Physics and Astronomy News Archive: May 2005

Deep Roots of Solar Wind Help Predict Space Weather

Source: NASA Posted: 5/23/05

A layer deep in the solar atmosphere can be used to estimate the speed of the solar wind, a stream of electrified gas that constantly blows from the Sun. Estimating the speed of the solar wind will improve space weather forecasts.

Quantum Computing Results May Help in Code Breaking

Source: NIST Posted: 5/23/05

A crucial step in a procedure that could enable future quantum computers to break today’s most commonly used encryption codes has been demonstrated by physicists at NIST.

'Metal-Decorated' Nanotubes Hold Promise for Fuel Cells

Source: NIST Posted: 5/13/05

New quantum calculations and computer models show that carbon nanotubes ’decorated’ with titanium or other transition metals can latch on to hydrogen molecules in numbers more than adequate for efficient hydrogen storage.

First full mosaics of Titan’s surface

Source: ESA Posted: 5/13/05

As the large amount of data collected by the ESA Huygens probe during its descent onto Titan is being processed, new views of this fascinating world become available.

U-M researchers make bendable concrete

Source: UMich Posted: 5/4/05

A new type of fiber-reinforced bendable concrete will be used for the first time in Michigan this summer—and University of Michigan scientists hope that their new material will find widespread use across the country.