On the left: Part of the solar energy is lost in its way through the atmosphere by the effects of reflection and absorption.
On the right: Space-based solar power systems are an attempt to convert in space, outside the atmosphere, to avoid these losses.
Now we know that solar power relies on energy that filters down from the sun - but imagine how much energy you could collect if you went straight to the sun itself.
Well Europe's biggest space company wants to do just that. They want to send a satellite system into space, where it would collect the Sun's energy and transmit it back to Earth where it could be used as electricity.
It's been talked about for years - but now the company planning the mission reckon they can make it happen.
Par Nelly Sallibartan (Collège Germaine Tillion (91)) le 14 janvier 2010, 22:56 - news
Tens of thousands of people are believed to have died in Haiti following
the massive earthquake on Tuesday. The most urgent need now is to get to the
people who are trapped in the rubble. It is absolutely crucial that they get
more emergency teams to the site immediately.
Some emergency teams are already on the ground,
some of them have heavy lifting equipment but a lot more is needed.
The survivors also need lots of help. Many people - including children - have
spent a second night on the streets after the worst quake in 200 years
devastated people's homes, school, hospitals and businesses.
There is no
hospitals, no electricity, nothing - no food, no water, nothing. There are too
many people dying. Damaged communication lines are making
it very difficult to get through.The
earthquake had a magnitude of seven on the earthquake measurement scale. The
reason it had a particularly deadly impact is because it struck just ten
kilometres below the Earth's surface. This meant the ground shook with enormous
force. And because Haiti
has many poorly built buildings - the impact has left large parts of the island
in ruins. Haiti
is not a rich country and they've already suffered damage from hurricanes and
floods in the last year - so the massive rescue effort will need a lot of help
from other countries.
Teenagers in the UK are being told that the way they speak could stop them from getting a job .
One of the people who helps the government with stuff to do with kids says more teenagers are using text language and slang - rather than formal English.
These teenagers reckon using slang sometimes doesn't mean they don't know how to speak properly when they have to.....
What's your opinion on that? Sent me your thoughts.
Par Nelly Sallibartan (Collège Germaine Tillion (91)) le 12 janvier 2010, 19:54 - news
England's Six Nations clash with Wales will be the first sporting event in Europe to be shown in 3D.
The special cinema screenings are meant to make you feel like you're really there. Great for lots of rugby fans, but for some of you 3D technology makes you feel sick.....
Par Nelly Sallibartan (Collège Germaine Tillion (91)) le 11 janvier 2010, 23:31 - news
This year
has been named the International Year of Biodiversity by the United Nations -
which represents countries across the world. Doctor Achim Steiner from the UN
warned that human beings rely on nature's creatures, so we should try not to
damage delicate things like coral reefs and rainforests.
How much do you care for environmental issues, endangered species and so on ? Tell me
Par Nelly Sallibartan (Collège Germaine Tillion (91)) le 08 janvier 2010, 23:23 - news
Scientists say they have discovered the
footprints of the first creature which evolved from being a fish to being able
to walk on land.
They say this happened at least 18 million years earlier than
they previously thought. The footprints of a crocodile-like creature were found
in the mountains of southern Poland.
It means experts will have to rethink how life developed on Earth. The science
journalist, Dr Henry Gee says they might even have to re-write books.
Tens of thousands of people are believed to have died in 
