News tagged with rotation rate

A tracking device that fits on the head of a pin

(PhysOrg.com) -- Optical gyroscopes, also known as rotation sensors, are widely used as a navigational tool in vehicles from ships to airplanes, measuring the rotation rates of a vehicle on three axes to evaluate ...

Physics / Optics & Photonics

created Oct 05, 2010 | popularity 4.6 / 5 (14) | comments 3 | with audio podcast

Could Venus be shifting gear?

(PhysOrg.com) -- ESA’s Venus Express spacecraft has discovered that our cloud-covered neighbour spins a little slower than previously measured. Peering through the dense atmosphere in the infrared, the ...

Space & Earth / Space Exploration

created Feb 10, 2012 | popularity 5 / 5 (9) | comments 14 | with audio podcast

XMM-Newton measures speedy spin of rare celestial object

(PhysOrg.com) -- XMM-Newton has caught the fading glow of a tiny celestial object, revealing its rotation rate for the first time. The new information confirms this particular object as one of an extremely ...

Space & Earth / Astronomy

created Jan 13, 2009 | popularity 4.3 / 5 (4) | comments 1

How much do binary stars shape planetary nebulae?

Planetary nebulae come in a dazzling array of shapes, from spherical shells of gas, to blobby structures barely containing symmetry at all. Controversy has surrounded the cause for this diversity. Could it ...

Space & Earth / Astronomy

created Jun 16, 2011 | popularity 4.5 / 5 (2) | comments 0 | with audio podcast