China creates an "artificial moon" to test the effects of gravity.

China creates a "artificial moon" to test gravity
pixabay.com


A levitating frog is said to have motivated the researchers to conduct their experiment.


Scientists in China have constructed an "artificial moon" research facility, allowing them to use magnetism to replicate low-gravity settings.


The facility will use intense magnetic fields inside a 2-foot-wide vacuum chamber (60 centimeters in diameter) to "eliminate" gravity. Using magnets to lift a frog was an inspiration for the researchers.


China University of Mining and Technology geotechnical engineer Li Ruilin told the South China Morning Post (opens in new tab) that the chamber is "the first of its kind in the world." He said it could keep the low-gravity conditions for "as long as you want." in place.


The laboratory will be used to test equipment in low-gravity situations before it is flown to the moon, where gravity is only one-sixth of what it is on Earth. A human settlement on the moon's surface will be tested, as will any costly technical flaws, as well as the capacity to test whether specific constructions will survive on the moon's surface.


For example, it only takes a few seconds [in the simulator] to run an impact test." Creep testing, for example, can take up to a few days. Creep tests determine how much a material will deform when subjected to a constant load and temperature.


According to the researchers, it was Andre Geim's 2000 Ig Nobel Prize-winning experiment involving a floating frog and a magnet that served as inspiration for the new chamber.


Geim's levitation trick in the artificial-moon chamber is based on diamagnetic levitation. Nuclei and electrons move in little loops of current around each other to create tiny magnetic fields, which are the building blocks of atoms. If the magnetic fields of all the atoms in an object, whether a drop of water or frog, are randomly orientated, no material-wide magnetism is usually manifested.


The electrons will alter their speed and produce their magnetic field to counter the provided field if you apply an external magnetic field to those atoms. To overcome gravity, an object must have a strong enough external magnet, either an advanced piece of lunar technology or an amphibian confused about where it's supposed to go.


The Chang'e lunar exploration mission, named after the Chinese moon goddess Chang'e, will benefit from the results of the chamber testing. A rover will land on the far side of the moon in 2019, and rock samples will be taken from the lunar surface in 2020 as part of this plan. According to China, a lunar research station will be established on the moon's south pole by 2029.



Reference : https://www.livescience.com/china-builds-artificial-moon

Image source : https://pixabay.com/id/photos/bulan-bulan-purnama-laut-langit-2762111/

Komentar

Posting Komentar

Postingan populer dari blog ini

What do we mean when we talk about a "scientific theory?"

Gambar
Facts are the backbone of any good scientific theory.   A scientific theory is a well-organized framework for explaining a set of natural-world facts or events, and it frequently uses a scientific hypothesis and rules. The common usage of the word "theory" differs significantly from the scientific one.   Professor of biology at Boston's Emerson College Jaime Tanner remarked, "The way that scientists use the word 'theory' is a little different from the average layperson's use of the word." "The common understanding of the word "theory" is that it refers to an individual's speculations or hypotheses, whereas in science, the word "theory" refers to our explanations of observed phenomena."   Involvement in the development of a scientific hypothesis   The scientific process is the backbone of any accepted scientific notion. A scientist can notice something, form a hypothesis about what it means, and then experiment to see...
Read more »

Do we have a greater living queen than Queen Elizabeth?

Gambar
Learn how one of history's most improbable heirs came to rule England in All About History, chapter 113.   In the current issue of All About History, Queen Elizabeth goes from being an improbable heir to Britain's throne to become one of the nation's greatest rulers. The young Elizabeth displayed the poise and tenacity that would come to characterize her reign in later years, but how did her upbringing during a period of crisis for the monarchy and war influence her outlook on her job as a ruler? In honor of the Queen's Platinum Jubilee, commemorating 80 years on the throne, All About History will be airing a special on her life and reign.   In this issue, British historian and author Tracy Borman walks readers through Princess Elizabeth's early upbringing, how her family supported her through WWII, Winston Churchill's impression of the princess, and how she carved out her own path as Queen after she ascended to the throne.   Other topics covered in All About Hi...
Read more »

Can CBD really stop an infection with COVID-19? Researchers want to know

Gambar
Scientists have found evidence that a component in marijuana may be effective at preventing coronavirus infection.   Cannabidiol (CBD), a component of cannabis, may help prevent COVID-19 infection.   The probable effect still needs to be tested in humans, so don't rush out and buy a bunch of CBD oils from your local dispensary. (And by all means, avoid smoking weed if you want to avoid getting the coronavirus.) However, these results only relate to the high-quality, FDA-approved medicinal CBD used to treat seizure disorders; the low-quality, consumer-grade CBD is not affected.   Marsha Rosner, the study's principal author, cancer researcher, and immune response expert at the University of Chicago emphasized that CBD is not a replacement for tried-and-true methods of combating COVID-19. The researchers believe the chemical has potential as a weapon against SARS-CoV-2 and possibly other viruses. The team has demonstrated that the molecule can protect mice from COVID-19, and...
Read more »