Something is wrong at Chernobyl

Also, a new Hubble image shows three galaxies violently merging into one, and Airbus aims to equip an A380 airliner with a hydrogen engine by 2026. Feb 25, 2022 [View in browser]( The weight of world events seems almost unbearable, a full day into Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The former constituent republic of the Soviet Union has seen Russia take more of its territory via shellings and other military violence. But, after capturing Chernobyl, Russian President Vladimir Putin’s military forces have a new crisis on their hands, one of equally epic proportions for surrounding nations. Reports over the last several hours observe that aerial attacks may have damaged the protective covering that was installed atop Reactor No. 4 in 2019 to reduce radiation leakage from the infamous 1986 incident. While neutron levels are rising again, so far, they aren’t dangerous to people in the area. The geopolitical world may be marching toward a kind of oblivion, but the onward march of computer technology is keeping pace: Below we’ve prepared a video to show what will become of classic computers, once the era of quantum arrives. Good morning. This is Mert, an editor at IE. This is The Blueprint. Keep reading. [Video]VIDEO OF THE DAY [What will happen to classic computers once quantum becomes the norm?]( We might be in for a computing revolution. [What will happen to classic computers once quantum becomes the norm?]( CULTURE [Radiation levels surge around Chernobyl after Russia gains control]( [Chernobyl power plant]( On the first day of its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Russian troops [attacked the site of the Chernobyl]( nuclear power plant, and captured it. The Russian Air Force attacked the site, and then [ground troops entered Ukrainian territory]( from the northern border that it shares with the nation of Belarus. Later that day, Ukraine’s president confirmed that the control of the plant [was lost]( after a "fierce battle." - [CNN also reported]( Russia is holding staff at the nuclear plant as hostages. Calling the situation "unlawful and dangerous," the White House has requested the release of personnel. Worse still, aerial attacks may have damaged the dome that was constructed over Reactor No.4 immediately following the Chernobyl incident, in a bid to contain the radioactive material, [reports the Associated Press](. Another neutron radiation surge. According to [a Twitter user]( radiation levels have already increased from 3,200 nSv/h to 65,500 nSv/h. The currently reported levels may not be dangerous to people in the area, but are deeply concerning, especially during [a new international crisis.]( [Read More]( SCIENCE [New Hubble image shows three galaxies violently merging into one]( [Three galaxies colliding.]( A new image from the Hubble Space Telescope shows [three galaxies merging]( and it comes just weeks after scientists were worried the iconic observatory would never work again. - [The new image]( (pictured above) shows a space object called IC 2431, located 681 million light-years from Earth. At first glance, it looks like one galaxy. But in truth, it's three separate galaxies merging in a colossal event that will see all three combine into one giant galaxy, a press statement reveals. A triple merger. Binary galactic mergers are the most common type of galactic collision, but several triple mergers have been observed by astronomers over the years. But in this event, the black holes at the center of each will swallow one another to form [an enormous supermassive black hole](. It’s a scary sight. But the more we see, the more insight the scientific community will gain into the evolution of galaxies. [Read More]( TRANSPORTATION [Airbus aims to equip an A380 airliner with a hydrogen engine by 2026]( [Airbus]( The European aviation giant Airbus aims to [test a hydrogen engine]( on a modified A380 by 2026, as it strives to lower its emissions amid global efforts to curb fossil fuel consumption, said the firm in a [recent press statement](. - Renewed ambition. Airbus is working with engine maker CFM International — a joint venture of General Electric's aviation arm and France's Safran — to modify an existing A380. In 2019, [Airbus canceled]( production of the A380, the world's largest aircraft, citing high production costs and a low order backlog. Plenty of the massive aircraft are still operational, however, meaning the company can still adapt them for testing of future technologies. The aircraft’s size also makes it ideal for the upcoming tests, Airbus said. Taking the heat. Test flights for the hydrogen-powered A380 will likely begin around 2026. In the meantime, the aircraft will be retrofitted with the modified engine, to withstand the higher temperatures required for the burning of hydrogen fuel. [Read More]( MAIL & MUSINGS While some companies tout hydrogen as the “next big thing” for sustainable transportation, not all firms agree. Do you think hydrogen-fueled planes can substantially reduce the “footprint” of aircraft on our environment? Be sure you check back tomorrow for the results! [Yes, it's an important step toward reducing our carbon footprint.]( [No, hydrogen is highly flammable. And explosive!]( [Maybe. I have safety concerns, and want to avoid any major accidents.]( [I am prejudiced against the elements. Down with hydrogen!]( Yesterday’s Results Following the news about two-bladed floating wind turbines, we asked which type of energy you’d like to see gain more traction. And nearly half of the voters think our focus should shift to nuclear, while nearly one-quarter think geothermal is underrated. Right on. Nuclear fusion. It’s the future! 48% Geothermal. It’s definitely overlooked. 23% Solar. It’s so very bright. 15% Offshore wind farms. Lots of potential. 14% QUOTE OF THE DAY “ Primitiveness and civilization are degrees of the same thing. If civilization has an opposite, it is war. ” Ursula K. Le Guin in “The Left Hand of Darkness” AND ANOTHER THING... - Videos from the Russian invasion of Ukraine show [social media determines how we see war]( but this might lead to the dissemination of propaganda. - Twitter made a mistake, so it's [taking responsibility]( for mistakingly suspending Ukraine's open-source intelligence accounts. (Ars Technica) - [Kenya tests agrivoltaics]( by installing new solar panels to generate power and enhance food security. - Misinformation on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine abounds. Here's how to [avoid sharing it](. (MIT Technology Review $) - Take a look at the [inspiring story of NASA's Nagin Cox]( who has an asteroid named after her. - Dubai’s Museum of the Future will help you [discover new worlds](. (Yanko Design) - Endless possibilities: here’s everything to know about the origin and [future of hologram technology](. [Share to Win]SHARE TO WIN [All products]( Share The Blueprint! Give your friends deeper insights into engineering and tech, and win exclusive IE swag for free. [Read Details]( Share your link Copy & share your referral link with others. [ [Referral Program Terms and Conditions]( Prepared by Brad Bergan and Mert Erdemir Enjoy reading? Don't forget to forward to a friend! Was this email forwarded to you? 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