How ultralow frictional healing could help predict large earthquakes

How ultralow frictional healing could help predict large earthquakes

A new study published in the journal Science could be a game-changer in the field of seismology, as researchers have discovered a potential missing piece in the puzzle of predicting earthquakes. The study suggests that ultralow frictional healing, a common physical phenomenon, could be crucial in understanding when and how violently faults move. While it won’t enable scientists to forecast the next big earthquake, it could be a valuable new way to investigate the causes and potential for large, damaging earthquakes.

Aurorae discovered on all four major moons of Jupiter

Aurorae discovered on all four major moons of Jupiter

A team of astronomers using the W. M. Keck Observatory in Hawaii has discovered that aurorae at visible lengths appear on all four of Jupiter’s major moons, namely Io, Europa, Ganymede, and Callisto. The discovery was made using the High-Resolution Echelle Spectrometer (HIRES) at the Keck Observatory, as well as other high-resolution spectrographs at the Large Binocular Telescope and Apache Point Observatory.

The most powerful gamma-ray burst on record

The most powerful gamma-ray burst on record

A record-breaking gamma-ray burst known as GRB 221009A was detected in October 2022, and now, a trio of papers has been submitted to The Astrophysical Journal Letters, revealing new insights about this rare and unique event. With up to 18 teraelectronvolts of energy packed in its emissions of light, GRB 221009A is considered the most powerful gamma-ray burst on record, and its afterglow has been challenging our current theoretical models of gamma-ray bursts.

Researchers identify small signals in the corona to improve solar flare predictions

Researchers identify small signals in the corona to improve solar flare predictions

A team of scientists from NorthWest Research Associates (NWRA) have made a breakthrough discovery in the study of solar flares, using data from NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO). The researchers found small signals in the upper layers of the solar atmosphere, known as the corona, that can indicate which regions on the Sun are more likely to produce solar flares.

Study provides the darkest and deepest view of interstellar ices

Study provides the darkest and deepest view of interstellar ices

An international team of scientists have used the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) to study ices in interstellar clouds, providing new insights into the chemical processes of one of the coldest, darkest places in the universe. The study, published in Nature Astronomy, found that these ices are formed from the earliest moments of the universe and contain biogenic elements that are important for life.

Study reveals magma chamber at submarine Kolumbo volcano near Santorini, Greece poses a serious threat

Study reveals magma chamber at submarine Kolumbo volcano near Santorini, Greece poses a serious threat

A new study published in AGU’s Geochemistry, Geophysics, Geosystems has revealed the existence of a magma chamber beneath the Kolumbo volcano, located near Santorini, Greece. Using a high-resolution technology called full-waveform inversion, the study found that the magma chamber poses a serious hazard as it could produce a highly explosive, tsunamigenic eruption in the near future.