Researchers in Japan have demonstrated the high accuracy of their newly developed typhoon observation device that can be dropped from an aircraft into the eye of a typhoon. This kind of device, called a dropsonde, measures storm’s atmospheric conditions as it falls from altitude to the ocean surface. The new dropsonde is lightweight and is made mainly of a biodegradable material. It can descend without a parachute unlike conventional dropsondes.

The combination of low temperature, atmospheric pressure and water vapor pressure on Mars means any liquid water found there would likely freeze, boil or evaporate immediately, making its presence unlikely.  

On February 2, 1887, residents of Punxsutawney Pennsylvania consulted a large rodent regarding the arrival of spring, marking the first official celebration of Groundhog Day. Our ability to predict the timing of seasons hasn’t improved much since then, but a new study is set to make seasonal forecasting a lot more reliable.

In a recent study, rare 300-century wooden structures from the Roman Empire were investigated in a wide range of ways using NMR methods. These methods, widely known for their use in hospital MRI scans to produce detailed images of the human body, have proven equally valuable in unraveling the secrets of Europe’s archaeological treasures. Promising applications are rapidly expanding into a wide range of fields.

Recent measurements with the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) cast doubt on the current understanding of the exoplanet Trappist-1 b’s nature. Until now, it was assumed to be a dark rocky planet without an atmosphere, shaped by a billion-year-long cosmic impact of radiation and meteorites. The opposite appears to be true. The surface shows no signs of weathering, which could indicate geological activity such as volcanism and plate tectonics. Alternatively, a planet with a hazy atmosphere composed of carbon dioxide is also viable. The results demonstrate the challenges of determining the properties of exoplanets with thin atmospheres.

This paper presents the post-disaster investigations, highlighting wind-induced damage to various structures. Tornadoes caused EF 1–3 level damage, downbursts caused EF 1–2 damage. Damage levels for various structures were established based on observed characteristics. CFD simulations show that opening indoor doors increases wind speed from 27 to 45 m/s ( Venturi effect), closing them reduces it to 8 m/s. During strong winds, doors and windows should be closed, and balconies should have railings to prevent accidents.