Strongest Solar Radiation Storm Since October 2003 Underway

A large geomagnetic storm (a type of solar storm) — the largest such storm since October 2003 — is currently underway. The storm remains at S3 (strong) levels but has dropped below its peak and will continue to slowly decrease throughout the day. Impacts so far include some airlines avoiding polar routes and reports of flights at high latitudes flying at lower than usual altitudes.

Solar Radiation Storm Approaching May 2005 Levels

The Solar Radiation Storm (S3 – Strong) has exceeded the December 2006 and September 2005 levels, and is approaching the levels seen from the May 2005 storm. The impacts of this storm are considered minimal and will be relegated to the Earth’s poles, where aircraft communications may be degraded along with potential flight rerouting.

Helicopters set to become more manoeuvrable – using humpback whales as the prototype

Modern helicopters could be significantly faster and more manoeuvrable – if aerodynamics did not impose limitations on them. Researchers at the German Aerospace Center (DLR) in Göttingen have now discovered and flight-tested a way to increase manoeuvrability using an idea they got from observing humpback whales.

DLR 2012 – Research is an important investment for the future

As one of Europe’s leading research institutions, the German Aerospace Center (DLR) will continue to align its research work with key issues concerning environmental protection, mobility, energy supply and security in 2012.