Radio Telescope Project Array Pathfinder Picks Up Ancient Signal

Colin Murty

WA radio telescope project picked up signal – Solar System

The Square Kilometre Array – SKA, is a radio telescope project to be built in Australia and South Africa andwill have a total collecting area of around one square kilometre and operate over a huge range of frequencies. Its size will make it fifty times more sensitive from other radio instruments and would be needing a very high performance central computing engines with long haul connections having a capacity that would be more than the current global Internet traffic.

It will also be capable of surveying the sky ten thousand times faster than its earlier performance. The receiving stations spreading out to distance of around 3,000 kilometres from a concentrated central core will achieve the ability of radio astronomy to provide the highest resolution images in astronomy.

 The SKA will be built towards the southern hemisphere in sub-Saharan States with cores in South Africa and Australia, where the sight of the Milky Way Galaxy is greatest and radio interference the least. An innovative radio telescope project in remote Western Australia has picked up signal released before the solar system was born. Six from the 36 dishes of the Square Kilometre Array Pathfinder project, that are located 300 km inland from Geraldton, have captured a wisp of cosmic radio waves that have come from the galaxy PKS B1740-517 towards the southern constellation of Ara.

ASKAP – Detect Galaxies

The latest discovery has astronomers dribbling since the five-billion year old signal which portrays ASKAP, will be capable of detecting galaxies which other telescopes may not be capable of doing so. The signal tends to carry the `imprint’ of cold hydrogen gas, which is the raw material in forming stars and plenty in most galaxies which is passed through on its way here.

Astronomers are capable of detecting a galaxy from its hydrogen gas although its starlight is faint or if hidden by dust. Though it is very miniature, the signal stood our clearly in the ASKAP data. James Allison, research leader of the CSIRO comments that `this catch shows that they are going to bag a big haul of galaxies’.

While several radio telescopes are considered to be bedevilled due to radio interference, unwanted signals which muddle up the spectrum, the ASKAP site is skilfully radio quiet. ASKAP provides astronomers with a huge `net’ to search for signals, a 300 MHz wild chunk of radio spectrum for searching. Dr Allison states that there is more than what most telescopes have and it gives them a better chance in finding something new.

ASKAP Survey Focused in Detecting Galaxies

On the other hand, Professor of Astrophysics at the University of Sydney, Elaine Sadler, together with a member of the research team, intends a large ASKAP survey focused in detecting several hundred galaxies. She comments that ASKAP looks at a relatively unexplored section of the radio spectrum, 700 to 1800 megahertz, which means that they will be capable of detecting hydrogen gas deeper into space due to ASKAP’s wide field of view over a much large volume than before.

 They would be hunting for galaxies which are 5 to 8 billion years old which is a timespan that represents a fifth of the history of the universe. Galaxies were making stars around ten times quicker than they did now, some ten billion years ago. On researching on galaxies five to eight billion year old, astronomers expect to comprehend why the rate has reduced.

Professor Sadler states that they want to learn how much hydrogen galaxies had in this period for the formation of stars and till now they had few tools in doing so. The Square Kilometre Array would be 50 times much more sensitive as the best prevailing radio telescopes, comprising of thousands of connected antennas spanning WA as well as South Arica.

Sony Bravia W950c: Impressive First Look

At the beginning of this year, Google had announced its aim of working with major manufacturers to bring Android TV to the consumers. Sony being one of the partners had successfully developed and launched its range of new Android TVs based on the Google’s Android TV Platform in India.

One of a kind Android TV experience

Sony Bravia W950c is an elite Android TV in Sony’s latest range of smart TV with 13 distinct models to choose from. This Android TV greets the users with the familiar Android boot up screen flowed by text logo and comes with the latest Android 5.0.2 version. The interface is extremely pleasant and looks elegant and similar to any other Android interface.

Impressive looks and design

Sony Bravia W950c is extremely slim at 12.6 mm for the most of parts except the rear center bottom portion, which houses connectivity ports. TV possesses matte finish at the sides and bezels, which lend a superior look to the whole design.

Well-defined display

Sony Bravia W950c has a large screen of 50 inches with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels. It is one of the best displays available in the televisions across all the manufacturers. Sony has incorporated its latest X-Reality Pro picture engine coupled with the successful TRILUMINOS display technology. The amalgamation of these two-advanced technology results in the rendering of superiors colors, high definition clarity and much needed noise reduction, which results amazing viewing experience. The viewing angles are excellent and show vibrant colors as well as do not possess any motion blur at all.

Better connectivity options

Sony has cleverly included a variety of ports in the slim design of Bravia W950c. There are 4 HDMI ports available with one having MHL availability along with dual USB ports, Ethernet cable port and output ports for audio and headphones. It even features a built in Bluetooth and Wi-Fi for better connectivity solutions. These best connectivity feature integrated in this television is the presence of built-in Google Cast which allows the users to stream as well as mirror contents directly from the Smartphone.

Do more with Android TV

Sony has almost integrated all the features available at its disposal to give a wholesome experience to its users. Sony Bravia W950c comes loaded with Android TV ON TOP OF Bravia UX, which offers a highly intuitive and simpler user interface. There are large thumbnails which bring better view and navigation of interface is smooth and sublime. Sony gives 16GB storage out of which 8 GB is available for the users to download more apps.

All the downloaded apps and installed games can be seen in the main window itself. There is Opera browser app present to facilitate the web surfing. The animations, interface, navigation and design are impressive and don’t lag at all.

Soothing audio output

Sony has integrated a soundbar style woofer, which brings out crystal clear and ambient sound quality which remains round and clear all the time. Sony has also given dual sub-woofers, which offer impressive bass levels making multimedia consumption superior on this television.

Windows 10 Home vs Pro: Which One Should You Get?

For the first time in history, Microsoft is launching its most beloved operating system Windows for free. The eagerly awaited and most hyped Windows 10 will be releasing on 29th July which is in less than a week. Unlike the earlier versions such as fan favorite Windows 7 and not so successful Windows 8, Windows 10 will be launching in seven different versions.

More versions means better usability

Microsoft is all set to give more choices to the consumers with the availability of seven different versions with Windows 10. Each version has its own set of mixes and features targeted at providing excellent functionality to different kind of users. These versions are Windows 10 Home, Pro, Education, Enterprise, Mobile, Mobile Enterprise and IoT Core.

The difference can be asserted with the fact a gamer oriented OS has to be widely different from the one to be used in the IT firms. Hence Microsoft is releasing so many versions to directly answer the needs and requirements of the consumers.

However the common users will just need to choose from the Windows 10 Home and Windows Pro version.

Which versions are you entitles to?

The upgrading of your existing Windows OS to either Windows 10 Home or Pro version essentially depends upon the OS you are using at the moment. Users who have Windows 8.1, Windows 7 Starter, Home Basic or Home Premium on their PC will be entitled to upgrade to Windows 10 Home.

On other hand users who are running Windows 8.1 Pro, Windows 7 Professional and Ultimate will have the opportunity to upgrade to Windows 10 Pro version.

The difference between the Windows 10 Home and Pro versions

As the name suggests Windows 10 Home comes loaded with basic of the new OS coupled with a wide number of interactive features and new advancements. Microsoft has brought some new exciting features in its new OS with Cortana which acts are virtual assistant and an advanced AI usually seen on Windows Smartphones.

The Classic Start Menu has been restored along with the emergence of new Edge web browser, which eliminated the Internet Explorer. This OS is best suited for the home computers, which only require simple features and are not meant to be used for rigorous and advanced tasks.

Windows 10 Pro versions keep all the existing features of the Home version along with adding some substantially enhanced features. These features include the data encryption tools, a remote desktop supports and other exciting tools for small business users.

Smartphone users can upgrade to Windows 10 Mobile

Another version of Windows 10, which is worth considering is Mobile version. The consumers who are using Windows 8 based Smartphones can upgrade their device to Windows 10 Mobile for free. This new OS is expected to revolutionalize the way smartphones are used by providing them with more advanced features and functionalities.

Consumers can upgrade their existing Windows OS to Windows 10 from July 29. This will remain for free down for one year after which consumers will be required to purchase like old days. It is high time you start upgrading your existing OS and move into the world of new opportunities with Windows 10 OS.

Electric Planes Usher in the Second Great Age of Aviation

Since the beginning of the year 2015, a rapid advancement has been made in the field of aviation through electric planes. The new breed of electric plane pilots is much more focused inspired and determined to stretch the boundaries in every manner possible with new electric propulsion system.

In July this year one such pilot name Hugues Duval successfully landed his tiny electric plane cleverly christened Cri-Cri in Calais France. This tiny electric plane flew over the English Channel and came back again which demonstrates the potential of new era electric plane in an astounding manner. This feat even reminds the greatest moment in the aviation history when the very first plane successfully crossed the English Channel way back in 1909.

Electric flights growing in number over the years

The flying of electric planes intent towards breaking into avenues and creating records isn’t new in itself. Electric planes flying in the sky is rather an unregulated corner of the aviation sector where a large number of ambitious plane builders and extremely brave pilots are making their foray. These determined individuals whom some term as skyward dreamers had certainly invented a new age of aviation, which seeks to provide a healthy way commuting in future without further damaging our dear planet Earth.

The earliest example of electric plane and today’s advancement

The earliest flight of an electric plane can be traced back to 1973 West Germany where plane builders worked towards flying planes with the help of batteries. The energy density and outburst of potential energy for flying the planes is still short of the gasoline based planes today. Even the most advanced electric plane at the moment can get easily outperformed by the fuel-powered planes in terms of power capacity as well as speed.

But electric planes offer a great room for further growth and advancement which is a good sign. The essential component for developing an electric plane such as batteries and others are becoming more affordable with technological advancement. This means that in upcoming days we will be able to see more exciting electric plane with more power and capabilities.

Some of Smart and Efficient Electric Planes

Elektra One Solar has produced a remarkable flight capability by flying from Germany to two Austrian airports and coming back on June 25. It is a single seater solar powered electric plane, which has shown that with solar power one can easily span a couple of hundred miles by staying at an altitude of over 10,000 feet.
Another solar powered electric plane named Solar Impulse made a sensational flight of 118 hours wherein it covered 4,500 miles from Japan and landed successfully in Hawaii on July 3. Incidentally this flight’s epic ocean crossing caused damage to its batteries which has resulted in keeping its round the world journey on hold.

However, the most thrilling moment of this year’s remarkable electric plane flight is the one carried on in Cri-Cri plane. In this flight, the pilot Duval has put his trust upon a plane to cross over thousands of miles of frigid water.

NASA Wi-Fi Chip Reflects Wi-Fi and Save Your Smartphone Battery

In the modern world consumers usually rely on the wireless communications for various reasons. The nexus between the phones, computers and the wearable devices with the Wi-Fi devices results in the creation of a wireless network. NASA has developed a Wi-Fi, which can be used in the mobile electronics to enhance their potential in receiving signal without losing out anything at the power front.

The problems faced during this chip invention

The major challenge faced by the researchers while developing this wearable device is the reflecting of signals by other components as physical things such as walls, ceiling, floors and others. This chip has to be given the ability to distinguish between the real Wi-Fi signal and the continuous refection coming from the background.

In order to overcome these background reflections has developed a core wireless silicon chip, which can constantly sense and suppress the background reflection in a more advanced fashion. It can keep the Wi-Fi signal transmitting without any kind of interference coming from the surrounding objects.

The researchers had successfully tested this enhanced system at distances measuring up to 20 feet (6 feet). By reaching at 8 feet this system possesses a data transfer rate of astonishing 330 megabits per second. This data transfer rate happened to be three time much more than the current Wi-Fi rate and this system used astonishing thousand times lesser than the power, which a regular Wi-Fi link uses in general.

A technologist had heaped praise on this system and had claimed that one can send a video in just a matter of seconds without consuming any energy from the wearable device. It should be noted that it is the transmitter, which expends the energy in the environment not the watch or any other wearable.

How this technology will work in real world environment

This technology requires a base station and a Wi-Fi service for efficient working. In order to compensate the lower power drainage on the wearable devices, it is essential that the computer or any other technology working with it possess rather a longer battery life. The best resort will be to keep it plugged it for once and all. This will mean that the router will use more power outages than before. At the moment researchers are working aggressively to find a perfect solution for this problem.

The potential of this remarkable technology

This technology shows enough potential to be used not just in the consumer products sectors but also in other sectors such as robotics and aircraft as well as aerospace engineering.

Aerospace will be benefitted with this technology as it will much better ways to transmit the images at a lower costs than the present devices at disposal. Even sending more than one images at a given time will become feasible with this technology.

Currently NASA and UCLA are in talks with the commercial partner with an aim of bringing this remarkable technology to the common users and even bring in a new revolution in the field of communication.