Copernical Team
Wits researchers pioneer a new way of searching for dark matter
The existence of Dark Matter is a long-standing puzzle in our universe. Dark Matter makes up about a quarter of our universe, yet it does not interact significantly with ordinary matter. The existence of Dark Matter has been confirmed by a series of astrophysical and cosmological observations, including in the stunning recent pictures from James Webb Space Telescope. However, up to date, n
Understanding charged particles helps physicists simulate element creation in stars
New research from North Carolina State University and Michigan State University opens a new avenue for modeling low-energy nuclear reactions, which are key to the formation of elements within stars. The research lays the groundwork for calculating how nucleons interact when the particles are electrically charged. Predicting the ways that atomic nuclei - clusters of protons and neutrons, to
NASA Scientific Balloons Ready for Flights Over Antarctica
NASA kicks off its annual Antarctic Long Duration Balloon Campaign around Dec. 1, which includes three scientific balloon flights planned for launch from the long-duration balloon (LDB) Camp near McMurdo Station, Antarctica. NASA's stadium-sized, zero-pressure balloons will support a total of five missions on the long-duration flights with one mission vying to break NASA's heavy-lift, long-durat
Earth's magnetic field protects life on Earth from radiation
The Earth's magnetic field plays a big role in protecting people from hazardous radiation and geomagnetic activity that could affect satellite communication and the operation of power grids. And it moves. Scientists have studied and tracked the motion of the magnetic poles for centuries. The historical movement of these poles indicates a change in the global geometry of the Earth's magnetic fiel
Cassini's Grand Finale Unveils Variations in Saturn's D Ring influx
In a significant addition to our understanding of Saturn's atmospheric dynamics, Joshua Dreyer is poised to present his doctoral thesis at the Swedish Institute of Space Physics (IRF) and Uppsala University. His research, which scrutinizes the effects of material from Saturn's innermost D ring falling into its upper atmosphere, marks a novel chapter in space exploration and planetary science.
Quantum Space launches Sentry to pioneer deep space communications network
Quantum Space, a trailblazer in deep space infrastructure, has announced the imminent launch of its ambitious Sentry mission, marking a significant leap in developing a modern connectivity network for deep space. The company's pioneering project, QuantumNet, aims to revolutionize space communication by offering high-speed, uninterrupted connectivity in the vast expanse of deep space, stretching
Viasat Advances Arctic Broadband Connectivity with ASBM Satellite Milestone
Viasat, Inc. (NASDAQ: VSAT), a global communications leader, has achieved a significant milestone in its Arctic Satellite Broadband Mission (ASBM) with the successful completion of thermal vacuum testing for its second satellite. This development marks a major step forward in Viasat's endeavor to bring high-speed broadband to the Arctic region by the latter half of 2024. The mission, spear
SwRI's PUNCH Mission Set for 2025 Launch: A New Era in Solar Wind Study
The Polarimeter to UNify the Corona and Heliosphere (PUNCH) mission, a significant endeavor led by Southwest Research Institute (SwRI), has recently crossed a pivotal milestone, advancing its journey toward a planned 2025 launch. On November 17, 2023, the mission successfully passed its internal system integration review, marking a crucial phase in its development. This step signifies the transi
Wenchang Set to Become China's Premier Commercial Space Launch Hub by Next Year
Wenchang, a city in South China's Hainan province, is rapidly establishing itself as the forefront of China's burgeoning commercial space industry. The city, known for the Wenchang Spacecraft Launch Site, is advancing towards becoming the nation's first dedicated hub for commercial space launches, aiming to commence regular operations by the next year. This significant development was announced
Tackling the Growing Challenge of Space Debris
As humanity ventures deeper into the realm of space exploration and commercialization, the threat posed by space debris has escalated, demanding urgent attention and innovative solutions. The year 2023 witnessed a series of pivotal developments and initiatives, highlighting the critical challenge of orbital debris, which presents a significant risk to operational satellites, the International Sp