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ARC Centre of Excellence for All Sky Astrophysics in 3D (ASTRO 3D)


A galactic conspiracy disproven

An international team of astronomers has disproven a 'conspiracy' that stars and dark matter interact in inexplicable ways. By using advanced modeling techniques, they found that the similarity in galaxy density is due to how astronomers measured and modeled galaxies, rather than an actual interaction between stars and dark matter.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for All Sky Astrophysics in 3D (ASTRO 3D)·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 19, 2024

JWST reveals a massive and ancient galaxy that challenges our models of the young Universe

Astronomers have made unprecedentedly detailed observations of an early galaxy merger using the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). The findings suggest that stars developed much faster and more efficiently than expected, contradicting current models of galaxy formation.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for All Sky Astrophysics in 3D (ASTRO 3D)·JournalNature Astronomy·TypeObservational study·DateMar 12, 2024

We achieved gender parity in astronomy in just five years

A national Australian astronomy centre achieved gender parity in just five years by implementing evidence-based strategies and creating a supportive culture. The Centre's program reached a tipping point when there were 40% women in leadership positions, resulting in accelerated student enrolments by women.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for All Sky Astrophysics in 3D (ASTRO 3D)·JournalNature Astronomy·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 16, 2023

Tracing 13 billion years of history by the light of ancient quasars

Researchers studying ancient quasars have discovered a rapid increase in warm carbon around 13 billion years ago, potentially linked to the 'Epoch of Reionisation' and large-scale heating of gas. This finding provides new insights into the evolution of the universe's chemical composition.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for All Sky Astrophysics in 3D (ASTRO 3D)·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·TypeObservational study·DateMar 6, 2023

Dozens of newly discovered gravitational lenses could reveal ancient galaxies and the nature of dark matter

Scientists have confirmed 68 strong gravitational lenses, transforming our understanding of galaxy evolution and dark matter. The discovery uses machine learning algorithms to identify thousands of potential lenses, opening a new window into studying mass distribution in distant galaxies.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for All Sky Astrophysics in 3D (ASTRO 3D)·JournalThe Astronomical Journal·TypeObservational study·DateSep 26, 2022

What ingredients went into the galactic blender to create the Milky Way?

Researchers analyzed individual stars to identify components of the Milky Way, finding that it consumed smaller galaxies. The study used advanced spectrographic techniques to measure elemental abundances, providing early insights into the galaxy's formation and evolution.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for All Sky Astrophysics in 3D (ASTRO 3D)·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 21, 2022

Too much heavy metal stops stars producing

The ARC Centre of Excellence for All Sky Astrophysics in 3D has discovered that the youngest generation of stars will eventually stop contributing metals back to the universe. This change affects the composition of the galaxy over time, with around half of the carbon and all elements heavier than iron synthesized by stars like our Sun.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for All Sky Astrophysics in 3D (ASTRO 3D)·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 11, 2022

Closing in on the first light in the Universe

Researchers have reduced background noise using new antennas in the Australian hinterland, allowing them to refine their search for a 13-billion-year-old signal known as the Epoch of Reionisation. By surveying over 80,000 radio signal sources, they produced models that significantly improved efforts to locate the elusive signal.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for All Sky Astrophysics in 3D (ASTRO 3D)·JournalPublications of the Astronomical Society of Australia·TypeObservational study·DateDec 14, 2021

Orbits of ancient stars prompt rethink on Milky Way evolution

A study of ancient star orbits reveals unexpected patterns, contradicting previous assumptions about the Galaxy's metal-poor stars. The research, conducted by a team of astronomers, found that some of these stars orbit in previously unpredicted paths, similar to the Sun's path within the disk.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for All Sky Astrophysics in 3D (ASTRO 3D)·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateNov 16, 2020

Elements of surprise: neutron stars contribute little, but something's making gold, research finds

A new analysis of galaxy evolution finds that neutron star collisions do not create the quantity of chemical elements previously assumed. Instead, an entirely different sort of stellar phenomenon - unusual supernovae with strong magnetic fields - is responsible for making most of the heavy elements, including gold.

Hire more LGBTQ and disabled astronomers or risk falling behind, review finds

A new review analysis published in Nature Astronomy finds that increasing diversity among astronomers can lead to significant research discoveries and improved innovation. The study highlights progress in gender equity, with initiatives such as the Pleiades Awards leading to a culture change in Australian astronomy.