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NASA and NOAA have confirmed that the Sun has entered its solar maximum phase, the most active part of its 11-year cycle. During this period, the Sun becomes more volatile, and an increase in solar storms and activity can have various effects on Earth and space. Solar maximum marks a peak in sunspot numbers, leading to frequent solar eruptions and changes in space weather.

Impact of Solar Maximum on Earth

According to Jamie Favors, Director of NASA’s Space Weather Programme, the heightened solar activity provides unique insights into the Sun’s behaviour but also impacts Earth. These solar events can disrupt satellite operations, astronauts in space, as well as GPS and communication systems. The increased solar storms also create a greater likelihood of geomagnetic events on Earth, like the auroras seen in recent months.

Recent Solar Activity and Future Predictions

In May 2024, NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory recorded one of the most intense solar storms in two decades. This solar flare activity peaked with an X9.0 flare, the most powerful so far in this cycle. However, as Elsayed Talaat, NOAA‘s Director of Space Weather Operations, pointed out, the exact peak of the solar maximum phase will only be confirmed after observing a decline in activity. Current forecasts suggest this period of high activity could last another year.

Space Weather Research and Future Missions

NASA and NOAA continue to study the Sun’s effects, with upcoming missions set to explore space weather. Notably, NASA’s Parker Solar Probe will make its closest approach to the Sun in December 2024, gathering unprecedented data on solar activity. This research is crucial for the success of space missions like NASA’s Artemis programme, which will send astronauts to explore deep space.

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2,000-Year-Old Tomb Found Under Petra’s Treasury, Holding 12 Skeletons

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October 18, 2024

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2,000-Year-Old Tomb Found Under Petra's Treasury, Holding 12 Skeletons

Petra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is renowned for its rock-cut architecture, with the Treasury, or Al-Khazneh, being one of its most iconic structures. This newly discovered tomb adds another layer to the city’s already rich historical narrative. Archaeologists discovered several artefacts inside the tomb, including pottery, jewellery, and a ceramic chalice. These items helped researchers date the tomb to between the mid-first century B.C. and the early second century A.D.

The artefacts provide important clues about the Nabataean society’s cultural practices and beliefs surrounding death and the afterlife. According to Tim Kinnaird from the University  of St Andrews, the artefacts found in the tomb help piece together the broader picture of Nabataean life and customs. Pottery, in particular, gives insights into their daily life and trade practices.

Shedding New Light on Petra’s History

Despite extensive exploration over the years, Petra continues to reveal new secrets. This tomb is among the few complete Nabataean burials ever discovered. Experts believe it could provide crucial information about the people who lived and died in this ancient city. Megan Perry, an archaeologist from East Carolina University, highlighted that Petra, though well-researched, still holds many surprises. Future studies on the tomb could help reveal more about the identities and lives of those buried beneath the Treasury.

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No Doomsday Asteroids in Taurid Meteor Stream, Says Study

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October 17, 2024

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No Doomsday Asteroids in Taurid Meteor Stream, Says Study

The Taurid Meteoroid Complex, once feared for possibly hiding large, civilisation-destroying asteroids, has been found to be less threatening than originally believed. Quanzhi Ye, an astronomer at the University of Maryland, and his team conducted an extensive survey using the Zwicky Transient Facility at California’s Palomar Observatory. Their findings suggest the risk of being struck by a large asteroid within this debris stream is significantly lower than previously thought. Ye emphasised this is promising news for planetary defence, as initial concerns were higher.

What is the Taurid Meteoroid Complex?

The Taurid Complex is a vast stream of dust, rocks, comets, and asteroids left behind by Comet 2P/Encke, a short-period comet that completes its orbit around the sun every 3.3 years. This debris field is responsible for meteor showers, particularly the Southern Taurids on November 5 and the Northern Taurids on November 12. Although most particles in these showers are small, there were fears that larger, undiscovered objects could pose a serious threat.

Reduced Threat of Large Asteroids

Ye’s team, however, concluded that only around nine to 14 kilometre-sized objects exist within the Taurid Complex. These findings challenge previous concerns that the stream could hide objects capable of causing global destruction. The origin of the Taurid Complex remains debated, with studies indicating a possible break-up of a larger comet thousands of years ago.

Conclusion: Taurid Complex and Planetary Defence

Although Ye’s findings are reassuring, he urges that vigilance is still necessary. While this particular debris stream may not harbour major threats, the risk of asteroid impacts remains a valid concern for Earth. Nonetheless, for now, the Taurid Complex doesn’t seem to hold any hidden dangers, and any objects present are on well-tracked orbits that do not currently threaten our planet.

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MIT’s 3D-Printed Logic Gates Could Revolutionise Active Electronics

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October 17, 2024

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MIT’s 3D-Printed Logic Gates Could Revolutionise Active Electronics

Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have made a groundbreaking advancement in 3D printing active electronics without the need for traditional semiconductor materials. This breakthrough involves creating 3D-printed logic gates, fundamental components used in processing tasks within electronic devices. Instead of relying on conventional manufacturing processes, these logic gates were produced using standard 3D printing techniques and a biodegradable polymer. This step brings the concept of fully 3D-printed electronics closer to reality, offering exciting possibilities for accessible and decentralised electronics production.

Semiconductor-Free Logic Gates

MIT’s research team, led by Luis Fernando Velásquez-García from the Microsystems Technology Laboratories, has developed logic gates using a copper-doped polymer, avoiding the use of traditional semiconductors like silicon. These gates perform basic switching operations, similar to how silicon-based transistors function in everyday electronics. While these 3D-printed components are not yet on par with silicon transistors in terms of performance, they can be effectively used for less complex operations, such as controlling the speed of a motor.

The innovation lies in the ability to 3D print these devices using inexpensive, eco-friendly materials, potentially allowing electronics to be manufactured in a more sustainable and affordable manner. The idea is to democratise production, enabling individuals, businesses, and small labs to print their own devices.

The Future of Fully Printed Electronics

Despite the current limitations, such as the inability to miniaturise these components to the nanoscale level of traditional transistors, the potential of 3D-printed logic gates is immense. MIT’s research team is already exploring further developments to create more complex circuits and eventually fully functional 3D-printed devices.

This technology, if perfected, could revolutionise the way electronic devices are manufactured, making it possible to print active devices without the need for expensive, large-scale facilities. The implications for industries ranging from consumer electronics to healthcare and beyond could be vast, as this innovation brings down the cost and complexity of device production.

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