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In the coming decades, massive segmented space telescopes may be launched to peer even closer in on far-out exoplanets and their atmospheres. To keep these mega-scopes stable, MIT researchers say that small satellites can follow along, and act as “guide stars,” by pointing a laser back at a telescope to calibrate the system, to produce better, more accurate images of distant worlds.

Tiny satellites could be “guide stars” for huge next-generation telescopes

Researchers design CubeSats with lasers to provide steady reference light for telescopes investigating distant planets.

January 4, 2019

A new analysis of African dust reveals the Sahara swung between green and desert conditions every 20,000 years, in sync with changes in the Earth’s tilt.

A “pacemaker” for North African climate

Study shows the Sahara swung between lush and desert conditions every 20,000 years, in sync with monsoon activity.

January 2, 2019

Anna Frebel is searching the stars for clues to the universe’s origins

MIT astronomer and writer investigates ancient starlight and shares her excitement about the cosmos.

January 1, 2019

Using atmospheric emissions taken by the global network AGAGE, Ronald Prinn (left) and Xuekun Fang (right) have identified rising emissions of chloroform that may pose a new threat to ozone recovery.

New threat to ozone recovery

Study finds chloroform emissions, on the rise in East Asia, could delay ozone recovery by up to eight years.

December 20, 2018

A new laser-pointing platform developed at MIT may help launch miniature satellites called CubeSats into the high-rate data game.

Laser-pointing system could help tiny satellites transmit data to Earth

Platform offers the precision that shoebox-sized CubeSats need to beam down hefty data packets.

December 14, 2018

From an original transparent etching (far right), engineers produced a photograph in the dark (top left), then attempted to reconstruct the object using first a physics-based algorithm (top right), then a trained neural network (bottom left), before combining both the neural network with the physics-based algorithm to produce the clearest, most accurate reproduction (bottom right) of the original ...

Deep-learning technique reveals “invisible” objects in the dark

Method could illuminate features of biological tissues in low-exposure images.

December 12, 2018

In this experiment, the new steam-generating device was mounted over a basin of water, placed on a small table, and partially surrounded by a simple, transparent solar concentrator. The researchers measured the temperature of the steam produced over the course of the test day, Oct. 21, 2017.

Sun-soaking device turns water into superheated steam

High-temperature steam might be used in remote regions to cook, clean, or sterilize medical equipment.

December 11, 2018

High resolution E-SEM image of the milk protein network in the casein gel (yogurt) that the researchers were able to characterized using the new OWCh technique during the entire gelation process.

Technique inspired by dolphin chirps could improve tests of soft materials

Method can be used to quickly characterize any soft, rapidly changing substance, such as clotting blood or drying cement.

December 6, 2018

MIT researchers propose a concept for a renewable storage system, pictured here, that would store solar and wind energy in the form of white-hot liquid silicon, stored in heavily insulated tanks.

“Sun in a box” would store renewable energy for the grid

Design for system that provides solar- or wind-generated power on demand should be cheaper than other leading options.

December 5, 2018

A new MIT plane is propelled via ionic wind. Batteries in the fuselage (tan compartment in front of plane) supply voltage to electrodes (blue/white horizontal lines) strung along the length of the plane, generating a wind of ions that propels the plane forward.

MIT engineers fly first-ever plane with no moving parts

The silent, lightweight aircraft doesn’t depend on fossil fuels.

November 21, 2018

MIT researchers have found that bacteria can affect a bubble’s longevity.

Bursting bubbles launch bacteria from water to air

Study illuminates new mode of bacteria dispersal.

November 15, 2018

MIT researchers have developed a coating for windows that rejects up to 70 percent of incoming solar heat.

See-through film rejects 70 percent of incoming solar heat

Material could be used to coat windows, save on air-conditioning costs.

November 8, 2018

By analyzing the win/loss records of thousands of fantasy players over multiple seasons, MIT researchers have found that the game of fantasy football is inherently a contest that rewards skill.

Study: There’s real skill in fantasy sports

Researchers find most fantasy sports are based on skill, not luck.

November 7, 2018

The RV Knorr, in Norway’s Alesund harbor in February 2014, as the crew prepares to begin its Nordic Seas Experiment.

Oceanographers produce first-ever images of entire cod shoals

Wide-ranging acoustic images could help researchers identify populations on the brink of collapse.

November 6, 2018

An MIT study proposes that laser technology on Earth could emit a beacon strong enough to attract attention from as far as 20,000 light years away.

E.T., we’re home

Existing laser technology could be fashioned into Earth’s “porch light” to attract alien astronomers, study finds.

November 4, 2018

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