Gamma Ray Galaxies
Issue: Galactic
Summary: Active galaxies are those with unusually bright centers that show evidence of particle acceleration to speeds approaching that of light itself. At the center of each active galaxy sits a feeding black hole weighing upwards of a million times the sun's mass. Through processes not yet understood, some of the matter headed for the black hole blasts outward in fast, oppositely directed particle jets. The researchers want to continue to monitor galaxies to examine any potential threats.
Opinion: From what I've learned in Earth Science, I know that any threats to Earth usually aren't coming for a long, long time. However, monitoring these dangerous light and gamma rays is crucial to potentially our planet's survival.
Saturday, April 5, 2014
Issue: Galactic
Summary: "Now, astronomers using NASA's Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope find themselves in the same situation as cartographers of old. A new study of the ever-present fog of gamma rays from sources outside our galaxy shows that less than a third of the emission arises from what astronomers once considered the most likely suspects -- black-hole-powered jets from active galaxies." But if active galaxies aren't emitting this gamma radiation what is? Stars that have the properties that enable them to do "Particle acceleration" may be responsible for so much gamma radiation, but scientists are still searching.
Opinion: With all these gamma rays, what will the impact be on Earth? And if the stars are emitting the radiation, could the sun potentially overthrow our magnetic field which guards us from these rays. Further research should be conducted to find out how this is impacting us and our understanding of the galaxy.
Issue: Galactic
Summary: A new study of gamma-ray light from the center of our galaxy makes the strongest case to date that dark matter may be responsible for the creation of these emissions. Dark matter is known to make up most of the material universe. "Using publicly available data from NASA's Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope, independent scientists at the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory (Fermilab), the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics (CfA), the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and the University of Chicago have developed new maps showing that the galactic center produces more high-energy gamma rays than can be explained by known sources and that this excess emission is consistent with some forms of dark matter." By analyzing multiple galaxies, they can see if this "Dark Matter" is emitting gamma rays from not just normal galaxies but dwarf galaxies as well. If this dark matter is emitted from the centers of galaxies, it would mean that they are correlated/related to black holes.
Opinion: Cool stuff. The scientists should see if we can get some dark matter closer to home, considering it makes up so much of known space. Is it a tangible thing? These questions should be answered as soon as possible.
Friday, April 4, 2014
Japanese Town: Half the survivors of mega-earthquake, tsunami, have PTSD symptoms
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/03/140306095526.htm
Issue: National
Summary: "A new study shows that more than half the survivors in one Japanese town exhibited 'clinically concerning' symptoms of PTSD following the country's mega-earthquake and tsunami. Two-thirds of survivors also reported symptoms of depression. Having work to do has proven important in increasing resilience." Because this earthquake was one of the worst of all time, (#4) it caused an unbelievable mess. From the natural disaster itself to the nuclear reactor, the people who endured this predicament underwent utter hell in a short amount of time. The trauma from this wreaked havoc on the town with an average age of 58; the elderly, rather than the young, returned to their ravaged land because it was what they were used to. Returning to such hardship is speculated to have caused the psychological conditions to become so widespread.
Opinion: Natural Disaster relief is a complicated process. Being a victim of natural disasters myself, I understand the horrifying impact they can have on families and on individuals. Hurricane Sandy almost tore my own family apart. It should be a #1 priority to psychologically assist these victims; they need even more help than they'll show.
US Earthquake
Issue: National
Summary: A magnitude 5.8 earthquake struck the National Capital Area on Tuesday, August 23, at 1:51p.m. (EDT), causing moderate shaking and potentially significant damage, and was felt throughout Northern Virginia and neighboring areas. No casualties were reported or expected. The earthquake occurred near Louisa and Mineral, Va., approximately 100 miles southwest of Washington, DC. It was a shallow earthquake, and shaking was recorded all along the Appalachians, from Georgia to New England.
Opinion: The fact that phenomenon such as earthquakes are occurring in the US is frightening. Surveying and research should be conducted to address risks to people, especially if potential damage to structures are possible like in this quake.
More Chile Earthquakes
Issue: National
Summary: Although the main earthquake with a magnitude of 8.1 broke the central section of the seismic gap at a length of 100 kilometers, two large segments further north and south remain intact, and these segments are able to cause strong earthquakes with a high risk of ground shaking and tsunamis. With aftershocks measuring up to a magnitude 7.2 on April 2nd, this earthquake was a serious deal. The HART task force was deployed to survey the quake locations in order to do more research on the rupture process of the earthquakes. 25 seismometers were also deployed to evaluate further data.
Opinion: Gathering earthquake data is crucial to understanding what's going on. Continuous surveying of continental plates is extremely necessary to make sure that major land masses are not planning on having mass movement... The results would be disastrous.
Issue: National
Summary: Although the main earthquake with a magnitude of 8.1 broke the central section of the seismic gap at a length of 100 kilometers, two large segments further north and south remain intact, and these segments are able to cause strong earthquakes with a high risk of ground shaking and tsunamis. With aftershocks measuring up to a magnitude 7.2 on April 2nd, this earthquake was a serious deal. The HART task force was deployed to survey the quake locations in order to do more research on the rupture process of the earthquakes. 25 seismometers were also deployed to evaluate further data.
Opinion: Gathering earthquake data is crucial to understanding what's going on. Continuous surveying of continental plates is extremely necessary to make sure that major land masses are not planning on having mass movement... The results would be disastrous.
Will the Roe Deer Persist?
Will the Roe Deer Persist?
Issue: Regional
Summary: Climate change is presenting a serious problem for the Roe Deer. For its survival to continue, the spring vegetation must coincide with when the females are preparing to give birth. Due to the global warming, however, these vegetation blooms are coming earlier and earlier. A serious detriment to the ecosystem and biodiversity could be the result if this trend continues or if the deer cannot adapt. Unfortunately, it doesn't seem that the animals are going to be able to adapt quickly enough to survive.
Opinion: It's always sad when a species becomes extinct, but it is a part of life. I seriously hope that these deer can adapt in time to save themselves, but whether they do or not, we humans need to target the source of the problem. If we can find a way to stop global warming we can save this species and thousands of others, as well as stabilize the world in the process.
Issue: Regional
Summary: Climate change is presenting a serious problem for the Roe Deer. For its survival to continue, the spring vegetation must coincide with when the females are preparing to give birth. Due to the global warming, however, these vegetation blooms are coming earlier and earlier. A serious detriment to the ecosystem and biodiversity could be the result if this trend continues or if the deer cannot adapt. Unfortunately, it doesn't seem that the animals are going to be able to adapt quickly enough to survive.
Opinion: It's always sad when a species becomes extinct, but it is a part of life. I seriously hope that these deer can adapt in time to save themselves, but whether they do or not, we humans need to target the source of the problem. If we can find a way to stop global warming we can save this species and thousands of others, as well as stabilize the world in the process.
Gravity Measurements Confirm Subsurface Ocean on Enceladus
Issue: Beyond Global :)
Summary: In 2005, NASA's Cassini spacecraft sent pictures back to Earth depicting an icy Saturnian moon spewing water vapor and ice from fractures, known as "tiger stripes," in its frozen surface. It was big news that tiny Enceladus -- a mere 500 kilometers in diameter -- was such an active place. Since then, scientists have hypothesized that a large reservoir of water lies beneath that icy surface, possibly fueling the plumes. Now, using gravity measurements collected by Cassini, scientists have confirmed that Enceladus does in fact harbor a large subsurface ocean near its south pole, beneath those tiger stripes. The icy shell of the surface was known to possess a denser substance on the inside. Now that we know it is water, scientists are eager to learn what else exists on this moon.
Opinion: This is really cool. I think that something this bizarre definitely deserves the funding for further research. Who knows, there could be life in the water upon Enceladus like extremophiles and other bacterium.
Friday, January 31, 2014
Shedding Light on Freak Wave Hotspots
Shedding Light on Freak Wave Hotspots
Issue: Global
Summary:
"Stories of ships mysteriously sent to watery graves by sudden, giant waves have long puzzled scientists and sailors." Scientists are now discovering how to pinpoint areas where these large waves are most likely to occur. By analyzing currents and depth movements, we can see conditions where rogue waves could be up to 10x as likely to occur. While a rogue wave normally has about a 3/10000 chance of occurring, with the right conditions that could become a 3/1000 chance, a remarkably higher number. By using this information and technology, we could help ships avoid this danger.
Opinion:
This knowledge is important; very important. By warning ships of dangerous areas, we could save lives, money, and save ourselves from anxiety. Because this wouldn't just help in guiding ships away from rogue-wave-prone locations, but locations where the waves in general will be much more dangerous.
Issue: Global
Summary:
"Stories of ships mysteriously sent to watery graves by sudden, giant waves have long puzzled scientists and sailors." Scientists are now discovering how to pinpoint areas where these large waves are most likely to occur. By analyzing currents and depth movements, we can see conditions where rogue waves could be up to 10x as likely to occur. While a rogue wave normally has about a 3/10000 chance of occurring, with the right conditions that could become a 3/1000 chance, a remarkably higher number. By using this information and technology, we could help ships avoid this danger.
Opinion:
This knowledge is important; very important. By warning ships of dangerous areas, we could save lives, money, and save ourselves from anxiety. Because this wouldn't just help in guiding ships away from rogue-wave-prone locations, but locations where the waves in general will be much more dangerous.
Height Of Large Waves Changes According To Month
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090529085119.htm
Issue: Global
Summary:
Scientists are coming out with systems and models that can more accurately depict wave heights, factoring in the variation according to season, in which winter waves are much more powerful. For example, in a place where an average wave height is 4m during the summer, then the wave height could be up to 7m during the winter! However, across the planet, there are tons of areas that may have multiple wave peak periods and they need to be accounted for. The new systems are needed to help determine what's going on with waves across the world; the information is important to know.
Opinion:
I agree with the fact that we need to know what's going on in our oceans at all times. Without the proper technology, people could end up getting hurt or killed due to improper reading of waves. We don't want to put our people in unneeded danger.
Issue: Global
Summary:
Scientists are coming out with systems and models that can more accurately depict wave heights, factoring in the variation according to season, in which winter waves are much more powerful. For example, in a place where an average wave height is 4m during the summer, then the wave height could be up to 7m during the winter! However, across the planet, there are tons of areas that may have multiple wave peak periods and they need to be accounted for. The new systems are needed to help determine what's going on with waves across the world; the information is important to know.
Opinion:
I agree with the fact that we need to know what's going on in our oceans at all times. Without the proper technology, people could end up getting hurt or killed due to improper reading of waves. We don't want to put our people in unneeded danger.
Optical rogue waves: The storm in a test tube
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/12/131220113648.htm
Issue: Oceanic (Global)
Summary:
Scientists are beginning to truly understand rogue waves. In physics, a wave of any medium can become much larger when another wave interferes with it constructively. When this construction occurs, the amplitude of the wave heights build upon each other, resulting in a much larger wave. Through this concept, rogue waves form. However, scientists didn't know until recently that the same process occurs frequently in optic and light waves. Except it's to a completely different degree: while a rogue wave is a wave of twice or more the height of a large wave, these optic waves can hit 10x the size of a normal wave, resulting in incredible flashes of light!
Opinion: If this research can be used in any way to help humans, then we should get to it. As interesting as these facts are, they're just facts until they're used to help people in the real world.
Issue: Oceanic (Global)
Summary:
Scientists are beginning to truly understand rogue waves. In physics, a wave of any medium can become much larger when another wave interferes with it constructively. When this construction occurs, the amplitude of the wave heights build upon each other, resulting in a much larger wave. Through this concept, rogue waves form. However, scientists didn't know until recently that the same process occurs frequently in optic and light waves. Except it's to a completely different degree: while a rogue wave is a wave of twice or more the height of a large wave, these optic waves can hit 10x the size of a normal wave, resulting in incredible flashes of light!
Opinion: If this research can be used in any way to help humans, then we should get to it. As interesting as these facts are, they're just facts until they're used to help people in the real world.
Large, deep magma chamber discovered below Kilauea volcano: Largely unknown internal plumbing of volcanoes
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/01/140129114925.htm
Issue: Regional
Summary:
Scientists analyzed the seismic waves that travel through the Kilauea volcano; the most active volcano in the world. They discovered a magma chamber that they never knew existed, showing them for the first time that these chambers can exist in the deeper parts of a volcano. They studied the volcano to understand the internal structure of the volcanic system. Using the seismic data, the researchers developed a three-dimensional velocity model of a magma anomaly to determine the size, depth and composition of the lava chamber, which is several kilometers in diameter and located at a depth of 8-11 km. By understanding more about volcanoes, the scientists believe that we will be able to predict future eruptions, responses to earthquakes and seismic activity, and also save lives through knowledge and understanding.
Opinion:
I think that any work with natural disasters is very important. By understanding each part and the physical aspects of a disaster, we can develop ways to stop them from destroying lives and the environment around them.
Issue: Regional
Summary:
Scientists analyzed the seismic waves that travel through the Kilauea volcano; the most active volcano in the world. They discovered a magma chamber that they never knew existed, showing them for the first time that these chambers can exist in the deeper parts of a volcano. They studied the volcano to understand the internal structure of the volcanic system. Using the seismic data, the researchers developed a three-dimensional velocity model of a magma anomaly to determine the size, depth and composition of the lava chamber, which is several kilometers in diameter and located at a depth of 8-11 km. By understanding more about volcanoes, the scientists believe that we will be able to predict future eruptions, responses to earthquakes and seismic activity, and also save lives through knowledge and understanding.
Opinion:
I think that any work with natural disasters is very important. By understanding each part and the physical aspects of a disaster, we can develop ways to stop them from destroying lives and the environment around them.
Wednesday, January 29, 2014
One step closer to low cost solar cells
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/01/140127092936.htm
Issue: Specifically for Developed Countries
Summary:
Silicon-based solar cells, as environmentally friendly as they are, aren't cost effective enough for the economy. Though many people are now using Silicon-powered solar panels, we are now nearing another breakthrough in this incredible technology. A new revolution of materials such as plastic, zinc oxide, etc. possess the flexible, transparent electrodes that scientists are searching for. These new Flextrodes only have one drawback in which they need to be maintained more often or else they release contaminants. However, the scientists have also discovered that UV-Ozone treatment removes these contaminants in a cost-effective way, leaving Flextrodes as the potential future of clean energy.
Opinion:
Flextrodes are an awesome idea! They also said that there is a near-limitless supply of organic materials to make the Flextrodes, so there are so many benefits to using this technology. Solar cells are good enough as they are, but this may make them 100% economically fit as well.
Humans, volcanoes and the Sun have influenced Europe's climate over recent centuries
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110119084749.htm
Issue: Global
Summary:
"An International research team has discovered that seasonal temperatures in Europe, above all in winter, have been affected over the past 500 years by natural factors such as volcanic eruptions and solar activity, and by human activities such as the emission of greenhouse gases. The study could help us to better understand the dynamics of climate change."
It is now an understood fact based on research that the volcanoes, human impacts, as well as solar radiation all play a part in climate change on a level related to one another. Through Earth projection modeling, we can tell how things like volcanoes have influenced climates in the past, and how they can influence it in the future.
Opinion:
If the three factors of human impacts, volcanoes, and solar radiation are on par with one another, it would be best to first figure out how EXACTLY do they influence the climate, and in what way. Afterwards we can focus on how we can use this knowledge to our advantage to maintain a balanced climate.
Issue: Global
Summary:
"An International research team has discovered that seasonal temperatures in Europe, above all in winter, have been affected over the past 500 years by natural factors such as volcanic eruptions and solar activity, and by human activities such as the emission of greenhouse gases. The study could help us to better understand the dynamics of climate change."
It is now an understood fact based on research that the volcanoes, human impacts, as well as solar radiation all play a part in climate change on a level related to one another. Through Earth projection modeling, we can tell how things like volcanoes have influenced climates in the past, and how they can influence it in the future.
Opinion:
If the three factors of human impacts, volcanoes, and solar radiation are on par with one another, it would be best to first figure out how EXACTLY do they influence the climate, and in what way. Afterwards we can focus on how we can use this knowledge to our advantage to maintain a balanced climate.
Picture of how our climate is affected by greenhouse gases is a 'cloudy' one
Climate vs Clouds vs Greenhouse
Issue: Global
Summary: Scientists at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem are just scraping the surface behind the TRUE impacts of aerosols on climate change. Apparently, depending on meteorological circumstances, they can have drastic effects in either decreasing or increasing the cloud to sun deflecting effect. Also, aerosols may have the effect of causing or limiting the formation of clouds and precipitation itself. Unfortunately, computer simulations are not powerful enough to deduce an accurate simulation of the processes on a global scale. Yet recently, more advanced modeling technology has been used that has the potential to evaluate impacts over a span of several years. This technology could help shed light on human impact on weather and climate change.
Opinion:
I think if this new technology could truly help dig deeper into the roots of climate change and human impacts, then we should continue to research the topic. Also, the article said that the level of effort needed to establish the findings they would need should match the socioeconomic importance of the results. That proves that we should aim to fully research this topic.
Issue: Global
Summary: Scientists at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem are just scraping the surface behind the TRUE impacts of aerosols on climate change. Apparently, depending on meteorological circumstances, they can have drastic effects in either decreasing or increasing the cloud to sun deflecting effect. Also, aerosols may have the effect of causing or limiting the formation of clouds and precipitation itself. Unfortunately, computer simulations are not powerful enough to deduce an accurate simulation of the processes on a global scale. Yet recently, more advanced modeling technology has been used that has the potential to evaluate impacts over a span of several years. This technology could help shed light on human impact on weather and climate change.
Opinion:
I think if this new technology could truly help dig deeper into the roots of climate change and human impacts, then we should continue to research the topic. Also, the article said that the level of effort needed to establish the findings they would need should match the socioeconomic importance of the results. That proves that we should aim to fully research this topic.
Is there an ocean beneath our feet? Ocean water may reach upper mantle through deep sea faults
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/01/140127093207.htm
Issue: International
Summary:
Through small fault cracks that run beneath the deepest ocean trenches, scientists in Liverpool have learned that the oceans are transporting much more water to the mantle than previously thought. This transport of water is leading us to believe that we may have much more hidden water on the planet that previously thought.
Professor Andreas Rietbrock said, "We found that fault zones that form in the deep oceanic trench offshore Northern Japan persist to depths of up to 150 km. These hydrated fault zones can carry large amounts of water, suggesting that subduction zones carry much more water from the ocean down to the mantle than has previously been suggested."
"This supports the theory that there are large amounts of water stored deep in the Earth."
This helps us understand much more about plate tectonics, and how our Earth is working. The more we know, the better.
Opinion:
I think that the more that we understand about our Earth, the better. If there is some way to harness this hidden water, it may even be worthwhile looking into it.
Definition:
Hydrated Fault Zone- Areas deep within the Earth that show evidence of possessing quantities of water in the faults.
Issue: International
Summary:
Through small fault cracks that run beneath the deepest ocean trenches, scientists in Liverpool have learned that the oceans are transporting much more water to the mantle than previously thought. This transport of water is leading us to believe that we may have much more hidden water on the planet that previously thought.
Professor Andreas Rietbrock said, "We found that fault zones that form in the deep oceanic trench offshore Northern Japan persist to depths of up to 150 km. These hydrated fault zones can carry large amounts of water, suggesting that subduction zones carry much more water from the ocean down to the mantle than has previously been suggested."
"This supports the theory that there are large amounts of water stored deep in the Earth."
This helps us understand much more about plate tectonics, and how our Earth is working. The more we know, the better.
Opinion:
I think that the more that we understand about our Earth, the better. If there is some way to harness this hidden water, it may even be worthwhile looking into it.
Definition:
Hydrated Fault Zone- Areas deep within the Earth that show evidence of possessing quantities of water in the faults.
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