NPR: The Federal Aviation Administration has released a report saying that in 2010 there were 2836 reported cases of lasers pointed at aircraft, almost double the 2009 number. According to the FAA, the problem is growing because of a number of factors, such as lasers’ increasing availability, decreasing cost, and higher power levels, and the introduction of green lasers, which are more easily seen than red ones. Because lasers have the potential to distract and injure pilots, the FAA asks that any planned use of lasers, such as for light shows or scientific research, be approved in advance.
The finding that the Saturnian moon may host layers of icy slush instead of a global ocean could change how planetary scientists think about other icy moons as well.
Modeling the shapes of tree branches, neurons, and blood vessels is a thorny problem, but researchers have just discovered that much of the math has already been done.
January 29, 2026 12:52 PM
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