What is the secret of "Flying Pigeon Passing Letters"?

In costume TV dramas, we often see "flying pigeons passing letters" between knights or relatives and friends to express their feelings or convey news. "Flying pigeons to deliver messages" is an ancient way of transmitting information. Its speed and accuracy are breathtaking. So, how do pigeons identify directions after traveling long distances? Is there such a thing as a homing pigeon? Research shows that there is. The Earth is a huge magnet that can produce a magnetic field with a wide range of influence. Scientists have discovered that there is a needle-shaped magnet about 0.1 microns long in the forebrain under the skull of a pigeon. It can sense the geomagnetic field and its direction. Therefore, no matter whether it is high mountains or dangerous weather, the pigeon can return smoothly. nest. At the same time, experiments have shown that when an artificial magnet with a specific polarity is added to the head of a pigeon, the pigeon cannot orient its flight correctly; whenever the sun's proton activity is intense, the earth's magnetic field is disturbed and the pigeon's return to the nest is disrupted. The rate has also been greatly reduced. This undoubtedly shows that pigeons orient their flight according to the earth's magnetic field. Similar animals include bees. Beekeepers release boxes of bees to collect honey, and they usually return successfully.

Pigeons and bees can use the sun’s magnetic field to identify directions. So, is it possible that the future spacecraft that people are beginning to study will also use the sun’s magnetic field to fly? According to a study supported by NASA’s Advanced Concepts Institute Under this plan, future spacecraft may perform feats of "surfing" in the magnetic fields of the Earth and other planets, and explore along previously unexplored routes around the solar system. The rechargeable craft does not require rockets or any other type of propulsion.

Mason Peck of Cornell University in Ithaca, New York, has been appointed to study this forward-thinking idea. The idea of ??having a spacecraft "surf" is based on the phenomenon of a magnetic field exerting a force on a charged object. Pike said a satellite could recharge itself within a day, either by sending a beam of charged particles into space or simply by allowing a radioactive isotope to emit charged particles. After charging, the satellite will be "gently" pushed by the Earth's rotating magnetic field, giving it the ability to change its orbit and even "escape" to interplanetary space.

Pike said that the spacecraft he designed will have a slow start-up process after reaching orbit, and it will take about a year to escape the control of the earth's gravity. However, once it is far away from the Earth, this magnetic field "surfer" will head towards its natural home, Jupiter, because Jupiter has a magnetic field that is far stronger than our Earth.

According to Pike's suggestion, future missions to Jupiter should use Jupiter's magnetic field as a brake to reduce the amount of propulsion required and thus save money. In addition to acting as a brake, Jupiter can also be used as a supply station for spacecraft while they "rest" in the solar system. In theory, a spacecraft could use the planet's "bulk" magnetic field to make sharp turns, rather than relying solely on the "gravitational slingshot" generated by the magnetic field.

I really have to marvel at human wisdom and the wonder of nature!