Researchers improve efficiency of next-generation solar cell material

Reducing internal losses could pave the way to low-cost perovskite-based photovoltaics that match silicon cells’ output.

David L. Chandler | MIT News Office • mit
Feb. 24, 2021 ~9 min

Did the solar system’s planets form in 2 waves?

A new theory about how the planets of our solar system formed may explain the differences between the inner- and outer-most planets.

Barbara Vonarburg-ETH Zurich • futurity
Feb. 22, 2021 ~7 min


Color ‘windows’ could turn light from inside or out into power

Researchers have created a new solution for generating solar power. The new "windows" could create energy from light from indoors and outdoors.

Mike Williams-Rice • futurity
Feb. 16, 2021 ~6 min

Ceramic in meteorites upends theory of early solar system

Ceramic chips from meteorites may help rewrite our understanding of the early days of the solar system, including how the planets formed.

Louise Lerner-Chicago • futurity
Feb. 15, 2021 ~6 min

Ceramic in meteorites upends theory of early solar system

Ceramic chips from meteorites may help rewrite our understanding of the early days of the solar system, including how the planets formed.

Louise Lerner-Chicago • futurity
Feb. 15, 2021 ~6 min

Astronomers identify new method of planet formation

Scientists have suggested a new explanation for the abundance in intermediate-mass exoplanets – a long-standing puzzle in astronomy.

Cambridge University News • cambridge
Feb. 12, 2021 ~4 min

Solar panels in Sahara could boost renewable energy but damage the global climate – here's why

In a bid to ditch fossil fuels, some countries are considering carpeting deserts with solar panels.

Benjamin Smith, Director of Research, Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, Western Sydney University • conversation
Feb. 11, 2021 ~7 min

Cheaper solar power means low-income families can also benefit – with the right kind of help

Solar power doesn't have to be just for the wealthy anymore. With the right kind of financial incentives, households at all income levels can benefit from affordable clean energy.

Ryan Wiser, Senior Scientist, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory • conversation
Jan. 19, 2021 ~8 min


Solar panels capture more sunlight with capsaicin - the chemical that makes chili peppers spicy

Chemicals found in food and solar cell technology have an interesting history – as my own research shows.

Jon Major, Research Fellow, Stephenson Institute for Renewable Energy, University of Liverpool • conversation
Jan. 13, 2021 ~6 min

What you need to know about this year's winter solstice and the great conjunction

This year's winter solstice is also when Saturn and Jupiter appear closest to each other for 60 years, Here's what you need to know about both the events.

William Teets, Acting Director and Astronomer, Dyer Observatory, Vanderbilt University • conversation
Dec. 18, 2020 ~5 min

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