Staring at the Sun
Solar eruptions scatter high-energy magnetic particles throughout the solar system and can disrupt Earth-orbiting satellites, wreaking havoc on TV transmissions and communications. This fall, NASA plans to launch two satellites that will help astronomers better predict these gigantic events. The satellites, loaded with instruments such as 3-D imagers and particle and magnetic-field detectors, will track Earth’s orbit around the Sun, with one ahead of and the other trailing Earth. Their readings will be combined into a stereo-like view that will enable earlier warnings of solar activity, allowing satellites to power down or go on standby. “It’s like turning off the TV during a lightning storm,” says Michael L. Kaiser, a NASA scientist on the project.

Keep Reading
Most Popular

The hype around DeepMind’s new AI model misses what’s actually cool about it
Some worry that the chatter about these tools is doing the whole field a disservice.

The walls are closing in on Clearview AI
The controversial face recognition company was just fined $10 million for scraping UK faces from the web. That might not be the end of it.

A quick guide to the most important AI law you’ve never heard of
The European Union is planning new legislation aimed at curbing the worst harms associated with artificial intelligence.

These materials were meant to revolutionize the solar industry. Why hasn’t it happened?
Perovskites are promising, but real-world conditions have held them back.
Stay connected

Get the latest updates from
MIT Technology Review
Discover special offers, top stories, upcoming events, and more.