science newsletter: Science News SciGuru.com

Σάββατο 18 Αυγούστου 2012

Science News SciGuru.com

MIT-developed ‘microthrusters’ could propel small satellites
ChemCam laser sets its sights on first Martian target
Magnetic Turbulence Trumps Collisions to Heat Solar Wind

MIT-developed ‘microthrusters’ could propel small satellites

Posted: 17 Aug 2012 11:06 AM PDT

A penny-sized rocket thruster may soon power the smallest satellites in space.

ChemCam laser sets its sights on first Martian target

Posted: 17 Aug 2012 10:58 AM PDT

Members of the Mars Science Laboratory Curiosity rover ChemCam team have received the first photos from the instrument’s remote micro imager. The successful capture of ChemCam’s first 10 photos sets the stage for the first test bursts of the instrument’s rock-zapping laser in the near future.

Magnetic Turbulence Trumps Collisions to Heat Solar Wind

Posted: 17 Aug 2012 10:37 AM PDT

New research led by University of Warwick physicist Dr Kareem Osman has provided significant insight into how the solar wind heats up when it should not. The solar wind rushes outwards from the raging inferno that is our Sun, but from then on the wind should only get cooler as it expands beyond our solar system since there are no particle collisions to dissipate energy. However, the solar wind is surprisingly hotter than it should be, which has puzzled scientists for decades. Two new research papers led by Dr Osman may have solved that puzzle.