Sun spits out mid-level solar flare
A mid-level solar flare was emitted by the sun on February 3, 2014, reaching its peak at midnight EST. The NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory captured images of the event.
Search results for “Chandra X-Ray Observatory”
1,000+ results for "Chandra X-Ray Observatory"
Solving a 30-year-old problem in massive star formation
A team of researchers has confirmed a long-standing puzzle about the birth of massive stars, showing that dense filamentary structures absorb ultraviolet radiation and shield surrounding gas. The findings provide new insights into how massive stars form and influence their host galaxies.
Massive galaxy cluster verifies predictions of cosmological theory
A team of scientists has detected for the first time in an individual object the kinetic Sunyaev-Zel'dovich effect, a change in the cosmic microwave background caused by massive moving objects. The observation was made using the Caltech Submillimeter Observatory and confirms predictions of cosmological theory.
NASA's SDO sees giant January sunspots
Scientists observe enormous sunspot AR1944, two Earths wide, moving toward the sun's center. The sunspot is part of active regions that can cause space weather events, such as solar flares and coronal mass ejections.
Supernova's super dust factory imaged with ALMA
Astronomers have captured the remains of a recent supernova brimming with freshly formed dust, which could explain how many galaxies acquired their dusty appearance. The ALMA telescope's unprecedented resolution and sensitivity revealed a large dust mass concentrated in the central part of the ejecta.
Pulsar in stellar triple system makes unique gravitational laboratory
Astronomers have found a rare stellar system featuring a neutron star, two white dwarf stars, in an incredibly close orbit. By measuring the gravitational perturbations in this system, scientists can gain insights into the nature of gravity and potentially detect problems with General Relativity.
New studies give strong boost to binary-star formation theory
Scientists discovered previously unseen binary companions to young protostars using upgraded VLA capabilities. The findings support the disk-fragmentation idea, which suggests double stars form when a gas and dust disk fragments, forming a new star in orbit with the first.
Antarctic neutrino-hunting project IceCube named Breakthrough of the Year by Physics World
The IceCube Neutrino Observatory detected cosmic neutrinos, overcoming challenges in building a colossal detector deep under the ice at the South Pole. This achievement gives astronomers a new way to study the cosmos.
Noble gas molecule discovered in space
A team of astronomers from Cardiff University has discovered a noble gas molecule, argon hydride, in the Crab Nebula. The find provides new insights into the chemistry of outer space and challenges previous assumptions about the conditions necessary for such molecules to form.
Astronomers discover first noble gas molecules in space
Researchers discovered argon hydride ions in the Crab Nebula, a supernova remnant, using ESA's Herschel Space Observatory. The findings support theories on how argon forms in nature and provide evidence for the formation of noble gas molecules in space.
Hidden details revealed in nearby starburst galaxy
The Green Bank Telescope has captured detailed images of M82, highlighting streamers of material and dense molecular gas surrounding areas of intense star formation. Astronomers hope to understand the connection between dense gas and star formation by creating wide-angle maps of galaxy gas.
Deep Carbon Observatory scientists discover quick recipe for producing hydrogen
Deep Carbon Observatory scientists have discovered a method to produce hydrogen more quickly and efficiently than natural processes. The new formula uses aluminum oxide, water, and olivine under high pressure, accelerating the production of hydrogen by 7-50 times.
Scientists calculate friction of Japan's 9.0 earthquake in 2011
An international team of scientists has measured the 'frictional heat' generated during the rupture of Japan's 9.0 Tohoku-Oki earthquake in 2011. The study found that the fault is more slippery than previously thought, with a friction coefficient of 0.08.
NASA investigating the life of Comet ISON
Comet ISON's size reduced significantly as it approached the sun, with observations revealing a potential debris field and unclear nucleus remnants. The comet's unprecedented observation history will provide valuable data for scientists to study in the years to come.
Strong dollar means cross-border shopping heavily influenced by exchange rate
A new study from University of Toronto researchers found that a strong dollar significantly influences Canadian cross-border shopping habits, with distance to the border also playing a crucial role. The research suggests that Canadians are more likely to shop in the US due to the favorable exchange rate and proximity to the border.
Ready, set, space! -- NASA's GPM satellite begins journey
The Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) Core Observatory will track global precipitation by combining measurements from multiple satellites. The satellite has undergone rigorous environmental tests and integration to ensure its survival in space.
IceCube provides proof of neutrinos from the cosmos -- start of the neutrino astronomy era
The IceCube Neutrino Observatory has discovered 28 high-energy neutrinos from outer space, with some having energies a thousand times greater than those created in particle accelerators. The detection provides evidence for cosmic acceleration and opens up new avenues for understanding the universe.
'The era of neutrino astronomy has begun'
The IceCube collaboration has detected 28 high-energy particle events, providing solid evidence for astrophysical neutrinos from cosmic sources. By studying these neutrinos, scientists can learn about distant astrophysical phenomena and potentially identify their sources.
Cosmic finding ushers in 'new age of astronomy'
Researchers at the University of Delaware part of an international team that observed 28 high-energy particle events coming from cosmic accelerators, possibly exploding stars or accreting black holes. The discovery marks the first solid evidence of neutrinos originating from sources outside our solar system.
IceCube pushes neutrinos to the forefront of astronomy
The IceCube Neutrino Observatory has detected 28 high-energy particle events from cosmic accelerators, providing the first solid evidence for astrophysical neutrinos. The signals are more than one million times more energetic than those observed in 1987 and originate from outside our solar system.
New tool may unveil inhabitable worlds
SPIRou, a near-infrared spectropolarimeter and high-precision velocimeter, will detect habitable Earth twins orbiting nearby red dwarf stars and study the formation of Sun-like stars and their planets. The instrument's advanced technology will reveal the existence of liquid water on planetary surfaces.
Sounding rocket to calibrate NASA's SDO instrument
A NASA sounding rocket launch will support calibration of the EUV Variability Experiment (EVE) aboard the Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) satellite. The EVE instrument measures total extreme ultraviolet irradiance, and this under-flight calibration is crucial for validating long-term variations in solar radiation.
Establishing world-class coral reef ecosystem monitoring in Okinawa
The OceanCube Observatories are designed to understand changes in species, nutrients, and energy within a controlled cube-shaped volume of water. The system provides real-time data on temperature, salinity, and other chemical, biological, and physical data critical to understanding coral reef ecosystem health.
Entomological Society of America names winners of Monsanto student travel and research awards
The Entomological Society of America has awarded Monsanto Research Grants and Student Travel Awards to three students: Chelsea Wright, María Cristina Carrasquilla, and Chandra Moffat. The grants will fund their research projects on vector-borne diseases, entomology ecology, and host-associated differentiation.
Surprising underwater-sounds: Humpback whales also spend their winter in Antarctica
Biologists have discovered that a part of the Southern Hemisphere humpback whale population spends its entire winter in Antarctic waters. The whales use ice-free areas to survive the harsh winter months.
Blacks in U.S. may be at higher risk for health problems from insufficient sleep
A new study from Harvard School of Public Health found that blacks are more likely to sleep less than seven hours a night, increasing their risk of obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, and death. Black professionals had the highest prevalence of short sleep, while white professionals had the lowest.
SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Epidemiology·DateSep 9, 2013
Gold Pan Complex Fire
The Gold Pan Complex Fire in Idaho burned 17,103 acres of mixed conifer forest, fueled by dead trees and insects like the mountain pine beetle. High temperatures trapped smoke in valley bottoms.
Obesity and mortality association differs between individuals with and without diabetes
A recent study published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine found that obesity is associated with higher mortality rates in individuals with diabetes, but not those without the condition. The research used data from a nationally representative sample of US adults and followed them over a six-year period to confirm deaths.
Researchers find potential new target to treat malignant pleural mesothelioma
Researchers have identified Ephrin B2 as a promising target for treating malignant pleural mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive form of lung cancer. The study found that EPHB2 is significantly overexpressed in tumor tissue compared to normal peritoneum, suggesting its potential as a biomarker for early diagnosis and treatment.
SourceInternational Association for the Study of Lung Cancer·JournalJournal of Thoracic Oncology·DateJul 25, 2013
New research shows that temperature influences tropical flowering
Researchers discovered a 3% increase in flower production on Barro Colorado Island since 1987 due to rising temperatures and precipitation. In contrast, the Luquillo Forest Dynamics Plot in Puerto Rico showed no overall increase in flower production over the same period.
Stellar monsters do not collide -- no hope for a spectacular catastrophe
Astronomers at the University of Warsaw discovered that stellar monsters with masses 200-300 times that of our Sun will not collide until billions of years from now. Due to their large distance apart and lack of expansion, there is no mechanism for their orbit to tighten, making a spectacular collision impossible.
UM researchers land NASA grant to search space for exoplanets
Researchers at the University of Montana are building Project Minerva, a dedicated observatory to detect Earth-like exoplanets. The project aims to identify planets in the habitable zone with suitable conditions for liquid water and life.
UCSB astronomer uncovers the hidden identity of an exoplanet
Astronomer Diana Dragomir reveals the hidden identity of super-Earth HD 97658b, measuring its size and mass for the first time. The exoplanet's density suggests a thick atmosphere, but it orbits too close to its star to support liquid water oceans.
SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateJul 1, 2013
CU-Boulder joins Sloan Digital Sky Survey to map stars, galaxies and quasars in 3-D
The University of Colorado Boulder has joined the Sloan Digital Sky Survey-IV to study the structure and evolution of the universe. The survey will use powerful new instruments to analyze data from galaxies and quasars, shedding light on dark energy and the formation of our galaxy.
Sun emits a solstice CME
A June 20, 2013, solar eruption sent billions of tons of particles into space, potentially affecting electronic systems on satellites and the ground. The event, known as a geomagnetic storm, can cause aurora and degrade communication signals.
Solar splashdown
NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory captured spectacular images of June 7, 2011 solar eruption and splashdown. The event provided an 'up close' view of what happens on distant stars during accretion. Astronomers can now learn about young star growth by analyzing ultraviolet light emission.
OU researchers collaborate on $20 million NSF EPSCoR grant
OU researchers will collaborate on a $20 million NSF EPSCoR grant to advance understanding of socio-ecological systems in Oklahoma. The project aims to develop a statewide socio-ecological observatory network, a forecasting system, and a decision-support system to address climate change and variability.
NASA's MMS team assembles final observatory
The Magnetospheric Multiscale mission team successfully assembled the fourth and final observatory for NASA's MMS mission. This achievement marks a new challenge in engineering, as the team built four identical spacecraft simultaneously, a feat rarely accomplished even by experienced professionals.
Super-dense star is first ever found suddenly slowing its spin
Astronomers detected a neutron star's abrupt slow-down with NASA's Swift observatory, which is an unprecedented event. The discovery of the 'anti-glitch' neutron star named 1E2259+586 has significant implications for understanding pure physics in extreme conditions.
NASA's SDO observes another mid-level solar flare
NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) detected a M7-class solar flare on May 22, 2013, accompanied by a coronal mass ejection (CME). The CME was not Earth-directed but may cause disruptions to satellites and electronic systems.
NASA's STEREO detects a CME from the sun
A powerful coronal mass ejection (CME) was detected by NASA's Solar Terrestrial Relations Observatory on May 17, 2013, traveling at speeds of around 745 miles per second. The CME is expected to cause a geomagnetic storm when it connects with the Earth's magnetic envelope.
Astronomers discover surprising clutch of hydrogen clouds lurking among our galactic neighbors
Researchers detected a surprising clutch of hydrogen clouds, each as massive as a dwarf galaxy, in the space between M31 and M33. The clouds were found to be traveling through space at velocities similar to their parent galaxies, suggesting they are independent entities.
JFAST scientists retrieve temperature data from Japan Trench observatory
Scientists successfully retrieved temperature measurements of the fault that caused the devastating Tohoku earthquake and tsunami. The recovered sensors provide critical data on frictional heat generated by fault slip during the earthquake.
VLA gives deep, detailed image of distant universe
A team of astronomers used the VLA to create a detailed image of the distant universe, revealing distinct galaxies with gorging black holes at their cores. The study found that 63% of background radio emission comes from galaxies with active black holes and 37% from star-forming regions.
Researchers evaluate Bose-Einstein condensates for communicating among quantum computers
Physicists at Georgia Tech studied how quantum information propagates through Bose-Einstein condensates, establishing the top speed for quantum computer communication. The research could address the decoherence problem and enable ultra-fast computing.
The mathematical method for simulating the evolution of the solar system has been improved
Scientists have developed a new numerical method for simulating the evolution of the solar system, which is ten times faster and more accurate than previous methods. The collaboration between mathematicians, computer scientists, physicists, and astronomers has led to a significant improvement in the simulation's reliability over time.
Berkeley Lab scientists read the cosmic writing on the wall
The Planck observatory's first 15 months of data reveal that the universe is 100 million years older than previously thought, with more matter and less dark energy. Scientists used supercomputing at NERSC to create detailed maps of the relic radiation from the big bang.
Earth-directed coronal mass ejection from the sun
A NASA research model revealed that a coronal mass ejection (CME) left the sun at speeds of around 900 miles per second, causing mild to moderate effects on Earth. The CME may also pass by the Spitzer and Messenger spacecraft, with only minor particle radiation associated.
Water signature in distant planet shows clues to its formation, Lawrence Livermore research finds
A team of scientists has observed the most detailed spectrum yet of an extrasolar planet, revealing a cloudy atmosphere containing water vapor and carbon monoxide. The findings provide clues to the planet's formation and offer insights into how planets form in other solar systems.
ALMA finds 'monster' starburst galaxies in the early universe
Astronomers using ALMA telescope discover starburst galaxies earlier than thought, representing massive galaxies in energetic youth. These galaxies are forming 1,000 stars per year, compared to just 1 for the Milky Way, making them 'monstrous bursts of star formation'.
ALMA exposes hidden star factories in the early universe
Astronomers use ALMA to observe distant galaxies that churned out tens of thousands of stars each year at dawn of the universe. The study finds that these galaxies are more abundant than thought and host intense bursts of star formation.
Sun spits out 2 CMEs
Two CMEs were emitted by the sun on March 12-13, 2013, traveling at speeds of around 400 miles per second. These events are expected to have a minimal impact on Earth, with no particle radiation and limited geomagnetic storm effects.
NASA's SDO observes Earth, lunar transits in same day
NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) observed two transits: an Earth transit from March 2-3 and a lunar transit from March 11. The eclipses showed distinct features due to Earth's atmosphere and the moon's curved shape.
NASA supports Extreme Universe Space Observatory
The NASA grant will support the U.S. institutions in building lasers and monitoring equipment for calibrating the telescope's optics from around the globe. The Extreme Universe Space Observatory aims to discover the sources of ultra high-energy cosmic rays by observing their traces in the atmosphere.
Circuitry of cells involved in immunity, autoimmune diseases exposed
A study by the Broad Institute's Klarman Cell Observatory reveals a link between Th17 cells, autoimmunity, and salt consumption, highlighting the interplay of genetics and environmental factors in disease susceptibility. The research provides new avenues for regulating these cells to prevent or treat autoimmune diseases.
Deep Carbon: Quest underway to discover its quantity, movements, origins and forms in Earth
The Deep Carbon Observatory investigates deep carbon's movement, origin and forms, shedding light on the planet's oldest ecosystem. Studies suggest a significant amount of carbon may be locked into minerals and melts in the mantle and core.
Discoveries suggest icy cosmic start for amino acids and DNA ingredients
Researchers have discovered important prebiotic molecules in interstellar space, including a precursor to DNA's adenine component and an intermediate step in alanine formation. The findings suggest that these chemicals could have seeded newly-formed planets with the necessary building blocks for life.
SourceNational Radio Astronomy Observatory·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateFeb 28, 2013
Biologists lead international team to track Arctic response to climate change
A distributed biological observatory in the North American Arctic will monitor the biological response to sea ice retreat and environmental changes in the Bering and Chukchi Seas. The project aims to track how Arctic creatures respond to climate change and understand its effects on higher organisms.
NASA's SDO shows a little rain on the sun
On July 19, 2012, NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) detected a rare event: coronal rain. This phenomenon occurs when hot plasma in the sun's corona cools and condenses along strong magnetic fields. The SDO's footage shows the plasma as it slowly falls back to the solar surface, outlining the magnetic fields.
Earth-directed CME released by long duration solar flare
A long duration solar flare triggered an Earth-directed coronal mass ejection (CME), which left the sun at speeds of around 500 miles per second. This CME is likely to cause a geomagnetic storm when it connects with the outside of the Earth's magnetic envelope, potentially affecting auroras near the poles.