The mystery of the fullerenes in space explained
Researchers from IAC analyzed infrared spectroscopic data to identify fullerenes in planetary nebula Tc1. They found a link between fullerenes and hydrogenated amorphous carbon grains.
Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias (IAC)
Astronomers find evidence that blue supergiant stars can be formed by the merger of two stars
A team of astrophysicists simulated models of stellar mergers and analyzed 59 early B-type blue supergiants in the Large Magellanic Cloud. The study found that mergers can reproduce the surface composition of a large fraction of the sample, suggesting they may be the dominant channel to produce blue supergiants.
SourceInstituto de Astrofísica de Canarias (IAC)·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateMar 21, 2024
Astronomers observe the effect of dark matter on the evolution of the galaxies
Researchers used CALIFA survey data to study the mass of stars and their rotation, finding that dark matter affects galaxy evolution. Galaxies with equal star masses behave differently depending on their halo mass, revealing a connection between dark matter and stellar properties.
Nube, the almost invisible galaxy which challenges the dark matter model
The newly discovered galaxy Nube has a set of specific properties that distinguish it from previously known objects, including being ten times fainter and ten times more extended than other dwarf galaxies. Its unusual characteristics challenge the current understanding of the universe, particularly the dark matter model.
SourceInstituto de Astrofísica de Canarias (IAC)·JournalAstronomy and Astrophysics·TypeNews article·DateJan 9, 2024
The puzzle of the galaxy with no dark matter
The galaxy NGC 1277, a massive relic galaxy, has been found to lack dark matter, contradicting current cosmological models. The team used integral field spectrograph observations to determine the mass distribution within the galaxy, revealing that it is solely composed of stars.
Blue supergiants observed in detail
A team of researchers has analyzed 750 blue supergiant stars, offering insights into their evolutionary nature and physical properties. The study provides a comprehensive understanding of this critical phase in the lives of massive stars.
An amino acid essential for life is found in interstellar space
Researchers have detected tryptophan, an amino acid crucial for protein formation, in the interstellar medium of the Perseus Molecular Cloud. This discovery suggests that amino acids, building blocks of life, may be present in the gas surrounding young stars and potentially accelerate the emergence of life.
SourceInstituto de Astrofísica de Canarias (IAC)·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateJun 20, 2023
The mystery of the runaway supermassive black hole, solved
Researchers at IAC propose that a mysterious trail of stars may be a galaxy without a bulge seen edge-on. The study finds surprising agreement with a local galaxy, IC5249, and suggests that the object behaves like a typical galaxy. This new theory simplifies the explanation for the phenomenon.
Molecules precursors to life discovered in the Perseus Cloud
Scientists have detected various prebiotic molecules, including hydrogen cyanide and fullerenes, in the Perseus Molecular Cloud. The presence of these molecules near forming planets could contribute to the formation of complex organic molecules, potentially supplying ancient micro-organisms with the genetic code.
SourceInstituto de Astrofísica de Canarias (IAC)·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateApr 3, 2023
Discovery of relativistic jets blowing bubbles in the central region of the Teacup Galaxy
Researchers found that compact, low-power jets can disrupt gas distribution and accelerate it, leading to unexpected turbulence. The study challenges previous beliefs about the impact of low-power jets on galaxies.
The outburst of a neutron star reveals the nature of phenomena only observed in black holes
The discovery of Swift J1858.6-0814's neutron star confirms the presence of exotic accretionary instabilities, similar to those observed in black holes. The study reveals that these instabilities are a fundamental physical process independent of the compact object's nature.
QUIJOTE maps the structure of our galaxy’s magnetic field
The QUIJOTE experiment has provided detailed maps of the galaxy's microwave emission processes, characterizing synchrotron emission with unprecedented accuracy. The new data also enable the study of anomalous microwave emission and offer insights into dark matter decay processes.
SourceInstituto de Astrofísica de Canarias (IAC)·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateJan 12, 2023
ESPRESSO and CARMENES discover two potentially habitable exo-Earths around a star near the Sun
Two temperate Earth-mass planets orbit GJ 1002, a cool and faint star suitable for atmospheric analysis. The discovery increases the number of known habitable planets to seven near the Sun.
The James Webb telescope produces an unparalleled view of the ghostly light in galaxy clusters
The James Webb telescope has observed the intracluster light in galaxy clusters with unprecedented detail, revealing insights into galaxy formation and dark matter. The study demonstrates the potential of JWST for analyzing faint structures like ICL, which can help understand cluster dynamics.
Study reveals that giant planets could reach "maturity" much earlier than previously thought
A team of scientists measured the masses of two young giant planets in a 20 million-year-old system, finding they reached their final size at an early stage of evolution. This challenges current models, suggesting that giant planets can contract and mature rapidly.
Astronomers discover ancient brown dwarf with lithium deposits intact
Researchers detect lithium in brown dwarfs for the first time, providing new constraints on thermonuclear burning masses. The discovery of Reid 1B, a 41Jupiter-mass object with 13,000 times more lithium than Earth's surface, sheds light on the behavior of these substellar objects.
SourceInstituto de Astrofísica de Canarias (IAC)·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·TypeNews article·DateNov 24, 2021
Anatomy of the impact of a protostellar jet in the Orion Nebula
A team of astronomers has uncovered the physical and chemical effects of a protostellar jet in the Orion Nebula, including compression, heating, and destruction of dust grains. The study reveals a significant increase in gas phase abundance of heavy elements such as iron and nickel.
SourceInstituto de Astrofísica de Canarias (IAC)·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·TypeObservational study·DateSep 2, 2021
The paradox of the mysterious polarization of the sodium D1 line solved
Researchers have solved the paradox of the mysterious polarization of the sodium D1 line, revealing that magnetic fields in the solar chromosphere are not entirely unmagnetized. The solution uses complex theoretical modeling and resolves a long-standing debate in solar physics.
Astronomers discover how to feed a black hole
Researchers have discovered long narrow dust filaments that surround and feed supermassive black holes at the centers of galaxies. These filaments could be the natural cause of darkening at the centers of many galaxies when nuclear black holes are active, providing a new perspective on their behavior.
SourceInstituto de Astrofísica de Canarias (IAC)·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·TypeObservational study·DateJul 29, 2021
Three dwarf spheroidal galaxies are found to rotate
Researchers from IAC and STScI discovered transverse rotation in three dwarf spheroidal galaxies using Gaia satellite data, shedding light on their evolutionary history. This finding supports the idea that these galaxies may have formed through the agglomeration of smaller systems.
SourceInstituto de Astrofísica de Canarias (IAC)·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 27, 2021
A large tidal stream observed in the Sombrero galaxy
A team of astronomers has made detailed observations of a large tidal flow around the Sombrero galaxy, revealing its strange morphology and shedding light on its possible merger history. The study's findings suggest that the galaxy's unusual shape may be due to cannibalism by a satellite dwarf galaxy.
SourceInstituto de Astrofísica de Canarias (IAC)·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateJul 21, 2021
Satellite galaxies can carry on forming stars when they pass close to their parent galaxies
Using numerical simulations, researchers showed that satellite galaxies can retain gas and experience new episodes of star formation after passing close to their parent galaxy. This process is driven by the satellite's reserve of cold gas and minimum distance from its parent galaxy.
SourceInstituto de Astrofísica de Canarias (IAC)·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateJul 6, 2021
CHEOPS unexpectedly detects a unique exoplanet
The CHEOPS satellite unexpectedly detected a third planet passing in front of its star, revealing details about a strange planet without a known equivalent. The exoplanet, Nu2 Lupi d, has a radius 2.5 times that of Earth and orbits its star with an orbital period of over 107 days.
A study shows the unexpected effect of black holes beyond their own galaxies
A study reveals that black holes have an unexpected effect on galaxy evolution, influencing the formation of stars in satellite galaxies at vast distances. The research found a clear modulation of star formation rates depending on a galaxy's orientation with respect to its central black hole.
The origin of the first structures formed in galaxies like the Milky Way identified
Researchers discover two waves of bulge formation in disc galaxies, with older bulges formed at redshift 6.2 and younger ones at 1.3. The bulges formed quickly or over thousands of million years, showing the universe has two ways to form galaxy centers.
Astronomers discover a massive star cluster, of intermediate age, in the constellation Scutum
Astronomers have discovered a massive open cluster of intermediate age in the Scutum constellation, containing at least 15,000 stars. The Valparaíso 1 cluster was detected using Gaia satellite data and is notable for its unexpected discovery in a well-explored part of the sky.
SourceInstituto de Astrofísica de Canarias (IAC)·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateJun 2, 2021
Similar states of activity identified in supermassive and stellar mass black holes
The study reveals that supermassive black holes exhibit accretion states similar to those seen in stellar mass black holes, with properties including thermal emission by the plasma disc and intense radio emission. This new understanding helps clarify the activity cycles of supermassive black holes in galaxy centers.
SourceInstituto de Astrofísica de Canarias (IAC)·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateMay 26, 2021
Does the Milky Way move like a spinning top?
New study questions precession in the Milky Way's warp, suggesting it could disappear or become slower over time. Researchers used Gaia Mission data to analyze stars' positions and velocities.
The natural brightness of the night sky
Researchers develop first complete reference method to measure natural brightness of night sky, revealing complex factors affecting glow in upper layers of atmosphere. The study uses network of low-cost photometers to analyze data from 44 darkest places worldwide.
IAC is participating in the DALI experiment, searching for axion, proposed component of dark matter
The Institute of Astrofísica de Canarias is part of the DALI experiment, which aims to detect axions and paraphotons in the 6-60 GHz band. This could help explain dark matter's nature and its role in the universe.
SourceInstituto de Astrofísica de Canarias (IAC)·JournalJournal of Cosmology and Astroparticle Physics·DateApr 30, 2021
Astronomy and Landscape in the city of Caral, the oldest city in the Americas
A study published in Latin American Antiquity reveals that the Supe Culture's pyramidal buildings in Caral, Peru, were aligned with lunar cycles and topographic features, indicating a sophisticated understanding of astronomy and landscape by ancient inhabitants. The researchers found that the buildings' orientations coincide with the m...
New light on baryonic matter and gravity on cosmic scales
Researchers have discovered that missing baryonic matter is found in the space between galaxies as hot, low-density gas. This study also provides new insights into the nature of gravity, showing that observations are compatible with Einstein's theory of General Relativity.
SourceInstituto de Astrofísica de Canarias (IAC)·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateMar 25, 2021
Ideas for future NASA missions searching for extraterrestrial civilizations
Researchers outline proposals for 'technosignatures' - evidence of technology use in other parts of the Universe- to search for intelligent extraterrestrial life. The study suggests searching for industrial pollution, large satellite swarms, and gigantic space engineering work as potential signs of civilization.
A super-Earth is discovered which can be used to test planetary atmosphere models
Scientists have discovered a super-Earth called Gliese 486b orbiting a nearby red dwarf star. The planet's composition is similar to that of Venus or Earth, with metallic nuclei inside it. Its atmosphere may be thin and hot, making it an ideal candidate for studying planetary atmospheres.
The GRANTECAN discovers the largest cluster of galaxies known in the early universe
A new study led by IAC researchers using the OSIRIS instrument on GRANTECAN has discovered the most densely populated galaxy cluster in formation in the primitive universe. The cluster, located 12.5 billion light years from us, is made up of galaxies with normal star formation rates and is predicted to evolve into a Virgo-like cluster.
SourceInstituto de Astrofísica de Canarias (IAC)·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateFeb 26, 2021
Big Data to model the evolution of the cosmic web
Researchers developed COSMIC BIRTH to analyse large-scale cosmic structures, expressing observations as if detected in the early universe. The algorithm uses sampling techniques to deal with high-dimensional spaces, enabling the study of galaxy clusters and their formation.
SourceInstituto de Astrofísica de Canarias (IAC)·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateFeb 22, 2021
The CLASP2 space experiment achieves an unprecedented map of the Sun's magnetic field
The CLASP2 space experiment has mapped the Sun's magnetic field in the outer layers of the solar atmosphere. This achievement provides new insights into the origin of violent solar activity and its effects on Earth's magnetosphere.
The puzzle of the strange galaxy made of 99.9% dark matter is solved
Astronomers find galaxy Dragonfly 44 has normal amount of dark matter, contrary to earlier claims. The team discovered only 20 globular clusters, reducing the amount of dark matter, and confirming that the galaxy is not unique or anomalous.
SourceInstituto de Astrofísica de Canarias (IAC)·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateOct 13, 2020
New measurements of the solar spectrum verify Einstein's theory of General Relativity
Scientists have successfully measured the iron lines in the solar spectrum using a laser frequency comb and HARPS instrument, verifying one of Einstein's predictions - the gravitational redshift effect. This confirms that General Relativity theory is correct and has significant implications for satellite navigation systems like GPS.
The presence of resonating cavities above sunspots has been confirmed
Researchers at Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias confirm the presence of resonating cavities above sunspots. These cavities, similar to those found in wind instruments or guitar strings, trap certain frequencies and cause resonances.
Stars rich in phosphorus: Seeds of life in the universe
A study published in Nature Communications has discovered phosphorus-rich stars with unusual abundances, defying current theories of stellar evolution and nucleosynthesis. The findings suggest a new type of object that could provide insights into the origin of life's essential element.
The evolutionary history of the Milky Way determined in more detail than ever
Astronomers have created the most detailed evolutionary history of the Milky Way up to now, combining apparent luminosity with measured distance and accurate star models. The study reveals well-defined periods of great activity in star formation, including dramatic episodes that stimulated new star creation.
Observed: An exoplanet where it rains iron
Researchers detected chemical variations between day and night on the planet, revealing the presence of iron vapour condensing into drops on the dark side. This discovery provides insights into the extreme climate conditions on ultra-hot giant exoplanets.
Observed: An occultation of a brown dwarf by another
Astronomers detected velocities of both brown dwarfs in a system orbiting each other, confirming the hypothesis that 2M1510 is composed of two brown dwarfs. The discovery provides rare data on the mass, radius, and age of brown dwarfs, allowing for verification of theoretical models.
The early days of the Milky Way revealed
A study led by the Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias reveals the early days of the Milky Way's formation, identifying two distinct stellar components that merged to create our galaxy. The research uses accurate stellar ages and Gaia space telescope data to uncover the birth of the Milky Way with unprecedented detail.
The atmosphere of a new ultra hot Jupiter is analyzed
Scientists from IAC and ULL analyze MASCARA-2B/KELT-20b's atmosphere, revealing details on its composition and temperature. The team detected hydrogen beta, singly ionized iron, and magnesium using CARMENES spectrograph.
The mystery of the galaxy with no dark matter: Solved!
A team of researchers from Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias solved the mystery of a galaxy without dark matter by reevaluating its distance. The galaxy was previously estimated to be 64 million light years away, but new measurements reveal it's actually around 42 million light years from Earth.
SourceInstituto de Astrofísica de Canarias (IAC)·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateJun 6, 2019
The IAC and ESA sign an agreement to widen the programs of optical data
The IAC and ESA have signed an agreement to expand the programmes of optical communication with space missions and studies of space debris at the Teide Observatory in Tenerife. The new agreement will enable the installation of additional optical systems on the existing telescope, enhancing the observatory's capabilities.
Old stars live longer than we thought
Researchers have discovered a binary interaction between stars, leading to slower mass loss rates. This changes our understanding of how stars end their lives and the chemical evolution of galaxies.
Massive collision in the planetary system Kepler 107
The Kepler 107 system's inner planets may have formed from a massive impact that stripped away their outer layers. This study uses seismic analysis to support the hypothesis that Kepler 107c, the densest planet, was created by such an event. The findings highlight the importance of stellar physics in understanding exoplanetary research.