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The exploration of kilometre-sized trans-Neptunian objects (TNOs) is one of the ultimate goals in the search for the origin and evolution of the Solar System. However, such exploration is challenging because these small bodies are too faint to be directly detected. One potential avenue for detecting and investigating small and faint TNOs is the monitoring of stellar occultation events. This paper reviews the concept and methodology of monitoring observations of stellar occultations by small, unidentified TNOs, focusing on our observational programme, Organized Autotelescopes for Serendipitous Event Survey (OASES). OASES aims to detect and investigate stellar occultations by unidentified TNOs using multiple amateur-sized telescopes equipped with commercial complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) cameras. Through the monitoring observations conducted so far, OASES has found one possible occultation event by a kilometre-sized TNO. The paper also discusses future developments of the OASES project and deliberates on the potential of movie observations in expanding the frontiers of outer Solar System research.This article is part of the theme issue 'Major advances in planetary sciences thanks to stellar occultations'.
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http://dx.doi.org/10.1098/rsta.2024.0191 | DOI Listing |
J Phys Chem Lett
September 2025
Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87106, United States.
Defects significantly influence charge transport in CHNHPbI (MAPbI) perovskite solar cells, particularly at interfaces. Using quantum dynamics simulation, we reveal a distinct interstitial iodine (I) defect behavior at different positions in the TiO/MAPbI system. In the perovskite bulk-like region, I exhibits high mobility and dissociates detrimental iodine trimers, facilitating small-to-large polaron transition and promoting shallow trap formation.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFSmall
September 2025
Key Laboratory of Bio-Inspired Smart Interfacial Science and Technology of Ministry of Education, School of Chemistry, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, 100191, P. R. China.
In recent years, light-controlled ion transport systems have attracted widespread attention, however, the use of photoresponsive materials suffers from rapid carrier recombination, thermal field limitations, and narrow spectral response, which significantly restricts their performance enhancement in osmotic energy conversion. This study innovatively couples "blue energy" (osmotic energy) with "green energy" (solar energy), assembling graphene oxide/molybdenum disulfide/sulfonated cellulose nanocrystal (GO/ MoS/CNC) ion-channel membranes. Under solar irradiation, the energy level difference between MoS and GO effectively suppresses the recombination of photogenerated carriers, generating more active electrons and significantly enhancing the carrier density, thereby improving the current flux and ion selectivity.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFSci Rep
September 2025
Fukushima Renewable Energy Institute, Koriyama, Japan.
Ultra-fast charging stations (UFCS) present a significant challenge due to their high power demand and reliance on grid electricity. This paper proposes an optimization framework that integrates deep learning-based solar forecasting with a Genetic Algorithm (GA) for optimal sizing of photovoltaic (PV) and battery energy storage systems (BESS). A Gated Recurrent Unit (GRU) model is employed to forecast PV output, while the GA maximizes the Net Present Value (NPV) by selecting optimal PV and BESS sizes tailored to weekday and weekend demand profiles.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFProc Natl Acad Sci U S A
September 2025
Max Planck Institute for Solar System Research, Göttingen 37077, Germany.
Turbulent convection governs heat transport in both natural and industrial settings, yet optimizing it under extreme conditions remains a significant challenge. Traditional control strategies, such as predefined temperature modulation, struggle to achieve substantial enhancement. Here, we introduce a deep reinforcement learning (DRL) framework that autonomously discovers optimal control policies to maximize heat transfer in turbulent Rayleigh-Bénard convection.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFArch Microbiol
September 2025
Department of Biological Sciences, Wichita State University, 26, 1845 Fairmount, Wichita, KS, 67260, USA.
Freezing point depression due to high salt concentration is crucial for liquid water to exist on cold worlds, expanding special regions where habitats are plausible. Determination of the growth tolerances of terrestrial microbes in analog systems impacts planetary protection protocols aimed at preventing interference with life detection missions or potential native ecosystems on celestial bodies. We measured the salinity tolerances of 18 salinotolerant bacteria (Bacillus, Halomonas, Marinococcus, Nesterenkonia, Planococcus, Salibacillus, and Terribacillus).
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