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Laser beam fired into the night sky
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Laser beam fired into the night sky
A laser beam is fired into the night sky from an observatory on the island of Maui, Hawaii, as part of a programme of research on crustal geodynamics. The beam is reflected back from a mirror on a sat- ellite orbiting Earth, to provide the first really precise measurements of continental drift. Several satellites are used for this research, & laser beams are fired at them from observatories on different continents, enabling scientists to build up a more exact picture of how the continents are moving towards or away from each other. Curving star trails are seen in the long-exposure photo
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Media ID 6436745
© NASA/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
Continental Drift Geophysics Laser Lasers Scientific Star Trails
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In this photo print, a laser beam pierces through the darkness of the night sky, originating from an observatory nestled on the enchanting island of Maui in Hawaii. This mesmerizing display is not merely a spectacle but part of an ambitious research program focused on crustal geodynamics. As the laser beam reaches its zenith, it encounters a mirror positioned aboard a satellite orbiting our planet. This ingenious setup allows scientists to obtain unprecedentedly precise measurements pertaining to continental drift - a phenomenon that has intrigued and puzzled researchers for centuries. To unravel this geological mystery, multiple satellites are engaged in this groundbreaking endeavor. Observatories across different continents fire laser beams towards these satellites, enabling scientists to meticulously map how continents shift closer or farther apart over time. The long-exposure nature of this photograph reveals ethereal star trails curving gracefully against the backdrop of Earth's celestial dance. It serves as a poignant reminder that while we explore and comprehend our world's intricate mechanisms, we remain humbled by the vastness and grandeur of the universe surrounding us. This image encapsulates both scientific ingenuity and technological prowess as humanity strives to unlock nature's secrets. Through lasers cutting through space and time, we inch closer to understanding our ever-evolving planet and its tectonic tapestry with unparalleled precision.
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