Research
Predicting Solar Storms
AOSS Researchers Work to Preserve Life, Resources and the World Economy
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The Sun, seen above through the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory's Extreme Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope. |
Around May 10, 1989, a massive stream of charged gases exploded from the Sun. On May 13, the super-heated plasma slammed into the Earth, knocking out a Quebec power grid and leaving six million people helpless for nine hours. Scientists blame the same solar storm for damaging a gas pipeline that exploded and demolished part of the Trans-Siberian Railroad, engulfing two passenger trains in flames. Directly and indirectly, the storm took human life and drained billions of dollars from the world economy.
Similar solar storms continue to bombard the Earth in a cycle that peaks approximately every 11 years. Whereas there's nothing scientists can do to prevent these life-threatening events, they could take preventative measures that would preserve life, resources and money - if they had the ability to predict the storms.
They've lacked this predictive ability, until now.
An Engine in Your Pocket
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The prototype of the pocket-sized micro internal combustion swing engine (at right). |
When today's soldiers set off on a mission, they frequently carry payloads that include 40-pound battery packs - a lot of weight for even the broadest shoulders. But Aerospace Engineering Professor Werner Dahm, together with Mechanical Engineering Professor Jun Ni and their research team, is developing a small, portable, efficient power source that just might replace those hefty batteries and lighten the load: the micro internal combustion swing engine (MICSE).
And how small is the MICSE? No larger than a small stack of crackers - small enough to fit in your pocket. How powerful? It'll generate 20 or more watts, Ni said - enough power to replace a 40-pound battery.
