Tesla claimed the device, properly modified, could be used to map underground deposits of oil. A vibration sent through the earth returns an "echo signature" using the same principle as sonar. This idea was actually adapted for use by the petroleum industry, and is used today in a modified form with devices used to locate objects at archaelogical digs. Even before he had mentioned the invention to anyone he was already scaring the local populace around his loft laboratory. Although this story may be apocryphal, it has been cited in more than one biography: Tesla happened to attach the device to an exposed steel girder in his brownstone, thinking the foundations were built on strudy granite. As he disovered later, the subtrata in the area consisted of sand&endash;an excellent conductor and propogator of ground vibrations. After setting the little machine up, he proceeded to putter about the lab on other projects that needed attention. Meanwhile, for blocks around, chaos reigned as objects fell off shelves, furniture moved across floors, windows shattered, and pipes broke. The pandemonium didn't go unnoticed in the local precinct house where prisoners panicked and police officers fought to keep coffee and donuts from flying off desks. Used as they were to the frequent calls about diabolical noises and flashes from Mr. Tesla's block, they hightailed it over. Racing up the stairs and into the lab, they found the inventor smashing the vibrator to bits with a sledgehammer.
The LightSail 2 mission is only the second time the technology has been tested and the first time it has been used in Earth orbit. In 2010, the Japanese space agency launched IKAROS, which used solar sailing as its only form of propulsion on a mission to Venus and demonstrated that the technology actually worked for the first time. Although Nye and his collaborators commended the design of IKAROS, they said its technology wouldn鈥檛 work if the IKAROS spacecraft had stayed in low Earth orbit. To climb to higher altitudes, LightSail 2 had to have a much higher area-to-mass ratio, as well as the ability to rapidly reorient itself toward the sun as it orbited the Earth. Assuming it works as planned, LightSail 2 will in many ways be the highest-performing solar sail ever launched, but it isn鈥檛 likely to hold that title for long. In 2020, NASA is scheduled to launch NEA Scout, a cubesat solar sail that will characterize an asteroid of the type that may one day be a target for future human missions. The NEA Scout cubesat is slated to be a secondary payload on the first launch of NASA鈥檚 Space Launch System鈥攊f it ever makes it to the pad. The SLS has been plagued with delays and massive cost overrides that have put its future in question. So in the meantime, enjoy the launch of LightSail 2 on a rocket that actually exists. Updated 06-24-19, 10:30 pm ET: The post was updated to revise the estimated launch time. 鉁?Optimize your home life with our Gear team鈥檚 best picks, from robot vacuums to affordable mattresses to smart speakers.
Audi has announced the specification for its new SQ5, which now packs diesel power. The new model boasts a range of engine, styling and interior upgrades over the standard Q5, and will be available to order from spring. Under the bonnet sits a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 diesel engine that is supplemented by a 48V mild-hybrid system which also powers an electric compressor to reduce turbo lag. It produces a maximum combined output of 342bhp and 700Nm of torque. Power is fed through an eight-speed automatic gearbox to a permanent all-wheel-drive system, capable of sending up to 85 per cent of the engine鈥檚 power to the rear axle. The SQ5 TDI鈥檚 electric compressor is mounted between the intercooler and the intake and acts as an assistant to the turbocharger. It works by compensating for the turbo鈥檚 lack of boost at low revs by adding extra pressure to the intake up to a maximum of 1.4 bar (roughly 20 psi). Audi鈥檚 48V mild-hybrid system comprises a belt-driven alternator-starter and a small lithium-ion battery. Thanks to its hybrid system, Audi claims the new SQ5 TDI can achieve claimed economy figures of up 34.4mpg on the WLTP cycle. Chassis upgrades over the standard Q5 are also plentiful, with 鈥淪鈥?models receiving active dampers, torque vectoring differentials, adaptively-weighted steering and larger disc brakes, with six-piston calipers up front and four-piston calipers for the rear. Buyers chasing a broader list of equipment can opt for the SQ5 TDI Vorsprung edition. This trim level adds a range of optional extras including Nappa leather upholstery, a Bang & Olufsen stereo system, active air suspension, red brake calipers and 21-inch alloy wheels in one of three styles.
The Aston Martin Vanquish S Ultimate has been revealed, giving the luxurious GT one final swansong before it鈥檚 replaced next year. Just 175 units will be built, across the coupe and Volante convertible bodystyles. The fixed-roof Ultimate is set to cost 拢211,995, while its drop-top counterpart will set you back 拢223,995. It will retain Aston Martin鈥檚 legendary 6.0-litre naturally aspirated V12, producing 595bhp. It will likely be the last high-performance Aston Martin to house the near two decade-old stalwart. The engine also features in the Rapide S and limited edition Lagonda Taraf saloon. The 拢10,000 premium over the standard Vanquish S comes courtesy of three bespoke monochrome paint schemes. The Ultimate is available in black, grey and white gold, and each of the three 鈥楧esigner Themes鈥?has matching interior. The black Vanquish S Ultimate comes with bronze graphics, also featuring a black leather interior, with bronze stitching and black brake callipers. The second Designer Theme is the grey car, which gets blue accents, grey leather upholstery with blue stitching, and yellow callipers. The third and last Designer Theme gets a matching white gold and bronze interior. All variants come with unique five-spoke wheels and carbon fibre trinkets along the exterior of the car. A unique quilting design to the seats is exclusive to the limited-run Vanquish S, as well as Ultimate plaques on the door-sills to commemorate its exclusivity. What do you think of the Aston Martin Vanquish S Ultimate?