Physics - Browse Physics

81.

Focus

A Super Mix Inside Neutron Stars

Phys. Rev. Focus 22, 3 (2008) – Published July 18, 2008

The mixture of a superconductor and a superfluid–as may occur inside a neutron star–could respond to the star’s magnetic field in ways never seen in earthly superconductors, according to a new theory. The strange material doesn’t fit into the two standard superconducting categories.

82.

Focus

Triggering Solar Mayhem

Phys. Rev. Focus 16, 18 (2005) – Published December 14, 2005

A new theory may explain what triggers solar flares, explosions of solar energy that can affect earthly communications.

83.

Focus

The Weight of Light

Phys. Rev. Focus 16, 1 (2005) – Published July 12, 2005

In 1960 physicists finally verified Einstein’s 1911 prediction that gravity could change light’s frequency. Understanding the effect is essential to modern navigational technology.

84.

Focus

Neutron Star Weigh-In

Phys. Rev. Focus 15, 21 (2005) – Published June 14, 2005

Gravitational waves from merging neutron star pairs could help reveal their mysterious and exotic material properties.

85.

Focus

An Unconventional Birth

Phys. Rev. Focus 15, 5 (2005) – Published February 4, 2005

A neutron star may have formed quietly from a white dwarf, rather than from a supernova, as the standard theory predicts.

86.

Focus

Sowing the Seeds of Planets

Phys. Rev. Focus 14, 2 (2004) – Published July 9, 2004

A rocket experiment suggests that dust grains in the infant solar system first assembled into chains, not clumps.

87.

Focus

A Constant Worthy of the Name

Phys. Rev. Focus 13, 13 (2004) – Published March 31, 2004

New astronomical observations contradict the claim that fundamental constants were different in the early universe.

88.

Focus

The Field that Ate the Milky Way

Phys. Rev. Focus 12, 24 (2003) – Published December 19, 2003

Computer simulations support the controversial theory that the magnetic fields enveloping galaxies are as old as the Universe.

89.

Focus

Supernovae that Don’t Explode

Phys. Rev. Focus 11, 30 (2003) – Published June 27, 2003

A supernova simulated using state-of-the-art equations doesn’t explode, exposing astrophysicists’ ignorance about neutrino physics.

90.

Focus

Galaxy Shadows

Phys. Rev. Focus 11, 8 (2003) – Published February 27, 2003

A new method may help ensure the accuracy of simulations of galactic evolution.

91.

Focus

Casting a Strange Glow

Phys. Rev. Focus 10, 13 (2002) – Published September 20, 2002

Bare quark stars may give off a unique signal that could soon be detected.

92.

Focus

Galaxies Help Weigh Neutrinos

Phys. Rev. Focus 10, 2 (2002) – Published July 12, 2002

The clustering of galaxies in space places the tightest bound yet on the mass of the wispy neutrino.

93.

Focus

Asteroids Lost in Space

Phys. Rev. Focus 9, 31 (2002) – Published June 14, 2002

A theory inspired by chemical reactions may give researchers a new tool for understanding the flow of asteroids and comets across the solar system.

94.

Focus

Close-Up of Colliding Magnetic Fields

Phys. Rev. Focus 9, 30 (2002) – Published June 12, 2002

The closest view yet of the process that connects the magnetic fields of the Earth and Sun hints at unexpected phenomena.

95.

Focus

Starquakes Rock an Ion Crystal

Phys. Rev. Focus 8, 23 (2001) – Published October 25, 2001

An ion crystal simulates the ‘starquakes’ of neutron stars.

96.

Focus

Neutrinos Reveal Star’s Inner Secrets

Phys. Rev. Focus 7, 26 (2001) – Published June 1, 2001

Neutrino observatories may be able to detect exotic matter in proto-neutron stars or witness the births of black holes.

97.

Focus

Spontaneous Cold Plasma

Phys. Rev. Focus 6, 23 (2000) – Published November 17, 2000

An ultracold plasma can form spontaneously from a cloud of cold, excited atoms.

98.

Focus

A Galactic Condensate

Phys. Rev. Focus 6, 5 (2000) – Published August 9, 2000

A new theory proposes that dark matter consists of particles so light that their quantum, wavelike nature dominates.

99.

Focus

Space Dust in a Vacuum

Phys. Rev. Focus 5, 29 (2000) – Published June 27, 2000

Physicists have shown how dust becomes charged by light on the moon, on asteroids, and in comets.

100.

Focus

Neutron Star’s Glitch is Physicists’ Gain

Phys. Rev. Focus 4, 22 (1999) – Published October 25, 1999

Sudden ‘spin-up’ events in neutron stars can be used to learn about their mass and size.