⚡️ NASA’s ex-spy plane reveals radioactive thunderstorms, nuclear-powered bulk carriers, US to sink historic ship

Although researchers have long known that thunderstorms generated high-energy particles otherwise detected in supernovae, the frequency and nature of the phenomenon remained unclear.

After years of using less-than-ideal equipment, scientists finally had the chance to observe these events up close by flying a retrofitted NASA U2 spy plane over storms. Their findings revealed that thunderstorms produce gamma radiation far more often than previously thought, and the mechanisms behind this radiation remain full of unanswered questions. Dive deeper into this Must-Read.

🔥Today’s job of the day as featured on jobs.interestingengineering.com:

> Software Engineering Manager
> Director Network Engineering

Reading Time: 4 mins

Did a friend forward this e-mail to you? Subscribe here.

MUST-READ

⚡️ Radioactive rain? NASA’s ex-spy plane reveals thunderstorms emit gamma rays

“It has always been amazing to me that thunderstorms can generate high energy gamma-rays, electrons, even antimatter in the form of positrons, and even nuclear processes,” Steve Cummer, a coauthor on two papers detailing the findings, told Interesting Engineering.

The team used NASA’s ER-2 High-Altitude Airborne Science Aircraft, a former Cold War U2 spy plane, which flies well above most storms. Its speed and altitude made it ideal for targeting specific thunderstorms.

The team also observed short, intense bursts of gamma radiation from thunderstorms, which almost always coincided with lightning strikes. This suggests that lightning’s powerful electric field further energizes electrons, leading to nuclear reactions and high-energy radiation bursts.

🪸 US could sink historic ship to create world’s largest artificial reef for tourism

A historic ocean liner, once a symbol of American pride and luxury, may find its final home at the bottom of the Gulf of Mexico. Okaloosa County, Florida, has signed a tentative agreement to sink the SS United States and transform it into the world’s largest artificial reef.

This move comes after years of uncertainty over the ship’s future and offers a chance to preserve its legacy in a new, underwater form. The deal, approved by officials in Okaloosa County, depends on settling a court-ordered mediation related to a long-running legal issue over unpaid rent and docking fees.

Built in 1952, the SS United States was once the largest passenger ship ever constructed in the U.S. It set records with its incredible speed, including a transatlantic crossing on its maiden voyage that still holds a place in history.

🛳️ Nuclear-powered bulk carriers could sail longer, faster, cheaper: Study

A recent study's results suggest that the bulk carriers—also known as bulkers—of the future could sail faster, longer, and for much cheaper if they use nuclear energy for power.

Bulk carriers are cargo ships that transport large amounts of dry cargo over long distances. They are an essential part of the global commodities transport and trade network, providing key elements around the globe.

The study tried to analyze the design and economic benefits of using nuclear power energy to power a Newcastlemax bulk carrier over a regular low-sulfur fuel and another powered by green ammonia.

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

SCIENCE

> JWST has detected carbon dioxide and hydrogen peroxide on the icy surface of Pluto’s biggest natural satellite, Charon. The Southwest Research Institute researchers say that this is the first time these compounds have been discovered on Charon’s surface. (More)

> Recent research involving miniature accelerometers has provided new insights into the behavior of baby green sea turtles as they make their way from their nests to the ocean. (More)

> Researchers from Princeton University have mapped the entire brain of an adult fruit fly (Drosophila melanogaster). Interestingly, the map is like a “Google Map” of the fruit fly brain with detailed annotations allowing for precise navigation and study of the complex organ. (More)

ENERGY

> LG Chem has developed a new material that could eliminate the risk of thermal runaway in lithium-ion batteries. This breakthrough can improve the safety of electric vehicles (EVs), smartphones, and various other devices that rely on these types of batteries. (More)

> Dubai-based Emirates National Oil Company (ENOC) has unveiled the world’s first biodiesel truck that can also be powered by solar panels. (More)

> US-based Sea Cheetah Corporation has entered into a strategic partnership with Toulouse-based hydrogen solutions expert H3 Dynamics to develop the “world’s first” hydrogen-electric wing-in-ground effect (WIGE) vessel and an ecosystem of fueling points. (More)

INNOVATION

> An inventor has built a 3D-printed Terrain Armored Transport (AT-AT) walker from Star Wars that you can ride. (More)

> A new robotic surgical tool has been developed. In a first-of-its-kind development, a robotic convoy was used to perform a minimally invasive endoscopic microsurgery. (More)

> Using a specialized electron microscope designed for delicate materials, materials scientists are, for the first time, exploring the microstructure of promising soft semiconductors that could lead to new-generation electronics. (More)

VIDEO

> In a surprising move that has sparked both curiosity and concern, an Ohio-based company has introduced a new robotic marvel to the market. Dubbed the “Thermonator,” this innovative creation combines cutting-edge robotics with a controversial feature—a built-in flamethrower. (More)

> Does the Earth have mantle material from an alien planet inside it? There’s a theory that claims it does – and computer predictions seem to support the idea. Getting moon mantle material would help clarify what’s going on beneath our planet’s surface. (More)

IE QUIZ: THE RESULTS

The answer is 6/5

Ready for more brainy challenges? Gear up for future IE quizzes by following us on Instagram and Facebook! 

FROM THE WEB

> Dolphin fossil found 33 years ago turns out to be a new species

> Ant agriculture began 66 million years ago in the aftermath of the asteroid that doomed the dinosaurs

> One-minute phone breaks could help keep students more focused in class and better on tests

> Stretchy dairy cheese now possible without cows, company says

> Botanists identify 33 global ‘dark spots’ with thousands of unknown plants

> Scientists criticise UN agency’s failure to withdraw livestock emissions report