The South Atlantic Anomaly represents a region within near-Earth space characterized by a significantly weaker geomagnetic field and a higher flux of energetic particles compared to other areas. It is a space weather hazards to Low-Earth-Orbit satellites. There has been evidence that the Very Low Frequency (VLF) waves from the powerful ground VLF radio transmitter in Australia, known as NWC, have the capacity to scatter energetic electrons’ pitch angle in the inner radiation belt. In a paper published in Science China: Earth Sciences, scientists report the initial observation of a 'wisp' precipitation resulted from NWC, an unusual occurrence with peak intensity detected inside the SAA. With the full pitch angle distribution observed via the Macao Science Satellite – 1 at Low-Earth-Orbit, scientists attribute the 'wisp' within the anomaly to a specific pitch angle range just outside the drift loss cone.

Researchers at TU Delft (The Netherlands) and Brown University have developed scalable nanotechnology-based lightsails that could support future advances in space exploration and experimental physics. Their research, published in Nature Communications, introduces new materials and production methods to create the thinnest large-scale reflectors ever made. ‘This is not just another step in making things smaller; it’s an entirely new way of thinking about nanotechnology,’ explains Dr. Richard Norte, associate professor at TU Delft. ‘We’re creating high-aspect-ratio devices that are thinner than anything previously engineered but span dimensions akin to massive structures.’