Flying may be the quickest way to travel long distances, but it also releases a lot of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other harmful emissions into the air. This worsens global warming and the problems wrought by climate change. Concern about air travel’s carbon footprint has led some environmental advocates to ditch flying altogether. ut is this the only solution? Researchers are exploring ways to create a greener future for aviation.
First Steps
On January 19, 2023, a small, 19-seat twin-engine aircraft took to the skies. It completed a 10-mile (16-km) loop before returning to Cotswold Airport in the United Kingdom. This aircraft is the world's largest to complete a flight powered by hydrogen fuel-a clean energy source with zero carbon emissions.
Under its left wing, two fuel cells work in harmony. Fuel cells act a bit like batteries. These convert hydrogen into electricity to power an electric motor. A lithium battery provides an additional boost of energy during takeoff. As a safety measure, a standard plane engine drives the other propeller.
This successful test flight is a huge step toward making air travel more environmentally friendly. But researchers aren't stopping here. Now, their focus is on larger aircraft and on fueling 40- to 80-seater planes with hydrogen. This will be no simple feat, but it appears key to making zero-carbon flight a reality.
Reality Check
Just how much does air travel contribute to the release of planet-warming greenhouse gases? Let's consider a flight from London, England, to New York City. It emits about 2,000 pounds (around 900 kilograms) of carbon dioxide (CO2).
Bu hikaye Muse Science Magazine for Kids dergisinin November/December 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye Muse Science Magazine for Kids dergisinin November/December 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
A 12-Year-Old Girl's Election Sticker Is a Winner
VOTING IS A FUNDAMENTAL FREEDOM FOR AMERICANS, A MEANS OF DOING ONE'S CIVIC DUTY AND A WAY AN INDIVIDUAL CAN EXPRESS THEIR VOICE. In 1971, the United States lowered its voting age to 18. But that doesn't mean kids and teens under 18 can't participate in elections in various ways.
If everything the human brain does is basically sets of electrical impulses, how exactly does that translate into a state of mind?
You're not the only one asking this question. Every neuroscientist in the world is wondering the exact same thing, says Zach Mainen
EARTH'S TINIEST BUILDERS
THE HIDDEN WORLD OF MICROBES IN THE EARTH'S CRUST
MUMMIES SPEAK
ABOUT MICROBES, MIGRATION, AND MORE
GOING WITH YOUR GUT
HOW DO MICROBES AFFECT OUR HEALTH? LET'S COUNT THE WAYS...
BUG Detective
A burglar sneaks into a house on a quiet street in New York City. He walks through the house, touching countertops and door handles. Finally, he steals a single card from a full deck. Then he leaves.
Little Creatures Among Us THE MANY MICROBES IN OUR DAILY LIVES
When you think you're alone, you're actually not. In the ground, the air, your room, and even your body are Strillions and trillions of creatures so tiny you can't see them.
A Mars Rock Found With Leopard Spots Could Be a Sign of Ancient Life
IN JULY, NASA'S PERSEVERANCE ROVER CAME ACROSS A SPOTTED ROCK IN WHAT WAS ONCE A RIVERBED IN THE JEZERO CRATER ON MARS.
Para Athlete Uses Exoskeleton Suit to Carry the Olympic Torch
In July, a 36-year-old French tennis para athlete, Kevin Piette, got a chance to participate in this summer’s Olympic torch relay without using a wheelchair.
Ancient Egyptians May Have Used a Water System to Lift Stones to Build Pyramid
HOW ANCIENT EGYPTIANS BUILT THE MASSIVE PYRAMIDS IN EGYPT MORE THAN 4,000 YEARS AGO HAS LONG BEEN A TOPIC OF WONDER AND DEBATE.
