Month: August 2023

For the first time, researchers have observed “quantum superchemistry” in the lab.  Long theorized but never before seen, quantum superchemistry is a phenomenon in which atoms or molecules in the same quantum state chemically react more rapidly than do atoms or molecules that are in different quantum states. A quantum state is a set of characteristics of a quantum particle, such as spin (angular momentum) or energy level.  To observe this new super-charged chemistry, researchers had to coax not just atoms, but entire molecules, into the same quantum state. When…

In the late 1800s, archaeologists discovered an arrowhead at a Bronze Age dwelling in Mörigen, Switzerland. In the years since, the 3,000-year-old artifact has been part of the collection at the Bern Historical Museum. Now, a new analysis reveals that the object is no ordinary arrowhead — it was crafted from a meteorite that crashed to Earth 3,500 years ago, according to a study published in the September issue of the Journal of Archaeological Science. “On the outside it looks like a typical arrowhead coated in rust,” lead author Beda…

An elusive “demon” particle has been observed inside a superconductor nearly 70 years after it was first predicted. Its discovery could help resolve the mystery of how superconductors work.  Pines’ demon is a transparent, chargeless particle discovered inside a sample of the superconductor strontium ruthenate. It is a plasmon — a ripple across the electrons of a plasma that behaves much like a particle — meaning it’s a quasiparticle.  Theorists think that plasmons may facilitate superconductivity in materials. If physicists are able to find out how, they could use Pines’…

The annual Perseid meteor shower will peak overnight Saturday (Aug. 12), and skywatchers can catch the celestial event at its most active from the comfort of their homes. The Virtual Telescope Project will provide a view of the Perseids’ peak using its all-sky camera from its facility in Manciano, Italy. The remote region offers the perfect dark skies in which to see the famous Perseid meteors. “We will be covering the Perseid meteor shower, sharing it live on the night of its peak online!” Virtual Telescope Project founder and astronomer…

You may have noticed in recent weeks that the planet Venus has slipped from the post-sunset sky, slimming into a crescent shape as it drops from view. Its reign as the bright “Evening Star” in 2023 is over, as a relatively rare celestial phenomenon takes shape. On Aug. 13, Venus will appear to be between Earth and the sun, which astronomers describe as being at inferior conjunction. It’s purely a line-of-sight phenomenon, and from Earth’s point of view it can only happen to two planets in the solar system —…