NEW DELHI: Nasa’s WB-57 jets are embarking on a groundbreaking mission to chase the upcoming total solar eclipse, providing scientists with an exceptional vantage point for observation. Flying at altitudes above commercial aircraft, these jets can fly above clouds, eliminating visibility issues caused by bad weather. This advantage ensures an unobstructed view of the eclipse, which has historically led to significant scientific discoveries.The high altitude of the WB-57s not only guarantees clear skies but also positions the aircraft above most of Earth’s atmosphere. This location is ideal for capturing sharper images and observing wavelengths of light, such as infrared, that are typically absorbed before reaching the ground. This capability is essential for collecting data crucial to a wide range of scientific research.Moreover, the impressive speed of the WB-57s, reaching 460 miles per hour, allows the jets to extend their observation time within the Moon’s shadow by about 25% compared to ground observations. While observers on the ground only experience the eclipse for a few minutes, the crews aboard the WB-57s will witness the celestial event for over six minutes and 22 seconds. This extended duration is vital for conducting various scientific experiments funded by Nasa to make essential measurements during the eclipse.Nasa’s use of the WB-57 jets demonstrates the agency’s commitment to employing innovative methods to advance our understanding of the universe. By pursuing the total solar eclipse from unique perspectives, scientists aim to uncover new insights into the workings of the solar system, continuing the tradition of discovery enabled by eclipses.How does Nasa’s WB-57 jet prolong the observation time of the eclipse?Nasa’s WB-57 jet extends the observation time of the eclipse by utilizing its high-speed flight capabilities. Flying at 460 miles per hour, the WB-57 can keep pace with the Moon’s shadow as it moves across the Earth during a total solar eclipse. This ability allows the aircraft to stay within the Moon’s shadow for a longer period, extending the observation time by about 25% compared to ground observations.While the total solar eclipse lasts only a few minutes at any given location on Earth, the rapid flight of the WB-57 extends this window to over six minutes and 22 seconds. This increased observation time is crucial for conducting scientific experiments and measurements that require more than just a brief glimpse of the eclipse. The additional time in the shadow of the Moon provides scientists aboard the WB-57 with a unique opportunity to capture more data and clearer images of the eclipse, including infrared wavelengths that are not visible from the ground due to atmospheric interference.
SINGAPORE reported 314 provisional suicides for 2024, while the 2023 figure was revised to 434, highlighting the importance of accurate data in suicide prevention efforts and the need for careful communication of statistics to maintain trust. Effective data collection practices from countries like Japan and Norway demonstrate that timely information can significantly improve prevention strategies and outcomes.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vwW9SWtbRFo Want More Context? 🔎
SINGAPORE: Two individuals were found dead following a fire at a flat in Block 173 Toa Payoh Lorong 1 on July 22, as reported by the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF). Firefighters extinguished the flames in a second-floor unit, while three neighboring residents were hospitalized for smoke inhalation; investigations by SCDF and police are ongoing.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3hrUiM1N2qU Want More Context? 🔎
SINGAPORE: Prosecutors urged the High Court to review the acquittal of Mr. Pay Teow Heng and Mr. Pek Lian Guan, accused of bribing a Land Transport Authority director, claiming the district judge failed in his duties. The prosecution argued for a "de novo" review due to alleged lapses in the judge's consideration of evidence and reliance on the defense's arguments. Want More Context? 🔎
SINGAPORE: Cross-border bus operator Causeway Link (CW) is addressing concerns raised by drivers following a wage strike on July 21, which left thousands of commuters stranded at Johor's BSI Customs. The strike, initiated by around 100 drivers over a revised pay scheme, has since ended, and the company is committed to resolving the issues through dialogue and ensuring service continuity. Want More Context? 🔎
Read a summary of this article on FAST.Get bite-sized news via a newcards interface. Give it a try. Click here to return to FAST Tap here to return to FAST FASTSINGAPORE: Singapore's artificial intelligence (AI) ambitions are set to grow beyond training technical specialists, with plans to develop a broader tier of professionals like lawyers and doctors, said Minister for Digital Development and Information Josephine Teo.Speaking at a fireside chat at Fortune's Brainstorm AI Singapore...
Two men, Singaporean Wilson Ang and Malaysian Wai Kei Fung, have been charged in connection with the bail of Long Zhihua, a Chinese national involved in a significant jewellery theft in Singapore. Long, who absconded after being released on bail, had pleaded guilty to stealing S$570,000 worth of jewellery, while Ang faces charges for false police reporting and acting as an errant bailor. Want More Context? 🔎