They created atmospheric analogs using mixtures of gasses similar to those found on Neptune and Uranus, and subjected their probe to equivalent speeds up to 19 kilometers per second.
Using a high-temperature plasma tunnel, scientists have discovered what it might be like to plumb the depths of Uranus.
Sure, we know it would be smelly; but there are other considerations that need to be taken into account when designing a probe that can withstand the rigors therein.
Now that the experiments have been successfully performed, researchers can use the information acquired to develop the sensors that will measure the ice giants’ atmospheres as they plunge into the mysterious depths. Of Uranus.
They simulated it first for their own safety. Those are some harsh, otherworldly conditions inside Uranus. Much better to slowly work your way up to the actual full-blown insertion.
Perfect timing, as just this past week I’ve been wondering about these low-frequency gravitational waves that were announced with a splash last summer, then I heard nothing, that is until now.
It takes a while to go through the data and find specific parameters you’re looking for. This is radio astronomy, using data from antenna telescopes all over the world. For comparison in a similar type of project, it took two years to crunch the numbers from the Event Horizon Telescope and resolve a fuzzy image of the supermassive black hole in M87.
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