Design

Newborn stars set ‘grand design’ spiral galaxy aglow in stunning new photo

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The golden spiral arms of a distant galaxy sparkle in new images from the European Southern Observatory (ESO). The galaxy, known as NGC 4254 or Messier 99, is an example of a grand design spiral galaxy, which has prominent, well-defined spiral arms that wrap tightly around the galaxy’s center. Located 49 million light-years from Earth … Read more

Spacesuit design: Amplifying footsteps might help astronauts find their feet on Mars

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Spacesuits tend to muffle sounds, but hearing our footsteps may provide useful cues about our environment and reduce the risk of tripping Space 2 March 2022 By Matthew Sparkes A mock-up spacesuit boot used in tests Maryam Al Kuwaitti Astronauts sent to explore Mars may be more sure-footed if their boots are fitted with microphones to … Read more

Scientists Attached Tracking Devices to Magpies. But Nobody Asked The Magpies

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When we attached tiny, backpack-like tracking devices to five Australian magpies for a pilot study, we didn’t expect to discover an entirely new social behavior rarely seen in birds.   Our goal was to learn more about the movement and social dynamics of these highly intelligent birds, and to test these new, durable and reusable … Read more

‘Space archaeology’ research on the ISS will help design better space habitats

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A unique archaeological study of crew culture within the International Space Station (ISS) will focus on the orbiting habitat as a “microsociety in a miniworld.” This inside look at the ISS, called the International Space Station Archaeological Project (ISSAP), is expected to supply new insight into human life in space and issues of habitation design. … Read more

MIT Scientists Design a ‘Flying Saucer’ That Could Float Across The Moon

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Researchers have imagined a lightweight, flying saucer-style rover that can float across the surface of the Moon and other airless planetary surfaces such as asteroids. The ‘flying saucer’ would be powered by the electric field that builds up due to direct exposure to the Sun and its surrounding plasma. In the absence of an atmosphere, this … Read more