Atmosphere Research update Organic molecule from trees excels at seeding clouds, CERN study reveals Sesquiterpene creates cloud-forming particles Read article: Organic molecule from trees excels at seeding clouds, CERN study reveals
Atmosphere Research update Threshold for X-ray flashes from lightning is identified by simulations Research could lead to new types of X-ray sources Read article: Threshold for X-ray flashes from lightning is identified by simulations
Atmosphere Research update Laser beam diverts the path of lightning strikes In the first experimental demonstration of laser-guided lightning, researchers fire a laser beam into the sky to divert the course of lightning discharges Read article: Laser beam diverts the path of lightning strikes
Atmosphere Research update Zig-zag lightning could be mediated by metastable oxygen Physicists may have solved enduring mystery Read article: Zig-zag lightning could be mediated by metastable oxygen
Particle and nuclear Research update Cosmic muons probe the interiors of tropical cyclones Imaging technique could be used to improve storm forecasts Read article: Cosmic muons probe the interiors of tropical cyclones
Atmosphere Research update Atmospheric helium levels are on the rise While not a worry in itself, the increase could serve as an indirect indicator of fossil fuel usage Read article: Atmospheric helium levels are on the rise
Stars and solar physics Research update Weather satellite sheds light on ‘Great Dimming’ of Betelgeuse star Chance observations corroborate hybrid explanation for drop in brightness Read article: Weather satellite sheds light on ‘Great Dimming’ of Betelgeuse star
Astronomy and space Podcasts Black-hole physics and that iconic ‘shadow’ image, balloons and rockets probe the atmosphere’s acoustic duct We speak to a geophysicist and an astrophysicist in this week’s podcast Read article: Black-hole physics and that iconic ‘shadow’ image, balloons and rockets probe the atmosphere’s acoustic duct
Soft matter and liquids Research update Oscillating temperature gradient boosts heat flow in fluids Discovery could improve climate models Read article: Oscillating temperature gradient boosts heat flow in fluids
Atmosphere Podcasts Solar geoengineering is a ‘fire extinguisher’ for global warming, shark’s skin inspires underwater vehicles In this podcast we chat with experts on hydrodynamics and climate-change mitigation Read article: Solar geoengineering is a ‘fire extinguisher’ for global warming, shark’s skin inspires underwater vehicles
Physics World podcast Explore our two regular podcast series, Physics World Weekly and Physics World Stories