New Planets

Photos of planets outside the solar system have finally been introduced. With astronomers using the most advanced techniques, NASA was able to take pictures of planets far outside from the solar system. Unfortunately, humans could not manage to live there. A group of astronomers using highly advanced telescopes analysed the four newly discovered planets. Researchers believe that the star Fomalhaut that was examined is about 1.5 times the sun and 130 light years in distance from the earth. The group of planets were approximately seven to 10 times the weight of Jupiter. Scientists say that the star is too far to be seen by the naked eye but could be located with the assistance of a pair of binoculars or telescopes. NASAs recently discovered planet Fomalhaut b is around 3 times the mass of Jupiter and 10.7 billion miles away from its host star. To tell the the difference from whether it was a planet or star, the scientists working on the planets compared the photos to research created in the past years. The pictures revealed that the planets were orbiting to prove that they were not stars. So far, 322 planets have been discovered out of our solar system and this recent discovery has added to 326. NASAs studies has proven that it can only benefit our goal in attempting to find a planet just like ours.



http://www.cnn.com/2008/TECH/space/11/13/new.planets/index.html

Nano Coating

Scientists have created a new high tech coating to upgrade the efficiency of solar panels. The researchers developed the coating with nanotechnology. A regular silicon solar cell absorbs two thirds of solar energy but the advanced coating boosts it to 96 percent of the energy being captured. Consisting of seven small layers and 50 to 100 nanometers in height it is created by silicon dioxide and titanium dioxide nanorods. The FCC team found that layering if the coatings one on top of another improved the anti-reflective properties of each layer. Having a series of layers also helps to "bend" the flow of sunlight which helps in absorbing light that would otherwise it would be reflected off the panel. Lin ,a professional, is now working on partnership and licensing arrangements and says the coating will be in the market in about 2 to 3 years. The drawbacks to this technology is the nonarods may be delicate. However, they will research more on protecting it. A scientist is attempting to nano engineer surfaces for solar cells by copying the top of moth eyes which contains good anti reflective surfaces. Researchers think that future is very strong in the solar industry.

http://www.cnn.com/2008/TECH/science/11/12/solar.coating/index.html