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Dr Jing Jiang and Professor Eamon Scullion

Satellites could hold the key to keeping the lights turned on

The SAT-Guard project aims to leverage satellite technology to enhance energy management and restore power following extreme weather events. Funded by UK Research and Innovation, it seeks to improve grid resilience and coordination of distributed energy resources across the UK.

An image taken in infrared light. The Sun’s disc is blocked out by a coronagraph, a similar effect as the moon during a solar eclipse. The bright wispy, hair-like features are where the Sun’s gas is highlighting the magnetic field.

First successful routine measurements of Sun’s magnetic field in the corona

A team of scientists have successfully carried out regular measurements of the outermost layer of the Sun’s atmosphere for the first time – giving us a much better understanding of the magnetic field within this region, known as the solar corona.
The Sun’s magnetic field plays a key role in shaping its atmosphere, with activity such as solar eruptions and the heating of the corona to millions o

Image background - NASA Goddard/CIL/Adriana Manrique Gutierrez, Spacecraft images - NASA/ESA

Helping to uncover how the solar wind gets its energy

Since the 1960s, astronomers have wondered how the Sun’s supersonic “solar wind,” a stream of energetic particles that flows out into the Solar System, continues to receive energy once it leaves the Sun. Now, thanks to a fortunate line up of two spacecraft currently in space studying the Sun, they may have discovered the answer.

Northumbria University's Dr Kirsty Lindsay (left) and the computerised platform she will be asking volunteers to use during the experiment she is carrying out at the Life Science Centre

Visitors to Life Science Centre to help with vital space research

Visitors to Newcastle's Life Science Centre can participate in a study to help astronauts on the Artemis Moon exploration program. By applying K-tape to astronauts’ ankles, it is believed balance on the Moon's surface can be improved. Results will be shared with the European Space Agency. Northumbria University is leading space innovation.

Jupiter’s atmosphere around the Great Red Spot (NIRCam and NIRSpec). Photo credit: ESA/Webb, NASA & CSA, Jupiter ERS Team, J. Schmidt, H. Melin, M. Zamani (ESA/Webb)

Telescope reveals unexpected activity above Jupiter’s Great Red Spot

New observations from the James Webb Space Telescope reveal surprising activity in Jupiter's ionosphere above the Great Red Spot. Scientists have discovered intricate structures and unexpected small-scale activity caused by gravity waves from the massive storm. This new insight challenges previous understanding of Jupiter's upper atmosphere.

The ESA Solar Orbiter (photo credit: European Space Agency)

Mystery of ‘slow’ solar wind unveiled by Solar Orbiter mission

Scientists using data from the Solar Orbiter spacecraft have made progress in understanding the origins of the 'slow' solar wind, shedding light on how it forms and leaves the Sun. This research helps explain the variability and complexity of the solar wind, providing new insights into its behavior and composition.

Saturn

Telescope to provide insight into Solar System lightshows

Professor Tom Stallard, a Planetary Astronomer from Northumbria University, has been granted access to the James Webb Space Telescope to study and capture images of the auroras on gas giants Saturn and Uranus. This unique opportunity will provide unprecedented insight into these spectacular light shows and planetary atmospheres.

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Northumbria University, Newcastle

Northumbria University, Newcastle
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