Physics and Astronomy News Archive: July 2006

Image: MIT scientists create fiber webs that see

MIT scientists create fiber webs that see

Source: MIT   Posted: 7/10/06

In a radical departure from conventional lens-based optics, MIT scientists have developed a sophisticated optical system made of mesh-like webs of light-detecting fibers.
Image: NSF Launches Distributed Data Analysis of Neutron Scattering

NSF Launches Distributed Data Analysis of Neutron Scattering

Source: NSF   Posted: 7/10/06

The NSF has awarded nearly $12 million to the CalTech for computer software to analyze neutron-scattering experiments.
Image: Europe launches its first polar-orbiting weather satellite

Europe launches its first polar-orbiting weather satellite

Source: ESA   Posted: 7/10/06

MetOp-A, new European satellite designed to monitor the Earth’s atmosphere from low Earth orbit, is to be launched on 17 July.
Image: Secret GPS Codes Cracked

Secret GPS Codes Cracked

Source: Cornell   Posted: 7/10/06

Members of Cornell's GPS Lab have cracked the so-called pseudo random number (PRN) codes of Europe's first global navigation satellite.
Image: Can you hear me now? Not on Mars

Can you hear me now? Not on Mars

Source: PSU   Posted: 7/1/06

It may be difficult for two people to have a conversation on Mars, according to a research paper by Penn State scientists.
Image: A Link Between Rainfall and Magnetism

A Link Between Rainfall and Magnetism

Source: NSF   Posted: 7/1/06

Scientists at UCLA and the Santa Fe Institute have gained a deeper insight into rainfall patterns and atmospheric dynamics by using techniques originally developed for magnetic materials.
Image: Leicester Leads Leap Into ‘Inner Space’ Void

Leicester Leads Leap Into ‘Inner Space’ Void

Source: Leicester   Posted: 7/1/06

The University of Leicester is leading a three-nation consortium in a ‘fantastic voyage’ to explore empty space - with potential benefits that have only been explored in the realms of science fiction.
Image: Scientists Accurately Simulate Appearance of Sun's Corona During Eclipse

Scientists Accurately Simulate Appearance of Sun's Corona During Eclipse

Source: NSF   Posted: 7/1/06

The most true-to-life computer simulation ever made of our sun's multimillion-degree outer atmosphere, the corona, successfully predicted its actual appearance during the March 29, 2006, solar eclipse, scientists have announced.