Physics and Astronomy News Archive: July 2013

Image: Astronomers Detect Three 'Super-Earths'

Astronomers Detect Three 'Super-Earths'

Source: NSF   Posted: 7/6/13

Astronomers find a system with at least six planets, including a record-breaking three super-Earths orbiting in the star's 'habitable zone' where liquid water could exist on the planets.
Image: Researchers Build an All-Optical Transistor

Researchers Build an All-Optical Transistor

Source: MIT   Posted: 7/6/13

An optical switch that can be turned on by a single photon could point toward new designs for both classical and quantum computers.
Image: New Insights On The Early Bombardment Of Mercury

New Insights On The Early Bombardment Of Mercury

Source: SWRI   Posted: 7/6/13

Were the plains of Mercury formed by volcanic flows or composed of material ejected from the planet’s giant impact basins?
Image: Explanation of Mysterious Radio Flashes?

Explanation of Mysterious Radio Flashes?

Source: Radboud   Posted: 7/6/13

Mysterious bright radio flashes that appear for only a brief moment on the sky and do not repeat could be the final farewell greetings of a massive star collapsing into a black hole.
Image: Gemini Obervatory Delivers a Sharper Universe

Gemini Obervatory Delivers a Sharper Universe

Source: Gemini   Posted: 7/6/13

A unique new instrument at Gemini South in Chile takes the removal of atmospheric distortions (using adaptive optics technology) to a new level.