Tag: solar

  • Parker Solar Probe: Journey to the Sun’s Heart Sets New Speed Record

    Parker Solar Probe: Journey to the Sun’s Heart Sets New Speed Record

    NASA’s Parker Solar Probe, the winner of PopSci’s Best of What’s New in 2018, continues to achieve remarkable feats. The spacecraft has been progressively moving closer to the sun than any previous spacecraft, setting new speed records along the way. In a recent update from NASA, it was revealed that the Parker Solar Probe has once again broken its own record by becoming the fastest human-made object, reaching an incredible speed of 394,736 miles per hour.

    Parker Solar Probe

    This milestone was accomplished thanks to a gravity-assist flyby from Venus. The record-breaking event occurred during the probe’s 17th “solar encounter,” which took place from September 27 to October 3. To put this extraordinary speed into perspective, the Parker Solar Probe could hypothetically complete about 15 circumnavigations of Earth in a single hour or traverse the distance between New York City and Los Angeles in just 20 seconds. However, such a journey would be unsurvivable for human passengers, but it remains an impressive achievement.

    During this recent encounter, the probe also set a new record for proximity to the sun, coming within a mere 4.51 million miles from the sun’s scorching plasma “surface.” To withstand temperatures reaching nearly 2,500 degrees Fahrenheit, the Parker Solar Probe is equipped with a 4.5-inch-thick carbon-composite shield to safeguard its sensitive instruments.

    These instruments play a crucial role in measuring and imaging the sun’s surface, advancing our understanding of the origins and evolution of solar winds. Additionally, they aid in predicting changes in space environments that could impact life on Earth. In a significant event last month, the probe passed through one of the most intense coronal mass ejections (CMEs) ever observed, confirming a two-decade-old theory that CMEs interact with interplanetary dust. This discovery will enhance experts’ capabilities in forecasting space weather.

    Despite the grueling conditions it encounters, NASA reports that the Parker Solar Probe remains in excellent health, with all systems operating normally. The mission is far from over, with seven more solar encounters planned through 2024. By that time, within the orbit of Mercury, the Parker Solar Probe will meet its poetic end, vaporizing into the sun’s intense solar winds, as one mission researcher described it back in 2021.

  • OnePlus 11R 5G Solar Red Edition: Smartphone with Eco-Friendly Leather

    OnePlus 11R 5G Solar Red Edition: Smartphone with Eco-Friendly Leather

    OnePlus is set to launch a new smartphone, the OnePlus 11R 5G Solar Red Edition, on October 7. This special edition device will be introduced in India and comes with distinctive features.

    OnePlus 11R 5G

    The standout feature of the OnePlus 11R 5G Solar Red Edition is its red back panel made from eco-friendly leather, setting it apart from the standard model. It boasts an impressive 18GB of RAM and a spacious 512GB of built-in storage.

    Aside from these unique aspects, the phone retains its core specifications, including a 6.7-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, powered by the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processor. The device features a camera setup comprising a 50MP primary camera, an 8MP ultra-wide camera, and a 2MP sensor. To keep you going all day, it comes with a substantial 5000mAh battery, supporting fast charging at 100W.

    While the phone’s standout features have been highlighted, its price remains undisclosed for now. OnePlus enthusiasts can look forward to the official launch of the OnePlus 11R 5G Solar Red Edition in India on October 7.

  • New Research: Filament of Gas Protected Our Solar System from Supernova Destruction

    New Research: Filament of Gas Protected Our Solar System from Supernova Destruction

    New research suggests that our Solar System survived a nearby supernova explosion during its early formation. Scientists have studied meteorites and found evidence of isotopes that could only have come from a supernova. However, such an explosion could have been catastrophic for our young Solar System.

    New Research: Filament of Gas Protected Our Solar System from Supernova Destruction

    The study proposes that a filament of molecular gas, which surrounded the Sun during its formation, played a crucial role in protecting it from the destructive forces of the supernova. This filament acted as a shield, trapping the isotopes found in meteorites and preventing the blast wave from tearing apart the nascent Solar System.

    Meteorites contain valuable information about the conditions during the birth of the Sun and planets. Researchers discovered that the concentration of a radioactive isotope of aluminum varied within these meteorites. This suggests that additional radioactive isotopes were introduced after the Solar System began forming, and a nearby supernova is the most likely source.

    However, if a supernova was close enough to introduce the observed isotopes, its blast wave would have been powerful enough to destroy the young Solar System. The team led by Doris Arzoumanian from the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan proposed a new explanation. They theorized that the Sun formed along a dense molecular gas filament, while the supernova exploded at a nearby filament hub.

    The team’s calculations indicated that the blast wave would have taken at least 300,000 years to break up the dense filament and reach the forming Solar System. The meteorite components enriched in radioactive isotopes formed within the first 100,000 years of the Solar System’s formation, inside the protective filament. This filament likely acted as a buffer, safeguarding the young Sun and capturing the radioactive isotopes from the supernova blast wave, channeling them into the growing Solar System.

    These findings shed light on the early history of our Solar System and how it managed to survive a nearby supernova. The research highlights the importance of the environment in which stars form, and the role that molecular gas filaments can play in shielding developing star systems from potentially destructive events.

    Thanks for reading: believenoborder.com

  • The S80 Solar Scooter: A Game-Changer in Electric Mobility

    The S80 Solar Scooter: A Game-Changer in Electric Mobility

    The S80 solar scooter concept showcased at the Eurobike 2023 trade show is truly a remarkable sight. With its innovative design, it stands out as one of the most impressive electric scooters to date. What sets this scooter apart is its ability to recharge without the need for a traditional wall charger. Instead, it harnesses the power of the sun through its integrated solar panels.

    S80 solar scooter

    From top to bottom, the S80 solar scooter is adorned with photovoltaic cells that capture solar energy. The scooter features two panels, one situated on the steering column and the other on the deck. While the orientation and positioning of the solar panels may not be optimized for maximum efficiency, the concept itself is undeniably captivating.

    According to representatives from the Chinese factory, the scooter can generate a range of 35 to 70 watts of solar power, which effectively charges its 468 Wh battery. The battery can be fully replenished within 7 to 14 hours with a full day of sunlight. This means that if you utilize only half of the battery’s capacity daily, you can eliminate the need for traditional charging altogether.

    Impressively, the S80 solar scooter boasts a range of 35 km (22 mi), enabling you to cover approximately 11 miles on solar-generated electricity alone. Equipped with a 350W rear motor, the scooter adheres to European regulations with a maximum speed of 25 km/h (15.5 mph). However, the company has also obtained the necessary certifications to cater to the United States market, with a retail price already set at $1,400.

    S80 solar scooter

    In terms of features, the S80 solar scooter leaves no stone unturned. It incorporates built-in GPS for precise location tracking, ensuring enhanced security. The dashboard on the handlebars provides comprehensive ride data, including speed, trip distance, battery charge, turn signal indicators, and even a check engine light. The scooter’s design exudes elegance and professionalism, adding to its appeal.

    The S80 solar scooter undoubtedly represents a significant leap forward in eco-friendly transportation. While its solar panels may not achieve optimal efficiency in their current configuration, the concept itself is awe-inspiring. As sustainability becomes increasingly vital, innovations like the S80 solar scooter demonstrate the potential for practical and environmentally conscious micro-mobility solutions.

    In conclusion, the S80 solar scooter showcased at Eurobike 2023 is a testament to the continuous advancements in electric transportation. With its solar-charging capability, impressive range, and comprehensive features, it represents a compelling option for eco-conscious riders seeking an elegant and efficient mode of travel.