These Cold War–Era Jets Will Chase the Eclipse to Uncover the Sun’s Mysteries

The article discusses the upcoming total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024, which will be visible across parts of the U.S., Mexico, and Canada. Amir Caspi, a principal scientist at Southwest Research Institute, leads two experiments to study the solar corona. NASA's WB-57 jets, equipped with telescopes, will chase the eclipse to observe the corona in infrared and other wavelengths. Additionally, the Citizen CATE 2024 project will involve 35 teams of amateur astronomers across the eclipse path to measure light polarization. The research aims to understand the sun's magnetic field and how it heats the corona to millions of degrees.

Incredible Footage of the Volcanic Eruption in Iceland

A volcano emerged on the Reykjanes peninsula in Iceland on December 18, following months of seismic activity. The eruption marks the first in the area in 800 years, as the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates move apart. The town of Grindavik was evacuated in November due to the threat of the eruption. Experts William Moreland and Ármann Höskuldsson discuss the challenges of predicting volcanic activity and the ongoing geological processes in the region, which may continue for the next several centuries.

Space Manufacturing is Not Science Fiction

Debbie Senesky, an Associate Professor at Stanford University, discusses the potential of space manufacturing, emphasizing the unique advantages of microgravity environments for creating high-quality materials. Her research focuses on developing robust electronics for extreme environments like Venus and exploring new material properties achievable in space. The article highlights the emerging space economy and the role of commercial low-Earth orbit destinations in future manufacturing.

A Veteran Eclipse Chaser Explains the Thrill of Totality

The article explores the intense and awe-inspiring experience of witnessing a total solar eclipse, as described by psychologist and eclipse chaser Kate Russo. Having observed 13 total solar eclipses, Russo shares the unique sensations and emotions that accompany the event, emphasizing the sense of connection and insignificance it brings. The narrative highlights the communal and cultural aspects of eclipse chasing, as well as the overwhelming desire to experience it repeatedly. The upcoming total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024, visible from parts of the U.S., Mexico, and Canada, is anticipated with excitement.

In War-Torn Ukraine, a Doctor Evacuates Children with Cancer

Roman Kizyma, a pediatric oncologist and acting director of the Western Ukrainian Specialized Children’s Medical Center, has been instrumental in evacuating and treating children with cancer amidst the war in Ukraine. The war has severely disrupted medical logistics, making it challenging to provide necessary treatments. Kizyma and his team have coordinated the relocation of over 1,500 children to safer locations in Europe and the USA through the SAFER Ukraine project. Despite the immense challenges, including the loss of two children during evacuations and the death of a colleague, Kizyma remains committed to his mission. The article highlights the collaborative efforts with international partners and the resilience of medical staff in providing care under dire circumstances.

The Black Hole in the Middle of our Galaxy Looks like This

Astronomers have released the first image of the supermassive black hole, Sagittarius A*, at the center of the Milky Way. Captured using the Event Horizon Telescope (EHT), this image shows the black hole's shadow against the glowing matter surrounding it. The EHT employs Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI) to combine radio observatories worldwide into a single virtual Earth-sized telescope. The image was derived from data collected during a 2017 observing run, and future advancements may allow for video capture of the black hole's dynamic environment.

Song of the Stars, Part 3: The Universe in all Senses

The article discusses the Universe in All Senses, an astronomy festival in Castellaro Lagusello, Italy, focusing on its multisensory approach to make astronomy accessible to people with disabilities. The festival featured various workshops and events, including sonifications, tactile experiences, and QR codes for navigation. Key participants included Italian astronomer Anita Zanella and visually impaired astronomers Nic Bonne and Enrique Pérez-Montero. The festival aimed to foster inclusion and engagement, with positive feedback from attendees like Claudia Beschi and Mattia Grella, who found the multisensory experiences enriching.

Song of the Stars, Part 2: Seeing in the Dark

Wanda Díaz-Merced, a blind astronomer, has pioneered the field of astronomical sonification, using sound to capture gamma-ray bursts and other astronomical phenomena. Her work, inspired by an early experience with a radio telescope, has led to significant discoveries, including insights into supernovae. Enrique Pérez-Montero, another blind astrophysicist, uses similar techniques to analyze data without visual bias. Their contributions challenge traditional visual-centric methods in astronomy, highlighting the potential of alternative sensory approaches in scientific research.

This Astrophysicist Makes Stellar Nurseries That Fit in the Palm of Your Hand

Dr. Nia Imara, an astrophysicist and artist, explores the intricate structures of stellar nurseries and their role in star formation. She uses 3D printing to create models that help visualize these complex formations, enhancing our understanding of the physics involved. Imara emphasizes the connection between art and science, and the contributions of Black and brown scientists and artists throughout history.

Song of the Stars, Part 1: Transforming Space into Symphonies

In 2016, the Hubble Cantata event in Brooklyn combined live opera music with virtual reality headsets, offering a 360-degree view of stunning galaxies. This marked the beginning of a new field: astronomical sonification, where data from space is transformed into sound. Composer Paola Prestini and astrophysicist Matt Russo are key figures in this field, using data such as orbital paths and star brightness to create symphonies. This approach not only makes astronomical data accessible to the visually impaired but also inspires new scientific discoveries. Russo's work, including collaborations with NASA, has gained significant attention and acclaim.