Physics and Astronomy News Archive: February 2011

Image: First Stars in Universe Were Not Alone
First Stars in Universe Were Not Alone
Source: UHeilderberg   Posted: 2/18/11
Astrophysicists use computer simulations to gain new insights on star formation.
Image: Packing Atoms to Prevent Collisions in Atomic Clock
Packing Atoms to Prevent Collisions in Atomic Clock
Source: NIST   Posted: 2/18/11
In a paradox typical of the quantum world, scientists have eliminated collisions between atoms in an atomic clock by packing the atoms closer together.
Image: New way to grow microwires
New way to grow microwires
Source: MIT   Posted: 2/15/11
Researchers find simple, inexpensive method to produce silicon wires for sensors, batteries and solar cells.
Image: Five Things About NASA's Valentine's Day Comet
Five Things About NASA's Valentine's Day Comet
Source: NASA/JPL   Posted: 2/13/11
Here are five facts you should know about NASA's Stardust-NExT spacecraft as it prepares for a Valentine's 'date' with comet Tempel 1. Feel free to sing along!
Image: No direct link between black holes and Dark Matter
No direct link between black holes and Dark Matter
Source: MPE-MPG   Posted: 2/13/11
Scientists have now conducted an extensive study of galaxies to prove that black hole mass is not directly related to the mass of the Dark Matter halo but rather seems to be determined by the formation of the galaxy bulge.