Clocks on the Moon tick slightly faster than those on Earth, a new study reveals. It has significant implications for future space missions. Specifically, clocks placed near the Moon gain an additional 56.02 microseconds per day compared to those on Earth. Thanks to Albert Einstein. This phenomenon can be attributed to Einstein’s theory of relativity, which states that both gravity and speed influence the passage of time.

Einstein’s theory states that time is not a constant; it varies depending on the strength of gravitational fields and the speed at which an object is moving. The study highlights how this effect plays out in the Moon’s environment, where the weaker gravitational field compared to Earth causes time to pass slightly faster.

As humanity prepares for more frequent missions to the Moon, Mars, and other celestial bodies, understanding these variations in timekeeping becomes crucial. The time discrepancies, although minute, can impact everything from navigation and communication to the synchronization of systems across multiple platforms. Space missions rely on precise timing to maintain their operations, and any slight difference in time could have significant consequences.

The Lagrange Points

The study, published in The Astronomical Journal, also points out the behaviour of clocks positioned at Lagrange points—specific regions in space where gravitational forces from two large bodies, like Earth and the Moon, balance out. These points are particularly important for future space exploration as they could serve as staging areas or refueling stations for spacecraft traveling between Earth and the Moon.

Lagrange points offer stable environments for spacecraft to dock, making them prime candidates for mission planning. As such, understanding time at these locations is essential to ensure synchronization between spacecraft and lunar bases.

Time Matters

Time is a critical factor in space exploration for several reasons. First, it underpins the functioning of communication systems. Long-distance communication between Earth and distant missions often faces delays due to the vast distances involved. Additionally, varying gravitational effects between locations in space can lead to further time discrepancies. Understanding how time behaves in these contexts ensures that systems can be adjusted accordingly to maintain reliable communication.

Second, precise timing is essential for navigation. Spacecraft must be carefully synchronized to avoid collisions and to successfully carry out maneuvers, such as landing on the Moon or Mars. Without accurate timekeeping, the success of these operations could be jeopardized.

Finally, as lunar bases and spacecraft rely on different timing systems, harmonizing these clocks will be essential for smooth operations. Coordination between various space systems, both human and robotic, will be vital as we push further into space exploration.

Pierre Curie (1859–1906) was a man whose legacy has shaped the course of modern science, yet his name is often overshadowed by that of his famous wife, Marie Curie. Despite this, Pierre’s contributions to physics, particularly in the field of magnetism and the discovery of radioactivity, were revolutionary and continue to influence scientific research today.

Early Life and Education

Born in Paris on May 15, 1859, Pierre Curie grew up in an intellectually stimulating environment. His father, Eugene, was a physician, and his mother, Sophie, was a teacher, which cultivated in Pierre a deep passion for learning. From an early age, Pierre showed an exceptional aptitude for mathematics and physics, subjects that would later define his career.

By the time Pierre was 16, he had already completed his studies in mathematics and physics, earning a degree from the prestigious Sorbonne University in Paris. This early foundation in scientific inquiry laid the groundwork for his future innovations.

In 1895 together with his brother Jacques Curie, Pierre Curie developed the Curie point—the temperature at which certain magnetic materials lose their magnetism

Innovative Work in Magnetism and Crystallography

Pierre Curie is perhaps best known for his work on magnetism. In 1895, together with his brother Jacques Curie, he developed the Curie point—the temperature at which certain magnetic materials lose their magnetism. This work, foundational in the study of thermodynamics and magnetism, continues to be a key concept in modern physics.

Additionally, Pierre Curie’s research in crystallography and his study of the magnetic properties of materials played a pivotal role in the development of solid-state physics. His work laid the foundation for understanding the relationship between a material’s structure and its magnetic properties, which remains essential in materials science today.

The Discovery of Radioactivity

However, Pierre Curie’s most significant contribution came from his work on radioactivity, which would forever alter the understanding of matter itself. In the late 19th century, the mysterious rays emitted by certain substances, like uranium, intrigued scientists. Working alongside his wife, Marie Curie, Pierre embarked on a series of experiments to better understand this phenomenon.

Their work, starting in 1898, led to the discovery of two new elements: polonium and radium. Marie Curie coined the term “radioactivity” to describe the spontaneous emission of radiation from these elements, but it was Pierre’s precise experimental methods and scientific rigor that helped bring clarity to the phenomenon. Their discovery of radium, in particular, was a breakthrough that would lead to numerous advancements in medical treatments, including cancer therapy.

Nobel Recognition and Collaboration with Marie Curie

In 1903, Pierre Curie, together with Marie Curie and Henri Becquerel, was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics for their joint work on radioactivity. The recognition marked the first time a Nobel Prize had been awarded to a couple. However, what makes this achievement particularly notable is that Pierre Curie insisted that Marie be included in the award, a gesture that demonstrated not only his scientific partnership with his wife but also his support for women in science, a rare stance in the male-dominated field of the time.

Tragically, Pierre Curie’s life was cut short in 1906 when he was killed in a street accident at the age of 46

Pierre Curie’s dedication to scientific rigor and his ability to work collaboratively with Marie, his wife and fellow scientist, was vital to their success. Their work would not only earn them the Nobel Prize but also set the stage for later advancements in nuclear physics and medicine.

Tragic Loss and Enduring Legacy

Tragically, Pierre Curie’s life was cut short in 1906 when he was killed in a street accident at the age of 46. His death was a blow to both the scientific community and his family. However, his legacy continued through his wife, Marie, who carried on their groundbreaking work and became the first woman to win a second Nobel Prize.

Today, Pierre Curie is remembered as a visionary physicist whose discoveries were instrumental in shaping the fields of physics, chemistry, and medicine. His contributions to magnetism, crystallography, and radioactivity remain foundational to scientific inquiry. His work continues to inspire scientists across disciplines and serves as a reminder of the power of precision, collaboration, and dedication in the pursuit of knowledge.

Prof. Shyam Gollakota, Washington Research Foundation and Thomas J. Cable Endowed Professor at the Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science and Engineering at the University of Washington, has been honored with the Infosys Prize 2024 in Engineering and Computer Science for his groundbreaking contributions to mobile systems and healthcare. His research, which spans multiple engineering domains, has had a profound societal impact, particularly in areas like smartphone-based healthcare tools, battery-free communication, and the augmentation of human auditory perception with artificial intelligence.

Prof. Gollakota’s innovations have not only advanced the field of mobile systems but have also provided scalable, affordable solutions to some of the world’s most pressing challenges. His work is reshaping how we think about the intersection of technology and healthcare, and his pioneering research promises to improve the lives of millions globally, especially in low- and middle-income countries.

At the heart of Prof. Gollakota’s innovations is his ability to repurpose existing technologies to address real-world challenges

“His work on mobile and wireless communications is game-changing. Particularly impressive is his work on active sonar systems for physiological sensing, battery-free communications, and the use of AI to selectively tailor acoustic landscapes. These innovations will continue to benefit humanity for years to come,” stated Jury Chair, Infosys Prize 2024.

Transforming Mobile Devices into Healthcare Tools

At the heart of Prof. Gollakota’s innovations is his ability to repurpose existing technologies to address real-world challenges. One of his most remarkable contributions is his development of contactless physiological sensing using smartphones. By transforming mobile devices into active sonar systems, Gollakota’s research leverages the microphones and speakers in smartphones—components that are ubiquitous in today’s devices—to detect subtle physiological movements such as breathing.

This novel approach has significant implications for mobile health, particularly in resource-constrained areas where access to traditional medical equipment is limited. According to him, the ability to perform contactless physiological sensing with just a smartphone has the potential to revolutionize medical diagnostics, and make healthcare more accessible to billions of people around the world.

Battery-Free Communication: A Leap Forward in Sustainability

In a world increasingly concerned with energy efficiency and sustainability, Prof. Gollakota’s work on battery-free communication stands out as a pioneering achievement. He developed a technique called ambient backscatter, where wireless devices communicate by reflecting existing radio signals, rather than generating their own. This method drastically reduces energy consumption, allowing devices to communicate without the need for batteries.

This research is already opening up new possibilities for battery-free networks, including underwater Wi-Fi, powerline communication, and even wireless cameras. Battery-free devices could transform industries ranging from environmental monitoring to the Internet of Things (IoT). As per his visions, we are creating a future where energy-efficient, sustainable communication systems will be a part of our everyday lives.

Augmenting Human Auditory Perception with AI

In a truly visionary move, Prof. Gollakota’s research also explores how artificial intelligence (AI) can be used to augment human auditory perception. His work in this field enables people to program their acoustic environments, allowing them to focus on specific sounds or filter out others based on semantic descriptions. This breakthrough could have significant applications in hearing aids, earbuds, and assistive listening devices, where users can customize their listening experiences.

Battery-free devices could transform industries ranging from environmental monitoring to the Internet of Things (IoT)

By using AI to isolate and manipulate soundscapes in real time, Prof. Gollakota’s research is poised to improve quality of life for millions, offering individuals greater control over their auditory experiences. This technology will soon be commonplace in consumer electronics, giving people a level of control over their hearing that was once thought impossible.

A Thought Leader and Innovator

Prof. Shyam Gollakota’s career trajectory has been exceptional. A graduate of IIT Madras and MIT, where he received his Ph.D., Gollakota has quickly risen to prominence as a thought leader in mobile systems, machine learning, and human-computer interaction. He has received numerous accolades, including the National Science Foundation CAREER Award, the Alfred P. Sloan Fellowship, and the ACM Grace Murray Hopper Award. His recognition on MIT Technology Review’s 35 Innovators Under 35 list and twice on Forbes’ 30 Under 30 further cements his status as one of the brightest minds in his field.

As the director of the Mobile Intelligence Lab at the University of Washington, Gollakota is at the forefront of cutting-edge research in mobile health, networking, and battery-free computing. His work has already led to the creation of novel technologies that push the boundaries of what mobile systems can achieve, all with the potential to address key societal challenges.

The Future of Computing

Looking to the future, Prof. Gollakota’s research will continue to revolutionize mobile systems and human-computer interaction. His work in programmable sound, battery-free communication, and contactless diagnostics lays the foundation for the next generation of computing technologies. These innovations promise to reshape industries, improve global health, and enhance human capabilities.

With his visionary ideas and transformative research, Prof. Shyam Gollakota’s work will undoubtedly continue to have a profound impact on both the world of technology and the lives of people worldwide.