Science

Corridor of light: a laser is sent down a hallway at the University of Maryland. (Courtesy: Intense Laser-Matter Interactions Lab/UMD) An optical fibre is ideal for transmitting information over long distances because its optical properties ensure that light pulses remain inside the fibre, even if the fibre curves around a corner. However, it would sometimes

Beyond the diffraction limit (a) Pre-expansion image of human kidney tissue using a ×60 objective lens and processed with super-resolution optical fluctuation imaging (scale bar: 5 µm). (b) The same field-of-view after 8.15-fold expansion with Magnify using a ×40 objective lens (scale bar: 5 µm; physical scale post expansion: 40.75 µm). (Courtesy: Carnegie Mellon University)

Amy Smith argues that we need to rethink how we mark achievements in physics Shared passion When we talk about physics “genius”, we often see only the individual and ignore the collective efforts that have helped them. (Courtesy iStock/supersizer) Why is physics different from other sciences? While our perceptions of who does science are broadening

Wind action This image of the Martian surface was taken by HiRISE on the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter and shows yardangs. These are bedrock structures that are carved by the wind. This has created sand in the regions between the yardangs, which has been rippled by the wind. The very dark regions are shadows cast by

Light-based logic: The optical chirality logic gate is made of a nonlinear optical material that generates an output signal that’s dependent on the chirality of the two input beams. (Courtesy: Yi Zhang/Aalto University) Light-based optical logic gates operate much faster than their electronic counterparts and could be crucial for meeting the ever-growing demand for more

WASHINGTON — After technical and licensing delays, Virgin Orbit is gearing up for its first launch from the United Kingdom as soon as Jan. 9. A maritime navigation warning issued Jan. 4 identified a zone for hazardous operations for “rocket launching” off the coast of Ireland late Jan. 9, with a backup date of Jan.

Raytheon’s infrared sensing payload will be integrated on a Lockheed Martin LM400 WASHINGTON — Raytheon Intelligence & Space announced Jan. 4 it selected a Lockheed Martin bus to build a missile-tracking satellite for the U.S. Space Force. The U.S. Space Systems Command selected two satellite designs — one by Raytheon and the other by Millennium

Attracting talent: The House of Lords Science and Technology Committee have come up with four policy recommendations to tackle the UK’s skills shortage (Courtesy: iStock/Studio Pro) The UK must attract highly qualified workers from abroad if the country wants to have a flourishing industry and economy. That is one of four recommendations in a new

SAN FRANCISCO – A bootcamp aimed at helping startups navigate the space sector’s complex regulatory landscape is coming to New Mexico. The Space Regulatory Bootcamp, backed by the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory and SpaceWERX, is scheduled for Feb. 21-23 at Q Station, a collaboration center for New Mexico’s space industry in Albuquerque. “Many companies

The EWS demonstration launched on the SpaceX Transporter-6 rideshare WASHINGTON — The U.S. Space Systems Command on Jan. 3 launched a cubesat intended to demonstrate commercial weather imaging technologies for military use.  The Electro-Optical/Infrared (EO/IR) Weather Systems (EWS) demonstration launched on the SpaceX Transporter-6 rideshare that deployed more than 110 small satellites.  Over a planned

The world faces countless social, environmental and economic problems that require complex solutions combining knowledge and expertise across many sectors. Veronica Benson, Andrew Mizumori Hirst and William Wakeham explain why physics degrees need to be revamped so that physicists can better tackle these vital issues The world is always in a state of flux – and no

WASHINGTON — Despite a small funding increase for 2023, NASA’s planetary science programs still face “significant stress” financially that contributed to the delay of one mission and could push back the start of others. NASA received $3.2 billion for planetary science in the fiscal year 2023 omnibus spending bill signed into law Dec. 29. That

WASHINGTON — As Satellogic prepares to launch its latest imaging satellites, the company has slashed revenue projections, resulting in layoffs and delays in construction of a new factory. Four NewSat satellites, built by Satellogic, are among the 114 payloads to be launched on SpaceX’s Transporter-6 dedicated smallsat rideshare mission. That mission is scheduled to launch

WASHINGTON — A task order Collins Aerospace received to develop a new spacesuit for the International Space Station was awarded on a sole-source basis, a move NASA says was intended to preserve competition for later phases of the program. NASA announced Dec. 8 it awarded a $97.2 million task order to Collins to develop a

HELSINKI — China has conducted its 64th and final launch of the year, sending the Shiyan-10 (02) into orbit from Xichang spaceport. A Long March 3B rocket lifted off from Xichang Satellite Launch Center in southwest China at 11:43 p.m. Eastern Dec. 28, carrying Shiyan-10 (02). The China Aerospace Science and Technology Corp. (CASC), confirmed

Board members: Claire Murray (left), Mark Basham (centre) and Matthew Dunstan hard at work on Diamond: The Game. (Courtesy: Diamond Light Source) From the physics of the perfect burger to a board game inspired by a synchrotron, physics has had its fair share of quirky stories this year. Here is our pick of the best

WASHINGTON — SpaceX capped off the busiest year in its two-decade history Dec. 30 with a Falcon 9 launch of a commercial Israeli imaging satellite. A Falcon 9 lifted off at 2:38 a.m. Eastern from Space Launch Complex 4 East at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. The rocket’s first stage, flying its 11th mission,

HELSINKI — China is aiming to grow cooperation with emerging space nations including Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.  Space was named as one of a number of priority areas for the next three to five years during the first China-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit held in Riyadh earlier this month.  “China stands ready