- The Blueprint
- Posts
- 🔥 Massive wildfire erupts in Los Angeles, fridge-sized atomic clock, world record solar module efficiency
🔥 Massive wildfire erupts in Los Angeles, fridge-sized atomic clock, world record solar module efficiency
Plus: US approves massive 3,500-acre solar project in Arizona
![](https://media.beehiiv.com/cdn-cgi/image/fit=scale-down,format=auto,onerror=redirect,quality=80/uploads/asset/file/f2d27f82-8cbf-41b7-97bd-5dfe866e2e6f/bbbbb.png?t=1702047801)
Have insights or expertise to share with the world? Join Lexicon by Interesting Engineering and help illuminate the latest advancements.
Fill out this form to join.
A raging wildfire has engulfed the upscale Pacific Palisades neighborhood in Los Angeles, prompting mass evacuations as flames threaten homes.
As of late Tuesday night, the fire has consumed at least 3,000 acres, forcing an estimated 30,000 residents to flee the area.
While no injuries or fatalities have been reported, Governor Gavin Newsom has declared a state of emergency. A dangerous windstorm is fueling wildfires in the Los Angeles area, which has grown rapidly due to dry conditions. Let's take a closer look at this Must Read.
🔥Today’s job of the day as featured on jobs.interestingengineering.com:
> Senior Product Software Engineer - Technical Project Manager
Reading Time: 4 mins
![](https://media.beehiiv.com/cdn-cgi/image/fit=scale-down,format=auto,onerror=redirect,quality=80/uploads/asset/file/11c48537-6a4b-43e9-bb94-81898348f1fd/Bas%CC%A7l%C4%B1ks%C4%B1z-1.png?t=1706611529)
Did a friend forward this e-mail to you? Subscribe here.
MUST-READ
![](https://media.beehiiv.com/cdn-cgi/image/fit=scale-down,format=auto,onerror=redirect,quality=80/uploads/asset/file/1fabb900-3cf3-4d2d-bdb4-0c545f44e3fd/Bas%CC%A7l%C4%B1ks%C4%B1z-1.png?t=1706616712)
The region is under assault from fierce Santa Ana winds, fanning the flames of wildfires.
A second fire has erupted shortly afterward near Eaton Canyon, also fueled by strong winds. The Eaton Fire burning near Altadena and Pasadena has grown to an estimated 400 acres, according to CalFire.
With the raging wildfire, President Joe Biden has offered federal assistance. “I have offered any federal assistance that is needed to help suppress the terrible Pacific Palisades fire,” President Biden stated.
![](https://media.beehiiv.com/cdn-cgi/image/fit=scale-down,format=auto,onerror=redirect,quality=80/uploads/asset/file/7845a215-ae70-4d35-8504-646ae9b9717c/Bas%CC%A7l%C4%B1ks%C4%B1z-1.png?t=1706614132)
A team of Chinese researchers has reportedly developed the most precise portable atomic clock ever. Small and rigid by design, this new timepiece can be easily transported to war zones, making it invaluable for strategic coordination.
According to a study published on December 18 in the Chinese-language journal Metrology, the clock stands 4.9 feet (1.5 meters) tall, roughly the size of a regular single-door refrigerator.
A form of cesium atomic fountain clock, the atomic clock can be readily loaded onto various military vehicles, including trucks.
![](https://media.beehiiv.com/cdn-cgi/image/fit=scale-down,format=auto,onerror=redirect,quality=80/uploads/asset/file/7845a215-ae70-4d35-8504-646ae9b9717c/Bas%CC%A7l%C4%B1ks%C4%B1z-1.png?t=1706614132)
Trina Solar company has set a new world record for solar module efficiency.
In lab tests, the efficiency rate of Trina’s large-surface n-type completely passivated heterojunction (HJT) modules was recorded at 25.44 percent.
Leading solar research institute Fraunhofer CalLab in Germany confirmed the milestone. Trina claims the results not only set a record for HJT technology but also mark a new milestone in the photoelectric conversion efficiency of single-crystalline silicon solar cell modules.
Love what you're reading, but too many emails? Sign up to IE+ to get Blueprint Weekly, our exclusive weekly premium newsletter that gives all the insights you love in a more digestible weekly format– plus, enjoy an Ad-Free experience on our website. Try IE+ today for just $1 in the first month. Subscribe here
HOT TOPICS OF THE DAY
![](https://media.beehiiv.com/cdn-cgi/image/fit=scale-down,format=auto,onerror=redirect,quality=80/uploads/asset/file/1fabb900-3cf3-4d2d-bdb4-0c545f44e3fd/Bas%CC%A7l%C4%B1ks%C4%B1z-1.png?t=1706616712)
SCIENCE
> 130-million-year-old dinosaur footprints identified in Northwest China’s Gansu Province. (More)
> New research shows that the size and spin of black holes could provide clues about their formation and origin. (More)
> Geophysicists at ETH Zurich are employing lower mantle models to pinpoint regions where earthquake waves exhibit unexpected behavior. (More)
![](https://media.beehiiv.com/cdn-cgi/image/fit=scale-down,format=auto,onerror=redirect,quality=80/uploads/asset/file/7845a215-ae70-4d35-8504-646ae9b9717c/Bas%CC%A7l%C4%B1ks%C4%B1z-1.png?t=1706614132)
ENERGY
> The US has approved plans to construct one of the nation’s biggest power-producing solar projects. (More)
> Researchers have developed a new surface coating for high-voltage cathodes that allows operation up to 4.8 volts. (More)
> Fox Squirrel Solar, Ohio's largest solar farm, has come online and is supplying clean energy to the Pennsylvania-New Jersey-Maryland grid. (More)
![](https://media.beehiiv.com/cdn-cgi/image/fit=scale-down,format=auto,onerror=redirect,quality=80/uploads/asset/file/7845a215-ae70-4d35-8504-646ae9b9717c/Bas%CC%A7l%C4%B1ks%C4%B1z-1.png?t=1706614132)
INNOVATION
> Defense technology leader Kratos has secured a contract for up to $1.45 billion with the Pentagon to develop a hypersonic technology testbed. (More)
> Chinese researchers have developed an industrial standard niobium-silicon alloy to advance the development of high-performance hypersonic aircraft. (More)
> Kyushu University researchers have created an optical modulator that operates at over 10 times the speed of existing devices. (More)
![](https://media.beehiiv.com/cdn-cgi/image/fit=scale-down,format=auto,onerror=redirect,quality=80/uploads/asset/file/7845a215-ae70-4d35-8504-646ae9b9717c/Bas%CC%A7l%C4%B1ks%C4%B1z-1.png?t=1706614132)
VIDEO
> Splay: Foldable, portable 24″ display with patented nanomaterial for on-the-go pros. (More)
> At CES 2025, NVIDIA unveiled the RTX 50 Series, starting with the RTX 5070. (More)
FROM THE WEB
![](https://media.beehiiv.com/cdn-cgi/image/fit=scale-down,format=auto,onerror=redirect,quality=80/uploads/asset/file/1fabb900-3cf3-4d2d-bdb4-0c545f44e3fd/Bas%CC%A7l%C4%B1ks%C4%B1z-1.png?t=1706616712)
> Why Greenland? Remote but resource-rich island occupies a key position in a warming world
> Smarter memory: Next-generation RAM with reduced energy consumption
> 'Multiverse simulation engine' predicts every possible future to train humanoid robots and self-driving cars
> Engineers create photonic switch that overcomes routing size–speed tradeoffs
> Ultrathin conductor surpasses copper for more energy-efficient nanoelectronics
> Lyrid meteor shower 2025: When, where & how to see it
Additional Reads
⚙️ Mechanical:Explore the wonders of mechanical engineering.
🛩️ Aerospace: The latest on propulsion, satellites, aeronautics, and more.
🧑🏻🔧 Engineer Pros: The latest in engineering news, career updates, and insider knowledge.
🧠 AI Logs: Insights into the intricacies and developments within the realm of artificial intelligence.
🎬 IE Originals:Weekly round-up of our best science, tech & engineering videos.
🟩 Sustainability: Uncover green innovations and the latest trends shaping a sustainable future for the tech industry.
⚡Electrical: From AI to smart grids, our newsletter energizes you on emerging tech.
🎓 IE Academy: Master your field and take your career to the next level with IE Academy
Want to share your feedback? [email protected]