Category: Universe
-
Quantum space. Ghostly differences. A calm lake.
The foundation stone of quantum mechanics doesn't just describe the behavior of infinitesimal subatomic particles – it also governs the movement of the largest and most massive objects in the Universe, says a prominent astrophysicist. Planetary scientist Konstantin Batygin was exploring the concept of astrophysical disks – sometimes called accretion disks; massive self-gravitating swirls of…
-
From electrons to photons. From photons to electrons…
The quantum computer of the future will be able to carry out computations far beyond the capacity of today's computers. Quantum superpositions and entanglement of quantum bits (qubits) make it possible to perform parallel computations. Making useful computations requires large numbers of qubits and it is this upscaling to large numbers that is providing a…
-
Planets. Life. Silent music.
When NASA announced its discovery of the TRAPPIST-1 system back in February 2017 it caused quite a stir, and with good reason. Three of its seven Earth-sized planets lay in the star's habitable zone, meaning they may harbour suitable conditions for life. But one of the major puzzles from the original research describing the system…
-
Ecology and Politics. Fossil fuel. Unused fossil fuel. Dark universe.
Policy makers have generally agreed that the average global temperature rise caused by greenhouse gas emissions should not exceed 2 °C above the average global temperature of pre-industrial times. It has been estimated that to have at least a 50 per cent chance of keeping warming below 2 °C throughout the twenty-first century, the cumulative…
You must be logged in to post a comment.