As a part of the International Year of Planet Earth the International Heliophysical Year started the first day of March. The project will focus on the interaction between the Earth’s atmosphere and outflow from the Sun and interstellar sources.
Malcolm Fridlund
“……..I have no clear understanding whether life exists or not.”
Are we alone in the universe? – Seeking for EXO-planets
Are we alone in the universe? Not very likely! On one, or several of the billion celestial bodies in the Universe there has got to be some kind of life. Intelligent peoples like us might exist, although it may sound like utopia. However, how do we find out?
Neutrino Astronomy – Looking for ghost particles
Nearly unaffected by all hindrances, billions of neutrinos reach the earth every second. They do not only reach us, and the earth, they also pass through us unaffectedly, even through the core of the globe, and ultimately come out on the other side and continue the travel through space. Neutrinos are extremely small elementary particles that have one very particular feature: a strong antipathy for interaction with other matter, and without electrical charge.
Radarsat-2 – Secure a continuous flow of radar data
When RADARSAT-2 is launched in the near future the continuous flow of data from the SAR sensors on the satellites will be prolonged for several years. Continuous data flow is very important in order to pay attention to evolution in the nature, such as the climate, ice and snow covering etc. The Nordic countries, like all countries at high latitudes have greatly benefited from this type of satellites; thus we look forward to the operative phase with great expectations.
Fugro Oceanor – Equipment aimed at detecting the status of the oceans
Most of the Earth is covered by water, mainly concentrated in the large oceans. The status of these has decisive importance for the conditions on Earth. This spans over fields such as climate, weather, food production etc. To monitor and know the mechanisms in the oceans is therefore important.
STS 116 – Mission Celsius
In honour of the Swedish scientist Celsius, as well as celebrating the first Swede in space, the mission was named Mission Celsius, and its main tasks was to bring more construction parts to the International Space Station, put them together, and exchange some parts of the already assembled station. In addition, they set out to carry out some scientific experiments and replace one of the crew at the station.
Christer Fuglesang – The first Nordic person in space
It should have happened ages ago, but in the beginning of December Christer Fuglesang was the first astronaut from the Nordic countries. With a solid theoretical basis, in addition to training and preparation for the mission the past fifteen years, it is a very well prepared astronaut that enters into space.
-Who was Anders Celsius
Anders Celsius lived in the period of 1701-1744 and was one of a large number of scientists originating from Ovanåker in the province of Hälsingland. The family name is a Latinised version of the name of the vicarage (Högen).
Dreaming of becoming an astronaut?
No doubt, many people have dreamt about becoming an astronaut. The feeling of drifting away weightless, watching the blue planet down under. It may seem tempting for many. For others again, dealing with the technical challenges in connection with being an astronaut, or use space for advanced research, will be the main reasons.