New data from NuSTAR reveals large numbers of black holes sending out high-energy X-rays, helping astronomers understand growth patterns and evolution of supermassive black holes. The study resolves 35% of the high-energy X-ray background, uncovering details about the most obscured black holes hidden in gas and dust.
Researchers developed high-precision X-ray deformable mirrors for controllable beam size and formed three types of focused beams without changing experimental setups. This paves the way for a multifunctional X-ray microscope to perform various analyses in one device, enhancing flexibility and range of uses.
Researchers found a clandestine black hole, VLA J2130+12, within the Milky Way galaxy, which is about five times closer to Earth than previously thought. This black hole is pulling in material from a companion star at a very slow rate, making it nearly undetectable.
Astronomers have used X-ray reverberation mapping to map the flow of gas near a newly awakened black hole for the first time. The study provides insights into the 'killer' black hole's hidden structures, revealing high-energy X-rays originate from a compact region near the black hole.
Researchers used a high-intensity X-ray pump/X-ray probe technique to study molecular dynamics, enabling the observation of atomic-level changes in molecules when bombarded with X-rays. This new method has potential applications in understanding light-sensitive molecules and developing novel materials for energy harvesting.
A team of astronomers used ALMA to observe a cluster of towering intergalactic gas clouds raining in on the supermassive black hole at the center of an elliptical galaxy. The new findings reshape our understanding of how supermassive black holes feed, revealing a previously unknown process known as cold, chaotic accretion.
The LISA Pathfinder mission has achieved remarkable results in testing a crucial technology for detecting gravitational waves from space. By flying around identical test masses and isolating them from external forces, scientists have successfully demonstrated advanced technologies needed for a full-scale observatory.
The LISA Pathfinder mission has passed a series of tests with flying colors, coming closer to experiencing true free fall than any other human-made object. The experiment successfully tested systems that will be incorporated in the Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA) gravitational wave observatory scheduled for launch in 2034.
A new study by NASA scientist Alexander Kashlinsky proposes that primordial black holes, formed in the universe's first second, could make up dark matter. If correct, this would mean all galaxies are embedded within a vast sphere of black holes with masses similar to the sun.
Italian researchers used Hubble data and computer models to identify two objects as potential seeds for supermassive black holes. These early black hole seed candidates are seen less than a billion years after the Big Bang and have an initial mass of about 100,000 times the Sun.
Researchers detected gamma-ray emission in Arp 220, revealing extreme energetic processes and hidden cosmic rays. The finding expands energy observations of galaxies and sheds light on the population of extreme energetic particles.
Astronomers from the University of Cambridge have discovered strong winds leaving mysterious binary systems, with speeds exceeding 70,000 km/s. The findings confirm that these sources conceal compact objects pulling in matter at extraordinarily high rates.
The HAWC Gamma-ray Observatory has released a new survey of the sky made from the highest energy gamma rays ever observed, revealing new high-energy sources within our own Milky Way galaxy. The observatory has also provided more detail on known sources, offering a deeper understanding of high-energy processes taking place in our galaxy...
Researchers from UCL and NASA used the Chandra X-Ray Observatory to study Jupiter's X-ray aurora triggered by solar storms. The findings reveal a high-energy X-ray aurora eight times brighter than Earth's, providing insights into Jupiter's magnetic field and its interaction with the solar wind.
Physicist Chandra Varma's theory has been experimentally confirmed, favoring one theory and ruling out others for high-temperature superconductivity. The research opens new prospects for studying the mechanism in other systems with strongly correlated electrons.
The mission extends studies initiated by JAXA's Suzaku mission, enabling investigations into black hole motion, element abundances, and galaxy evolution. The SXS instrument features a 36-pixel microcalorimeter array, three-stage adiabatic demagnetization refrigerator, and stronger filters to collect X-ray photons.
Researchers suggest that twin black holes detected by LIGO might have formed inside a single, massive star. The star's death generated a gamma-ray burst, which was observed by the Fermi Space Telescope.
Researchers used the powerful x-ray pulses from SACLA to investigate excited-state induced transient lattice dynamics in phase-change materials. They observed non-thermal local structural rearrangements within a few picoseconds, followed by warming of the lattice and a 2 pm change in lattice spacing after 20 ps.
ASTRO-H will observe X-ray sources like galaxy clusters and neutron stars up to 10 times fainter than its predecessor Suzaku. The observatory uses four co-aligned focusing X-ray telescopes and cutting-edge instruments to provide simultaneous coverage across its entire energy range.
A UTSA-led team detected a powerful galactic blast from a nearby supermassive black hole using NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory. The research found that the black hole's outbursts have impacted the surrounding galaxy, triggering the formation of new stars and affecting the climate.
Researchers at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln have developed a laser-based X-ray machine that can detect nuclear materials hidden behind thick shielding or smuggled in cargo containers. The technology offers several advantages, including low radiation levels and portability, making it a potential tool for nuclear site inspections.
Researchers at Colorado State University are developing smaller satellites called CubeSats to monitor storms and clouds. The project aims to demonstrate real-time storm observation and take thousands of images inside clouds to improve understanding of precipitation processes.
The LAXPC instrument has observed various astrophysical objects, including Black hole X-ray binaries, Microquasars, and Supernova remnants. Its large detection volume and efficient xenon gas filling result in high detection efficiency above 30 keV.
Researchers have demonstrated the generation of ultra-short x-ray pulses using existing technology, opening up a range of scientific applications. The breakthrough could reveal intricate details in processes like electrons moving in atoms and compressing X-ray flashes to attosecond duration.
Researchers using NASA's Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope discovered a new gamma-ray pulsar in the Large Magellanic Cloud, breaking records for luminosity and age. The discovery was made after reanalyzing data from the telescope's Pass 8 process.
A new MSU study analyzed historical data from India to find reliable economic information on drug use. It shows that users switch between opium and cannabis when the price of one goes up, a phenomenon called substitution. This finding has significant policy implications for tackling addiction.
Researchers observe closest tidal disruption event in nearly a decade, gaining new understanding of black hole effects on nearby stars. The study reveals details about the formation of an accretion disk and the expulsion of gas from the black hole.
Researchers found an O-type star, NGC 1624-2, has the largest known magnetosphere, trapping gas and creating a massive aura of hot, dense plasma. The star's powerful stellar winds are up to 100,000 times denser than our Sun's solar wind.
Researchers used an enormous X-ray laser to induce a phenomenon that doesn't occur under normal circumstances, resulting in a single higher-energetic X-ray photon. The findings may lead to new ways to diagnose matter in the future.
Astronomers have observed a super-bright supernova associated with an ultra-long-lasting gamma-ray burst, lasting over half an hour. The supernova was 15 times brighter than usual, suggesting a massive star release of extra energy in its death process.
Researchers at Tata Institute of Fundamental Research created bacteria to emit intense hard x-ray radiation. By using nanostructured bacterial cells and silver nanoparticles, they achieved a 10,000-fold increase in x-ray emission compared to plain glass slides.
Scientists discover that mass extinction event triggered by asteroid strike led to the rise of ray-finned fishes as the ocean's most diverse and dominant vertebrates. The abundance of ray-finned fish teeth began to explode after the extinction event, becoming eight times more abundant in 24 million years.
Researchers have developed a new method to estimate distances to X-ray sources using the geometry of light echoes and dust clouds. By analyzing the timing and deflection of X-rays as they pass through interstellar space, astronomers can calculate the distance to Circinus X-1, a binary system located in the plane of the galaxy.
Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory develop a new way of manipulating high-intensity X-rays using a small microelectromechanical system (MEMS) mirror. The device acts as an ultrafast mirror reflecting X-rays at precise times and specific angles, allowing for the selection of extremely brief but precise X-ray bursts.
A new study by Michigan State University economists suggests that public deliberation is crucial for stable economic growth. By considering diverse citizen opinions, policymakers can create policies that regulate the economy and allocate resources effectively.
Researchers at Berkeley Lab developed a technique called PSB-KAC, which provides full control of single X-ray pulses without affecting beams for other users. This allows for timed experiments with optimized signal-to-noise ratios and reduced radiation damage.
Researchers developed a compact synchrotron source that measures X-ray absorption, phase shifts, and scattering, allowing for the differentiation of healthy tissue from tumors. The new technology has improved soft tissue contrast, enabling quicker diagnoses in medical emergencies.
The discovery fills a gap between ordinary supernovae and those that produce powerful gamma-ray bursts. Supernova 2012ap has characteristics expected of a gamma-ray burst, yet no such burst occurred.
Brian Koberlein, RIT's senior lecturer in Physics and Astronomy, will visit telescope sites in Chile from June 20-30 to learn about instruments and research. He aims to bring this connection to his students, highlighting US astronomy efforts and their impact on society.
Researchers have found conclusive evidence of a black hole in Henize 2-10, a small, starburst galaxy. The team analyzed X-ray observations from four space telescopes over 13 years, confirming the presence of a supermassive black hole with a mass one million times that of the sun.
Scientists have developed a new approach combining ptychographic X-ray imaging and fluorescence microscopy to study the role of trace elements in biological functions. This technique demonstrates unparalleled sensitivity for measuring trace element distribution in thicker specimens at cryogenic temperatures.
Fluctuation X-ray scattering measures molecules at short timescales to reveal structural insights into biological molecules and materials. The technique improves upon traditional small-angle X-ray scattering, providing greater detail from limited datasets.
Astronomers studied 72 large cluster collisions using Hubble and Chandra observations. They found dark matter continues straight through collisions without slowing down, interacting even less with itself than previously thought.
The HAWC Gamma-Ray Observatory is equipped with 300 detectors spread over three football fields to detect gamma rays and cosmic rays. It will study active galactic nuclei, gamma ray bursts, and the nature of cosmic rays.
The Canadian Space Agency has delivered its hardware contribution to the ASTRO-H mission, a flagship x-ray astronomy observatory. Professor Brian McNamara will study the effects of black holes on emergent galaxies, utilizing one of the most sensitive spectrometers in orbit.
Scientists at NIST have developed a new approach to measure X-ray angles with greater precision, reducing errors by three times. This improvement will enable better understanding of newly designed materials and their properties.
A team of astronomers has found that galactic 'rain' may be the key to understanding why some galaxies are more productive at creating stars than others. The researchers analyzed X-rays from over 200 galaxy clusters using NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory and discovered that massive black holes can slow down gas that helps form stars.
The donation will be used to augment general expenses, augmenting the existing annual funding of $1.5 million. The observatory supports hands-on astronomical experiences for students and the public, with opportunities for undergraduate research and discovery.
Researchers designed an X-ray polarimeter, X-Calibur, to study high-energy processes near black holes. The instrument measures X-ray polarization properties to study extreme objects in the Universe.
Recent results from the Deep Carbon Observatory researchers are filling in the global carbon puzzle with findings that extend our understanding of the origins and limits of life on Earth. The report will reveal new information on diffuse degassing, including how emissions seeping out of soils vary daily and seasonally.
The Carnegie Institution has published a new report on the mysterious 90% of Earth's carbon, exploring its quantities, movements, forms, and origins. The Deep Carbon Observatory, led by Robert Hazen and Russell Hemley, aims to answer remaining questions about this essential element.
Scientists analyzed 2,279 TGFs detected by Fermi's GBM to identify the types of thunderstorms involved and their atmospheric conditions. They found that any thunderstorm can produce gamma rays, even weak ones, and that storm intensity is not a key factor in TGF production.
Researchers used X-ray laser to capture PYP photocycle with atomic spatial resolution and ultrafast temporal resolution. The study revealed finer details of the cycle, including steps shorter than 1 picosecond.
Scientists have developed a new technique to capture the fast dynamics of biomolecules using high-speed X-ray lasers, revealing subtle processes with unprecedented clarity. The study used the photoactive yellow protein as a model system and achieved snapshots of molecular movements at atomic resolution.
A new imaging system has shown potential to reduce radiation exposure for patients undergoing intra-arterial therapy (IAT) for liver cancer, with a reduction of up to 80%, compared to standard X-ray platforms. The AlluraClarity platform uses real-time image processing algorithms to achieve high-quality images at lower radiation power.
Researchers at Northwestern University found that Blu-ray discs' quasi-random patterns enhance solar cells' light absorption and performance by up to 21.8%. The discovery could lead to new manufacturing methods for efficient solar cells.
Researchers developed a methodology to directly measure the duration and temporal intensity distribution of ultra-short X-ray flashes. They characterized these pulses using streaking spectroscopy, revealing pulse durations of up to four and a half femtoseconds.
Researchers developed a comprehensive model to describe photoexcited thin-film lattice dynamics, clarifying the physical and chemical properties of materials. The study used ultrafast X-ray diffraction to analyze the atomic movements in a crystal structure.
Researchers successfully imaged carboxysome particles, a key component in photosynthetic bacteria's carbon fixation process, using an X-ray laser method. The technique enables single-particle imaging of objects with varying size and shape, shedding light on the structure and dynamics of life's smallest units.
Researchers at Vienna University of Technology have developed a new laser system to create high-flux X-ray pulses, which will allow for more accurate measurements in various scientific fields. The new technology uses mid-infrared light and can produce up to 25 times higher X-ray flux than previous experiments.