Latest news with #CSIRO
USA Today
7 hours ago
- Science
- USA Today
NASA satellite emits 'spark' decades after going dormant: Astronomers think they know why
Source of the radio waves was tracked to a location that matches that of NASA's defunct Relay 2 spacecraft, which launched in 1964 from Cape Canaveral, Florida. A NASA satellite that had been dead for nearly six decades issued a surprising sign of life. In June 2024, a team of astronomers were perplexed when a radio telescope in Australia scanning the sky over the southern hemisphere came across unusual radio waves. The burst of radiation was very bright, exceedingly quick – and much closer to Earth than the scientists would have thought. After studying the source of the strange cosmic phenomena, the researchers were even more mystified when it appeared to be originating from the same location as a NASA spacecraft that went offline about 58 years ago, according to a press release about the discovery released June 25, 2025. Don't be fooled, though: The defunct spacecraft that operated for about three years in the 1960s isn't kicking back on to resume operations anytime soon. So, what's going on? Here's what to know about the strange signal, and how astronomers tracked it to a defunct NASA satellite. What is NASA Relay 2 spacecraft? Astronomers tracked the source of the radio waves to a location that matches that of NASA's defunct Relay 2 spacecraft, a communications satellite that launched into orbit in 1964 from Cape Canaveral, Florida. The spacecraft operated until June 1967 after both of its onboard transponders failed. So, has the long-dead satellite has suddenly sprung back to life after nearly six decades? Astronomers say that's unlikely. Rather, the waves more likely came from a "spark" of built up electricity, which emitted a pulse as it jumped from one part of the spacecraft to another while passing through charged environment above Earth's atmosphere, according to the researchers. Strange signal originated in Milky Way The team of astronomers discovered the strange signal while hunting for bright, powerful flashes of electromagnetic radiation in the distant universe known as fast radio bursts. Most surprising to the researchers, all of whom are from the International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research, was that the signal spotted June 13, 2024, didn't originate from a far-flung galaxy. Instead, it originated in our own cosmic neighborhood in the Milky Way. While incredibly bright, the event only lasted less than 30 nanoseconds. The astronomers detected it using Australia's national science agency's (CSIRO) ASKAP radio telescope. Clancy James, an astrophysicist at Curtin University in Australia's Perth campus, then led a team that studied the extremely bright source of radio waves to determine its source. While the satellite signal is one possible explanation, the researchers have also theorized that an impact with a tiny particle of space debris, known as a "micrometeoroid," could have caused the anomaly. Such impacts can create short-lived clouds of hot, charged gas that produce bursts of radio waves. Electrostatic discharges could post threats in Earth's orbit The discovery marks the first time that a spark of built-up electricity has been observed to be both so bright and so short in duration. Now that the detection has been made, the finding not only demonstrates how astronomers can help identify the origin of these kinds of signals in the future, but could even help humanity better understand how electrostatic discharges can pose a danger to satellites in Earth's orbit. "Detections like this show how the tools developed to study the distant Universe can help scientists understand the increasingly crowded and critically important space environment close to Earth," the researcher said in a statement. The research has been accepted for publication in Astrophysical Journal Letters. A pre-print version of the paper is available on arXiv. Eric Lagatta is the Space Connect reporter for the USA TODAY Network. Reach him at elagatta@
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Science
- Yahoo
60-year mystery of Aussie plant finally cracked by scientists
Australian scientists have gone to great lengths to crack a decades-long mystery of how a native plant that has continued to grow and thrive in a patch of land in Western Australia, with the answer under their noses all along. There are 130 known species of boronia across Australia and New Caledonia, with the majority easily recognisable from their pretty, open-petalled flowers. However, 18 species growing in a triangle between Kalbarri, Augusta and Esperance in WA have all boasted "weird and wonderful" flowers that are closed off to most pollinators. How the plant continues to spread stumped scientists for over 60 years. "The location has a spectacularly diverse ecosystem, and it's a really special place from an ecological viewpoint," Doug Hilton, scientist and CEO of CSIRO, told Yahoo News. "The weird flowers of these boronias have suggested to scientists for over 60 years that there must be pure pollinators of the plants. It couldn't have evolved that way by accident." This 'pure pollinator' — an animal or insect that exclusively pollinates a plant — has been elusive to scientists for decades. But for the last 15 years, Doug and his team have been tirelessly working to prove a theory. Over 60 years, scientists who have encountered the boronia species have made suggestions on who the mystery pollinator could be, and different insects have been hypothesised. "If you look in the scientific papers, there's an occasional reference to a moth, but nothing ever came of it. They had never been collected systematically or photographed," Doug explained. One of the reasons why the moth species called Heliozelidae was never previously pursued was because, unlike many other types of moths, they fly during the day. They are seldom attracted to lights, so they're underrepresented in museum collections. The best way to collect and study them is to sweep a butterfly net over plants and look inside — literally. Images show Doug standing in Western Australia with his head inside a butterfly net. "We found they had the right structure at their abdomen that collects the pollen of the boronias, and these structures are like nothing that has been seen in the other 150,000 species of moths and butterflies; they're absolutely unique," he said. "It was a real Eureka moment." The moths and the boronias have an 'obligate mutualism', meaning they both rely on the other to survive. "It's great for the moth because she can pollinate the plants, and her caterpillars have food, and therefore the species survives as she passes on her genes. And it's good for the plant, because they now have a very efficient pollinator... it's all about balance," he said. Doug continues to study the insects to further deepen the evidence that they are responsible for the plants, and explained a discovery like this is the reason he became a scientist in the first place. " I think that scientists have an obligation to talk to the community about the work they do, and I think there's an appetite for people to understand the wonder of the world," he said. "There's a lot of bad news and a lot of pessimism in the world right now. I think if you can begin to understand how the world works, and do it through science, that's really valuable." Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@ You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
Sustainability Times
3 days ago
- Science
- Sustainability Times
'Hydrogen Just Got Cheaper Than Ever': New Solar Reactor Breakthrough Crushes Electrolysis Costs and Redefines Clean Energy Production
IN A NUTSHELL 🌞 CSIRO has introduced a groundbreaking solar reactor that generates green hydrogen efficiently using a beam-down design. has introduced a groundbreaking solar reactor that generates green hydrogen efficiently using a beam-down design. 🔧 The system utilizes doped ceria , enabling a sustainable and efficient thermochemical process to produce hydrogen. , enabling a sustainable and efficient thermochemical process to produce hydrogen. 🇦🇺 This innovation positions Australia as a potential leader in green hydrogen production, supported by the Australian Renewable Energy Agency. production, supported by the Australian Renewable Energy Agency. 🌍 The technology provides a blueprint for reducing global carbon emissions, especially in industries difficult to electrify. In an era where the quest for sustainable energy solutions is more critical than ever, a groundbreaking development in solar technology offers new hope. The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) in Australia has unveiled a pioneering solar-powered reactor capable of producing green hydrogen. This innovation promises to revolutionize the clean energy landscape, particularly for industries challenging to electrify directly. As we delve into this transformative technology, we explore its potential to reshape energy production and its broader implications for the future. Sunlight Fuels Hydrogen Australia, a country basking in sunlight, relies heavily on fuel-based energy sources, especially in sectors like heavy industry and transportation. Despite the widespread use of solar panels, approximately 75 percent of the nation's energy still comes from conventional fuels. This reality poses a challenge for achieving low-carbon energy solutions. One of the most promising alternatives is green hydrogen, a low-emission fuel perfect for sectors where electrification is not feasible. However, the traditional method of producing green hydrogen, known as electrolysis, is energy-intensive and costly. To address these challenges, CSIRO has embarked on a mission to develop more efficient and scalable hydrogen production methods. At the heart of this innovation is the use of concentrated solar energy and specially designed heliostats. These heliostats track the sun and reflect its light onto a central tower, which then directs the sunlight downwards onto a solar reactor. This method not only enhances efficiency but also represents a significant departure from traditional solar thermal systems, where sunlight is concentrated at the top of the tower. Japanese Scientists Break Efficiency Barrier With Revolutionary Organic Solar Cells That Could Redefine Global Renewable Energy Standards Solar Reactor Milestone The CSIRO's beam-down solar reactor is a game-changer in hydrogen production, utilizing a modified mineral known as doped ceria. This mineral is crucial because it absorbs and releases oxygen at lower temperatures, enabling an efficient two-step thermochemical process. Initially, the ceria is heated by concentrated solar energy, causing it to release oxygen atoms. When steam is introduced, the ceria absorbs oxygen from the water molecules, leaving behind hydrogen gas. This hydrogen is then captured for various applications, including fuel and industrial processes. One of the most remarkable aspects of this system is the reusability of doped ceria, which makes the process both sustainable and efficient. The beam-down design also provides greater flexibility for high-temperature chemical reactions, broadening its potential research applications, such as in metal refining. This innovation marks a significant milestone, demonstrating the complete solar-to-hydrogen conversion cycle with impressive efficiency rates. The beam-down reactor thus stands at the forefront of green hydrogen production technology. Solar Pole Shock: This European Probe Just Captured the First Images Ever of the Sun's South Pole With Stunning Clarity Australia's Role in Green Hydrogen CSIRO's success with the beam-down solar reactor sets Australia on a promising path to becoming a global leader in green hydrogen production. As the demand for clean fuels rises worldwide, this breakthrough positions the nation to excel in emissions reduction, particularly in hard-to-abate sectors. The system's ability to achieve potential efficiencies exceeding 20 percent in solar-to-hydrogen conversion underscores its transformative impact. Backed by the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA), this project does more than demonstrate technological prowess; it highlights Australia's commitment to sustainable energy solutions. By capitalizing on its solar potential, Australia can significantly contribute to global clean energy goals and foster economic growth within its borders. The innovation not only enhances the country's energy independence but also paves the way for future advancements in renewable energy technologies. Swiss Startup Stuns the World by Powering Trains With the First-Ever PV Solar Plant Built Directly on Active Railway Tracks Implications for the Future The implications of CSIRO's solar reactor extend far beyond Australia. This technology offers a blueprint for other nations seeking sustainable energy solutions, particularly those rich in sunlight. Its potential applications in industries like steel manufacturing, chemical production, and transportation could significantly reduce global carbon emissions. Moreover, it serves as a catalyst for further research and development in the field of high-temperature solar processes. As countries worldwide strive to meet climate goals, the development of efficient and scalable hydrogen production technologies becomes increasingly vital. The CSIRO's beam-down solar reactor exemplifies how innovative approaches can overcome existing challenges in the clean energy sector. It invites other researchers and policymakers to explore similar avenues, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable and resilient energy future. As we witness the unfolding potential of solar-powered hydrogen production, one critical question emerges: How will this technology inspire other innovations in the pursuit of a sustainable energy future? Our author used artificial intelligence to enhance this article. Did you like it? 4.6/5 (25)
Daily Mail
3 days ago
- Science
- Daily Mail
Ship that vanished 120 years ago is explored for the first time after it was accidentally discovered on the bottom of the ocean
One of Australia's most baffling maritime mysteries is in the spotlight after four divers captured incredible images of a century-old shipwreck. Diving to depths of 160 metres off the coast of Wollongong in NSW, volunteer divers from the Sydney Project are the first people to lay eyes on the coal ship SS Nemesis since its disappearance in 1904. The 73m Nemesis vanished in a storm after leaving Newcastle for Melbourne with a full hold on July 8, sinking with all 32 crew on board. The wreck's whereabouts were unknown for more than 100 years until a remote sensing company stumbled across the coal ship while trying to locate cargo containers lost off the Sydney coast. The CSIRO has completed mapping of the wreck using remote-operated vehicles but the leader of the Sydney Project dive team says nothing compares to laying human eyes on a long-lost ship. 'We saw there is the cradle for the lifeboats, which was cool to see because you don't normally see these things intact on other shipwrecks,' Samir Alhafith told AAP. 'Seeing things like a steam relief valve on the wreck, no one knew before this was actually a steam ship.' A century in the making, the four divers involved in the June 18 expeditions took nine minutes to reach the wreck and spent a further nine minutes surveying the wreckage. Mr Alhafith says the Nemesis is a unique wreck because it has significant damage at both the front and rear of the ship but other parts of the hold are well-preserved. The coal ship has since become a haven for thousands of fish including wobbegong sharks, although the human cost of the tragedy is not lost on the divers. 'You're looking at a lump of metal on the ground but there is a human connection to this particular object and in this case, there are relatives that lost their loved ones,' Mr Alhafith said. Heritage NSW assessments director Tim Smith was full of praise for the divers' 'incredible feat' and said the information and images gathered will be invaluable for understanding the demise of the ship. 'These four divers have shone a light on the vessel's rich legacy, capturing never-seen-before footage of the ship up close,' Mr Smith said in a statement.
1News
5 days ago
- Science
- 1News
Century-old Australian maritime mystery solved by volunteer divers
One of Australia's most baffling maritime mysteries is in the spotlight after four divers captured incredible images of a century-old shipwreck. Diving to depths of 160 metres off the coast of Wollongong in NSW, volunteer divers from the Sydney Project are the first people to lay eyes on the coal ship SS Nemesis since its disappearance in 1904. The Nemesis vanished in a storm after leaving Newcastle for Melbourne with a full hold on July 8, sinking with all 32 crew on board. The wreck's whereabouts were unknown for more than 100 years until a remote sensing company stumbled across the coal ship while trying to locate cargo containers lost off the Sydney coast. The CSIRO has completed mapping of the wreck using remote-operated vehicles but the leader of the Sydney Project dive team says nothing compares to laying human eyes on a long-lost ship. ADVERTISEMENT "We saw there is the cradle for the lifeboats, which was cool to see because you don't normally see these things intact on other shipwrecks," Samir Alhafith told AAP. Divers spent nine minutes surveying the wreckage. (Source: Sydney Project/Facebook) "Seeing things like a steam relief valve on the wreck, no one knew before this was actually a steam ship." A century in the making, the four divers involved in the June 18 expeditions took nine minutes to reach the wreck and spent a further nine minutes surveying the wreckage. Alhafith says the Nemesis is a unique wreck because it has significant damage at both the front and rear of the ship but other parts of the hold are well-preserved. The coal ship has since become a haven for thousands of fish including wobbegong sharks, although the human cost of the tragedy is not lost on the divers. An underwater scooter was used to reach the wreckage. (Source: Sydney Project) ADVERTISEMENT "You're looking at a lump of metal on the ground but there is a human connection to this particular object and in this case, there are relatives that lost their loved ones," Alhafith said. Heritage NSW assessments director Tim Smith was full of praise for the divers' "incredible feat" and said the information and images gathered will be invaluable for understanding the demise of the ship. "These four divers have shone a light on the vessel's rich legacy, capturing never-seen-before footage of the ship up close," Smith said in a statement.
