultracold atomic gas —a frictionless flow of particles.
Image: ‘High Q’ Nanowires May be Practical Oscillators

‘High Q’ Nanowires May be Practical Oscillators

Source: NIST   Posted: 11/28/07

New research suggests that High-Q nanowires might be used as oscillators in nano-electromechanical systems for future nano-sensors and communications devices.
Image: The World's Smallest Double Slit Experiment: Breaking up the Hydrogen Molecule

The World's Smallest Double Slit Experiment: Breaking up the Hydrogen Molecule

Source: LBL   Posted: 11/28/07

Researchers have now established that quantum particles start behaving in a classical way on a scale as small as a single hydrogen molecule.
Image: NASA Scientist Confirms Light Show on Venus

NASA Scientist Confirms Light Show on Venus

Source: NASA/JPL   Posted: 11/28/07

Venus is a hellish place of high temperatures and crushing air pressure. The ESA Venus Express mission adds into this mix the first confirmation that the Venusian atmosphere generates its own lightning.
Image: ASU Study Depicts Earth As Living Organism

ASU Study Depicts Earth As Living Organism

Source: ASU   Posted: 11/5/07

Seismologists recently have recast their understanding of the inner workings of Earth from a relatively benign homogeneous environment to one that is highly dynamic and chemically diverse.
Image: Massive Black Hole Smashes Record

Massive Black Hole Smashes Record

Source: NASA   Posted: 11/5/07

Astronomers have discovered the heftiest known black hole to orbit a star. The new black hole, with a mass 24 to 33 times that of our Sun, is more massive than scientists expected for a black hole that formed from a dying star.
Image: Mars Express Probes Red Planet's Unusual Deposits

Mars Express Probes Red Planet's Unusual Deposits

Source: JPL/NASA   Posted: 11/5/07

The radar system on the European Space Agency's Mars Express orbiter has uncovered new details about some of the most mysterious deposits on Mars: the Medusae Fossae Formation.
Image: Single Nanotube Makes World's Smallest Radio

Single Nanotube Makes World's Smallest Radio

Source: Berkeley   Posted: 11/5/07

Physicists at the UC Berkeley, have built the smallest radio yet - a single carbon nanotube one ten-thousandth the diameter of a human hair that requires only a battery and earphones to tune in to your favorite station.