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In September 2011, scientists in India announced that satellite images had shown a nearly 30% reduction in the backwaters of the state of Kerala. These picturesque lagoons, near the Arabian Sea, are an important tourist attraction. Scientists plan to continue using satellites to investigate the cause of this reduction.
Read MoreIn addition to providing important information during emergencies, remote sensing satellites can be useful for land use and urban planning, and natural resources management. In August 2011, the NigeriaSat-2 remote sensing satellite was launched.
Read MoreIn June 2011, the eruption of the Puyehue-Cordón volcano in Chile led to the evacuation of 3,500 people. Satellites were able to capture images of the eruption and provide details on the associated ash plume, monitoring its path for many days.
Read MoreWhen Japan was devastated by an earthquake and tsunami in March 2011, more than 63 satellite observations were made in the first 48 hours following the event. Japan invoked the International Charter on Space and Major Disasters, which ensures that satellite images are freely available to authorities and aid workers.
Read MoreAlthough space technology might be expected to play a role in smartphone applications and high-tech mobile entertainment systems, it can also appear in completely unexpected places, such as shoes. CAP-K, a spinoff company of ARTEC Aerospace in Toulouse, France, is using damping technology originally developed for Europe’s Ariane launch vehicle.
Read MoreCommunications satellites continue to contribute dramatically to entertainment, particularly while traveling by sea. Seamless high-definition television (HDTV) service is now available to mariners as they travel around the globe. In the past, if sailors traveled to a new region and changed satellite TV service providers, they would need to install new hardware to access the signal in addition to signing up for the new service.
Read MoreMany applications use a “check in” feature, in which users share their location information via phone, to encourage connections between friends and to help businesses reach customers. The Nearparent application uses this technology to increase personal safety, allowing children to check in at a location and automatically alert parents they have arrived safely at their destination.
Read MoreMany GPS-enabled smartphones focus on locating the essentials: restaurants, hotels, museums, and other tourist spots. However, some more unique options are also available. Roadside America by This Exit encourages road-trippers to take a detour by providing a map of thousands of the funniest and weirdest attractions, from the largest ball of twine to a park made entirely of concrete.
Read MoreJust as the United States measures progress in early mathematics and science proficiency, other nations also track student progress. Many of these countries, including the United States, participate in the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) evaluation process.
Read MoreObservatories, space probes, and the scientists that operate them push humanity’s frontiers further out into the Universe. A range of exciting space science missions are in development that will expand…
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