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A significant breakthrough in atomic physics occurred with the development of the first nuclear clock. This clock, based on the thorium-229 nucleus, has achieved a level of precision that could help test whether the fundamental constants of physics change over time. This remarkable advancement was achieved by a research team led by Jun Ye, a prominent physicist at JILA, Boulder, Colorado.

The Discovery

On a notable night in May 2024, graduate student Chuankun Zhang at JILA detected a long-sought signal from the thorium-229 nucleus, marking a key moment in the quest for a nuclear clock. The signal, which shows the nucleus switching between two states, was celebrated by Zhang and his lab mates after rigorous verification. Jun Ye, known for his work in creating the world’s most precise atomic clock, was moved to tears upon seeing the results.

Significance of the Nuclear Clock

The thorium-229 nucleus’s unique properties allow it to be exceptionally sensitive to variations in the fundamental constants of nature. These constants, such as the speed of light and the gravitational constant, are fundamental to our understanding of the universe. The precise measurement of the thorium-229 transition, which is a million times more accurate than previous attempts, could reveal if these constants change over time.

Scientific Context

The discovery of the thorium-229 nuclear clock is rooted in earlier research. In the 1970s, scientists discovered thorium-229’s unusual nuclear state, which required less energy to excite compared to other nuclei. This property makes it a prime candidate for a highly sensitive clock that can probe the stability of fundamental constants.

Future Implications

This breakthrough opens new avenues for exploring fundamental physics. Researchers like Eric Hudson from the University of California, Los Angeles, and Hannah Williams from Durham University have noted that the precision of the thorium-229 nuclear clock could eventually allow scientists to detect subtle changes in physical laws that were previously undetectable.

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Get ready! ULA’s Vulcan Centaur rocket launches on October 4

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October 4, 2024

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Get ready! ULA's Vulcan Centaur rocket launches on October 4

United Launch Alliance’s (ULA) Vulcan Centaur rocket is all set for its second launch on Friday, 4th October 2024, at 6 a.m. EDT (10:00 GMT) from Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. This launch, called Cert-2, is a crucial step toward certifying the rocket for use by the U.S. Space Force.

Launch Readiness Review Successfully Completed

The launch readiness review, held on 2nd October, went smoothly, with ULA leadership and Space Force officials confirming the readiness of the rocket and payload. Weather conditions are predicted to be favourable, with a 75% chance of meeting launch conditions.

Payload and Objectives of Cert-2

Cert-2 is primarily a test flight and will carry a mass simulator and additional instrumentation to assess the rocket’s performance. Although Sierra Space’s Dream Chaser space plane was initially planned for this mission, it wasn’t ready in time, so a replacement payload is being used.

Future Plans for the Vulcan Centaur Rocket

The launch is part of ULA’s efforts to secure the rocket for future national security missions, with plans for more flights before the year ends. If the Cert-2 flight goes as planned, ULA’s Vulcan Centaur could become a workhorse for missions in 2025, with 10 launches already scheduled alongside Atlas V missions.

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Did a River Capture Event Make Everest Taller?

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October 4, 2024

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Did a River Capture Event Make Everest Taller?

A fascinating study suggests that Mount Everest, standing at 29,031.69 feet (8,848.86 m), may be taller than expected due to an ancient river “capture” event. This geological phenomenon occurred approximately 89,000 years ago and involved a river located around 46 miles (75 kilometres) from the mountain. Researchers propose that the erosion resulting from this event caused significant landmass loss, enabling Everest to rise by as much as 164 feet (50 metres). According to Adam Smith, a researcher in Earth Sciences at University College London, this height discrepancy indicates that something unusual is happening within the Himalayan region.

The Mystery of the Arun River

Mount Everest’s height surpasses that of its nearest rival, K2, by approximately 820 feet (250 metres). The difference in height is intriguing, leading scientists to investigate the potential influence of the surrounding river systems on the mountain’s elevation. One notable river, the Arun, flows in an atypical L-shaped pattern, diverging from the usual straight-flowing rivers. Smith highlights that this strange configuration suggests that the Arun River may have been altered through a “capture” process, whereby it was diverted by the larger Kosi River network.

Research Methods and Findings

The recent study, published in the journal Nature Geoscience, utilised numerical models to trace the evolution of the Kosi River network across China, Nepal, and India. By comparing these models with the current topography, researchers determined that the Arun River was likely captured by the Kosi around 89,000 years ago. This diversion intensified erosion, creating the Arun River Gorge and removing enough landmass to lighten the surrounding area, prompting Everest to rise.

Future Research Directions

The exact cause of the river capture remains uncertain. It could have been the result of one river eroding into another or possibly a glacial lake overflowing, leading to a massive flood that erased natural barriers. Smith believes that Everest’s growth is ongoing and will continue until the river systems fully adapt to these geological changes. Future research will focus on the gorge and other affected regions to better understand the timing and implications of this event.

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Alien Civilisations Might Destroy Themselves With Climate Change

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3 days ago

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October 4, 2024

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Alien Civilisations Might Destroy Themselves With Climate Change

A recent study by astrophysicists suggests that advanced alien civilisations might only have a thousand years before their planets become uninhabitable due to climate change. This alarming finding stems from simulations exploring the trajectory of technological growth and energy consumption of these hypothetical societies. Even those relying on renewable energy could face dire consequences, as any increase in energy production inevitably leads to heat generation that the planet cannot support. This research has been shared on the preprint server arXiv and is currently awaiting peer review.

Comparisons to Human Energy Consumption

The study’s lead authors, Manasvi Lingam, an astrophysicist at Florida Tech, and Amedeo Balbi, an associate professor of astronomy and astrophysics at Tor Vergata University of Rome, are drawing parallels between human energy consumption and the potential fate of extraterrestrial societies. Since the 1800s, human energy use has surged dramatically, with 2023 estimates indicating approximately 180,000 terawatt hours (TWh) consumed. This level of energy consumption, primarily from fossil fuels, has escalated global temperatures at an unsustainable rate. Even a shift to renewable sources would not halt this growth and would still result in increased energy demands.

The Role of Thermodynamics in Planetary Health

The second law of thermodynamics plays a crucial role in understanding this phenomenon. It posits that no energy system is perfect, meaning some energy is always lost in the form of heat. Lingam uses the analogy of a leaky bathtub to illustrate how, as a society grows, even a small leak can lead to catastrophic outcomes when the bathtub becomes overfilled.

Challenges for Astrobiology and the Search for Life

The implications of this study extend beyond the survival of alien life; they also pose significant challenges for astrobiologists in their quest to find intelligent life beyond Earth. With such a short window for survival, the study indicates that many potential civilisations may self-destruct long before they could be detected.

A Sustainable Path Forward for Civilisations

Lingam emphasises that there is an alternative. Civilisations could opt for a balanced growth approach, allowing them to coexist sustainably with their environments, potentially enabling survival for millennia.

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