Scientists have unlocked a surprising secret: sunlight alone can lift metal sheets to the exosphere, the outermost layer of Earth's atmosphere. A previously misunderstood phenomenon called photophoresis – where light pressure pushes objects – is proving far more powerful than initially thought.
Recent research, published in Nature and Ars Technica, demonstrates that perforated structures and even tiny discs can levitate using only solar energy. This discovery could revolutionize space exploration, potentially enabling the creation of solar-powered spacecraft for missions like sending probes to Mars.
Imagine miniature aircraft soaring to incredible heights, propelled solely by the sun! Researchers believe this technology could drastically reduce the cost and complexity of accessing space, opening up new possibilities for scientific discovery and beyond. The potential is truly astronomical.
