Utopia Planitia is hiding a sheet of ice the size of New Mexico
ESACM16 media briefing
Watch the media briefing on the conclusion of the Ministerial Council, 2 December
Arctic freeze slows down
ESA’s CryoSat satellite has found that the Arctic has one of the lowest volumes of sea ice of any November, matching record lows in 2011 and 2012. Early winter growth of ice in the Arctic has been about 10% lower than usual.
Arctic freeze slows down
ESA’s CryoSat satellite has found that the Arctic has one of the lowest volumes of sea ice of any November, matching record lows in 2011 and 2012. Early winter growth of ice in the Arctic has been about 10% lower than usual.
DC circuits: II. Identification of foothold ideas in DC circuits
This is the second part of a broader investigation which explores the reasons behind the contextual
variations in student responses at a fine-grained level. In the previous article (John 2017 Eur. J.
Phys. 38 [http://dx.doi.org/10.1088/0143-0807/38/1…
DC circuits: I. Evidence for fine grained contextual dependence
This is the first part of a broader study, exploring the contextual variations of the responses of
149 first year (non-physics major) university students at two South African universities in Cape
Town. The data analysis was done in terms of the (i) f…
Estimating π using an electrical circuit
The constant pi, or π , is one of the oldest and most recognizable irrational constants. It was
known from the earliest days of mathematics and the sciences. Over the ages, many methods of varying
complexity have been used to estimate π . This arti…
Sagnac effect in an off-center rotating ring frame of reference
Interference resides deeply in our understanding of the wave properties of light. In this paper, the
century famous Sagnac effect is demonstrated to be independent of the rotation axis position, using
a rotating ring optical fiber in a straightforwar…
Rayleigh–Taylor instability in accelerated solid media
A linear study of the Rayleigh–Taylor instability based on momentum conservation and the
consideration of an irrotational velocity field for incompressible perturbations is discussed. The
theory allows for a very appealing physical picture and for …
Approximate solution of a Thomas–Fermi model equation for bulk self-gravitating stellar objects in two dimensions
Direct variational methods are used to find simple approximate solutions of the Thomas–Fermi
equations describing the properties of self-gravitating radially symmetric stellar objects both in
the non-relativistic and ultra-relativistic cases. The a…
Students’ epistemic understanding of mathematical derivations in physics
We propose an epistemic measure of physics in terms of the ability to discriminate between the
purely mathematical, physical (i.e. dependent on empirical inputs) and nominal (i.e. empty of
mathematical or physical content) propositions appearing in a…
A general theorem on indeterminism in classical particle dynamics: inflationary scenarios
In the study of systems with an infinite number of particles, the results of indeterminism through
deterministic collisions have until now usually made use of the temporal symmetry of mechanics. In
this paper we take a more general path. This path fu…
Variable mass pendulum behaviour processed by wavelet analysis
The present work highlights how, in order to characterize the motion of a variable mass pendulum,
wavelet analysis can be an effective tool in furnishing information on the time evolution of the
oscillation spectral content. In particular, the wavele…
Rayleigh–Taylor instability in accelerated solid media
A linear study of the Rayleigh–Taylor instability based on momentum conservation and the
consideration of an irrotational velocity field for incompressible perturbations is discussed. The
theory allows for a very appealing physical picture and for …
Sagnac effect in an off-center rotating ring frame of reference
Interference resides deeply in our understanding of the wave properties of light. In this paper, the
century famous Sagnac effect is demonstrated to be independent of the rotation axis position, using
a rotating ring optical fiber in a straightforwar…
DC circuits: I. Evidence for fine grained contextual dependence
This is the first part of a broader study, exploring the contextual variations of the responses of
149 first year (non-physics major) university students at two South African universities in Cape
Town. The data analysis was done in terms of the (i) f…
DC circuits: II. Identification of foothold ideas in DC circuits
This is the second part of a broader investigation which explores the reasons behind the contextual
variations in student responses at a fine-grained level. In the previous article (John 2017 Eur. J.
Phys. 38 [http://dx.doi.org/10.1088/0143-0807/38/1…
A general theorem on indeterminism in classical particle dynamics: inflationary scenarios
In the study of systems with an infinite number of particles, the results of indeterminism through
deterministic collisions have until now usually made use of the temporal symmetry of mechanics. In
this paper we take a more general path. This path fu…
Estimating π using an electrical circuit
The constant pi, or π , is one of the oldest and most recognizable irrational constants. It was
known from the earliest days of mathematics and the sciences. Over the ages, many methods of varying
complexity have been used to estimate π . This arti…
Variable mass pendulum behaviour processed by wavelet analysis
The present work highlights how, in order to characterize the motion of a variable mass pendulum,
wavelet analysis can be an effective tool in furnishing information on the time evolution of the
oscillation spectral content. In particular, the wavele…
Students’ epistemic understanding of mathematical derivations in physics
We propose an epistemic measure of physics in terms of the ability to discriminate between the
purely mathematical, physical (i.e. dependent on empirical inputs) and nominal (i.e. empty of
mathematical or physical content) propositions appearing in a…
Approximate solution of a Thomas–Fermi model equation for bulk self-gravitating stellar objects in two dimensions
Direct variational methods are used to find simple approximate solutions of the Thomas–Fermi
equations describing the properties of self-gravitating radially symmetric stellar objects both in
the non-relativistic and ultra-relativistic cases. The a…
NASA Radio on Europe’s New Mars Orbiter Aces Relay Test
Data from each of the two rovers active on Mars reached Earth last week in the successful first relay test of a NASA radio aboard Europe’s new Trace Gas Orbiter.
NASA Radio on Europe’s New Mars Orbiter Aces Relay Test
Data from each of the two rovers active on Mars reached Earth last week in the successful first relay test of a NASA radio aboard Europe’s new Trace Gas Orbiter.
Mares machine
Human spaceflight and robotic exploration image of the week: Thomas Pesquet prepares for muscle measurements in space
Belgian royal visit
HM King Philippe of the Belgians honoured ESA’s technical heart with a royal visit on Tuesday 29 November
First On-Sky Fringes with an Up-Conversion Interferometer Tested on a Telescope Array
Author(s): P. Darré, R. Baudoin, J.-T. Gomes, N. J. Scott, L. Delage, L. Grossard, J. Sturmann, C. Farrington, F. Reynaud, and T. A. Ten Brummelaar
Converting infrared light to visible light might boost the sensitivity of infrared telescope arrays.
[Phys. Rev. Lett. 117, 233902] Published Tue Nov 29, 2016
First On-Sky Fringes with an Up-Conversion Interferometer Tested on a Telescope Array
Author(s): P. Darré, R. Baudoin, J.-T. Gomes, N. J. Scott, L. Delage, L. Grossard, J. Sturmann, C. Farrington, F. Reynaud, and T. A. Ten Brummelaar
Converting infrared light to visible light might boost the sensitivity of infrared telescope arrays.
[Phys. Rev. Lett. 117, 233902] Published Tue Nov 29, 2016
First views of Mars show potential for ESA’s new orbiter
ESA’s new ExoMars orbiter has tested its suite of instruments in orbit for the first time, hinting at a great potential for future observations.
First views of Mars show potential for ESA’s new orbiter
ESA’s new ExoMars orbiter has tested its suite of instruments in orbit for the first time, hinting at a great potential for future observations.
Deep understanding of electromagnetism using crosscutting concepts
Crosscutting concepts like patterns and models are fundamental parts in both the American framework
of science education (from the AAAS) and our proposals for a new science education framework in
Flanders. These concepts deepen the insight of both st…
Bright Lights: Big Experiments! A public engagement activity for international year of light
The Bright Lights: Big Experiments! public engagement project enabled high school students Scottish
S2 to prepare a short, 5 min video using their own words and in their own style to present a
scientific experiment on the theme of light to their co…
Should I take Further Mathematics? Physics undergraduates’ experiences of post-compulsory Mathematics
It is essential that physics undergraduates are appropriately prepared for the mathematical demands
of their course. This study investigated physics students’ perceptions of post-compulsory
mathematics as preparation for their degree course. 494 ph…
Using the method of dominant incorrect answers with the FCI test to diagnose misconceptions held by first year college students
We started this work with the goal of detecting misconceptions held by our students about force and
motion. A total of 341 students participated in this study by taking the force concept inventory
(FCI) test both before and after receiving instructio…
Deep understanding of electromagnetism using crosscutting concepts
Crosscutting concepts like patterns and models are fundamental parts in both the American framework
of science education (from the AAAS) and our proposals for a new science education framework in
Flanders. These concepts deepen the insight of both st…
Bright Lights: Big Experiments! A public engagement activity for international year of light
The Bright Lights: Big Experiments! public engagement project enabled high school students Scottish
S2 to prepare a short, 5 min video using their own words and in their own style to present a
scientific experiment on the theme of light to their co…
Should I take Further Mathematics? Physics undergraduates’ experiences of post-compulsory Mathematics
It is essential that physics undergraduates are appropriately prepared for the mathematical demands
of their course. This study investigated physics students’ perceptions of post-compulsory
mathematics as preparation for their degree course. 494 ph…
Using the method of dominant incorrect answers with the FCI test to diagnose misconceptions held by first year college students
We started this work with the goal of detecting misconceptions held by our students about force and
motion. A total of 341 students participated in this study by taking the force concept inventory
(FCI) test both before and after receiving instructio…
Metallic Glass Gears Make for Graceful Robots
JPL research using metallic glass could change how robots move and reduce their cost.
Metallic Glass Gears Make for Graceful Robots
JPL research using metallic glass could change how robots move and reduce their cost.
NASA’s ISS-RapidScat Earth Science Mission Ends
NASA’s ISS-RapidScat Earth science instrument has ended operations following a successful two-year mission aboard the International Space Station.
NASA’s ISS-RapidScat Earth Science Mission Ends
NASA’s ISS-RapidScat Earth science instrument has ended operations following a successful two-year mission aboard the International Space Station.
Citizens’ space debate: the main findings and the future
On 10 September, about 2000 Europeans helped to shape the future of space by taking part in a world first: the Citizens’ Debate on Space for Europe.
Citizens’ space debate: the main findings and the future
On 10 September, about 2000 Europeans helped to shape the future of space by taking part in a world first: the Citizens’ Debate on Space for Europe.
Precision Measurement of the Boron to Carbon Flux Ratio in Cosmic Rays from 1.9 GV to 2.6 TV with the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer on the International Space Station
Author(s): M. Aguilar et al. (AMS Collaboration)New Space Station data support a straightforward model of cosmic-ray propagation through the Galaxy but also add to previous signs of undiscovered cosmic-ray sources such as dark matter.[Phys. Rev. Lett. …
Precision Measurement of the Boron to Carbon Flux Ratio in Cosmic Rays from 1.9 GV to 2.6 TV with the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer on the International Space Station
Author(s): M. Aguilar et al. (AMS Collaboration)New Space Station data support a straightforward model of cosmic-ray propagation through the Galaxy but also add to previous signs of undiscovered cosmic-ray sources such as dark matter.[Phys. Rev. Lett. …
Mars labyrinth
Space Science Image of the Week: This labyrinth-like scene on Mars may point to a former ocean and an icy subsurface
An Earth-like extrasolar planet could harbor extraterrestrial life
This planet could be an important discovery in the search for life on other planets
Week In Images
Our week through the lens: 21-25 November 2016
Satellites confirm sinking of San Francisco tower
The Sentinel-1 satellites have shown that the Millennium Tower skyscraper in the centre of San Francisco is sinking by a few centimetres a year. Studying the city is helping scientists to improve the monitoring of urban ground movements, p…
Satellites confirm sinking of San Francisco tower
The Sentinel-1 satellites have shown that the Millennium Tower skyscraper in the centre of San Francisco is sinking by a few centimetres a year. Studying the city is helping scientists to improve the monitoring of urban ground movements, p…
Japan
Earth observation image of the week: a Sentinel-3 image of Japan, also featured on the Earth from Space video programme
New arrivals at remotest base on Earth – will you be next?
New arrivals at remotest base on Earth – will you be next?
Earth from Space
Join us Friday, 25 November, at 10:00 CET for the ‘Earth from Space’ video programme. This week features a Sentinel-3 image of Japan
Vita: next Space Station mission name and logo
ESA astronaut Paolo Nespoli will be launched to the International Space Station next year for his third spaceflight. The name and logo for his mission were announced today.
Vita stands for Vitality, Innovation, Technology and Ability and was chosen by Italy’s ASI space agency, which is providing the mission through a barter agreement with NASA.
In Italian, “vita” means “life”, reflecting the experiments that Paolo will run and the philosophical notion of living in outer space – one of the most inhospitable places for humans.
Ramsey Interference with Single Photons
Author(s): Stéphane Clemmen, Alessandro Farsi, Sven Ramelow, and Alexander L. Gaeta
Single particles of light can be prepared in a quantum superposition of two different colors, an achievement that could prove useful for quantum information processing.
[Phys. Rev. Lett. 117, 223601] Published Wed Nov 23, 2016
Universal Off-Equilibrium Scaling of Critical Cumulants in the QCD Phase Diagram
Author(s): Swagato Mukherjee, Raju Venugopalan, and Yi YinObservables sensitive to critical dynamics in heavy-ion collisions should be expressible as universal scaling functions according to new theoretical calculations.[Phys. Rev. Lett. 117, 222301] P…
Synthetic Dimensions and Spin-Orbit Coupling with an Optical Clock Transition
Author(s): L. F. Livi, G. Cappellini, M. Diem, L. Franchi, C. Clivati, M. Frittelli, F. Levi, D. Calonico, J. Catani, M. Inguscio, and L. Fallani
Spin-orbit interactions in ultracold quantum gases are synthesized via clock transitions between two energy levels, which act like pseudospin states.
[Phys. Rev. Lett. 117, 220401] Published Wed Nov 23, 2016
Universal Off-Equilibrium Scaling of Critical Cumulants in the QCD Phase Diagram
Author(s): Swagato Mukherjee, Raju Venugopalan, and Yi YinObservables sensitive to critical dynamics in heavy-ion collisions should be expressible as universal scaling functions according to new theoretical calculations.[Phys. Rev. Lett. 117, 222301] P…
Synthetic Dimensions and Spin-Orbit Coupling with an Optical Clock Transition
Author(s): L. F. Livi, G. Cappellini, M. Diem, L. Franchi, C. Clivati, M. Frittelli, F. Levi, D. Calonico, J. Catani, M. Inguscio, and L. Fallani
Spin-orbit interactions in ultracold quantum gases are synthesized via clock transitions between two energy levels, which act like pseudospin states.
[Phys. Rev. Lett. 117, 220401] Published Wed Nov 23, 2016
Ramsey Interference with Single Photons
Author(s): Stéphane Clemmen, Alessandro Farsi, Sven Ramelow, and Alexander L. Gaeta
Single particles of light can be prepared in a quantum superposition of two different colors, an achievement that could prove useful for quantum information processing.
[Phys. Rev. Lett. 117, 223601] Published Wed Nov 23, 2016
Antenna market opening
Technology image of the week: test deployment of a 5 m-diameter antenna reflector, designed for orbital operations
Early warning from space of homes on the slide
It was a literal property crash: multiple homes in the Cármenes del Mar resort on the south coast of Spain were engulfed in a landslide, leaving families homeless. But satellite archives offer early warning of such events – and now more accessible than ever before thanks to a new cloud computing platform.
Opaline silica could give evidence to past life on Mars
If theories are correct, this could be a huge discovery
Galileo teamwork
Operations image of the week: Mission control shepherds four Galileo satellites in orbit
NASA Selects Launch Services for Global Surface Water Survey Mission
NASA has selected SpaceX of Hawthorne, California, to provide launch services for the agency’s Surface Water and Ocean Topography (SWOT) mission.
NASA Saturn Mission Prepares for ‘Ring-Grazing Orbits’
Cassini is set to enter the first phase of its dramatic endgame.
NASA Selects Launch Services for Global Surface Water Survey Mission
NASA has selected SpaceX of Hawthorne, California, to provide launch services for the agency’s Surface Water and Ocean Topography (SWOT) mission.
NASA Saturn Mission Prepares for ‘Ring-Grazing Orbits’
Cassini is set to enter the first phase of its dramatic endgame.
Study Sheds New Insights Into Global Warming Trends
A new analysis of the temporary slowdown seen in Earth’s global average surface temperature warming trend between 1998 and 2013 concludes Earth’s ocean absorbed the extra heat.
Mars Ice Deposit Holds as Much Water as Lake Superior
Frozen beneath cracked, pitted plains on Mars lies about as much water as is in Lake Superior, researchers using NASA’s Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter have determined.
Mars Ice Deposit Holds as Much Water as Lake Superior
Frozen beneath cracked, pitted plains on Mars lies about as much water as is in Lake Superior, researchers using NASA’s Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter have determined.
Study Sheds New Insights Into Global Warming Trends
A new analysis of the temporary slowdown seen in Earth’s global average surface temperature warming trend between 1998 and 2013 concludes Earth’s ocean absorbed the extra heat.
Temperature Effects in the Band Structure of Topological Insulators
Author(s): Bartomeu Monserrat and David VanderbiltCalculations based on density-functional theory show that certain topological insulators can turn into conventional insulators at high temperature.[Phys. Rev. Lett. 117, 226801] Published Tue Nov 22, 2016
Ultratransparent Media and Transformation Optics with Shifted Spatial Dispersions
Author(s): Jie Luo, Yuting Yang, Zhongqi Yao, Weixin Lu, Bo Hou, Zhi Hong Hang, C. T. Chan, and Yun Lai
A photonic crystal metamaterial is realized with perfect transmission of light at all incident angles. The material can be used to create aberration-free virtual images.
[Phys. Rev. Lett. 117, 223901] Published Tue Nov 22, 2016
Temperature Effects in the Band Structure of Topological Insulators
Author(s): Bartomeu Monserrat and David VanderbiltCalculations based on density-functional theory show that certain topological insulators can turn into conventional insulators at high temperature.[Phys. Rev. Lett. 117, 226801] Published Tue Nov 22, 2016
Ultratransparent Media and Transformation Optics with Shifted Spatial Dispersions
Author(s): Jie Luo, Yuting Yang, Zhongqi Yao, Weixin Lu, Bo Hou, Zhi Hong Hang, C. T. Chan, and Yun Lai
A photonic crystal metamaterial is realized with perfect transmission of light at all incident angles. The material can be used to create aberration-free virtual images.
[Phys. Rev. Lett. 117, 223901] Published Tue Nov 22, 2016
Researchers discovered faint dwarf satellite galaxy in the Milky Way
This discovery could bring us a step closer to understanding how galaxies form
The Impossible’ EmDrive Thruster Has Cleared Its First Credibility Hurdle
After years of unwarranted hype and dubious experimental claims, the EmDrive received its first peer-reviewed paper.
Better than dreaming
Human spaceflight and robotic exploration image of the week: Thomas Pesquet’s first picture from space
Experimental Evidence of the Gardner Phase in a Granular Glass
Author(s): A. Seguin and O. DauchotTwo-dimensional disk packings under compression and vibration display signatures of the Gardner phase transition that is thought to occur between the glass and jamming transitions.[Phys. Rev. Lett. 117, 228001] Publis…
Single-Photon Absorber Based on Strongly Interacting Rydberg Atoms
Author(s): C. Tresp, C. Zimmer, I. Mirgorodskiy, H. Gorniaczyk, A. Paris-Mandoki, and S. HofferberthA single photon absorber is realized using an ensemble of ultracold atoms. The absorption of one atom by the ensemble induces a long-lived excitation th…
United space for europe
European spirit, identity and cohesion are the overarching aspects for Europe to achieve the best of outcomes for its states and citizens in space and for a globally successful European space sector
Experimental Evidence of the Gardner Phase in a Granular Glass
Author(s): A. Seguin and O. DauchotTwo-dimensional disk packings under compression and vibration display signatures of the Gardner phase transition that is thought to occur between the glass and jamming transitions.[Phys. Rev. Lett. 117, 228001] Publis…
Single-Photon Absorber Based on Strongly Interacting Rydberg Atoms
Author(s): C. Tresp, C. Zimmer, I. Mirgorodskiy, H. Gorniaczyk, A. Paris-Mandoki, and S. HofferberthA single photon absorber is realized using an ensemble of ultracold atoms. The absorption of one atom by the ensemble induces a long-lived excitation th…
Earth from Space
Join us Tuesday, 22 November at 14:00 CET for a special interview with ESA’s Valerie Fernandez and Paolo Laberinti from the Sentinel-2B cleanroom in ESTEC
We may need to pump the brakes on water on Mars theories
New research suggests an environment too dry beyond simple water vapor to exist.
The new search for alien intelligence
Hunting for ET now involves Dyson spheres, infrared signals, and laser communications. It’s definitely not your father’s method for locating cosmic intelligence
Geological activity keeps Ceres’ salty spots bright
The largest object in the asteroid belt is a crash course in weird dwarf planet behaviors.
Centre of curvature
Space Science Image of the Week: Measuring the shape of the James Webb Space Telescope’s mirror
The centre of mass of a ‘flying’ body revealed by a computational model
The interpretation of complex trajectories of rigid bodies by the identification of their centre of
mass (CM), has a large potential for improving the understanding of the concept of CM at college and
university level. Therefore, it is not surprising…
Reversing the direction of space and inverse Doppler effect in positive refraction index media
A negative refractive index medium, in which all spatial coordinates are reversed (i.e. a left-hand
triplet is formed) by a spatial folding transformation, can create many novel electromagnetic
phenomena, e.g. backward wave propagation, and inversed …
Dynamics of a ‘flying chimney’
The ‘flying chimney’, where a paper cylinder floats when set alight, is an interesting phenomenon
that lacks both systematic theoretical and experimental investigation. To investigate the dynamics
of liftoff, an appropriate chimney material was f…
Why ghosts don’t touch: a tale of two adventurers falling one after another into a black hole
The case for the utility of Kruskal–Szekeres coordinates in the classroom made by Augousti et al in
this journal (2012 Eur. J. Phys. 33 [http://https://doi.org/10.1088/0143-0807/33/1/001] 1–11 ) is
strengthened by extending their discussion beyo…
Electrostatics at the molecular level
In molecular systems, positive and negative charges are separated, making them ideal systems to
examine electrostatic interactions. The attractive force between positive and negative charges is
balanced by repulsive ‘forces’ that are quantum-mech…
Quantum-elastic bump on a surface
We use an exact solution of the elastic membrane shape equation, representing the curvature, which
will serve as a quantum potential in the quantum mechanical two dimensional Schrödinger equation for
a (quasi-) particle on the surface of the membran…
The centre of mass of a ‘flying’ body revealed by a computational model
The interpretation of complex trajectories of rigid bodies by the identification of their centre of
mass (CM), has a large potential for improving the understanding of the concept of CM at college and
university level. Therefore, it is not surprising…
Reversing the direction of space and inverse Doppler effect in positive refraction index media
A negative refractive index medium, in which all spatial coordinates are reversed (i.e. a left-hand
triplet is formed) by a spatial folding transformation, can create many novel electromagnetic
phenomena, e.g. backward wave propagation, and inversed …
Dynamics of a ‘flying chimney’
The ‘flying chimney’, where a paper cylinder floats when set alight, is an interesting phenomenon
that lacks both systematic theoretical and experimental investigation. To investigate the dynamics
of liftoff, an appropriate chimney material was f…