The secret of the “golden kitchen” of the Earth. Scientists have just published a new study explaining why volcanic arcs contain exceptionally high amounts of gold. In the Kermadec region, in the South Pacific, high-temperature melting processes caused the release of metals, including gold, by sulfur in magma flows. The golden veins of quartz illustrate the liberation of this precious metal from volcanic magma. (Source: Getty Images) What is remarkable is that the impoverished mantle in this area melts repeatedly. This repeated fusion process completely releases the gold contained in sulfur minerals, resulting in a much higher concentration of gold than in mid-oceanic ridge zones. Although the gold reserves at the bottom of the oceans are insufficient for economic exploitation, this discovery enables scientists to better understand Earth’s functioning. Gold is valuable not only for its physical properties but also for its complex geological journey before appearing on the surface.
NASA prepares to send a nuclear-powered aircraft to Titan. NASA has announced its intention to launch Dragonfly – an eight-rotor drone resembling a helicopter – towards Titan, Saturn’s largest moon, in 2028. Dragonfly is expected to begin its journey through Titan’s dense and icy atmosphere by 2034. The image illustrates the Dragonfly probe preparing to collect samples and explore the surface of a landing site on Titan. (Source: NASA) Dragonfly is equipped with an MMRTG nuclear battery, allowing it to function and maintain operation at temperatures as low as -180°C. With a range of scientific instruments such as a mass spectrometer, meteorological instruments, and cameras, it will explore the surface and atmosphere in search of signs of life or biological precursors. The first landing site consists of the Shangri-La dunes near the equator. Dragonfly will then head to the Selk impact crater to study the materials beneath its surface. This minimum three-year mission promises to shed new light on the possibility of extraterrestrial life.
Nickel-63 nuclear batteries have a lifespan of 100 years. The American company NRD has launched its range of NBV (Non-Volatile Nuclear Energy) batteries, which use the nickel-63 isotope to produce electricity through beta decay. This design allows for continuous electrical power for over a century without maintenance, targeting devices with very low energy consumption. The simulation of a nickel-63 nuclear battery in the solid state. (Source: Shutterstock) The NBV batteries are compact (20 x 20 x 12 mm) and provide a power of 5 to 500 nanowatts, a voltage of 1 to 20 V, and a current of only a few nanoamperes. Despite their very low power, they are suitable for sensors, environmental monitoring systems, security systems, and automated AI platforms requiring a stable and durable energy source. NRD emphasizes that this product represents a significant advancement in the application of nuclear materials to next-generation energy solutions. However, its practical efficiency depends on the ability to integrate and verify it independently, as while nickel-63 has a long half-life, safety and efficiency must be guaranteed. Source: https://vtcnews.vn/cong-nghe-11-4-bi-mat-nha-bep-tao-vang-cua-trai-dat-ar1012445.html
