The week in physics: Mars's early atmosphere; How stars shape galaxies

The week in physics: 12–16 May We want to know more about how our readers interact with Physics Today content! If you're interested in being part of a focus group to help us better serve our readers, please fill out this form. ADVERTISEMENT Recruit the Next Generation STEM Workforce Leverage the employment versatility of talented physics bachelor recipients for roles in engineering, data science, programming, and more. Explore Career Expo options and learn more about why a physics hire could be the perfect fit for your organization at the 2025 Physics & Astronomy Congress.  Learn More How stars shape galaxies The energy and momentum that stars inject into the gas that surrounds them dramatically influence subsequent star formation. Matthew Orr, Shyam Menon, and Blakesley Burkhart The story of Mars's early atmosphere is told in carbonate rocks Newly found iron-rich minerals suggest that carbon dioxide cycled in and out of the planet's ancient atmosphere. Alex Lopatka From the vault: December 1978 Magnetism in one dimension Crystals whose magnetic ions are arranged in separated chains have magnetic properties that indicate nearly ideal one‐dimensional rather than three‐dimensional behavior. Robert J. Birgeneau and Gen Shirane US research enterprise seeks to retain leadership while upping security Uncertainty shrouds research-security measures and how to comply with them. Toni Feder ADVERTISEMENT Transform High School Physics Education Apply for the William F. and Edith R. Meggers Project Award to receive up to $25,000 to enhance high school physics education. This award supports high school–level projects aimed at increasing interest in physics and improving the quality of physics education. The deadline to apply is June 15.  Learn More From the May issue Nuclear fission technologies for space exploration NASA is developing multiple technologies for space nuclear power and propulsion to enable a sustained lunar presence and to propel a crewed mission to Mars. Anthony M. Calomino, Kurt Polzin, Venkateswara Rao Dasari, and Lindsey Holmes Post a Job Get Job Alerts Browse All Jobs Science Writer II Thorlabs, Inc (Rochester, NY) View Job Radiofrequency (RF) and High Voltage (HV) Lead Canadian Light Source (Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada) View Job Postdoctoral Positions in Quantum Science Wilczek Quantum Center at SIAS of USTC (Shanghai, China) View Job QUC Research Fellow Positions in Condensed Matter Theory Korea Institute for Advanced Study (Seoul, South Korea) View Job Assistant Professor, Physics Lamar University (Beaumont, TX) View Job Executive Director, Berkeley Quantum (0379U) - Physical Sciences Dean's Office University of California, Berkeley (Berkeley, CA) View Job Physics Today is published by the American Institute of Physics. To manage your AIP email preferences and newsletter subscriptions, click here. Or unsubscribe from all AIP emails. © 2025 American Institute of Physics. Physics Today 1 Physics Ellipse College Park, MD 20740-3842 +1 301 209 3100