The study uses the upgraded GRAVITY+ instrument to measure the carbon isotope ratio in Beta Pic B's atmosphere, but finds inconsistent results that challenge its interpretation. The findings suggest that the planet may have formed outside the snowline, where CO was present as ice, rather than gas.
The Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute has invested nearly $110 million in the Giant Magellan Telescope, supporting its development and critical milestone toward completion. This investment advances scientific instrument development and enables scientists to explore some of the universe's most profound questions.
The most massive black holes detected by gravitational waves were formed through repeated and violent collision events in densely populated star clusters. The study identifies two distinct populations, with high-mass systems showing rapid spins and a signature consistent with cluster mergers.
The study reveals that more massive young star clusters clear away their natal gas faster than lower-mass clusters. This has implications for our understanding of star formation and how the young stars affect their surroundings.
The team analyzed LHS 3844 b's infrared radiation, finding it doesn't match Earth-like silicate-rich minerals. Instead, the spectrum suggests a dark, rocky surface composed of basaltic or magmatic minerals, possibly with a recently active geological history.
Researchers found massive amounts of ammonia gas expected but less than anticipated, and instead discovered thick patchy water-ice clouds on the exoplanet. The discovery sheds light on the limits of current models for studying exoplanet atmospheres.
The partnership aims to create high-quality jobs, advance innovation, and establish the Coquimbo region as a leader in astronomy. A national visitor and education center will showcase technological innovation and scientific discoveries, supporting workforce development and promoting astronomy tourism.
Scientists have confirmed the immense power of black hole jets, measuring over 10,000 times the energy released by the Sun. The research used a radio telescope array spanning the Earth to capture images of the 'dancing jets', revealing their movement pattern and speed, approximately half the speed of light.
Astronomers have identified a metal-poor star in the Large Magellanic Cloud, which is almost entirely hydrogen and helium with trace amounts of carbon and iron. Studying this low-mass star can help clarify our understanding of the first generation of stars, called Population III stars.
Scientists in Japan developed a high-resolution X-ray telescope using precision mirror-making technology, capable of distinguishing objects 3.5 mm wide from 1 km away. The telescope was tested on the ground using a unique evaluation system before launch on the FOXSI sounding rocket mission.
Researchers have discovered a second planet, WISPIT 2c, in the same system as the previously detected WISPIT 2b, which is estimated to be about 5 million years-old and has a mass ten times that of Jupiter. The young gas giant was detected using the European Southern Observatory's Very Large Telescope Interferometer.
Chris Impey, Distinguished Professor of Astronomy at the University of Arizona, will receive the Lewis Thomas Prize for his work on exobiology and his ability to connect complex scientific ideas to a broad public audience. His books explore fundamental questions about the origins of life and the search for extraterrestrial life.
The REGALADE catalogue combines data from 14 widely used catalogues and deep imaging surveys to create a unified place for astronomers to look up galaxy distances and features. This results in precise distance and size measurements for all galaxies, as well as stellar masses for most of them.
Lucciana Mikaela Cáceres Holgado, a University of Kansas physics and astronomy double major, has been awarded the second annual Marian H. Rose Research Scholarship for her exoplanet research and community involvement. The $15,000 scholarship supports her graduate research in environmental sciences.
Researchers at Maynooth University found that chaotic conditions in the early Universe triggered the rapid growth of smaller black holes into super-massive behemoths. This breakthrough resolves a long-standing puzzle, suggesting that 'garden variety' stellar mass black holes can grow at extreme rates.
The Giant Magellan Telescope has appointed Daniel T. Jaffe as its new president, succeeding Robert Shelton, who announced his retirement last year. Jaffe brings decades of leadership experience in research, astronomy instrumentation, and academia to lead the observatory through its next phase of construction.
The Rubin Observatory has discovered a record-breaking asteroid, nearly the size of eight football fields, rotating every two minutes. The fastest-spinning asteroid larger than 500 meters ever found is 710 meters in diameter and completes a full rotation every 1.88 minutes.
Scientists at UNIGE have developed a high-precision spectrograph called RISTRETTO to analyze light from the exoplanet Proxima b. The instrument can detect signs of oxygen or water in its atmosphere, similar to Earth.
Researchers led by Texas Tech University's Elias Aydi used cutting-edge interferometry to directly image two stellar explosions, also known as novae. The study reveals multiple outflows of material and in some cases, dramatic delays in the ejection process, challenging long-held views on these cosmic blasts.
The study reveals multiple outflows of material and dramatic delays in the ejection process, challenging long-held views about nova eruptions. Images captured using interferometry allow scientists to directly observe the rapidly evolving explosions.
The University of Hong Kong has launched the Hong Kong Institute for Astronomy and Astrophysics (HKIAA), uniting astronomers across Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area. The institute aims to bolster Hong Kong's role as a global hub for scientific excellence, attracting top talent and fostering international collaborations.
Researchers have created the first 3D map of a planet orbiting another star, highlighting distinct temperature zones on WASP-18b. The technique allows for atmospheric variations to be mapped, providing insights into exoplanet temperatures and composition.
A team led by UMD astronomers has created the first three-dimensional temperature map of a planet orbiting another star, revealing distinct temperature zones and water vapor breakdown. The new technique lays the groundwork for future explorations of faraway planets.
A new study reveals that most massive stars in the early universe were born as binary systems, similar to those in our own galaxy. This finding provides the first strong evidence for the common existence of massive binary stars in the early universe, shaping black holes and supernovae.
A team of astronomers has discovered a mysterious dark object in the distant universe with a mass about 1 million times that of our Sun. The discovery is significant as it could confirm or refute theories about the nature of dark matter.
A new study uses general-purpose AI to classify real cosmic events and explain its reasoning without complex training. The model achieved approximately 93% accuracy and provided plain-English explanations for every classification.
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology has joined the Giant Magellan Telescope's international consortium, strengthening US leadership in astronomy. The partnership brings over 600 years of combined experience in building powerful telescopes and invests $1 billion in the observatory.
Researchers from Tel Aviv University predict that detecting radio waves from the cosmic dark ages can help resolve the nature of dark matter. The study uses computer simulations to show that dense clumps of dark matter formed throughout the Universe, pulling in hydrogen gas and causing it to emit intense radio waves.
RECA Educación, a Colombian non-profit network, has been awarded the Europlanet Prize for Public Engagement 2025. The organization brings science education to schools and communities in Colombia, reaching hundreds of schools across the country.
Xinting Yu, an assistant professor at UT San Antonio, has been awarded the 2025 Harold C. Urey Prize for her contributions to planetary science. Her research focuses on understanding how planetary surfaces and atmospheres interact and evolve, with applications in exoplanet characterization and habitability studies.
A study by Stockholm University revealed a planet-forming disk with an unexpectedly high abundance of carbon dioxide, challenging long-standing assumptions about planetary birthplaces. The discovery was made using the James Webb Space Telescope and suggests intense ultraviolet radiation may be reshaping the chemistry of the disk.
Astronomers have detected a growing planet outside our solar system in a cleared gap of a multi-ringed disk of dust and gas. The discovery provides the first direct evidence that protoplanets can create these gaps, resolving a long-standing debate in the scientific community.
Researchers at Ohio State University suggest a large cloud of dust and gas occluded Earth's view of the star ASASSN-24fw, causing its brightness to dim by 97% before brightening again. The team proposes that this disk is likely made up of carbon or water ice close in size to a large grain of dust.
Researchers at Cornell University have discovered that hot Jupiter exoplanets can exhibit polarizing dust interactions, similar to Earth's atmospheric phenomena. Silicate crystals in these exoplanets' atmospheres may align due to high-speed winds, producing observable effects like sun dogs.
The Near-InfraRed Planet Searcher (NIRPS) spectrograph, combined with HARPS, offers exceptional performance in detecting and characterizing exoplanets. The first scientific results revealed atmospheres of two gas giant exoplanets, including one with an extreme atmosphere containing evaporated iron.
Curtin University researchers have detected significant Starlink satellite interference with radio astronomy observations, affecting up to 30% of images. The study highlights the need for regulatory improvements to minimize the impact of satellite technology on research.
Women and ethnic minority groups continue to be underrepresented in astronomy and geophysics, with 97% of permanent staff being white. Despite efforts to increase representation, the fields still struggle with low numbers of female professors and senior lecturers, but show some improvement among postdoctoral researchers.
The Vera C. Rubin Observatory will capture the entire night sky every few nights, producing 20 terabytes of raw data nightly. Australian astronomers will have early access to this data, enabling discoveries across timescales never before possible.
A team of researchers has discovered that a specific radio signal can reveal the masses of the earliest stars, crucial for understanding the Cosmic Dawn. The study utilizes the 21-centimetre signal, created by hydrogen atoms filling gaps between star-forming regions, to inform predictions about future radio telescopes like REACH and SKA.
The SETI Institute and SpaceX have launched a collaboration to reduce satellite interference on radio astronomy observations at the Allen Telescope Array. This effort aims to preserve the integrity of radio astronomy while accommodating expanding global connectivity. By implementing new coordination techniques, the initiative successfu...
Dr. Karen I. Perez joins the SETI Institute as the inaugural recipient of the William J. Welch Postdoctoral Fellowship, developing real-time analysis pipelines for detecting signals from intelligent life. Her research will advance radio astronomy and contribute to shaping the next generation of SETI instrumentation.
The astronomical records of imperial China played a pivotal role in shaping the country's astronomy practices, highlighting the archive's importance as an arena for historical consciousness and collaboration. The records, particularly the imperial dynastic histories, were used to preserve data and build upon past knowledge.
Researchers detected atmospheric methane and silicon monoxide on WASP-121b, suggesting it accumulated most of its gas in a cold region before becoming an ultra-hot giant planet. The team proposes that strong vertical winds on the nightside replenish methane gas to maintain its high abundance.
Four new studies provide conclusive evidence for the existence of intermediate-mass black holes, offering a window into the universe's first stars. The researchers used data from LIGO detectors to identify these heavy gravitational-wave events, paving the way for future observations using space-based missions like LISA.
Researchers at ICRAR have found that galaxies forming stars rely on the location of atomic hydrogen gas, not its total amount. Higher-resolution observations allowed for unprecedented mapping of gas distribution in 1,000 galaxies.
A new study reveals that magnetar flares could be a potential source of heavy elements in the universe. By analyzing archival data and observations of magnetar flare events, researchers estimate that up to 10% of heavy elements like gold, uranium, and platinum may come from these cosmic explosions.
Researchers found that super-Earths can exist far from their host star like gas giants do from the sun. The team's results suggest these massive worlds are prevalent across the universe, with at least one super-Earth present for every three stars.
The SETI Institute and Maldives Space Research Organisation team up to combine cutting-edge scientific research with rich cultural heritage of Maldivian celestial navigation. They will work together on research projects, policy guidance, and resource sharing, aiming to inspire the next generation of Maldivian space scientists.
The SETI Institute has launched the ARISE Lab program, providing hands-on training for community college instructors and students in astronomy, digital signal processing, and radio science. The program combines real-time radio telescope data with experiential learning techniques to spark curiosity and build skills.
Ryan Amberger, a Ph.D. candidate in physics at Texas A&M University, has been selected for a 2025 Los Alamos-Texas A&M Fellowship to conduct dissertation research on nuclear astrophysics. He aims to improve understanding of the s-process by studying neutron cross sections.
Researchers analyzed over 8500 meteoroids and found that the atmosphere and Sun act like giant filters, destroying fragile carbon-rich meteoroids before they reach the ground. This discovery reshapes how scientists interpret meteorites collected so far and could influence future asteroid missions.
Astronomers have created a detailed 3D map of dust in the Milky Way galaxy, providing new insights into the effects of dust on celestial observations. The map reveals unexpected properties of interstellar dust clouds, including a steepening extinction curve in areas of intermediate density.
New research reveals that exoplanets with masses similar to Jupiter formed much sooner than previously thought, suggesting the accretion process takes place early. This finding could lead scientists to re-evaluate and revamp their theories of planet formation for the solar system and elsewhere.
The University of Michigan Department of Astronomy will launch its first space mission in 2029 with a $10 million NASA grant. The STARI mission aims to demonstrate a new technique for studying exoplanets, which could help search for life beyond our solar system.
A new Australian-developed technology has detected mysterious fast radio bursts and neutron stars, improving location data of pulsars. The system, CRACO, sifts through signals from space like sand on a beach to find anomalies.
Adam Leroy, a professor of astronomy at Ohio State University, has been recognized with the 2025 Henry Draper Medal for his groundbreaking work on the interstellar medium and its relationship to star formation in nearby galaxies. His research has provided unprecedented detail on the physical nature of this material, advancing our under...
Researchers use Large Binocular Telescope Interferometer to observe active galactic nucleus, revealing dusty outflowing wind and radio jet feedback. The study provides new insights into AGN's interaction with host galaxies.
Researchers observed a galaxy nearly 6.5 billion light-years away, revealing a large number of individual stars made visible through gravitational lensing. The discovery provides new insights into the universe's greatest mysteries, including dark matter and stellar populations.
A new study using the James Webb Space Telescope has reevaluated the atmospheric composition of Trappist-1 b, finding conditions that could support a thick CO2-rich atmosphere. Researchers propose that haze from hydrocarbon compounds in the upper atmosphere may explain this scenario.
A recent study using radio astronomy observations has revealed that planets help form the next by concentrating dust grains into a narrow region at their orbits. This sequential formation process can explain how our Solar System formed, with each planet triggering the next like a line of falling dominos.