Skip to content

Categories: space

  • Deep space telescope captures Neptune’s auroras for the first time

    Scientists from Northumbria University captured Neptune's auroras for the first time using NASA's James Webb Space Telescope. This groundbreaking discovery, revealing unique auroral characteristics and significant atmospheric cooling, enhances understanding of Neptune's magnetic field and its interactions with solar particles.

  • New study unveils breakthrough in understanding cosmic particle accelerators

    A new study reveals insights into cosmic particle accelerators, explaining how collisionless shock waves accelerate electrons to extreme speeds. Combining satellite data and theoretical advancements, researchers address the electron injection problem, enhancing understanding of cosmic ray origins and energy transfer in space.

  • Magnetic tornado is stirring up the haze at Jupiter’s poles

    While Jupiter’s Great Red Spot has been a constant feature of the planet for centuries, astronomers have discovered equally large spots at the planet’s north and south poles that appear and disappear seemingly at random.

  • Major boost for North East space sector following £2.5 million investment

    The North East space sector has received a 2.5 million investment from EPSRC, establishing the North East Space Communications Accelerator (NESCA) to enhance research, innovation, and skills in space technology, aiming to create jobs and stimulate economic growth over four years.

  • Satellites could hold the key to keeping the lights turned on

    The SAT-Guard project aims to leverage satellite technology to enhance energy management and restore power following extreme weather events. Funded by UK Research and Innovation, it seeks to improve grid resilience and coordination of distributed energy resources across the UK.

  • First successful routine measurements of Sun’s magnetic field in the corona

    A team of scientists have successfully carried out regular measurements of the outermost layer of the Sun’s atmosphere for the first time – giving us a much better understanding of the magnetic field within this region, known as the solar corona.
    The Sun’s magnetic field plays a key role in shaping its atmosphere, with activity such as solar eruptions and the heating of the corona to millions o

  • Helping to uncover how the solar wind gets its energy

    Since the 1960s, astronomers have wondered how the Sun’s supersonic “solar wind,” a stream of energetic particles that flows out into the Solar System, continues to receive energy once it leaves the Sun. Now, thanks to a fortunate line up of two spacecraft currently in space studying the Sun, they may have discovered the answer.

  • Visitors to Life Science Centre to help with vital space research

    Visitors to Newcastle's Life Science Centre can participate in a study to help astronauts on the Artemis Moon exploration program. By applying K-tape to astronauts’ ankles, it is believed balance on the Moon's surface can be improved. Results will be shared with the European Space Agency. Northumbria University is leading space innovation.

  • Telescope reveals unexpected activity above Jupiter’s Great Red Spot

    New observations from the James Webb Space Telescope reveal surprising activity in Jupiter's ionosphere above the Great Red Spot. Scientists have discovered intricate structures and unexpected small-scale activity caused by gravity waves from the massive storm. This new insight challenges previous understanding of Jupiter's upper atmosphere.

  • Mystery of ‘slow’ solar wind unveiled by Solar Orbiter mission

    Scientists using data from the Solar Orbiter spacecraft have made progress in understanding the origins of the 'slow' solar wind, shedding light on how it forms and leaves the Sun. This research helps explain the variability and complexity of the solar wind, providing new insights into its behavior and composition.

Show more