Articles tagged with Astrophysics
Researchers from Lehigh University have successfully mapped 15 orphaned stars to their birth clusters in the Milky Way using Gaia Mission data. The study provides new insights into the galaxy's history and star cluster dynamics.
The COSMIC project uses cutting-edge technology to search for extraterrestrial signals, exploring new frequencies and enhancing our understanding of the universe. With its adaptability and future upgrades, COSMIC may cover more stars and unlock new explorations.
Researchers from the University of Cambridge identified iron-bearing sulfate minerals as the cause of the mysterious UV absorption feature on Venus' clouds. The discovery was made possible by synthesizing and analyzing minerals under extreme chemical conditions.
A new study by Adam Frank and Amedeo Balbi suggests that high levels of atmospheric oxygen are necessary for the emergence of advanced technology on distant planets. They propose the concept of an 'oxygen bottleneck,' which implies that only planets with significant oxygen concentrations can develop technospheres, leaving detectable te...
Astronomers studying two distant galaxies in the early universe reveal unprecedented molecular diversity, shedding light on the lives of prodigious star factories. By analyzing light from over 13 molecules, researchers gain insights into the physical and chemical conditions in these galaxies.
Researchers have uncovered a population of 25 intermediate-mass helium stars that bridge the gap in knowledge about hydrogen-poor supernovae. These stars were found using UV photometry and optical spectroscopy, with strong spectral signatures of ionized helium confirming their composition.
Researchers have identified a population of massive stars stripped of their hydrogen envelopes by their companions in binary systems. These hot helium stars are believed to be the origins of hydrogen-poor core-collapse supernovae and neutron star mergers, shedding new light on a long-theorized phenomenon.
A new theory, self-interacting dark matter (SIDM), proposes that dark matter particles interact through a dark force, explaining high-density halos and low-density halos of ultra-diffuse galaxies. SIDM simulates cosmic structure formation with strong dark matter self-interactions, diversifying halo density in central regions.
A team of astronomers led by Durham University detected a rotating disc structure around a forming high-mass star in another galaxy, marking the first extragalactic detection. The disc is estimated to be around 15 times the mass of our Sun and provides insights into star formation across different galactic environments.
A new unified model confirms that some long-lasting gamma-ray bursts are created in the aftermath of cosmic mergers that spawn an infant black hole surrounded by a giant disk of natal material. The findings explain recently observed long GRBs that astronomers couldn't link to collapsing stars.
Researchers detect ultra-high-energy cosmic ray with an energy level comparable to the 'Oh-My-God' particle, raising questions about its origins. The Amaterasu particle's unusual properties are being further investigated through upgraded experiments and next-generation observatories.
A new study using CALET data finds evidence for nearby, young sources of cosmic ray electrons, contributing to a greater understanding of the galaxy. The study suggests that these high-energy electrons originate in supernova remnants, offering insights into the galaxy and its sources.
New studies show that giant gas planets in nearby star systems can prevent life on smaller, rocky planet neighbors by kicking them out of orbit and wreaking havoc on their climates. Researchers found that four giant planets in the HD 141399 system are likely to destroy the chances for life on Earth-like planets.
Physicists William Raphael Hix and John Lajoie were elected Fellows of the American Physical Society for their outstanding contributions to physics research. They are recognized for their work on explosive thermonuclear burning, stellar nucleosynthesis, and the development of advanced trigger systems that enabled the discovery of the q...
Researchers used seismic data to locate and identify a thin layer of molten silicates overlying Mars' metallic core. The discovery reveals a denser and smaller Martian core, aligning with other geophysical data and analysis of Martian meteorites. This finding provides new insights into how Mars formed, evolved, and became a barren planet.
Researchers at LIGO have developed a significant advance in quantum squeezing technology, allowing them to measure undulations in space-time across the entire range of gravitational frequencies detected by LIGO. This breakthrough boosts the observatory's ability to study exotic events and detect about 60 percent more mergers than before.
A global team has discovered the most ancient and distant fast radio burst, located 8 billion years ago, confirming that FRBs can be used to measure the 'missing' matter between galaxies. The source was found to be a group of merging galaxies, supporting current theories on the cause of fast radio bursts.
Researchers have created a three-dimensional computer simulation of the light emitted following a neutron star merger, producing results similar to an observed kilonova. The simulation takes into account various processes and material interactions, enabling predictions for any viewing direction.
Researchers observed and analyzed approximately 17,000 images from the Subaru Telescope to identify 13 extensive air showers. This new method can determine individual particle types, advancing understanding of these cosmic-ray phenomena.
Researchers confirmed that Maisie's Galaxy is at a high redshift of z ≈ 11.5 and disproved the existence of a previously thought-to-be-most-distant galaxy. The study also revealed another galaxy at a lower redshift, contradicting initial theories.
Astronomers using NASA's Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory discovered a black hole repeatedly nibbling on a Sun-like star in a distant galaxy. The object was detected using a new method for analyzing data from the satellite's X-ray Telescope, enabling it to adapt to new areas of astrophysics.
Astronomers have discovered a 'missing link' in the behavior of black holes and their impact on nearby stars. The discovery reveals that a low-mass black hole is consuming the equivalent mass of three Earths every time it passes close to a star, releasing massive amounts of X-rays.
Researchers detected distinct 'dwarf pulses' from PSR B2111+46 using the Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical radio Telescope. These narrow, weak pulses exhibit a rare reversed spectrum and are produced by one or a few particles generated by pair production in a fragile gap of the pulsar's magnetosphere.
Astronomers have created the first computer simulations showing how convection in the cores of massive stars generates waves that result in flickering starlight. The effect is different from the visible twinkling of stars in the night sky and could be observed with improved telescopes.
Researchers have discovered the coldest star yet to produce emission at radio wavelengths, with a surface temperature of 425 degrees centigrade. The ultracool brown dwarf is a rare find, as most do not emit radio waves due to their dynamics.
Astrophysicists analyze James Webb Space Telescope images to find three bright objects that might be 'dark stars,' powering themselves with annihilating particles of dark matter. The discovery could reveal the nature of dark matter and solve the puzzle of galaxy formation.
The Vlasiator model demonstrated that two central theories on plasma eruptions in near-Earth space are simultaneously valid: magnetic reconnection and kinetic instabilities. This finding helps understand how these events occur and improves the predictability of space weather.
Researchers at U.S. National Science Foundation's IceCube Neutrino Observatory reveal a galactic portrait made with particles of matter, unlike any before, by determining the origin of thousands of neutrinos. The breakthrough allows for the first 'ghost particle' image of the Milky Way galaxy.
Researchers with the NANOGrav collaboration have detected the gravitational wave background for the first time, revealing a perpetual chorus of ripples in space-time. The discovery is made possible by observing stars called pulsars that act as celestial metronomes.
A team of researchers using radio telescope observations found evidence of gravitational waves passing through the Milky Way, causing spacetime distortions that appear as variations in pulsar ticking rates. The discovery provides insights into how galaxies evolve and supermassive black holes grow and merge.
A recent study suggests that supermassive black holes at the center of large galaxies grew in size over billions of years, challenging previous estimates. The research, led by astrophysicist Joseph Simon, used computer simulations to predict the masses of massive black holes, revealing a diverse range of sizes across the universe.
Researchers have found a surprising correlation between global seismic activity and changes in cosmic radiation intensity, potentially aiding in earthquake prediction. The periodicity of this phenomenon has been identified as every 10-11 years, but its exact cause remains unknown.
The CALorimetric Electron Telescope (CALET) study found that the movement of cosmic rays is affected by the Sun's magnetic field, causing fluctuations in galactic cosmic rays reaching Earth. The research indicates that electrons are more susceptible to solar modulation than protons.
Researchers found GRB 221009A's jet exhibited a narrow core with wide sloping wings, differing from standard jets. This unique structure may explain the event's extreme energy release and prolonged visibility.
A team of researchers has developed a new method to measure the mass of quasar host galaxies with unprecedented precision using strong gravitational lensing. This technique allows scientists to better understand galaxy formation and black hole development in the distant universe.
A team of astrophysicists and citizen scientists have identified three potentially habitable exoplanets discovered during NASA's Kepler space telescope's final days of operation. The planets, including K2-416 b and K2-417 b, are between the size of Earth and Neptune and orbit their stars closely.
Researchers discovered that black hole jets exhibit surprising variability in x-ray emissions over short time scales, contradicting a long-held theory. This finding opens up new possibilities for understanding particle acceleration in these jets and potentially elsewhere in the universe.
The CALET team, including researchers from Waseda University, found that cosmic ray helium particles follow a Double Broken Power Law, indicating spectral hardening and softening in high-energy ranges. This deviation from expected power-law distribution suggests unique sources or mechanisms accelerating and propagating helium nuclei.
Astronomers have discovered an Earth-size exoplanet, LP 791-18 d, that may be covered in volcanoes. The planet's high volcanic activity could sustain an atmosphere and potentially support liquid water on its night side.
Astronomers from Stockholm University detected the first radio emission of a Type Ia supernova, providing evidence for helium-rich circumstellar material. The discovery sheds light on the origins of these explosions and their role in measuring the expansion of the Universe.
Saturn's rings are estimated to be 400 million years old, much younger than the planet itself, according to a new study. The researchers used dust analysis to determine the age of the rings, which are composed of ice and rocky material.
The explosion, known as AT2021lwx, is more than ten times brighter than any known supernova and has lasted for nearly three years, compared to most supernovae which are only visibly bright for a few months. The researchers believe that the explosion is a result of a vast cloud of gas being violently disrupted by a supermassive black hole.
A team of researchers from the University of Minnesota has successfully measured the expansion rate of the Universe using data from a magnified supernova. Their findings provide new insight into the problem and bring scientists closer to obtaining the most accurate measurement of the Universe's age.
A team of scientists at MIT and elsewhere have observed a star engulfing a nearby planet, a phenomenon that will also befall Earth in 5 billion years. The star's outburst was followed by a colder, longer-lasting signal, indicating the presence of gas from the star condensing into dust.
An international research team explores ultra-fast gas emissions from active galactic nuclei, which significantly change galaxy ecosystems. The study confirms the existence of these powerful emissions and their role in regulating star formation.
The Zhurong rover found evidence of liquid water on dune surfaces at low Martian latitudes, contradicting the widely held assumption that water can only exist in solid or gaseous forms. The discovery provides key observational proof and sheds light on the evolutionary history of Mars' climate.
Scientists identify tidal disruption event at infrared wavelengths, revealing the closest example of a black hole devouring a star. The discovery suggests that conventional X-ray and optical surveys may have missed similar events in young, star-forming galaxies.
Scientists at Lund University have found seven elements, including rare earth metal terbium, in the atmosphere of KELT-9 b, the galaxy's hottest exoplanet. The discovery was made possible by a new method developed to analyze exoplanets, which has opened up the possibility of studying their atmospheres in more detail.
Researchers used NASA InSight data to directly measure Mars' core properties, finding a completely liquid iron-alloy core with high percentages of sulfur and oxygen. This discovery provides new insights into Martian formation and geological differences between Earth and Mars, potentially impacting planetary habitability.
Researchers have discovered a tiny galaxy with big star power using the James Webb Space Telescope, providing new insights into the universe's early stars. The galaxy is one of the smallest ever discovered at this distance—around 500 million years after the Big Bang—and generated new stars at an extremely high rate for its size.
A UTSA-led research team has discovered a new exoplanet using indirect methods. The exoplanet, HIP 99770 b, is about 14 to 16 times the mass of Jupiter and orbits a nearly twice-as-massive star. This breakthrough opens a new avenue for scientists to discover and characterize exoplanets.
A machine learning technique called PRIMO has been used to reconstruct a sharper image of the M87 black hole using Event Horizon Telescope (EHT) data. The new image reveals more detailed information about the bright accreting gas and a larger, darker central region.
Astronomers have discovered a massive, runaway black hole that has left behind a never-before-seen trail of newborn stars. The black hole, weighing as much as 20 million Suns, is plowing into gas to trigger new star formation along a narrow corridor.
Researchers found consistent results between observations and theory, showing that clusters have become more centrally concentrated over time. The study provides strong support for the Lambda-CDM paradigm by demonstrating agreement between the observed and simulated concentration-mass relation of galaxy clusters.
The detection of GRB 221009A marks the most energetic gamma-ray burst ever observed, with a luminosity surpassing that of entire galaxies and hundreds of billions of stars. The event was followed up by space-based telescopes, including the James Webb Space Telescope, which provided insight into its properties.
Scholars developed an AI program using symbolic regression to improve mass inferences of galaxy clusters. The new equations extract jelly at the center and concentrate on doughy outskirts for reliable mass inferences.
Astrophysicists used AI to improve mass estimates of galaxy clusters by adding a simple term to an existing equation. The new equation downplays the importance of complex cores in calculations, providing more reliable mass inferences.
The ESO VLT observed the aftermath of the DART impact, showing that the ejected cloud was bluer than the asteroid itself, indicating fine particles. The team found no signs of ice or DART spacecraft propellant, but detected changes in light polarization suggesting altered surface composition.
The Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope has captured a dynamic animation of the gamma-ray sky, revealing frenzied activity over nearly 15 years. The data, now publicly available, includes records of source brightness changes and sheds light on blazars and multimessenger astronomy.
Researchers from ETH Zurich, Harvard, and Cambridge join forces to study chemical and physical processes of living organisms and environmental conditions for life on other planets. Synthetic cells enable scientists to deconstruct complex systems, understand basic principles of life and evolution.