Physics and Astronomy News Archive: May 2004

Image: NASA Releases Mission Requirements for Proposed Jupiter Mission

NASA Releases Mission Requirements for Proposed Jupiter Mission

Source: NASA/JPL   Posted: 5/31/04

NASA has issued its mission design requirements to three industry teams for a proposed mission to Jupiter and its three icy moons. The requirements are also the first product formulated by NASA's new Office of Exploration Systems in Washington.
Image: Scaling friction down to the nano/micro realm

Scaling friction down to the nano/micro realm

Source: NIST   Posted: 5/27/04

An improved method for correcting nano- and micro-scale friction measurements has been developed by researchers at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).
Image: Milky Way churning out new stars at a furious pace

Milky Way churning out new stars at a furious pace

Source: WISC   Posted: 5/27/04

Some of the first data from a new orbiting infrared telescope are revealing that the Milky Way - and by analogy galaxies in general - is making new stars at a much more prolific pace than astronomers imagined.
Image: No one alive has seen this, but you can

No one alive has seen this, but you can

Source: NASA/GSFC   Posted: 5/22/04

NASA invites you to view a rare celestial event, one not seen by any person now alive. On June 8, the planet Venus will appear to cross in front of the Sun as seen from Earth.
Image: Theory proposes new view of sun and Earth's creation

Theory proposes new view of sun and Earth's creation

Source: ASU   Posted: 5/20/04

Like most creation stories, this one is dramatic: we began, not as a mere glimmer buried in an obscure cloud, but instead amidst the glare and turmoil of restless giants.
Image: First time three photons combined into entangled state

First time three photons combined into entangled state

Source: UToronto   Posted: 5/13/04

U of T physicists have developed a way to entangle photons which could ultimately lead to an extremely precise new measurement system.
Image: NASA Genesis Spacecraft on Final Lap Toward Home

NASA Genesis Spacecraft on Final Lap Toward Home

Source: NASA/JPL   Posted: 5/9/04

NASA's Genesis spacecraft flew past Earth on Saturday (May 1st) in a loop that puts it on track for home - and a dramatic mid-air recovery Sept. 8.