Researchers discovered the location and makeup of a pair of supermassive black holes in a galaxy collision, using adaptive optics to clear atmospheric distortion. The discovery sheds light on the coevolution of black holes and galaxies, with implications for understanding galaxy evolution and properties.
The star's mass is estimated at between 100 and 200 times that of the sun, making it one of the rarest types of massive stars. The supernova's brightness and longevity are attributed to its potential as a pair-instability supernova, which would produce a significant amount of heavy elements.
Scientists confirm size of hot gas disk around supermassive black hole, measuring its size as seven times the distance between Earth and Sun. The disk is found to be 10 times smaller than predicted event horizon, consistent with theoretical predictions.
GLAST will study extreme objects, detecting thousands of new gamma-ray sources and extending knowledge of dark matter. Environmental testing begins after successful integration of components, ensuring the spacecraft can survive launch and space conditions.
Researchers have confirmed that the 'anomalous arms' in galaxy M106 are regions of gas violently heated by shock waves, not jets of particles. The team's analysis shows clear consistency with their scenario, providing insight into the formation and evolution of these mysterious structures.
Researchers completed laying a 52 km cable for the Monterey Accelerated Research System (MARS) observatory, providing power and data connectivity to deep-sea instruments. The MARS system will enable continuous monitoring of ocean conditions, allowing scientists to track changes over time.
Researchers at University of Sheffield have developed a new technique to enhance x-ray microscope images, enabling the capture of high-resolution 3D images of any molecular structure. They aim to develop the ultimate x-ray microscope with computer-aided image processing and potentially replace lenses with solid-state optical microscopes.
The GRB's ejecta slam into interstellar gas, producing a bright X-ray afterglow that can radiate for several days. The slow fading of the afterglow suggests a larger energy injection than typical GRBs, with possible explanations including magnetar-powered engines.
Researchers at Yale University and the University of Leicester have discovered an ancient solar observatory at Chankillo, Peru, dating back to the 4th century B.C. The site features a line of 13 towers aligned with the sun's position throughout the year, making it the oldest complete solar observatory in the Americas.
A five-year survey of catches at local fish markets provided the first detailed description of Indonesia's shark and ray fauna. The Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research published a 330-page field guide, Economically Important Sharks and Rays of Indonesia, featuring over 20 new species.
Researchers at CU-Boulder have developed a new technique to generate laser-like X-ray beams, which could improve medical imaging resolution by a thousand times. The technique uses a powerful laser to pluck an electron from an atom and then slam it back into the same atom, generating a weak but directed beam of X-rays.
Astronomers have identified an X-ray-emitting binary star system in the Small Magellanic Cloud, 170,000 light-years from Earth. The system, HD 5980, features two stars with intense winds that collide and produce multimillion-degree gas radiating brilliantly in X-rays.
Researchers can now observe oscillating atoms in an excited bismuth crystal using high-energy X-ray free-electron lasers, revealing new insights into atomic activity. The development of linear accelerator-based X-ray sources holds promise for studying sub-picosecond science and its potential applications in chemistry and biology.
Astronomers have discovered a sun-like star in the earliest stage of development, dubbed E42, which is believed to be a virtual twin of Earth's sun. The object has a mass similar to the sun and appears in a violent environment similar to that believed to have produced our own star.
Astronomers have discovered a powerful outburst from the giant black hole at the Milky Way's center using NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory. The light echo revealed by the X-ray echo was about 1,000 times brighter and lasted well over 1,000 times longer than recent outbursts.
A team of astronomers has solved the long-standing mystery of Kepler's supernova remnant using Chandra's latest image, revealing it as a Type Ia supernova. The discovery sheds light on how stars can end catastrophically and expands our understanding of the universe.
Scientists have discovered a 'hybrid gamma-ray burst,' which exhibits properties of both long and short bursts. The burst's characteristics suggest that it may be signaling the birth of a new black hole, but its exact origin remains unclear.
Recent gamma-ray bursts suggest a new kind of cosmic explosion involving newly formed black holes swallowing parent star matter. Astronomers observe no supernovae associated with these events, which could be due to massive stars dying without producing explosions.
Astronomers observe two long gamma-ray bursts that defy the consensus of supernova association, suggesting multiple ways to produce black holes and gamma-rays. The discoveries indicate a rich diversity in cosmic events and challenge the prevailing model of massive stellar death.
Astronomers have mapped the rate of acceleration of cosmic ray electrons in a supernova remnant, showing close to maximum theoretical rates. The discovery provides evidence that supernova remnants are key sites for energizing charged particles.
Scientists have created a new X-ray microscope technique that can observe molecular-scale features with precision, measuring less than a nanometer in height. This breakthrough enables the study of interactions at the nanoscale, which holds promise for advancing our understanding of various scientific and technological fields.
Scientists have detected loops and rings of hot gas surrounding the supermassive black hole, indicating periodic eruptions that generate pressure waves and sound. The sound waves are found to be more discordant and complex than previously detected, with a range of frequencies below middle C.
The University of Victoria-led NEPTUNE Canada observatory will receive a significant boost in funding, allowing for expansion of its scope and scientific impact. The additional $20 million will enable more comprehensive studies on ocean-climate interactions, fisheries, gas hydrate deposits, and seafloor ecology.
Astronomers have linked an X-ray flash to a supernova for the first time, revealing a new class of events with properties distinct from typical gamma-ray bursts. The discovery suggests the existence of dimmer but possibly more numerous cosmic flashes.
Astronomers are using supercomputers to study the energy levels of high-temperature atoms in space, which hold the key to understanding black holes. The new calculations reduce error rates by a few percent, providing more accurate data for X-ray telescope observations.
A recent survey of galaxies observed along the sightlines to quasars and gamma-ray bursts has revealed a striking inconsistency. Galaxies appear to be four times more common in the direction of gamma-ray bursts than in the direction of quasars, contradicting basic concepts of cosmology.
Research reveals that women genetically predisposed to breast cancer may be more susceptible to low-dose ionizing radiation, such as chest X-rays. Women with BRCA1/2 mutations who reported ever having a chest X-ray were found to be 54% more likely to develop breast cancer than those who had never undergone the procedure.
New X-ray data from Chandra reveals that magnetic fields are responsible for the prodigious amounts of radiation emitted by super-massive black holes. The discovery uses a scale model in our galaxy to understand how all black holes work, including those powering quasars.
The Telescope Array in Utah will be 10 times more sensitive than previous experiments and aim to answer the mystery of cosmic rays' origin. The observatory will use fluorescence detectors and scintillation detectors to measure air showers and search for sources of ultrahigh-energy particles.
A recent study by Baicker and Chandra found that a 20% increase in health insurance premiums would reduce the probability of employment by 2.4 percentage points, equivalent to approximately 3.5 million workers. As healthcare costs rise, workers may accept lower wages for costlier health insurance.
The MAGIC team discovered variable gamma-ray emission from microquasar LS I +61 303, revealing a direct relationship between the stars' interplay and gamma-ray production. The findings suggest that gamma-ray emission could be a common property of microquasars, contradicting previous expectations.
Physicists verify Chandra Varma's microscopic theory of high-temperature superconductivity using neutron scattering experiments. The results suggest ways to fabricate room temperature superconductors and shed light on a major mystery in physics.
A new study finds that MRI cystography is an accurate and safe alternative to conventional X-ray cystography for diagnosing ureteral reflux. The researchers discovered that MRI can detect scarring of the kidneys and loss of kidney tissue, related to the extent of kidney damage from VUR, better than conventional X-ray cystography.
Black holes are surprisingly efficient at producing energy, with most of the energy released by matter falling toward a supermassive black hole going into high-energy jets. The study also shows that these jets create huge bubbles in the hot gas of galaxies, preventing new stars from forming.
Research papers in Geophysical Research Letters and Paleoceanography reveal the connection between terrestrial gamma-ray flashes and intracloud lightning, as well as the potential of dinoflagellate microfossils to document past climate changes. The findings suggest that these marine organisms can provide valuable information on ocean c...
Scientists have nearly doubled the size of the IceCube detector under construction at the South Pole, adding 480 optical modules to the existing array. The detector will be capable of detecting high-energy cosmic neutrinos and shedding light on mysterious events like gamma ray bursts and dark matter.
A team of astronomers reports the discovery of two young brown dwarfs in mutual orbit, allowing for the direct measurement of their radii and masses. The findings provide valuable insights into the physical properties of brown dwarfs, shedding light on their size, mass, and evolutionary pathways.
Scientists at NIST have developed a highly accurate gamma ray detector, capable of pinpointing emissions signatures of specific atoms with 10 times the precision of conventional sensors. This technology may aid in verifying inventories of nuclear materials and detecting radioactive contamination in the environment.
The CLS prototype has successfully produced its first X-ray beam, demonstrating the feasibility of compact synchrotrons. This breakthrough offers new opportunities for researchers to access high-quality, tunable x-ray beams in university and industrial labs.
Researchers have discovered a large number of supermassive black holes, outnumbering initial estimates, using deep X-ray surveys. The findings suggest that these black holes are more stable over time than previously thought.
Berkeley researchers have created a highly selective cell adhesion system using single-stranded synthetic DNA, enabling precise patterns of multiple cell types. The technique enables the attachment of different cell types to specific locations on a surface based on nucleotide sequences.
Astronomers detect a vast hot halo extending over 60,000 light years around the massive spiral galaxy NGC 5746. This discovery resolves a long-standing issue in galaxy formation theory, suggesting that large spiral galaxies should be immersed in halos of hot gas left over from the galaxy formation process.
A comprehensive survey of physical activity in children reveals that about half of active kids participate in non-organized sports, such as biking or walking to a friend's house. The study also highlights demographic and social factors that influence physical activity levels in children.
Scientists discover an unusual X-ray tunnel large enough to fit the entire Milky Way galaxy inside a galaxy cluster. The tunnel is filled with old particles likely originating from past black hole outbursts, shedding light on the complex battle between the inward flow of hot gas and outward radio jets.
Astronomers have discovered that massive clouds of hot gas in elliptical galaxies are being stirred up by intermittent explosive activity from central super-massive black holes. This finding challenges the long-held assumption that these galaxies are quiet and stable, revealing a more dynamic and stormy reality.
A team from MIT and Harvard found that a certain type of X-ray explosion common on neutron stars is never seen around their black hole cousins, indicating the presence of an event horizon. The absence of surface explosions called X-ray bursts suggests that gas released by nearby stars vanishes into a void.
Scientists use Chandra to observe the Northern Lights dancing in X-ray light, revealing changing bright arcs of energy above the Earth's surface. The team detects low-energy X-rays generated during auroral activity, expanding our understanding of solar storms and their impact on the planet.
Astronomers have observed two short gamma-ray bursts and confirmed that they originate from the collision of compact objects, such as neutron stars or black holes. The events released significantly less energy than typical long gamma-ray bursts.
Scientists have discovered energetic plumes extending 300,000 light years into a massive galaxy cluster. The plumes are caused by explosive venting from a supermassive black hole and demonstrate the far-reaching influence of a black hole on intergalactic distances.
Researchers at National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) have developed a new design for X-ray sensors that can measure energies with an uncertainty of only 2.4 electron volts (eV), nearly doubling the resolution of experimental X-ray sensors. The improved design is expected to enable precise identification of the X-ray 'fi...
The Pierre Auger Observatory is constructing an array of 1600 detectors in Argentina to study ultra-high-energy cosmic rays. The collaboration includes 370 scientists from 60 institutions and has set out to answer fundamental questions about the origins of these rare particles.
The Swift satellite has received a "Best of What's New" award for its innovative technology, enabling rapid detection and follow-up observations of gamma-ray bursts. This breakthrough has confirmed the origin of gamma-ray bursts and helped pinpoint the birth of a special kind of black hole.
Researchers at Penn University School of Medicine have developed an ultrasound-based treatment that can disrupt the blood flow to tumors, reducing growth. This innovative approach targets newly formed vessels created by tumors and may lead to new cancer therapies.
Astronomers find a dense whirling ball of neutrons in an extremely young star cluster, challenging the idea that nature can make black holes. The discovery shows massive stars may not collapse into black holes as predicted, but instead create neutron stars with a greater influence on future generations of stars.
Astronomers find massive stars forming close to super-massive black holes, challenging previous theories about their role in galaxy evolution. Researchers used Chandra X-ray Observatory data to study the Sagittarius A* (Sgr A*) star cluster near the Milky Way's central black hole.
The HETE-2 satellite has solved the mystery of short gamma-ray bursts, revealing colliding compact stars as their likely cause. The discovery provides significant findings, including first observations of optical afterglows and secure measurements of distance to a short burst.
The MAGIC telescope has tracked a long duration gamma-ray burst, GRB050713A, in the X-ray and very high energy gamma ray band. The observation was made possible by rapid tracking of the telescope, which allowed it to start observing the source just 20 seconds after an alert from the Swift satellite.
Recent Chandra X-ray Observatory observations have given insight into the behavior of the doomed star before it exploded, indicating that the predicted spectacular brightening of the circumstellar ring has begun. The supernova produced a shock wave that rumbled through the cavity, and recent data indicate that this event has started.
The study found that using a 180-degree X-ray tube position, minimum current, and 80 kVp settings can significantly reduce radiation exposure in CT scans. This approach allows the table to absorb low-energy X-rays, minimizing breast exposure without compromising image quality.
Researchers used XRF imaging to analyze ancient stone inscriptions, detecting minute amounts of iron, zinc, and lead. The technique restored thousands of stones, including the law code of Draco, providing valuable information for historians and archaeologists.