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AI and Machine Learning will not save the planet (yet)

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Artificial General Intelligence, when it exists, will be able to do many tasks better than humans. For now, the machine learning systems and generative AI solutions available on the market are a stopgap to ease the cognitive load on engineers, until machines which think like people exist.

Generative AI is currently dominating headlines, but its backbone, neural networks, have been in use for decades. These Machine Learning (ML) systems historically acted as cruise control for large systems that would be difficult to constantly maintain by hand. The latest algorithms also proactively respond to errors and threats, alerting teams and recording logs of unusual activity. These systems have developed further and can even predict certain outcomes based on previously observed patterns.

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This super-Earth is the first planet confirmed to have a permanent dark side

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An artist's illustration of the exoplanet LHS 3844b.

One side of the planet LHS 3844b (artist’s impression) is thought to be in perpetual daylight.Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/R. Hurt (IPAC)

Imagine if it were always night-time in the Western Hemisphere and always daytime in the Eastern Hemisphere, and the only way for Londoners to see the Sun was to fly to somewhere like Tokyo.

In a study published today in The Astrophysical Journal, scientists provide the most compelling evidence to date that a planet has this feature1, called tidal synchronization or 1:1 tidal locking. Astronomers think that many exoplanets are similarly ‘stuck’ — including most of the candidates with potential to sustain life.

“This thing that has been theoretical now feels real. This is actually what these planets look like,” says Nicolas Cowan, an astronomer at McGill University in Montreal, Canada, and a co-author of the study.

Two sides of the story

When a planet orbits very close to its star, its near side experiences a much stronger pull than its far side does. Over time, the imbalance, called a tidal force, is thought to slow the planet’s rotation until it is in perfect synchrony with its orbit. This means that the time taken for the planet to rotate once on its axis is the same as that needed for it to travel once around its star. The Moon is thought to have undergone this process, which explains why it has a ‘far side’ that never faces Earth.

Many exoplanets are thought to be 1:1 tidally locked on account of their close proximity to their host star, but that status is difficult to prove. Measuring an exoplanet’s orbit is straightforward; pinning down its rotation is much harder, especially if the planet has an atmosphere that obscures its spinning surface from view.

The scientists turned to a particular exoplanet that is close to its star to finally prove the tidal locking hypothesis. In 2019, researchers using the Spitzer Space Telescope measured the intensity of light coming off this planet2, called super-Earth LHS 3844b. Cowan and his co-authors realized that these measurements could tell them the temperature of the planet’s Earth-facing surface, because the planet probably has no atmosphere.

Planets that are not tidally synchronized heat up as a result of the conflict between their rotation and the massive tidal force exerted by their star. The team found the surface of LHS 3844b to be relatively cool — as would be expected for a tidally synchronized planet.

Compelling case

“This is the most compelling evidence one could possibly gather with currently existing information or instrumentation,” says Emily Rauscher, a theoretical astrophysicist at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor.

Astronomer Emily Whittaker at the University of California, Los Angeles, notes that the paper assumes LHS 3844b has no atmosphere, but that a 2022 study which they co-authored left room for a thin, Earth-like atmosphere3. They say this could complicate the new paper’s argument, but agree that the evidence the team has laid out does point to tidal synchronization.

More evidence is expected soon. “James Webb is great for this,” says Cowan. The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) will allow astronomers to study the rotation of exoplanets orbiting slightly further from their stars than LHS 3844b does. Astronomers now think that such planets, which can sustain an atmosphere and mild temperatures, constitute most of the Milky Way’s habitable real estate. If the JWST finds them to be tidally synchronized like LHS 3844b, Cowan says, then “probably a good fraction of planets, certainly most habitable planets, are tidally locked”.

As for in what sense such planets could be habitable, Cowan can’t currently speculate. These worlds “don’t have tides, or seasons or day–night cycles”, he says. “Could you get the same kind of diversity and complexity of life evolving? I have no idea.”

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Nvidia has virtually recreated the entire planet — and now it wants to use its digital twin to crack weather forecasting for good

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Faster and more accurate weather forecasts are about to become a real possibility across the globe thanks to a new release from Nvidia.

The computing giant has announced a new digital twin cloud platform that it says will help meteorologists and weather experts create richer and more detailed simulations and more.

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News

Google reveals the most searched people, places and things on the planet

Google reveals the most searched

Google has this year been celebrating a significant milestone, marking a quarter of a century in the field of search. As part of its 25 Years in Search celebration, the Google has taken a nostalgic journey, revealing the most searched people, places, and things over its history. This retrospective not only provides a unique insight into our shared global curiosity but also highlights how our collective interests have evolved over time.

The data that Google released as part of its 25th-anniversary celebration offers a fascinating snapshot of our shared global curiosity. It shows that, despite our many differences, people across the world are often inspired by the same moments and seek the same answers. This shared curiosity is reflected in the diverse range of topics that have topped Google’s search charts over the years.

In the realm of sports, soccer and Cristiano Ronaldo emerged as the most-searched sport and athlete respectively. This reflects the global love for the game, transcending borders and cultures. Ronaldo’s global appeal, combined with his remarkable achievements on the pitch, have made him a subject of interest for millions around the world.

Google’s most searched terms

Here are some other articles you may find of interest on the subject of Google products and services :

In the world of music, Taylor Swift was identified as the most-searched songwriter. This points to the deep connection that people across the globe feel with her music. Swift’s relatable lyrics, combined with her ability to reinvent herself, have kept her at the top of the charts and in the hearts of her fans.

One particularly heartening revelation was the most-searched “how to help” query, which was “how to help people”. This, along with the most-searched emoji being the heart emoji, reflects a shared need for love, understanding, and helping others. It’s a testament to the fact that, despite the challenges and divisions we face, there is a universal desire to connect, empathize, and assist others.

As part of the 25 Years in Search celebration, Google released its 2023 Trends Global and Local Lists, a Most Searched Time Capsule, and the Most Searched Playground. The latter is an interactive game and Doodle featuring 25 of the most-searched trends. These initiatives provide a fun and interactive way to explore search trends, offering a unique perspective on our shared interests and curiosities.

Over the years, Google Trends have reflected human curiosity, the power of information, and the promise of progress. They’ve given us a unique insight into what matters to people, what inspires them, and what they aspire to. From understanding global events to exploring new ideas, Google’s search data has become a mirror reflecting our collective consciousness.

Looking ahead, Google believes that the next 25 years will bring significant changes based on the learnings from the past 25 years. As we continue to search, ask questions, and seek answers, Google’s search data will continue to reflect our evolving interests, concerns, and aspirations.

Google’s 25 Years in Search celebration is more than just a retrospective. It’s an exploration of our shared global curiosity, a testament to the power of information, and a reflection of our collective journey. As we look forward to the next 25 years, one can only wonder what new trends will emerge, what questions we’ll ask, and what answers we’ll seek. Check out the global trends 2023 over on the official Google Trends website.

Image Credit : Google

Filed Under: Technology News, Top News





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Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes film premiers May 24, 2024

Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes film premiers May 24 2024

20th Century Studios has released a new trailer for the upcoming film Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes continuing the saga from the previous movies. The upcoming science fiction, action film, promises to be an exciting new chapter in the Planet of the Apes reboot franchise. With a star-studded cast and a dynamic team of writers, the fourth installment in the series is set to take audiences on an unforgettable journey through a world where apes reign supreme and humans have regressed into a feral state.

The film is directed by Wes Ball, a filmmaker known for his ability to deliver action-packed narratives and emotionally charged stories. His directorial vision is supported by a screenplay penned by Josh Friedman, Rick Jaffa, Amanda Silver, and Patrick Aison. Each writer brings a unique perspective and a wealth of experience to the project, ensuring a rich, multi-faceted narrative that is sure to captivate audiences.

Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes is a sequel to “War for the Planet of the Apes” (2017), and continues the narrative thread left by its predecessor. However, the story is set generations after the events of the previous film, introducing a new context and a host of new characters.

Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes film

The film boasts a formidable cast, including Owen Teague, Freya Allan, Kevin Durand, Peter Macon, and William H. Macy. Each actor is set to bring their unique talents to the screen, adding depth and dimension to the characters they portray.

The plot of Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes centers around the tyrannical ape leader, Proximus Caesar. In a perversion of the teachings of his namesake, Proximus Caesar enslaves other ape clans in his relentless search for the last traces of a secret human technology. This narrative thread introduces a stark contrast to the themes of freedom and equality that defined previous films in the franchise.

However, hope is not lost in this dystopian world. The young ape Noa embarks on a journey for freedom, accompanied by a young human woman named Mae. Their shared quest for liberty serves as a poignant reminder of the shared destiny of apes and humans, and the choices that will define their future.

The film explores themes of tyranny, freedom, and choice, offering audiences a thought-provoking commentary on the nature of power and the importance of personal agency. The characters created by Rick Jaffa & Amanda Silver serve as the backbone of the narrative, driving the plot forward and grounding the film in a rich, established universe.

With Joe Hartwick Jr., Jaffa, Silver, and Jason Reed serving as producers, and Peter Chernin and Jenno Topping as executive producers, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes is poised to be a significant addition to the Planet of the Apes franchise. The team’s collective experience and commitment to the franchise promise a film that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. this Jump over to the official 20th Century Studios website for more information.

Filed Under: Entertainment News, Top News





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