Aerogel is the world's lightest solid, made up of 99.8% air. Its nanoporous structure makes it an excellent insulator, blocking heat and capturing particles. Scientists at NASA have used aerogel in their missions to Mars and in capturing dust from a comet. Researchers continue to work on improving its cost-effectiveness and durability for everyday use.
1. Aerogel is the world's lightest solid.
2. The piece described has a mass of 1.22 grams.
3. Aerogel is 99.8% air.
4. Some aerogels can be less dense than air.
5. Aerogels are created using a method that involves replacing one liquid with another.
6. Samuel Kistler invented aerogel in 1931.
7. Aerogel is a nanoporous solid.
8. Kistler published his findings in Nature in 1931.
9. Aerogel looks opaque in ultraviolet and transparent in infrared.
10. Aerogel against a blue sky appears yellow due to Rayleigh scattering.
11. Aerogel is an excellent thermal insulator.
12. NASA used aerogel insulation on multiple rovers including Sojourner, Spirit, Opportunity, and Curiosity.
13. NASA also used aerogel to catch dust from a comet in the Stardust mission.
14. When particles hit aerogel, they enter it and gradually come to a stop.
15. Aerogel might be used as thermal insulation in extreme environments, like Antarctica.
16. Original silica aerogel is hydrophilic, but it can be made waterproof.