current event: a new planet in sight!

On September 12, 2011 European astronomers found an Earth-like planet in a far away constellation called Vela.  The planet is known as "HD 88512b" and is 3.6 times bigger than earth.  In fact from earth it would take 36 light years to get to that planet or 242 trillion miles.  It circulates around its star at the distance of 1/4 of how long we circulate our star making a full year in this planet, 58 days.  When the planet is near the star it is in the  star's habitable zone.  Since it has a habitable zone it is possible that this planet is rocky and has an atmosphere.  However, with all this information, researchers still cannot confirm if there is any sign of life on the planet. Neither humans or their powered robots could find out any more about this planet.  But yet astronomers were able to find a lot more about Vela.  Vela is part of 50 new Exoplanets.  Exoplanets are planets that revolve around a star like Earth.  In addition, reseachers were able to conclude that more than 16 other exoplanet has a mass that is 10 times lower than ours.  They were able to find out this by using a Harps( High Accuracy Radial Velocity Planet Searcher).  With this device people are able to find the speed a planet revolves around a star and the power of the atmosphere.  There are still mysteries about "Hd 88512b" and Vela but astronomer and researchers are trying their best to solve there mysteries.     

Source: http://www.nytimes.com/pages/science/index.html
By: Whiteknight83 

Current Event: The Jets of the Future

The Jets of the Future:  






  Technology and science in the world is always changing.  Everyday, mysteries are being solved and new  inventions are begin made that will help improve our lifestyle.  From microwaves to cars, everything in the world could be improved so that the product could be used in a more efficient way.  One of the big products that need to be changed is the planes and jets people use to fly others to be transported with.  Lately, NASA has been working on prototypes of Jets that will help improve our society.  The main goals of these new planes is to to fly cleaner, and quieter, while using less fuel

BOX WING JET, LOCKHEED MARTIN

Target Date: 2025

One of our problems in the world are that planes are using too much gas with each trip to their destination.  This has caused a lot of pollution and greenhouse effect in our world.  However, the Box-Wing Jet has a solution to this problem.  This plane uses 16% less fuel therefore it is reducing the pollution in the atmosphere.  In addition, it's wing span is increased therefore, the planes motor will make less noise as it is taking off and in the air.  In addition, these bigger wings allows the jet to move more stiffer which makes it a less bumpy and more smoother ride on the plane for everyone. My opinion on this jet is that it is an excellent idea.   I believe with a more better structure and more efficient fuel input the plane will be polluting less and also will be able to make less noise.

 

SUPERSONIC GREEN MACHINE, LOCKHEED MARTIN

Target Date: 2030

This plane specialized in using the supersonic waves in the air to make a plane that does not require any form of gas!! This plane will save a lot of pollution in the Earth's atmosphere.  This plane uses 70% of the nitrogen in the air and converts it into fuel for the plane to use.  This is an amazing idea because it means people will be saving a lot money from gas.  The plane uses the air pressure in the plane to also move the plane.  If believe this idea is also amazing because it requires no gas which saves the earth.  I like this idea a lot because the plane is powered naturally.

SUGAR VOLT, BOEING

Target Date: 2035

The last jet one this list also focus on keeping the air cleaner.  This plane turns off all the gases engines and powers the plane by electricity.  Once take off is complete the only source keeping this plane running is electricity.  This jet contains battery packs which could hours before running out of energy.  In addition, this plane has a new wing design. "By making the wing thinner and the span greater, you can produce more lift with less drag,” says Marty Bradley, Boeing’s principal investigator on the project. These wings would help pilots control the plane more easily.  With all the components in the plane this plane saves 60% less carbon dioxide and 80% less nitrogen.  However, I don't fully agree with this idea.  I believe this plane will not have enough power to take off into the air.  In addition, I do not think the plane could be fully run by electricity.  There are still more improvements to make this plane successful.

All these planes seem like a good idea however, as science improve, more information  on how to make planes better will reveal.  However, this is a significant start to make the Earth healthier.  


Source for article and pictures: http://www.popsci.com/technology/article/2012-04/jets-future