Category Astronomy/Space

Using math models, scientists have ‘looked’ into the interior of super-Earths and discovered hey may have compounds that are forbidden by the classical rules of chemistry – these substances may increase the heat transfer rate and strengthen the magnetic field on these planets. The researchers attempted to see which compounds may be formed by S, O, and Mg at high pressures. These particular elements were not chosen by chance. “Earth-like planets consist of a thin silicate crust, a silicate-oxide mantle – which makes up ~7/8 of the Earth’s volume and consists more than 90% of silicates and magnesium oxide – and an iron core. We can say that magnesium, oxygen, and silicon form the basis of chemistry on Earth and on Earth-like planets,” says Oganov...

Two experiments that could reduce aviation’s impact on the environment flew aboard the Boeing ecoDemonstrator 757 flight test aircraft in 2015. Credits: Boeing / John D. Parker

Did you know NASA is with you when you fly? Here’s their 2015 aeronautics innovations incl. making air travel more fuel efficient, less harmful to the environment and much quieter, all the while enabling the skies to safely handle unprecedented growth in global air traffic that will increasingly include unmanned aircraft systems.

Within NASA, this work – in labs, workshops and wind tunnels throughout the nation, often in partnership with other federal agencies, industry and academia – is managed in D.C. by Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate, ARMD...