MetaFilter posts tagged with aerogel

Frozen Smoke

thekorruptor — Sun, 19 Aug 2007 09:38:04 -0800

Aerogel Update Originally posted back in '02 by adrianhon this crazy new material looks to be on the verge of mass production. Currently used in homes for insulation & for winter clothes that are too warm to wear, this is a truly amazing technology. Want to know how to make it? Want to buy some? Here is a pic to help you believe it's real. More here. Aspen Aerogel is currently in production.

Stardust@home

scodger — Sun, 10 Sep 2006 17:57:19 -0800

Stardust@home is now finally working in the search for dust specks from the stardust mission. Previously here and here

adrianhon — Thu, 25 Apr 2002 12:38:47 -0800

Aerogel - it holds six world records for physical properties and is nicknamed 'blue smoke' for its appearance; unsurprising since it is 99.8% air. Despite being used in the NASA Stardust and Mars Pathfinder missions, aerogels are not a recent invention and they were first prepared in 1931. It's also a great insulator - here are some wonderful photos of it in action.