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Jet streams travel around the Earth and move north and south on cycles that last over two months, which is beyond the usual range of weather forecasts. Understanding the source of this “memory” directly affects scientists' ability to predict the jet steam’s response to climate change.

climate change

A change in the average conditions — such as temperature and rainfall — in a region over a long period of time.

Source: NASA Climate Kids Source

A method called quantum ghost imaging (QGI) allows scientists to capture images at extremely low light levels. QGI also enables the use of one low intensity color, best matched to the sample and a different color at higher intensity sufficient to form the image of the sample. This approach improves imaging in regions of light where traditional cameras struggle.

No two hydropower

hydropower

One of the oldest and largest sources of renewable energy, which uses the natural flow of moving water to generate electricity

Source: U.S. Department of Energy Source

facilities are the same. They all work similarly by harnessing the power of rushing water to spin turbines and generators, which in turn creates electricity. But their differences—in size, age or mechanical parts—means there’s no one answer that can solve every problem that arises.

Increasing global emissions and warming have heightened the urgency of finding sites suitable for the long-term capture and storage of carbon dioxide (CO2).

carbon dioxide (CO2)

An important heat-trapping gas, also known as a greenhouse gas, that comes from the extraction and burning of fossil fuels (such as coal, oil, and natural gas), from wildfires, and natural processes like volcanic eruptions.

Source: NASA Source

An approach that combines carbon storage with critical material extraction could make both processes more economically viable and broaden the number of suitable sites.

Every summer, grid operators brace themselves for an increase in energy demand as people turn their air conditioners on. This makes summer a “peaking season” in many parts of the United States. Grid operators can generally predict and prepare for peaking energy demands and make sure enough is available from fossil fuels, nuclear power, and renewable sources.

Suspended in the atmosphere, tiny particles of liquids and solids work to make life on Earth possible. These particles, called aerosols,

aerosols

Small particles or droplets, such as wildfire smoke, volcanic gases, or salty sea spray, that float in the air. They are emitted by both natural events and human activities.

Source: NASA Global Climate Change Source

can be as tiny as 2 nanometers wide, about the diameter of a strand of DNA. Others are ten thousand times bigger. Big and small, taken together, they make clouds and precipitation possible.