Today’s physics news: Wednesday, 3 February

The impact of research – so hard to pin down

Jonathan Wolff, professor of philosophy at University College London, writes about the new research excellence framework’s assessment of impact as a major component of the research quality of each academic department
The Guardian 
 
Lunar eclipse: US retreat leaves China leading way in race to return to moon

The Chinese space agency could land its first astronauts on the moon within a decade in a move that would mark the beginning of a new age of lunar exploration, experts said today.
The Guardian

Scientists warn solar activity could hit London 2012 Olympic Games

Scientists warned yesterday that a peak in solar activity is due to occur in 2012, risking the disruption of television and internet networks during the London Olympic Games
The Times
The Telegraph
The Independent 
 
Rise in ethnic minority students at UK universities

Ethnic minority groups are better represented in UK universities – with the exception of Britain’s elite universities- than in the general population
BBC News
The Telegraph