A new technique used to pick up ripples from nuclear blasts could also monitor earthquakes and eruptions.
Both explosions set off waves of infrasound, pitched too low for human hearing, which canand cause vibrations in the ionosphere. Radar beams tuned to bounce off the ionosphere’s charged particles detected the vibrating layers.
But the technique has been mostly limited to explosions more powerful than 1 kiloton of TNT. Now, researchers report that they have successfully detected experimental explosions of just 1 ton of TNT. “Not only can we see those events, but they’re much clearer than I was expecting,” says Kenneth Obenberger, a physicist at the Air Force Research Laboratory who led the study.
Obenberger says the technique could be used to monitor small human-caused explosions or even remote volcanic eruptions in the Pacific that are otherwise hard to detect. He says the ionosphere’s remoteness explains why the technique is only now showing its promise.
For the time being, Obenberger wants to keep the research grounded on Earth. He is planning to test the approach in different seasons, because the ionosphere shifts over the course of the year. “The other thing I really want to do is set up next to a volcano,” he says. “That would be really fun.”
Singapore Latest News, Singapore Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
I Tried Patrick Ta's TikTok-Viral Blush TechniqueAnd I have thoughts.
Read more »
This new AI technique may change how we see the worldMIT researchers developed a technique that captures images of an object from various angles and converts its surface into a virtual sensor that captures reflections.
Read more »
A first in the UK: Baby born using 3 people’s DNA with novel IVF techniqueFirst baby born in the UK using three people's DNA. A novel IVF technique is being used to prevent rare genetic mutations from being passed on from parents to babies.
Read more »
1st babies born in UK using DNA from 3 peopleThe technique is used to keep children from inheriting rare genetic diseases.
Read more »
This TikTok Trend Is Like A Band-Aid For Broken NailsThis 'tea bag' technique is about to be all over your FYP.
Read more »
High-resolution cell atlas captures human retina in unprecedented detailsA new imaging technique using organoids enables researchers to study the development of human tissues and discover insights into diseases.
Read more »