Toggle light / dark theme

Around 2.2 billion years ago, a massive space rock collided against our planet, leaving a massive scar.

Around 200 million years older than any other site like it on the planet’s surface, the so-called Yarrabubba impact structure is located in Australia.

Although the impact site is the oldest found to date, finding it was not easy.

In space exploration, long-distance optical links now enable the transmission of images, videos, and data from space probes to Earth using light.

However, for these signals to travel the entire distance undisturbed, hypersensitive receivers and noise-free amplifiers are essential. Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden have now developed a system featuring a silent amplifier and an ultra-sensitive receiver, opening up possibilities for faster and more reliable space communication.

Space communication systems are increasingly relying on optical laser beams instead of traditional radio waves, as light experiences less signal loss over vast distances. However, even light-based signals weaken as they travel, meaning that optical systems need highly sensitive receivers to detect these faint signals by the time they reach Earth. Researchers at Chalmers have developed an innovative approach to optical space communication that could unlock new opportunities—and discoveries—in space.

Radio frequency (RF) and microwave power measurements are widely used to support applications across space, defense, and communication. These precise measurements enable engineers to accurately characterize waveforms, components, circuits, and systems.

J1407b, has the largest ring system yet seen – around 200 times larger than Jupiter’s (the largest in our solar system). Its host planet is likewise massive: we don’t know whether it’s a gas giant or a brown dwarf. So far, it’s been classified as a super-Jupiter stellar body.

This is an updated (quotes and sources) version of the previous article.

(This story has been updated with the latest launch information.)

Three SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launch windows are scheduled to open back-to-back-to-back on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday from Florida’s Space Coast, a Federal Aviation Administration operations plan advisory indicates.

SpaceX has yet to officially announce this trio of missions — which would become the unparalleled 77th, 78th and 79th orbital rocket launches during a single calendar year from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station and NASA’s Kennedy Space Center.