Cosmic radio radiation is radiation of extraterrestrial origin in the radio‐frequency portion of the electromagnetic spectrum. Such radiation was discovered by Karl Jansky of Bell Telephone Laboratories in 1932 on a wavelength of 14.6 m. While studying the direction of arrival of the atmospheric disturbances which interfere with the transatlantic short‐wave radio communications, Jansky found that in addition to familiar atmospheric static due to local and distant thunderstorms, his directive antenna was picking up persistent strange static noise. From further observations he concluded that the static noise was coming from the general direction of the Milky Way and the maximum noise was from the Constellation of Sagittarius, the central region of the Milky Way. Jansky suggested that this cosmic radio wave might be originating either in the stars or in interstellar space.
Research exchanges between US and Soviet scientists during the second half of the 20th century may be instructive for navigating today’s debates on scientific collaboration.
The Eisenhower administration dismissed the director of the National Bureau of Standards in 1953. Suspecting political interference with the agency’s research, scientists fought back—and won.
Alternative undergraduate physics courses expand access to students and address socioeconomic barriers that prevent many of them from entering physics and engineering fields. The courses also help all students develop quantitative skills.
Defying the often-perceived incompatibility between the two subjects, some physicists are using poetry to communicate science and to explore the human side of their work.
Positron emission tomography’s ability to image the body’s biochemistry, not just its anatomy, makes it a powerful tool for detecting diseases.
September 01, 2025 12:00 AM
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Physics Today - The Week in Physics
The Week in Physics" is likely a reference to the regular updates or summaries of new physics research, such as those found in publications like Physics Today from AIP Publishing or on news aggregators like Phys.org.