Connect with us

Published

1 month ago

on

Astronomers continue to monitor the Corona Borealis constellation for a rare celestial event — the expected eruption of T Coronae Borealis (T CrB), as per sources. This binary star system, home to a white dwarf and a red giant, is predicted to produce a nova, briefly illuminating the night sky with a brightness comparable to Polaris, the North Star. While initial predictions placed the event as imminent by September 2023, observations suggest the outburst could occur later than anticipated.

A History of Eruptions

According to a report by Space.com, T CrB has a history of dramatic eruptions, with confirmed events in May 1866 and February 1946. These outbursts occur when the white dwarf accumulates sufficient material from the red giant, triggering a nuclear explosion. Previous eruptions have followed an 80-year cycle, suggesting the next event might occur by 2026. However, brightness changes observed in 2015 and dimming patterns similar to those preceding the 1946 eruption have led to revised estimates, prompting predictions for 2023 or 2024.

Monitoring the System

As per the report, data is being gathered using an array of space and ground-based telescopes, including NASA’s Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope, the James Webb Space Telescope, and the Very Large Array in New Mexico. Elizabeth Hays, an astrophysicist monitoring T CrB with Fermi, indicated to Space.com that while signs point to an impending eruption, pinpointing the exact timeline remains elusive.

Edward Sion, professor of astronomy at Villanova University, highlighted the complexities of the accretion process. He told the publication that the challenges posed by fluctuating rates of material transfer between the stars, which add uncertainty to the prediction.

The Wait Continues

Until the eruption occurs, astronomers are using this opportunity to collect unprecedented data. Observations across multiple wavelengths are being conducted to better understand the behaviour of novae. Experts suggest these findings will enhance future predictive models and deepen insights into stellar phenomena.

For the latest tech news and reviews, follow Gadgets 360 on X, Facebook, WhatsApp, Threads and Google News. For the latest videos on gadgets and tech, subscribe to our YouTube channel. If you want to know everything about top influencers, follow our in-house Who’sThat360 on Instagram and YouTube.


From iQOO 13 to Offline Expansion, and Whether AI Will Be a Differentiator for Consumers: CEO Nipun Marya Talks to Gadgets 360



Fruit Fly Experiment on Tiangong Space Station Explores Effects of Microgravity

Related Topics:
Continue Reading

Science

Crystal Cooling Technology Could Change How We Cool Fridges and AC Units

Published

15 hours ago

on

January 5, 2025

By

Crystal Cooling Technology Could Change How We Cool Fridges and AC Units

A novel crystal-based technology has been identified as a potential solution for sustainable cooling systems. Current refrigeration and air conditioning devices rely on liquid-based systems to absorb heat through evaporation and condensation. While effective, these fluids contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions when leaked, intensifying global warming. Efforts to counteract this environmental impact have led to the development of an alternative cooling mechanism based on plastic crystals, which possess a unique molecular structure capable of transforming under pressure.

How the Technology Works

According to researchers at Deakin University, plastic crystals exhibit a transformative ability when subjected to extreme pressure. Their molecular orientation shifts from a disordered state to a structured grid, absorbing heat as the pressure is released. This heat absorption process facilitates cooling, providing a climate-friendly alternative to traditional refrigerants.

Unlike earlier materials, which required high ambient temperatures for similar transitions, the newly developed crystals operate effectively between -37 degree Celsius and 10 degree Celsius. This range aligns with typical household refrigeration and freezing needs, presenting a significant step forward in sustainable cooling technologies.

Challenges in Implementation

According to a New Scientist report, high-pressure requirements, equivalent to conditions thousands of metres underwater, remain a major hurdle for practical application. Dr. Jenny Pringle, a lead researcher in the study, acknowledged this limitation and emphasised the need for further development to address these constraints.

Concerns have also been raised by experts about the long-term performance of these crystals. Bing Li, affiliated with the Chinese Academy of Sciences, pointed out the potential reduction in heat absorption capacity over time due to molecular strain, while expressing optimism about future advancements.

Potential Impact

David Boldrin from the University of Glasgow told the publication about the significant potential of this innovation, suggesting that it could help decarbonise the cooling industry. While the technology remains confined to laboratory settings, its success could herald a substantial reduction in the environmental footprint of refrigeration systems.

Experts remain hopeful that continued research will overcome current obstacles, bringing this promising solution closer to widespread adoption.

Continue Reading

Science

Solar Missions in 2025: The Spacecrafts That Will Study the Sun This Year

Published

20 hours ago

on

January 5, 2025

By

Solar Missions in 2025: The Spacecrafts That Will Study the Sun This Year

The study of the Sun and its influence on the solar system is expected to make significant strides in 2025. The year will bring new developments driven by an active solar cycle, upcoming spacecraft missions, and a strategic roadmap for the next decade. Researchers are focused on unlocking key mysteries of the sun, whose activity impacts life on Earth and extends far beyond Pluto. These efforts aim to provide critical insights into solar processes and their effects across the solar system.

Solar Cycle 25 and Ongoing Activity

According to NASA, the Sun is currently in the maximum phase of its 11-year activity cycle. This period has produced numerous solar flares and outbursts that are being closely monitored. Instruments such as the largest solar telescope and spacecraft that have made record-setting approaches to the sun have played a key role in collecting data. Despite not breaking records, Solar Cycle 25 has generated valuable observations that have propelled research forward.

Upcoming Spacecraft Missions

As per NASA, six new missions are scheduled for launch in 2025. These include the Interstellar Mapping and Acceleration Probe (IMAP), designed to chart the sun’s outer sphere of influence, and the Escape and Plasma Acceleration and Dynamics Explorers (ESCAPADE), which will study space weather around Mars. The Polarimeter to Unify the Corona and Heliosphere (PUNCH) mission, involving four small satellites, will examine the sun’s outer atmosphere.

A Decadal Blueprint for Research

The recently released heliophysics decadal report outlines research priorities for the next ten years. Among the proposals are two large-scale projects, including a mission deploying over 26 spacecraft to study Earth’s magnetic field and auroras. Another mission aims to explore the sun’s poles over a full solar cycle, a region considered pivotal to understanding the sun’s magnetic field dynamics.

Efforts will also be supported by the Next Generation Global Oscillations Network Group (ngGONG), enhancing the capability to study the solar interior. With these initiatives, heliophysics is positioned to address long-standing questions and open new research avenues in 2025.

For the latest tech news and reviews, follow Gadgets 360 on X, Facebook, WhatsApp, Threads and Google News. For the latest videos on gadgets and tech, subscribe to our YouTube channel. If you want to know everything about top influencers, follow our in-house Who’sThat360 on Instagram and YouTube.


New Study Uncovers Vital Ocean Processes for Carbon Storage and Climate Regulation

Continue Reading

Science

Researchers Reveal Crucial Ocean Processes That Help Fight Climate Change

Published

22 hours ago

on

January 5, 2025

By

Researchers Reveal Crucial Ocean Processes That Help Fight Climate Change

Organic carbon preservation in ocean sediments, a phenomenon critical to the Earth’s carbon cycle, has been illuminated by new research. The study explores mechanisms that prevent organic carbon from breaking down, a process vital for climate regulation. Preserved carbon, over time, can transform into fossil fuels, locking away carbon dioxide—a leading contributor to climate change. These findings offer insights into the Earth’s natural systems that regulate carbon levels and influence the formation of oil and gas reserves.

Study Identifies Key Carbon Preservation Mechanisms

According to a study led by scientists from The University of Manchester and the University of Leeds and published in the journal Nature Geoscience, two primary processes—sorption and molecular transformation—are crucial for carbon storage in ocean sediments.

Sorption involves the uptake of carbon by mineral surfaces, while molecular transformation converts small, reactive molecules into larger, stable forms. The study used a comprehensive model, integrating real-world sediment data, to identify these processes as dominant contributors to carbon preservation.

AI Provides Deeper Insights into Carbon Storage

Artificial intelligence (AI) was utilised to enhance the study’s model, enabling accurate predictions of carbon storage efficiency. Dr. Peyman Babakhani, a lead researcher, highlighted that AI helped clarify complex environmental processes. The research revealed that carbon preservation in sediments is nearly three times higher than earlier estimates, aligning closely with observed data.

Implications for Climate Change Mitigation

The findings underline the importance of sorption and molecular transformation in protecting organic matter from degradation and facilitating its burial in deeper sediment layers. This preserved carbon can eventually become fossil fuels, effectively keeping carbon dioxide from entering the atmosphere. These insights could influence climate change strategies, such as ocean fertilisation, aimed at enhancing natural carbon storage mechanisms.

By shedding light on these processes, the study opens pathways for managing carbon emissions and leveraging the ocean’s role in the global carbon cycle.

Continue Reading

Trending