A giant impact: Solving the mystery of how Mars' moons formed

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Where did the two natural satellites of Mars, Phobos and Deimos, come from? For a long time, their shape suggested that they were asteroids captured by Mars. However, the shape and course of their orbits contradict this hypothesis. Two independent and complementary studies provide an answer to this question. One of these studies rules out the capture of asteroids, and shows that the only scenario compatible with the surface properties of Phobos and Deimos is that of a giant collision. In the second study, researchers used cutting-edge digital simulations to show how these satellites were able to form from the debris of a gigantic collision between Mars and a protoplanet one-third its size.
via Science Daily
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Rechargeable batteries that last longer and re-charge more rapidly

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Materials researchers have developed a very simple and cost-effective procedure for significantly enhancing the performance of conventional Li-ion rechargeable batteries. The procedure is scalable in size, so the use of rechargeable batteries will be optimized in all areas of application-whether in wristwatches, smartphones, laptops or cars, explain scientists. Battery storage capacity will be significantly extended, and charging times reduced, they say.
via Science Daily

Alma finds a swirling, cool jet that reveals a growing, supermassive black hole

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Astronomers have made the surprising discovery of a jet of cool, dense gas in the center of a galaxy located 70 million light years from Earth. The jet, with its unusual, swirling structure, gives new clues to a long-standing astronomical mystery -- how supermassive black holes grow.
via Science Daily
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IC 4628: The Prawn Nebula

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