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SwRI study suggests large mound structures on Kuiper belt object Arrokoth may have common origin

A new SwRI study posits that the large mounds on Kuiper Belt object Arrokoth are similar in size and shape, suggesting a common origin. This finding supports the streaming instability model of planetesimal formation, where gentle collision speeds allowed objects to accumulate and form Arrokoth.

SourceSouthwest Research Institute·JournalThe Planetary Science Journal·TypeObservational study·DateOct 3, 2023

Down goes antimatter! Gravity's effect on matter's elusive twin is revealed

Researchers confirmed that antimatter falls under the influence of gravity, ruling out gravitational repulsion as a cause for its absence in the universe. The study used an antihydrogen experiment to observe individual atoms taking a downward path, providing a definitive answer to long-standing questions about antimatter's behavior.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 27, 2023

Direct evidence for modified gravity at low acceleration from Gaia observations of wide binary stars

A new study by Kyu-Hyun Chae found conclusive evidence for the breakdown of standard gravity in low acceleration limit using up to 26,500 wide binaries observed by Gaia. The results show a boost factor of 30-40% higher than Newton-Einstein prediction, meeting conventional criteria of 5 sigma significance.

SourceSejong University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 11, 2023

Measuring the extent of global droughts in unprecedented detail

Researchers from the University of Bonn have developed a new method to calculate global water distribution, combining satellite data with hydrological models. The study reveals that droughts are significantly more common across the world than previously thought, with localized droughts often missing from satellite data.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalJournal of Geodesy·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 9, 2023

After 15 years, pulsar timing yields evidence of cosmic background gravitational waves

Researchers report evidence of a cosmic background of gravitational waves likely produced by the merger of supermassive black hole binaries. The signal is detected through millisecond pulsar observations and has implications for our understanding of the universe's large-scale structure.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 8, 2023

Despite doubts from quantum physicists: Einstein's theory of relativity reaffirmed

A team from Leibniz University Hannover and University of Bremen confirmed the equivalence principle, proving passive and active gravitational mass are always equivalent, regardless of composition. This finding contradicts quantum theory's prediction of a violation, with accuracy 100 times greater than previous studies.

SourceLeibniz University Hannover·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 13, 2023

Why the day is 24 hours long: Astrophysicists reveal why Earth’s day was a constant 19.5 hours for over a billion years

For over a billion years, the sun's atmospheric tide countered the moon's gravitational pull, keeping Earth's rotational rate steady and day length at 19.5 hours. This balance was disrupted by climate change, resulting in our current 24-hour day stretching to over 60 hours if not for the pause.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalScience Advances·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 5, 2023

Unveiling the origins of merging black holes in galaxies like our own

A team of scientists from UNIGE, Northwestern University, and the University of Florida used POSYDON code to simulate binary-star populations, predicting the existence of massive 30 solar mass black hole binaries in Milky Way-like galaxies. This challenges previous theories and provides new insights into the astrophysical origins of me...

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature Astronomy·TypeNews article·DateJun 29, 2023

WVU faculty, students contribute to cosmic breakthrough uncovering evidence of low-frequency gravitational waves

Researchers from West Virginia University have made a groundbreaking discovery by detecting evidence of low-frequency gravitational waves, which can only be perceived with a detector much larger than the Earth. The signal was detected using pulsar timing arrays and has significant implications for understanding spacetime dynamics.

SourceWest Virginia University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateJun 29, 2023

A sharper look at the M87 black hole

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.

SourceInstitute for Advanced Study·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateApr 13, 2023

Dark order in the universe

A team of scientists from Kyoto University has confirmed that galaxy alignments can be a powerful probe for dark matter and dark energy. The analysis of 1.2 million galaxy observations verified general theory of relativity at vast spatial scales, providing strong evidence for gravity's role in shaping the universe.

SourceKyoto University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 13, 2023

1st observational evidence linking black holes to dark energy

A team of researchers has discovered evidence of 'cosmological coupling' between black holes and the universe's expanding energy. By studying supermassive black holes in ancient galaxies, they found that these black holes gain mass over billions of years, matching predictions for black holes that cosmologically couple with vacuum energy.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 15, 2023

Space dust as Earth’s sun shield

A University of Utah-led study explores using space dust as a shield to reduce solar radiation and slow global warming. Launching lunar dust from the moon instead of Earth's way station at L1 could be an effective and cheap solution.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalPLOS Climate·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 8, 2023

Astronomers observe light bending around an isolated white dwarf

A team of astronomers has directly measured the mass of a dead star using gravitational microlensing, a phenomenon predicted by Einstein's General Theory of Relativity. The measurement, made for an isolated white dwarf called LAWD 37, provides new insights into star evolution and testing current theories of how white dwarfs evolve.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateFeb 2, 2023

Can cosmic inflation be ruled out?

Astrophysicists have identified a potential test to rule out cosmic inflation, a theory explaining the universe's origins. The cosmic graviton background (CGB) could provide evidence against inflation if detected, and its impact on the early Universe's expansion rate could be measured by next-generation probes.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateNov 3, 2022

Astronomy: Observation puzzles researchers

Researchers investigated open star clusters, finding they dissolve faster than predicted by Newton's laws. The team developed a new method to count stars in tidal tails, revealing a significant difference in the number of stars between the front and rear tails.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateOct 26, 2022

Method for decoding asteroid interiors could help aim asteroid-deflecting missions

Researchers have developed a method to map an asteroid's interior structure based on its spin changes during close encounters with Earth. This technique, called AIME, could help scientists plan more effective defense strategies for asteroids like Apophis, which poses a significant hazard if it were to make impact.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateOct 19, 2022

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

No trace of dark matter halos

Researchers from the University of Bonn found that dwarf galaxies in one of Earth's nearest galaxy clusters show signs of disturbance without dark matter halos. The study's results contradict previous models, suggesting an alternative gravity theory might be more accurate.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateAug 5, 2022

How does reduced gravity affect astronauts’ muscles and nerve responses? Japanese researchers answer

Researchers from Japan review the effects of reduced gravity on muscles and nerve responses, suggesting that afferent neural activity plays a key role in regulating muscle properties. They recommend exercise countermeasures such as walking with rear foot-strike landing and periodic passive stretching to prevent neuromuscular problems.

SourceDoshisha University·JournalNeuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews·TypeSystematic review·DateJul 18, 2022

ETH researchers remeasure gravitational constant

Researchers from ETH Zurich conducted a new experiment to redetermine the gravitational constant G, obtaining a value 2.2% higher than the current official figure. The team used a dynamic measurement method involving resonating beams, allowing for real-time data analysis and minimization of interference.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 12, 2022

SwRI researcher shows how elliptical craters could shed light on age of Saturn’s moons

A SwRI study examines elliptical craters on Saturn's moons Tethys and Dione, finding unique patterns that indicate the satellites' age and formation conditions. The research suggests a planetocentric impactor population, pointing to the importance of considering gravity-driven impacts when studying object ages.

SourceSouthwest Research Institute·JournalEarth and Planetary Science Letters·TypeObservational study·DateJun 21, 2022

Dwarf planet Ceres was formed in coldest zone of Solar System and thrust into Asteroid Belt

Researchers propose that Ceres was formed outside the Frost Line, where ammonia ice is abundant, and then pulled into the Asteroid Belt by gravitational instability. Computer simulations support this hypothesis, showing that giant planet formation led to a turbulent environment that scattered objects into stable orbits.