Astronomers utilizing ESO’s Very Large Telescope (VLT) have captured stunning shock waves surrounding the white dwarf star 1RXS J052832.5+283824 (commonly known as RXJ0528+2838). This extraordinary phenomenon challenges existing astrophysical models and has the potential to transform our understanding of stellar evolution.
Image credit: ESO / Iłkiewicz et al. showcasing the shockwave around the white dwarf RXJ0528+2838, captured by the MUSE instrument of ESO’s VLT.
Located approximately 730 light-years away in the constellation Auriga, RXJ0528+2838 orbits the center of the Milky Way, similar to our Sun and other stars.
According to Dr. Noel Castro-Segura from the University of Warwick, “As the white dwarf traverses space, it interacts with interstellar gas, causing a type of shock wave known as a bow shock, which resembles a wave building up in front of a moving ship.”
Interestingly, while bow shocks are typically produced by material expelled from the star, the mechanisms observed in RXJ0528+2838 remain unexplained.
RXJ0528+2838 is part of a binary system, with a sun-like companion star. In such systems, gas is often transferred to the white dwarf, creating an accretion disk. However, this disk appears absent, leading to questions about the source of the observed outflow and the surrounding nebula.
Dr. Simone Scaringi from Durham University expressed: “The fact that a seemingly quiet, diskless system could produce such an impressive nebula was a remarkable surprise.”
Astronomers initially identified an unusual nebula around RXJ0528+2838 through images captured by the Isaac Newton Telescope in Spain, prompting further investigation with the MUSE instrument at VLT.
The size and shape of the bow shock indicate that the white dwarf has been generating significant outflows for over 1,000 years.
Although the exact mechanism for such a prolonged outflow from a diskless white dwarf is still under investigation, scientists speculate that RXJ0528+2838 possesses a strong magnetic field, evidenced by MUSE data.
This magnetic field may funnel material directly from the companion star to the white dwarf, bypassing the formation of an accretion disk.
Dr. Christian Ikiewicz from the Nicolaus Copernicus Astronomical Center remarked, “Our findings indicate that diskless systems can still produce powerful outflows, revealing complex interactions that challenge traditional binary star models.”
While the detected magnetic field can sustain a bow shock for hundreds of years, it only partially accounts for the phenomena observed.
“We’ve uncovered something unprecedented and unexpectedly remarkable,” Dr. Scaringi noted.
For further reading on this groundbreaking discovery, refer to the published paper in the journal Nature Astronomy.
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K. Iwkiewicz et al. Persistent bow shock in a diskless magnetized accreting white dwarf. Nat Astron, published online on January 12, 2026. doi: 10.1038/s41550-025-02748-8
The wave function of a quantum object might extend beyond mere mathematical representation
Povitov/Getty Images
Does quantum mechanics accurately depict reality, or is it merely our flawed method of interpreting the peculiar characteristics of minuscule entities? A notable experiment aimed at addressing this inquiry has been conducted using quantum computers, yielding unexpectedly solid results. Quantum mechanics genuinely represents reality, at least in the context of small quantum systems. These findings could lead to the development of more efficient and dependable quantum devices.
Since the discovery of quantum mechanics over a hundred years ago, its uncertain and probabilistic traits have confounded scientists. For instance, take superposition. Are particles truly existing in multiple locations simultaneously, or do the calculations of their positions merely provide varying probabilities of their actual whereabouts? If it’s the latter, then there are hidden aspects of reality within quantum mechanics that may be restricting our certainty. These elusive aspects are termed “hidden variables,” and theories based on this premise are classified as hidden variable theories.
In the 1960s, physicist John Bell devised an experiment intended to disprove such theories. The Bell test explores quantum mechanics by evaluating the connections, or entanglement, between distant quantum particles. If these particles exhibit quantum qualities surpassing a certain threshold, indicating that their entanglement is nonlocal and spans any distance, hidden variable theories can be dismissed. The Bell test has since been performed on various quantum systems, consistently affirming the intrinsic nonlocality of the quantum realm.
In 2012, physicists Matthew Pusey, Jonathan Barrett, and Terry Rudolph developed a more comprehensive test (dubbed PBR in their honor) that enables researchers to differentiate between various interpretations of quantum systems. Among these are the ontic perspective, asserting that measurements of a quantum system and its wavefunction (a mathematical representation of a quantum state) correspond to reality. Conversely, the epistemological view suggests that this wavefunction is an illusion, concealing a richer reality beneath.
If we operate under the assumption that quantum systems possess no ulterior hidden features that impact the system beyond the wave function, the mathematics of PBR indicates we ought to comprehend phenomena ontically. This implies that quantum behavior is genuine, no matter how peculiar it appears. PBR tests function by comparing different quantum elements, such as qubits in a quantum computer, assessing how frequently they register consistent values for specific properties, like spin. If the epistemological perspective is accurate, the qubits will report identical values more often than quantum mechanics would suggest, implying that additional factors are at play.
Yang Songqinghao and his colleagues at the University of Cambridge have created a method to perform PBR tests on a functioning IBM Heron quantum computer. The findings reveal that if the number of qubits is minimal, it’s possible to assert that a quantum system is ontic. In essence, quantum mechanics appears to operate as anticipated, as consistently demonstrated by the Bell test.
Yang and his team executed this validation by evaluating the overall output from a pair or group of five qubits, such as a sequence of 1s and 0s, and determined the frequency at which this outcome aligned with predictions regarding the behavior of the quantum system, factoring in inherent errors.
“Currently, all quantum hardware is noisy and every operation introduces errors, so if we add this noise to the PBR threshold, what is the interpretation? [of our system]? ” remarks Yang. “We discovered that if we conduct the experiment on a small scale, we can fulfill the original PBR test and eliminate the epistemological interpretation.” The existence of hidden variables vanishes.
While they successfully demonstrated this for a limited number of qubits, they encountered difficulties replicating the same results for a larger set of qubits on a 156-qubit IBM machine. The error or noise present in the system becomes excessive, preventing researchers from distinguishing between the two scenarios in a PBR test.
This implies that the test cannot definitively determine whether the world is entirely quantum. At certain scales, the ontic view may dominate, yet at larger scales, the precise actions of quantum effects remain obscured.
Utilizing this test to validate the “quantum nature” of quantum computers could provide assurance that these machines not only function as intended but also enhance their potential for achieving quantum advantage: the capability to carry out tasks that would be impractically time-consuming for classical computers. “To obtain a quantum advantage, you must have quantum characteristics within your quantum computer. If not, you can discover a corresponding classical algorithm,” asserts team member Haom Yuan from Cambridge University.
“The concept of employing PBR as a benchmark for device efficacy is captivating,” he notes. Matthew Pusey PhD from York University, UK, one of the original PBR authors. However, Pusey remains uncertain about its implications for reality. “The primary purpose of conducting experiments rather than relying solely on theory is to ascertain whether quantum theory can be erroneous. Yet, if quantum theory is indeed flawed, what questions does that raise? The entire framework of ontic and epistemic states presupposes quantum theory.”
Understanding Reality To successfully conduct a PBR test, it’s essential to devise a method of performing the test without presuming that quantum theory is accurate. “A minority of individuals contend that quantum physics fundamentally fails at mesoscopic scales,” states Terry Rudolph, one of the PBR test’s founders from Imperial College London. “This experiment might not pertain to dismissing certain proposals, but let me be straightforward: I am uncertain! – Investigating fundamental aspects of quantum theory in progressively larger systems will always contribute to refining the search for alternative theories.”
LAS VEGAS — As spring temperatures began to climb in Phoenix, Dr. Jeffrey Johnston prepared for a grim summer trend featuring numerous fatalities.
In the past decade, Johnston, the chief medical examiner for Maricopa County, Arizona, has witnessed an alarming rise in deaths attributed to extreme heat. The heat-related fatalities in the county surged from several dozen in 2014 to 645 in 2023.
“The spike was so severe and prolonged that we approached it as a mass casualty incident,” he commented, referring to the recent summer.
However, Maricopa County—home to the most populated area in the desert southwest—has made significant investments in heat preparedness and mitigation strategies. Cooling centers in Phoenix are now operational every day of the week. The county has scaled up its heat safety communications efforts and appointed a full-time heat mitigation coordinator.
Consequently, there were fewer heat-related deaths last year compared to the previous year, despite experiencing record temperatures for the first time in a decade. With summer concluded, officials are reviewing the year’s achievements, and initial data indicates that the trend of decline is continuing: Maricopa County has reported 185 heat-related fatalities so far, significantly lower than the 284 reported at the same time last year.
Phoenix firefighters provide aid to a homeless individual during a heat wave in Phoenix on May 30, 2024. Matt York/AP File
In contrast, a troubling situation is arising in Clark County, Nevada’s second most populous area, which includes Las Vegas. The fatalities from heatstroke here have more than tripled within three years, reaching a record high of 513 in 2024. While the current year’s death toll is still not finalized, it is expected that the number of heat-related deaths will be in the hundreds.
Ariel Choinard, a scientist at the Desert Research Institute in Las Vegas, noted that last summer’s extreme heat served as a major wake-up call.
“Seeing a 120-degree temperature in Las Vegas made people realize, ‘Oh my gosh, this is really serious,'” she said.
Choinard has been pivotal in local initiatives addressing heat-related fatalities in Clark County and is tracking advancements in Maricopa County. She recognizes there is still work to be done.
“They began tackling the heat issue earlier than we did here, so they have made more progress in several respects,” she remarked.
Heat causes more fatalities in the United States each year than other weather-related disasters such as hurricanes, floods, and tornadoes, as reported by the National Weather Service. As climate change exacerbates the frequency and severity of heat waves, these two counties in one of the fastest-warming regions of the U.S. exemplify the urgent measures needed to preserve lives in light of this escalating threat and the severe consequences of inaction.
“All of these deaths are preventable.”
Heat disproportionately affects vulnerable populations. Individuals lacking access to air conditioning, including those experiencing homelessness or residing in low-income areas or mobile homes, face heightened risks. Outdoor workers, people with pre-existing conditions, and the elderly are also at increased danger.
In Maricopa County last year, 49% of heat-related deaths were linked to homelessness, while 57% were due to substance use. Therefore, strategies aimed at preventing fatalities from extreme heat must prioritize these vulnerable groups.
Maricopa County sought to address this by expanding its network of cooling centers and hydration stations in 2023, especially after experiencing 31 consecutive days of record-breaking temperatures of 110 degrees or higher that led to a rapid increase in heat-related deaths.
The wave functions of atoms can expand without altering their shape
ShutterStock / Bolbik
Extremely cold atoms show a unique ability to self-integrate their quantum states, allowing for imaging with remarkable clarity. This capability aids researchers in exploring the behaviors of quantum particles within unusual materials like superconductors and superfluids.
Mapping the quantum states of atoms, particularly the shape of their wavefunction, poses significant challenges—especially when atoms are densely packed in solids and interact closely. To delve into the quantum behaviors of such materials, scientists convert quantum properties into extremely cold atoms, which they can manipulate with lasers and electromagnetic fields, arranging them into closely packed patterns that mimic atomic structures in solid materials.
Sandra Brantetter from the University of Heidelberg, along with her team, has developed methods to expand the wave functions of hyperpolar atoms by a factor of 50, enhancing their detectability.
Starting with around 30 lithium atoms cooled to just a few millionths above absolute zero, researchers trapped these atoms in a flat configuration using lasers, allowing for precise control of their quantum states. The team then manipulated the properties of the light used, effectively enlarging the atoms’ wave functions while carefully managing the trapping conditions to maintain stability, akin to fine-tuning a microscope’s lens, according to Brandstetter.
Following these adjustments, the researchers employed a reliable atomic detection technique to visualize wave functions in detail that were previously unattainable. “When imaging a system without prior magnification, the result is merely a singular blob, obscuring any structural insights,” Brandstetter explains.
Utilizing this innovative technique, the team examined various atomic configurations. For instance, they successfully imaged a pair of atoms interacting and forming molecules; the magnification permitted them to distinguish between each individual atom. The most complex setup involved 12 interacting atoms, each exhibiting different quantum spins that dictate the material’s magnetic properties.
Jonathan Mortlock notes that although similar magnification methods have been explored at Durham University, this experiment is the first to utilize such an approach for identifying the quantum characteristics of individual atoms in an array—details once deemed inaccessible.
The team aims to apply this method to study the phenomena when two quantum particles known as fermions coalesce into liquids that exhibit zero viscosity or conduct electricity with complete efficiency. Understanding these states could pave the way for the development of superior electronic devices. However, researchers must first achieve a deeper comprehension of how fermions assemble and the implications of pairing within the quantum state. Brandstetter states that new techniques now allow for the creation of ultra-cold fermionic atoms and the imaging of their enlarged wave functions.
The game I’m eagerly anticipating at the moment is Big Walk, the newest creation from House House, the developers behind the beautiful Untitled Goose Game. This cooperative multiplayer adventure invites players to explore an expansive world, and I’m excited to see what intense gameplay arises from it. Will Big Walk allow for a unique form of community archaeology with friends? I genuinely hope so.
From the placement of objects to audio recordings and graffiti, if the game effectively employs environmental storytelling, it encourages players to embody the role of archaeologists. Game designer Ben Esposito characterized environmental storytelling in 2016 as “the technique of placing a skull near a toilet.” – This might have been a critique directed at games like the Fallout series, but his quick remark illustrates how an archaeological narrative can unfold within a game. After all, the contrast between the skull and the toilet can provoke numerous questions and interpretations about the past within that game world, albeit a rather absurd one.
I have worked as an archaeologist in the tangible world, where I was involved in excavations, fieldwork, and site evaluations across the UK. Currently, I’m pursuing a PhD in Computer Science with a focus on video game archaeology. We are developing innovative methods to document gameplay experiences, including conducting in-game interviews with players and tracking in-game messages in Elden Ring.
Given my background, I often find myself contemplating the games where you play roles akin to an archaeologist, whether as a grave robber or an unknown entity, as well as those that simulate the tasks we perform in the field. Games like What Remains of Edith Finch encourage players to immerse themselves in the environment and contemplate what the objects scattered throughout signify. Dr. Melissa Kägen, an assistant professor of interactive media and game development at Worcester Polytechnic Institute, refers to this type of interpretive gameplay in Walking Simulators as “archive adventure.”
Ready to play the role… Outer Wilds: Archaeologist’s Edition. Photo: Nintendo Switch
However, it’s not limited to Sims; there are various puzzle games where one can take on the role of an archaeologist, piecing together remnants of the past from archived materials and clues. While some may label these games as “Metroidvanias,” I have a personal affinity for them. Essentially, “information games” (a term coined by developer Tom Francis) require players to formulate theories based on available information and utilize those theories to gain further insights. Heaven’s Vault stands out with its core mechanic of deciphering ancient languages, while other information games like Return of the Obra Dinn, Her Story, and Outer Wilds (which even has a dedicated “archaeologist edition”) encourage players to excavate clues related to their environments and histories.
In my research, I aim to explore how modern gaming can be documented as meticulously as ancient artifacts. I’ve noticed numerous parallels in the gaming landscape. The methods players use to document their experiences—such as screenshots, mapping, and journaling—mirror techniques employed by real-world archaeologists. Some games integrate these documentation methods as central mechanics. A prime example is Season: A Letter to the Future, where players capture the world’s essence just before a cataclysm through their diary entries. Games that prompt note-taking certainly enhance the recording of gameplay experiences, such as the anticipated 2025 puzzle sensation, Blue Prince.
If you’re interested in becoming a video game archaeologist rather than just Tomb Raider-ing, look for the skull next to the toilet. Better yet, document your findings. Future gaming archaeologists will be grateful!
What to Play
Obsessive and stylish… Shinobu: The Art of Vengeance. Photo: Sega
In today’s gaming scene, many classic ’80s arcade titles are being rediscovered, with Gradius Origins delighting shoot-’em-up aficionados and Bandai Namco’s Shadow Labyrinth offering a fresh take on Pac-Man.
Next up is Sega’s Shinobu: The Art of Vengeance, a stylish platformer adventure heavily inspired by classic ninja brawler aesthetics. Players navigate a richly hand-drawn cyberpunk world with an impressive array of combat abilities, weapons, and combos. The French developer LizardCube has masterfully blended captivating visual flair with the nostalgic immediacy and modern enhancements of the original title. Expect to relive fond memories while executing fierce moves to dispatch enemies in a visually stunning ballet of violence.
Available on: PC, PS4/5, Xbox Estimated playtime: 15 hours
What to Read
Switch and Bait… I’m waiting outside my Nintendo store for the release of Nintendo Switch 2. Photo: Kylie Cooper/Reuters
Curious about Nintendo‘s game design philosophy? The upcoming book “Super Nintendo” by Keza McDonald is available for pre-order. This in-depth examination offers a behind-the-scenes look at the legendary game and console maker, featuring insights from key figures, including Miyamoto himself. A must-read!
Over 450 Diablo developers have voted to unionize, as reported by The Communications Workers of America. Nav Bhetti, a senior software engineer on Team 3, shared, “Throughout my development career, I’ve observed my colleagues paying the ‘passion tax’ to work in the industry we cherish.”
Have you heard of “friendsslop“? Nicole Carpenter explores emerging genres in social gaming, such as Peak, Fatal Company, and Content Warning. Find out what developers can glean from focusing on cooperative experimentation with peers.
Console Wars… Indiana Jones and the Big Circle. Photo: Game Press
This week’s question comes from Richard B. via email.
“Does the console war still exist?”
This is a topic currently under scrutiny throughout the industry. In February, Xbox Chief Phil Spencer told Xboxera that he’s no longer focused on attracting players from PlayStation or PC. Just three months later, previously exclusive titles like Indiana Jones and the Big Circle have been announced for PS5, alongside Gears of War: Reloaded being linked to Sony’s platform. In return, Sony will release Helldivers 2 on Xbox, with more collaborations likely to follow. A recent Sony job listing suggests they are indeed open to this.
Cross Play—features available in games like Fortnite and Apex Legends—allows players across different systems to compete. In an industry where mobile gaming is increasingly dominant, with NewZoo projecting a worth of $92.5 billion for mobile games in 2024, the competitive landscape is changing.
Still, gamers are inherently territorial in nature. Brand loyalty remains a significant facet of fandom (think Nikon vs. Canon, Nike vs. Reebok, or Android vs. iPhone). Technical specifications are merely one aspect of these rivalries, with style, image, and identity also playing vital roles. Thus, don’t anticipate Xbox and PlayStation to transform into mere apps across various platforms anytime soon. Some battles may come to a close, yet the war rages on.
If you have any questions or thoughts regarding the newsletter, please feel free to reply or email us at butingbuttons@theguardian.com.
Svalbard experienced unprecedented heatwaves in the summer of 2024
Xinhua Newsletter/Shutterstock
During the summer of 2024, six weeks of exceptional heat resulted in significant ice melt on Svalbard, an island in the Arctic. By summer’s end, 1% of the archipelago’s land ice had vanished, contributing to a global sea level rise of 0.16 mm.
“It was incredibly startling,” said Thomas Schuler from the University of Oslo, Norway. “This wasn’t just a minor record; the melt was nearly double the previous highs.”
Over half of Svalbard is covered in ice. Snowfall during winter contributes to the ice, while summertime sees glacial currents flowing into the ocean and surface, resulting in ice retreat.
Schuler’s team utilizes a combination of field measurements, satellite imagery, and computer simulations to assess changes in the total ice mass of the archipelago.
Since 1991, summers have typically seen the melting of Gigatonnes of ice. However, four of the last five years have recorded new highs in summer ice loss. Last summer alone, approximately 62 Gigatonnes melted, predominantly due to surface melting, not ice flowing into the ocean.
In 2024, Schuler and his colleagues observed land rising by a record 16mm at one location, consistent with predictions of ice loss.
This extraordinary melting results from record high air temperatures. The average August temperature reached 11°C (52°F), compared to about 7°C (45°F) in recent decades. This extreme phenomenon stemmed from warm ocean temperatures and persistent weather patterns bringing warm winds from the south, coupled with a dramatic increase in global warming.
While such severe summer heat is currently rare, climate models predict that as global temperatures rise, similar events will become more common. Indeed, even under low emissions scenarios, over half of the summers leading to 2100 could surpass this temperature threshold.
Schuler’s team has yet to predict future ice loss under various emission scenarios. Although winter snowfall is expected to increase slightly as the atmosphere becomes more humid, it will not be sufficient to counterbalance the significantly larger summer melting.
Jupiter’s surrounding space is among the most unique in our solar system, and the plasma present is equally remarkable, exhibiting unprecedented wave patterns.
Robert Lysak, from the University of Minnesota, explores Aurora phenomena. These captivating displays of green and blue light on Earth are accompanied by nearly undetectable ultraviolet rays near Jupiter’s poles.
To comprehend the auroras on this distant planet, it’s vital to grasp the intricacies of the plasma that generates these lights—a mix of charged particles and atomic components that envelopes the planet. Insights gathered from NASA’s Juno spacecraft have led Lysak and his team to identify that Jupiter’s Auroral Plasma resonates with a novel type of wave.
This newly identified wave is a combination of two well-characterized types of plasma waves: the Alfven wave, which arises from the motion of charged particles, and the Langmuir wave, which corresponds to electron movement. Lysak points out that since electrons are much lighter than charged particles, these two kinds of waves typically oscillate at vastly different frequencies.
However, the environment near Jupiter’s poles possesses conditions ideal for both waves to oscillate together. This is enabled by the low density of the plasma in that region and the strong magnetic field exerted by the planet.
“The plasma characteristics observed are truly unique when compared to those in other parts of our solar system,” states John Leif Jorgensen at the Institute of Technology Denmark. With Juno’s data uncovering new wave patterns, he believes we can learn more about the magnetic attributes of distant exoplanets by looking for similar signals.
Juno is currently in orbit around Jupiter, with Lysak noting that if its mission is extended, it could provide unparalleled insights into the giant planet and its complexities. This mission, however, is one among several that may face cuts due to proposed NASA budget reductions.
“Discontinuing missions while they are yielding valuable data would be a significant setback for our field,” concludes Lysak.
Astronomers using the MeerKAT Pulsar Timing Array, an international experiment using South Africa’s MeerKAT radio telescope, have discovered further evidence of gravitational wave signals originating from supermassive black hole mergers.
miles others. Created the most detailed map of gravitational waves throughout the universe to date. Image credit: Carl Knox / OzGrav / Swinburne University of Technology / South African Radio Astronomical Observatory.
“Our research opens up new avenues for understanding the universe we live in,” said astronomer Dr Matt Miles from the ARC Gravitational Wave Discovery Center (OzGRav) and Swinburne University of Technology. .
“By studying the background, we can listen to the echoes of cosmic events over billions of years. It reveals how galaxies and the universe itself have evolved over time.”
The MeerKAT Pulsar Timing Array observes and times pulsars (fast-spinning neutron stars) with nanosecond precision.
Pulsars act as natural clocks, and their steady pulses allow scientists to detect minute changes caused by passing gravitational waves.
This galaxy-scale detector provides the opportunity to map gravitational waves across the sky, revealing patterns and intensities that defy previous assumptions.
“The gravitational wave background is often thought to be uniformly distributed across the sky,” says Rowena Nathan, an astronomer at Ozgrab University and Monash University.
“The galaxy-sized telescope formed by the MeerKAT pulsar timing array allows us to map the structure of this signal with unprecedented precision, potentially revealing insights into its source.”
Astronomers have found further evidence of gravitational wave signals originating from merging supermassive black holes, capturing a signal more powerful than a similar global experiment in just one-third of the time.
“What we’re seeing suggests a much more dynamic and active Universe than we expected,” Dr. Miles said.
“We know that supermassive black holes are merging off Earth, but now we’re starting to know where they are and how many there are.”
Researchers used pulsar timing arrays to improve existing methods to build highly detailed gravitational wave maps.
This map revealed an interesting anomaly: an unexpected hotspot in the signal, suggesting a possible directional bias.
“The presence of a hotspot could point to a distinct source of gravitational waves, such as a pair of black holes billions of times more massive than the sun,” Nathan said.
“Looking at the arrangement and pattern of gravitational waves tells us how our universe exists today and contains signals from around the time of the Big Bang.”
“While there is still more work to be done to determine the significance of the hotspots we discovered, this is an exciting step forward for our field.”
“These discoveries raise exciting questions about the formation of supermassive black holes and the early history of the universe.”
“Further monitoring by the MeerKAT array could improve these gravitational wave maps and reveal new cosmic phenomena.”
“The research also has broader implications, with data that could help international scientists explore the origin and evolution of supermassive black holes, the formation of galactic structures, and even hints at early cosmic events. provided.”
Matthew Miles others. 2024. MeerKAT Pulsar Timing Array: 4.5 Years of Data Release and Noise and Stochastic Signals in the Millisecond Pulsar Population. MNRASin press. doi: 10.1093/mnras/stae2572
Matthew Miles others. 2024. MeerKAT Pulsar Timing Array: The first search for gravitational waves with the MeerKAT radio telescope. MNRASin press. doi: 10.1093/mnras/stae2571
Kathryn Grandthal others. 2024. MeerKAT Pulsar Timing Array: Map of the gravitational wave sky with 4.5 years of data released. MNRASin press. doi: 10.1093/mnras/stae2573
More than 50 heat records were broken in the western United States on Wednesday.
Daily temperature records include highs of 108 degrees Fahrenheit in Phoenix and 106 degrees Fahrenheit in San Jose, California.
October’s heatwave is expected to continue into the weekend, with extreme weather conditions continuing in states including California, Arizona and Nevada.
More than 50 heat records were set on Wednesday as October’s unusual heatwave continues to bake across much of the western United States.
A high temperature of 108 degrees Fahrenheit was recorded in Phoenix, breaking the previous record of 107 degrees Fahrenheit, set in 1980. According to the National Weather Service. On Wednesday, temperatures in Yuma, Arizona, reached 112 degrees, tying the previous record, also set in 1980.
California also set several daily heat records, according to the National Weather Service. San Jose recorded a high of 106 degrees, breaking previous highs of 96 degrees in both 1980 and 2012. Napa recorded a high of 103 degrees, beating the previous record of 102 degrees set in 1980.
About 29 million people were under heat warnings on Thursday. Excessive heat warning substantially in most casesCalifornia, Arizona, and Nevada.
Dozens more records are expected from California to Colorado as extreme temperatures continue into the weekend.
More dangerously high temperatures are expected in California over the next few days, with highs reaching 112 degrees in the eastern San Fernando Valley, Santa Clarita Valley and western San Fernando Valley, the National Weather Service said. High temperatures could reach 102 degrees in parts of the San Francisco Bay Area.
Temperatures in Death Valley National Park could reach highs of 113 degrees in lower elevations this weekend, making it “dangerously hot for early October,” the NWS said in an alert.
The National Weather Service also warned Arizonans of a “significant heat risk” into the weekend, with temperatures reaching 115 degrees in some parts of the state. Temperatures in parts of neighboring Nevada could reach 110 degrees by the end of the week.
Meanwhile, on the other side, temperatures rose into the mid-90s in parts of Florida recently hit by Hurricane Helen, including Tampa, Fort Myers and St. Petersburg.
Titan, Saturn’s largest moon, is the only known planet other than Earth that still retains liquid water. Liquid hydrocarbons fed by rain from Titan’s thick atmosphere form rivers, lakes, and oceans, most of which are found in the polar regions. In a new study, a team of MIT geologists surveyed Titan’s coastline and found that the moon’s large lakes and oceans were likely formed by waves.
Artist’s rendering of the surface of Saturn’s largest moon, Titan. Image by Benjamin de Bivort, debivort.org / CC BY-SA 3.0.
The existence of waves on Titan has been a somewhat controversial topic ever since NASA’s Cassini spacecraft discovered liquid puddles on Titan’s surface.
“Some people who have looked for evidence of waves haven’t seen any waves at all and have said, ‘The ocean is as smooth as a mirror,'” said Dr. Rose Palermo, a geologist with the U.S. Geological Survey. “Others have said they saw some roughness in the water but didn’t know if it was caused by waves.”
“Knowing whether there is wave activity in Titan’s oceans can provide scientists with information about the moon’s climate, including the strength of the winds that generate such waves.”
“Wave information could also help scientists predict how the shape of Titan’s ocean will change over time.”
“Rather than looking for direct signs of wave-like features in Titan images, we wanted to take a different approach and see if just looking at the shape of the coastline could tell us what it is that is eroding the coast.”
Titan’s oceans are thought to have formed when rising waters flooded a landscape crisscrossed by river valleys.
The researchers zeroed in on three scenarios for what happened next: no coastal erosion, wave-driven erosion, and uniform erosion caused by either dissolution, where liquids passively dissolve coastal material, or a mechanism where the coast gradually peels away under its own weight.
They simulated how different coastline shapes would change under each of the three scenarios.
To simulate wave erosion, the researchers took into account a variable called “fetch,” which describes the physical distance from one point on the shoreline to the other side of a lake or ocean.
“Wave erosion depends on the height and angle of the waves,” Dr Palermo said.
“We used the fetch to estimate wave height because the bigger the fetch, the further away the wind will blow and the bigger the waves will be.”
Cassini observed Titan’s surface with microwaves and found several grooves that are deep canyons filled with liquid hydrocarbons, including Vid Fulmina, a branching network of thin lines in the upper left quadrant of the image. Image credit: NASA / JPL-Caltech / ASI.
To test how coastline shape would differ between the three scenarios, the scientists started with a simulated ocean area with a flooded river valley all around it.
For wave erosion, we calculated the fetch distance from every point along the coastline to every other point and converted that distance to wave height.
They then ran simulations to see how waves would erode the original shoreline over time.
They compared this to how the same coastline would change due to erosion caused by uniform erosion.
The authors repeated this comparative modelling for hundreds of different initial shoreline configurations.
They found that the shape of the termini varies greatly depending on the underlying mechanism.
Most notably, uniform erosion produced a bulging shoreline that was evenly distributed all around, even in flooded river valleys, whereas wave erosion smoothed out portions of the shoreline exposed primarily to long downstream distances, leaving the flooded valleys narrow and rough.
“Although the initial coastline was the same, we found that uniform erosion and wave erosion resulted in very different final shapes,” Dr Perron said.
“Although it looks like a flying spaghetti monster because of the flooded river valley, the endpoints created by the two types of erosion are very different.”
This image is a composite of images taken during two flybys of Titan in 2006. A large circular feature near the center of Titan’s disk may be the remnant of a very old impact basin. The mountain range southeast of the circular feature and the long, dark linear feature northwest of the old impact site may be the result of deformation of Titan’s crust caused by energy released when the impact occurred. Image credit: NASA/JPL/University of Arizona.
Dr. Perron and his colleagues verified their results by comparing their simulation results with actual lakes on Earth.
They found the same shape differences between Earth’s lakes known to have been eroded by waves and those affected by homogeneous erosion, such as dissolved limestone.
Their modelling revealed distinct and distinctive shapes depending on the mechanism by which the shoreline evolved.
So they wondered: Where does Titan’s coastline fit into these distinctive shapes?
In particular, they focused on four of Titan’s largest and best-mapped oceans: Kraken Mare, which is comparable in size to the Caspian Sea; Ligeia Mare, which is larger than Lake Superior; Punga Mare, which is longer than Lake Victoria; and Lake Ontario, which is about 20% the size of the land-based lake of the same name.
The researchers used Cassini’s radar images to map the coastlines of each of Titan’s oceans, and then applied their model to the coastlines of each ocean to see which erosion mechanisms best explain their shape.
They found that all four oceans fit closely to the wave-induced erosion model, meaning that waves created the closest coastlines to Titan’s four oceans.
“We found that when the shoreline is eroding, its shape is more consistent with wave-driven erosion than uniform erosion or no erosion,” Dr Perron said.
Scientists are trying to figure out how strong Titan’s winds would need to be to churn up waves strong enough to repeatedly scrape away the shoreline.
They also hope to learn from the shape of Titan’s coastline which direction the winds primarily blow from.
“Titan shows us that this case is completely pristine,” Dr. Palermo said.
“It may help us learn more fundamental things about how coasts erode without human influence, which in turn may help us better manage coastlines around the world in the future.”
Melting ice in Greenland could worsen extreme weather across Europe
REDA & CO srl/Alamy
Europe's 10 hottest and driest summers in the past 40 years have all come after a particularly large amount of fresh water was released from the Greenland ice sheet, meaning southern Europe will experience an especially hot summer this year. Maybe you are doing it.
They say this link occurs because the excess meltwater triggers a series of amplifying feedbacks that affect the strength and position of the atmospheric jet stream over Europe. Marilena Ortmans At the UK National Marine Centre.
“2018 and 2022 were the most recent examples,” she says. 2022 saw extreme heat and numerous bushfires across Europe, with high temperatures reaching 40°C (104°F) in parts of the UK for the first time.
These feedback effects, on top of the underlying warming trend from fossil fuel emissions, mean Europe will become even hotter and drier in coming decades as the melting of the Greenland ice sheet accelerates. Then Mr. Ortmans says:
“This is on top of the warming that is already happening due to increases in greenhouse gases,” she says.
Hotter heat waves and drier droughts are expected as the planet warms, but in some regions, such as Europe, recent heat waves and droughts have been even more extreme than climate modeling projects. Several studies have linked these extreme events to changes in the strength and position of the Arctic jet stream. The Arctic jet stream is a band of upper-level winds whose location and strength have a significant impact on weather.
But it's not clear what causes these changes, Ortmans says. Now, she and her colleagues are analyzing weather observations from the past 40 years, and the results show that extreme weather is ultimately the result of a period of increased ice melt in Greenland. It is said that there is.
“Observational statistical associations are very powerful,” she says.
The excess meltwater leads to a shallow layer of freshwater that extends south of the North Atlantic Ocean. This layer does not easily mix with the warm, salty ocean water below, causing the ocean surface to be colder than normal in winter.
This makes the gradient between this colder water and warmer water further south even more extreme, strengthening the weather front aloft. As a result, wind patterns strengthen, pushing warm water flowing northward, the North Atlantic Current, further north than usual. This further amplifies the temperature gradient.
“The front that forms between an area of cold fresh water and an area of warm ocean water is the main source of energy for storms,” she says.
Now, Oltmans' team suggests that these winter changes have lasting effects into the following summer. “Two years after the freshwater anomaly occurred, we are still seeing significant signs,” she says.
The researchers found that stronger temperature gradients lead to stronger jet streams across Europe, making the weather in southern Europe even hotter and drier. Then, as the unusually cold water recedes, the jet stream moves north, bringing hot, dry weather to northern Europe.
“We have discussed the individual links in this feedback chain before,” Ortmans says. “What we did in this study is bring these links together.”
Computer models miss this chain of feedback because they don't include factors such as large fluctuations in meltwater from year to year, she says.
“The association between Atlantic freshwater anomalies and subsequent European summer weather proposed in this study is interesting and relevant to current scientific research on long-term predictions of summer weather, especially “If that relationship holds true for future summers,” he says. adam scaife He works on long-term forecasts at the UK Met Office.
“I think this study is somewhat convincing,” he says. Fei Luo At the Singapore Climate Research Center. But when it comes to predicting summer weather, looking at the previous year's snowmelt isn't as helpful as looking at winter weather conditions, Luo said.
But Oltmans is confident enough to predict that Europe will experience more heatwaves and droughts in the coming years as Greenland's ice melts further in the summer of 2023. “I think southern Europe will experience strong heat anomalies this summer,” she says.
These are likely to become even more powerful in 2025, after which they will begin to impact Northern Europe. “We expect Northern Europe to experience another strong heatwave and drought, not this year, but in the next few years.”
Scientists used artificial intelligence to analyze more than 1 billion waves over 700 years and developed a breakthrough formula for predicting rogue waves. This groundbreaking research, which converts vast amounts of oceanographic data into equations for the probability of adverse waves, raises questions about previous theories and has significant implications for maritime safety. This research represents a major step forward in this field in terms of the accessibility of findings and the role of AI in enhancing human understanding.
Researchers from the University of Copenhagen and the University of Victoria used over 700 years of ocean wave data, including more than a billion wave observations, and advanced artificial intelligence techniques to predict the occurrence of these threatening sea giants. Previously thought to be a myth, these unusually large and rough waves can cause serious damage to ships and oil rigs. The research team leveraged AI to analyze the vast amounts of data and create a mathematical model that provides a way to predict the occurrence of rogue waves. This new knowledge contributes to making shipping safer, and has paradigm-shifting implications for the maritime industry.
Rogue waves, perceived as a part of sailor folklore for centuries, became scientifically documented when a 26-meter high wave hit the Norwegian oil platform His Draupner in 1995. Since then, research on these extreme waves has been ongoing, culminating in the breakthrough reached by the University of Copenhagen and the University of Victoria. The research team leveraged big data on ocean movements and AI techniques to map the causal variables that lead to rogue waves, ultimately developing a model which usess artificial intelligence to calculate the probability of rogue wave formation.
Incorporating data collection from buoys at 158 locations on U.S. coasts and overseas territories and over a billion waves across 700 years, the researchers were able to use AI to analyze the vast amount of data and predict the likelihood of being hit by a huge wave at sea. The AI techniques also helped the researchers discover the causes of rogue waves and translate them into an equation that describes the recipe for rogue waves. This study also challenged common perceptions about the causes of rogue waves, establishing the dominance of a phenomenon known as “linear superposition.” This new knowledge can help the shipping industry to plan routes in advance and mitigate the risk of encountering dangerous rogue waves.
The cycle begins anew, with up-and-coming companies taking over prime office space. “I’ve been selling rugs for 17 years, so I have some negotiating skills.”
10 years ago, pear VCAt the time, it was a small new venture operating out of a nondescript Palo Alto office enlivened by bright computer-themed art.This costume was sold out last week largest fund As of May, it had quietly signed a deal with file storage giant Dropbox to sublease 30,000 square feet of Class A office space in San Francisco’s Mission Bay neighborhood.
It’s one of the fastest-growing companies taking up more space in San Francisco while previous generations of companies have shrunk their physical footprints.
First issue of the San Francisco Chronicle report OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT, also just subleased two buildings totaling 486,600 square feet from Uber last week. The ride-hailing giant initially leased four buildings along the street from Dropbox, and will continue to occupy two of the buildings, which the company told the paper is “the right size.”
Meanwhile, OpenAI’s rival Anthropic has also just reportedly Large sublease contract. The plan is for him to take over his entire 250,000 square foot building in downtown San Francisco, which was previously Slack’s headquarters.
Salesforce, which acquired Slack in 2021, is an investor in Anthropic. Meanwhile, his Pejman Nozad, co-founder of Pear VC, was still relatively new to the United States from Iran and selling Persian rugs to Silicon Valley bigwigs when he sent his first check to Dropbox. I rolled one. However, such subleases don’t necessarily start with a handshake deal. When Nozad asked if his connection to Dropbox drew him to Pear’s new space, he scoffed. With space for more than 200 desks, more than 20 conference and call rooms, and a dedicated event space to host speakers, the office “was a business deal for them,” Nozad said. . “The founders were not involved. You know, I’ve been selling rugs for his 17 years, so I have some negotiating skills,” he adds with a laugh.
Certainly, if you are a growing company with deep pockets, this is a good time to enter into a sublease agreement. Sublease rates in prime locations such as Mission Bay and the city’s financial district currently range from $60 to $80 per square foot, said Colin Jaskoci, executive director of commercial real estate services firm CBRE. The higher the floor and the more amenities, the higher the price. Conditions are better for startups willing to sublease space with fewer than five years left on their lease (because they will need to lease it again somewhere else in the not-too-distant future). By contrast, office rents were above the $75 per square foot level in September 2019, before the pandemic upended the city.
There is no shortage of options at this point. San Francisco’s commercial buildings are currently 35% vacant, and more tenants are still leaving than moving in.
However, a turning point appears to be in sight. There was 1.85 million square feet of “negative net absorption” in San Francisco in the third quarter of this year, according to CBRE data. At the same time, market demand reached 5.2 million square feet, the largest increase since the first quarter of 2020. Much of that change is due to companies like OpenAI, Yasukochi suggested, and a flurry of new equipment has begun. The opportunity to rent a swanky space in a more central part of the city for the same or better price than a few years ago prompted him to set up shop. “This is a huge opportunity for companies looking to bring back their employees,” Yasukochi said. (OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has long said he believes hiring employees makes companies more efficient.) convene directly.)
In fact, Yasukochi predicts that if the economy improves and interest rates fall in the second half of the new year, tech companies in particular will recover more quickly, and cities will also be dragged along. “Many technology companies quickly shed excess employees, along with real estate and other costs,” says Yasukochi. He also said that tech companies are generally “faster to cut back, but also faster to grow.” I can’t think of any other industry where technology is driving so much growth. ”
Worth noting: Yasukochi doesn’t necessarily think these tech companies will grow in San Francisco’s Hayes Valley. The district has led a resurgence of interest in San Francisco this year, enthusiastically embracing the nickname “Celebrity Valley” due to its concentration of AI communities, but most of those teams “congregate in restaurants and bars.” “We’re training,” he observes. The state of their apartment. There’s not much office space there. ”
Pictured above: 1800 Owens Street in San Francisco. It’s home to Dropbox’s headquarters and is currently home to Pear VC’s San Francisco office.
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