News
Wireless Power Transmission Opens Door to Far Side of the Moon Exploration
Exploring the far side of the Moon has always presented a challenge for communication due to the lack of direct line of sight with Earth. However, a recent study submitted to IEEE Transactions on Aerospace and Electronic Systems proposes a solution that could revolutionize lunar exploration – wireless power transmission. This innovative method, developed by researchers from Polytechnique Montréal, involves using one to three satellites in Earth-Moon Lagrange Point 2 (EMLP-2) to transmit power wirelessly to a receiver on the far side of the Moon.
The motivation behind this study, as explained by Dr. Gunes Karabulut Kurt, the study’s co-author, is to overcome the challenges associated with traditional cables on the Moon’s surface. Laying cables on the rough, dusty lunar surface would require ongoing maintenance and significant fuel costs for transportation. By utilizing wireless power transmission, these logistical and technical challenges can be circumvented, paving the way for constant communication between Earth and the lunar far side.
The study utilized calculations and computer models to determine the optimal configuration of satellites in EMLP-2 to maintain continuous power beaming to the lunar far side while ensuring line of sight with Earth. The results indicated that a three-satellite configuration could achieve continuous coverage of the lunar far side, with even a two-satellite setup providing full coverage for a significant portion of the lunar orbit.
Future research will focus on more complex models to enhance the efficiency and reliability of wireless energy transmission systems on the Moon. This study’s findings have significant implications for upcoming lunar missions, such as NASA’s Artemis program, which aims to establish a sustainable human presence on the Moon. By utilizing wireless power transmission, lunar missions can access continuous power in shadowed areas, such as the lunar south pole, where valuable resources like water ice may exist.
The Artemis missions, scheduled to send astronauts to the Moon starting in 2025, will benefit from advancements in wireless power transmission technology. This innovative approach not only improves communication capabilities on the Moon but also opens up new possibilities for sustainable lunar exploration and lays the foundation for future human missions to Mars.
As we continue to push the boundaries of space exploration, wireless power transmission could be the key to unlocking the mysteries of the far side of the Moon and beyond. The success of this technology will shape the future of lunar and interplanetary missions, making science fiction a reality.
Science never fails to amaze us with its endless possibilities and discoveries!
News
Is now the right time to invest in gold as prices have cooled?
The price of gold has climbed to record highs recently and has remained strong through much of April. And, that growth continued until the precious metal traded at around $2,390 per ounce on April 19, 2024. But since, growth in the price of the precious metal has cooled, with gold’s price now hovering around $2,300 per ounce.
This lull in gold’s price may represent an investment opportunity.
In general, investing is centered around buying assets when prices are low and selling them when prices are high – generating a profit on the difference between the two. So, considering the declines in gold’s price over the past few days, now may be the time to make your investment. But is buying gold during this lull in prices really a good idea?
Compare your gold investment options among leading brokers now.
Gold prices have cooled. Should you buy in now?
With gold’s price down from recent highs, you may be wondering if now is the right time to buy in. There are several reasons the dip in gold’s price may represent an opportunity to buy. Here are some of the biggest:
Prices may rise again
If looking at a gold price chart shows anything for certain, it shows that changes in the overall growth of the medal come in fits and spurts. Periods of price growth are typically followed by periods of declines and vice versa.
But with inflation rising in recent months – and with gold’s reputation as a safe-haven asset that can hedge against inflation – it only makes sense that the price of the precious metal will eventually start to head up again in the future. While attempting to time that directional change may be tricky, buying the precious metal while the price is down gives you the opportunity to take advantage of any upward movement that may be ahead.
Add gold to your portfolio now before prices have a chance to rise.
You may be able to make a quick profit
Gold isn’t known as an asset in which you can earn a quick return, but in today’s market, that may be the case. Don’t forget that in January, gold was trading at just $2,000 per ounce. And, by mid-April, the commodity’s price had climbed to around $2,400 per ounce. That’s about 20% growth in a matter of months, much of which happened since March 1 – an impressive climb for any investment asset.
Perhaps more importantly, gold’s price growth through the beginning of 2024 shows that the commodity doesn’t have to be a buy and hold style investment that you keep in a safety deposit box or precious metal depository for years to come. There’s also the possibility that the commodity’s price could climb further ahead, making it a compelling way to potentially generate a quick profit.
There are other benefits of investing in gold
There are other benefits of investing in gold that have little to do with the price growth seen thus far in 2024 – or the lull in prices seen over the past couple of days. Those benefits include:
- Inflation protection: Gold has long been considered an inflation hedge, and for good reason. When inflation drives the prices of consumer goods and services up – and the value of the dollar down – gold’s price tends to rise. So, it could be used to maintain the value of your portfolio during inflationary economic conditions. That’s important in today’s economic environment as stubborn inflation continues to weigh on the value of the dollar.
- Portfolio diversification: Gold’s price doesn’t always move in the same pattern that bonds or stocks do. So, mixing a reasonable amount of gold into your portfolio (up to 10% of your portfolio assets) as a diversifier could protect you from losses should one or more of your traditional portfolio assets fall in value. “If you have less than 5% – 10% of your net worth in commodities & FX (forex), you should absolutely consider adding exposure to gold and other precious metals,” says Vijay Marolia, money manager and managing partner at the wealth management firm, Regal Point Capital.
The bottom line
Gold’s price has fallen from recent highs – which may represent an opportunity to tap into growth ahead. However, gold isn’t simply a “buy while it’s low and sell while it’s a high” kind of investment opportunity. The commodity can also protect your portfolio from the stubborn inflation we’ve seen thus far in 2024 while acting as a diversification tool that could increase your risk-adjusted portfolio returns. So, consider adding gold to your portfolio today while it has the potential to grow in value.
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