Tag: magnetic field

Extreme solar storms may be more frequent than previously thought

Researchers propose in a new study why an extreme solar storm in 1859 was so damaging to Earth’s magnetic field. They compared the storm with other extreme storms in history, suggesting this storm is not likely unique. Source: https://phys.org/news/2019-10-extreme-solar-storms-frequent-previously.html…

2-D topological physics from shaking a 1-D wire

Limiting quantum particles to move in one, two, or three dimensions has led to the observation of many striking phenomena. A prime example is the quantization of the Hall conductance measured in 2-D materials in a strong magnetic field. Nowadays, gases of ultracold atoms provide a powerful platform for easily controlling the dimensionality of quantum systems. However, it is challenging in…

Meet Alpha Cephei, a rapidly rotating star

While not one of the most conspicuous stars in the night sky, Alderamin – aka Alpha Cephei – is easy to spot, and is interesting for its rapid rotation on its axis. Source: https://earthsky.org/brightest-stars/alderamin-the-kings-brightest-star…

Quantum Hall-based superconducting interference device

In a recent report published on Science Advances, Andrew Seredinski and co-workers presented a graphene-based Josephson junction with dedicated side gates fabricated from the same sheet of graphene as the junction itself. The interdisciplinary research team in the departments of physics, astronomy and advanced materials in the U.S. and Japan found the side gates to be highly efficient, allowing them to…

Image: Solar orbiter in magnetic field simulation facility

As part of its testing campaign to prepare for launch, ESA’s Solar Orbiter spacecraft underwent a special set of tests in a very unique location, the magnetic field simulation facility near the IABG premises in Ottobrunn, Germany. Source: https://phys.org/news/2019-09-image-solar-orbiter-magnetic-field.html…