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Health & Science4h 14m ago

A new 6-millimeter optical component called a metasurface polarization grating has been developed to fundamentally change how future space telescopes study the Sun.

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University of California San Diego, Dunn Solar Telescope in New Mexico

Who
scientists at the University of California San Diego, industry partner BAE Systems
What
A new 6-millimeter optical component called a metasurface polarization grating has been developed to fundamentally change how future space telescopes study the Sun.
When
Fri, 12 Jun 2026 16:41:00 GMT · 4h 14m ago
Where
University of California San Diego, Dunn Solar Telescope in New Mexico ·
Why
This metasurface component can measure light polarization simultaneously, providing cleaner and more complete data than current methods, which will improve the prediction of coronal mass ejections that can impact Earth's satellites, power grids, and communications systems.
The Frontline Impact

How this affects you

This technological advance improves the accuracy and efficiency of solar observation, potentially leading to more reliable predictions of solar events that could disrupt Earth's infrastructure. It simplifies space telescope design and offers a more robust way to monitor the Sun's magnetic fields.

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