What We Do
Very accurate instruments are needed in science, and they are often used in medicine as well. Some labs at the Center for Astrophysics do research that is more directly helpful to people. This is in addition to pure research, which helps people through many technological uses.
Mirrors for the next generation of space telescopes are made in high-energy and neutron optics labs. But with a small change, these optics can correctly aim high-energy particles for radiation therapy, killing tumors while sparing healthy tissue around them. Builders are making mirrors that can focus neutrons from anywhere in the universe as well as neutrons from a nuclear source in the same room.
You can study molecular physics with nuclear magnetic resonance work, but you can also use it to scan the body. What this is called when it is used for imaging is magnetic resonance imaging or MRI. Scientists at the CfA are working on an open-access, low-magnetic-field human MRI machine that can be used to look at molecules and learn more about brain injuries.
Use of Medical Technology
On the other hand, astronomy does use medical technology from time to time. It can be hard to picture the complicated pieces that are left over after a supernova explosion. These pieces are called supernova remnants. We can only see the remnant from our viewing point; we can’t go around it to see all of its parts. We can make a 3D map of the material’s motion, though, by tracking how fast it’s moving and whether it’s moving toward or away from us. Researchers studying supernovae are adding this information to medical imaging software that was first made for brain scans in order to make a 3D model that can be seen from all sides. The models can then be 3D printed, which means you can actually hold a dead star.
The Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian is the place where new discoveries in astronomy are made. Scientists never know what the next big discovery will be when they keep doing research. With the new sensing technology, cameras will be better and lighter. Software for analyzing astronomical data can be changed to make cars safer. Radio astronomy has led to new methods that make wireless internet possible. We have no idea what we will find, but if we don’t look, we will never know.
How curiosity leads to creativity
It’s not easy to understand our universe. It takes a huge amount of focused work from experts working together around the world, the steady development of expensive new technology, and theoretical modeling that pushes the limits of science. A project like this has benefits, even if there is no promise of success.
Astronomy is always coming up with new ideas and making progress. Astronomy has led to advances in science and technology that have made their way into our everyday lives. For instance, the device you’re reading this on probably has parts and methods that were first used in astronomy.
The study of space has led to many technological advances that help people on Earth. These include computers, the Global Positioning System (GPS), energy-efficient solar panels, digital camera sensors, airport security scanners, portable X-ray machines, and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scanners. All of these things would not have happened if we weren’t first interested in what might be out there in the far reaches of our Universe. The desire to discover is still one of the most creative things about people, as it has been throughout history.
Taking Care of the Earth
In 1859, the Sun sent a huge magnetic mass of plasma hurtling toward Earth. It damaged electrical lines, started electrical fires, and stopped telegraph contact. As far south as Mexico, people could see the northern lights. An event like this happening in the sun today would likely do trillions of dollars worth of damage to Earth.
Coronal mass ejections (CMEs), like the one that happened in 1859, are huge explosions of charged particles that put satellites, pilots, and our power grid at risk. A group of CFA missions and instruments are keeping an eye on the Sun and alerting us to oncoming CMEs so that we can get ready and protect people and our very vulnerable electronic and communication systems.
The X-ray Telescope (XRT) on the Hinode satellite looks at flares, CMEs, and the source of the solar wind, which is a flow of charged particles from the Sun.
Scientists at the Center for Astrophysics
Harvard & Smithsonian (CfA) built the Atmospheric Imaging Assembly (AIA), which is part of the Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO). It quickly and accurately captures pictures of the full sun at a variety of wavelengths. Scientists can now watch features at different depths and temperatures of the sun’s atmosphere.
As it speeds through the Sun’s atmosphere, the Parker Solar Probe will collect things and measure the solar wind where it starts. In the end, it will be seven times closer to the sun than any other satellite and be able to handle temperatures of 2,500 degrees Fahrenheit (1,377 degrees Celsius). Scientists and engineers at CfA worked on the Solar Wind Electrons Alphas and Protons (SWEAP) Investigation. This is the group of instruments on the spacecraft that will directly test the properties of the plasma in the sun’s atmosphere during these meetings. A small instrument that will look around the spacecraft’s heat shield straight at the sun is an important part of SWEAP. This will let SWEAP take a sample of the atmosphere and touch the sun for the first time.
Even though our Sun keeps life going on Earth, it is still a star that can change quickly. Astronomers can tell us about coming solar storms and guess when the next big release will happen by learning more about our Sun.
Watch Space
In the 66 million years since an asteroid killed off the dinosaurs, the Solar System has done a lot of good things. However, there have been a few close calls that were too close for comfort.
The International Astronomical Union has asked the Minor Planet Center at the Center for Astrophysics to gather and share information about the locations of asteroids, comets, and other minor planets. The Center figures out how newfound objects are moving and lets people know when an object that could hit Earth is found. Figuring out the orbits and letting people know about newly found Near-Earth Asteroids (NEOs) is a very important job that keeps us from going the way the dinosaurs did.
Advantages Besides the Balance Sheet
Especially, astronomy brings people together. We see ourselves as we are: traveling through a single moment in time on one very special but very small world in the vastness of space by asking big questions about the universe and our place in it.
Our quest to learn more about the universaltechhub has given us a sense of wonder that can be used in useful ways. Astronomy classes in elementary or secondary school can inspire students to go into STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) fields as adults. When it comes to international relations, astronomy is seen as a scientific area that crosses borders and encourages teams from around the world to work together in the pursuit of knowledge. We can see how important scientific discoveries have changed our culture by making people smarter and more knowledgeable about science.
Also, let’s not forget that science gives us a look into the future. Are we going to be able to spread out into the universe, settle down on other worlds, and keep our history alive for future generations? If so, the only way to find out is to study science.
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