The Event Horizon Telescope (EHT) has captured the first image of Sagittarius A*, a black hole at the center of the Milky Way, revealing a ring-like structure and shadow. The observation confirms Einstein's theory of general relativity and provides new insights into giant black holes.
SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·TypeObservational study·DateMay 12, 2022
Researchers developed a technique to study supermassive black holes smaller than M87's by measuring the brightness of their shadows over time. The 'shadow' signal can reveal the size and shape of a black hole's event horizon, shedding light on gravity's nature.
SourceColumbia University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 9, 2022
A new study found that extended space flight increases perivascular spaces in the brains of first-time astronauts, but not those who previously served in space. No neurological deficits were detected despite the changes.
SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeImaging analysis·DateMay 5, 2022
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.
Researchers from Tokyo Metropolitan University found that falling beds of sand and melting gelatin exhibit similar destabilization behavior, characterized by fingering instabilities and fluidized interface regions. This study provides insights into the macroscopic physical behavior of granular materials and gels under gravity.
SourceTokyo Metropolitan University·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 30, 2022
Researcher Douglas Kurtze's study reveals that gravitational pull can cause local sea level drops near melting ice sheets, contrary to global-mean sea level rises. The phenomenon occurs due to the weakening of gravity as the ice mass decreases.
SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalAmerican Journal of Physics·DateApr 21, 2022
The study suggests that Venus' atmosphere plays a crucial role in determining its rotation speed, with fast winds dragging along the surface and slowing it down. This has significant consequences for the sweltering Venusian climate, with average temperatures of up to 900 degrees Fahrenheit.
SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalNature Astronomy·DateApr 20, 2022
Astronomers have been searching for low-frequency gravitational waves by monitoring pulsar pulses, but now NASA's Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope can also be used to detect these waves. The satellite's high-energy light provides a clearer view of pulsars and offers an independent method to detect gravitational waves.
SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScience·TypeObservational study·DateApr 7, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
Impact craters reveal insights into planetary bodies' evolution, structure, and composition. By studying impact craters on various planets and asteroids, researchers can determine the formation timeline of these celestial bodies and gain knowledge about their interiors.
Researchers proved a conjecture on quantum complexity growth, contradicting the Brown-Susskind intuition that complexity increases linearly for astronomically long times and then remains maximum. Instead, complexity grows linearly with time until it saturates at an exponential point related to system size.
SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalNature Physics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 28, 2022
Recent research on gravitational wave detectors shows large objects can be shielded from environmental influences to become one quantum object. This decoupling enables measurement sensitivities impossible without it, advancing sensor technology.
SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalAVS Quantum Science·DateMar 15, 2022
Researchers from Tokyo Metropolitan University found that a foam's liquid amount and extent determine its draining mechanism. They identified universal thresholds for different foams, promising clear design principles for new materials.
SourceTokyo Metropolitan University·JournalSoft Matter·DateMar 12, 2022
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.
Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have discovered a simplified model for quantum gravity called the 'holographic principle' that describes how gravity emerges from quantum mechanics. This breakthrough may also offer new insights into mysterious dark energy.
SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 9, 2022
Researchers used simulations to compare Einstein's theory and modified gravity, finding that 'dark gravity' may be equally good at explaining data from binary neutron star collisions. This could lead to the discovery of new phenomena detectable by next-generation gravitational interferometers.
SourceScuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 3, 2022
Researchers propose new dynamic model suggesting thermal energy causes continental plates to drift, but the main driving force is supplied by a gravitational slip of the continental crust and hot mantle upwelling. This model explains why the opening of the Atlantic Ocean is wider in the south than in the middle.
SourceCactus Communications·JournalEarth Science Frontiers·TypeSurvey·DateFeb 28, 2022
Researchers from HSE University have developed a mathematical model that explains the levitation of charged dust particles over the sunlit lunar surface for almost any latitude. The study takes into account the Earth's magnetotail and its impact on particle movement, leading to vertical oscillation and eventual levitation.
SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalPhysics of Plasmas·DateFeb 24, 2022
Researchers from NIST have developed a mathematical model that predicts the strength and timing of changes in velocity required for crane operators to apply when transporting heavy loads. This equation can be applied to various situations, including moving a load with initial rest and large distances.
SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalAmerican Journal of Physics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 18, 2022
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.
Physicists have measured Albert Einstein's theory of general relativity at the smallest scale ever, demonstrating time dilation effects between two tiny atomic clocks separated by just a millimeter. The experiments suggest a way to make atomic clocks 50 times more precise than today's best designs.
SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 16, 2022
Researchers suggest LISA can detect scalar fields interacting with gravity, providing strong bounds on theories beyond General Relativity. Extreme Mass Ratio Inspirals offer a unique probe of the strong-field regime of gravity.
SourceScuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati·JournalNature Astronomy·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 10, 2022
New research investigates electrolysis efficiency on the Moon and Mars, finding that lower gravity reduces oxygen production by 11%. The study provides valuable insights for establishing life support systems and power budgets for future human settlements.
SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 8, 2022
Researchers tracked 10,000 galaxies and clusters over 11.5 billion years, revealing complex motions influenced by gravity and the Big Bang theory. The study provides new insights into the formation history of large-scale mass structures in the universe.
SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 3, 2022
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.
Researchers reconstructed bedrock geometry using gravity measurements, finding that glaciers of 'Würm' glaciation mainly widened valleys rather than deepening them. The study also revealed U-shaped cross-sections and asymmetric geometries in overdeepenings beneath Aare and Gürbe valleys.
SourceUniversity of Bern·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 2, 2022
Astronomers have captured detailed images of sinuous stellar jets emanating from young stars, suggesting that their sidewinding appearances are caused by gravitational attraction from companion stars. The observations were made using the Gemini South telescope's adaptive optics system.
SourceAssociation of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA)·TypeObservational study·DateJan 21, 2022
Researchers confirm a rare and massive black hole merger with an eccentric orbit, shedding light on the formation of supermassive black holes in dense star clusters. The study's findings have significant implications for our understanding of black hole dynamics and the evolution of galaxies.
SourceRochester Institute of Technology·JournalNature Astronomy·DateJan 20, 2022
Researchers found that astronauts with SANS have increased intracranial dural venous volumes, suggesting an association between intracranial venous congestion and SANS. This study provides insight into the effects of gravity on the brain and eyesight in space.
SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJan 5, 2022
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CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.
Researchers found that local gravitational tides modulate the cyclical behavior of organisms, even in the absence of other rhythmic influences. The study questions the validity of free-run experiments and highlights the importance of considering gravitational oscillations in biological research.
SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalJournal of Experimental Botany·DateJan 4, 2022
A team of astronomers has made the most precise measurements yet of the motions of stars around Sagittarius A*, the supermassive black hole at the center of the Milky Way. The research, using cutting-edge facilities like Gemini Observatory and the European Southern Observatory's Very Large Telescope, shows that nearly all of the mass c...
SourceAssociation of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA)·JournalAstronomy and Astrophysics·TypeObservational study·DateDec 14, 2021
A team of international researchers challenged Einstein's theory of general relativity using pulsars as a cosmic laboratory. They detected new relativistic effects, including light deflection and time dilation, with unprecedented precision. The study provides significant insights into gravity theories and the fundamental forces of nature.
SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalPhysical Review X·TypeObservational study·DateDec 13, 2021
Researchers found that DNA polymerases derived from E. coli are more prone to errors under microgravity, increasing the mutation rate and potentially leading to cancer. The study's results highlight the importance of designing rotating spaceships with artificial gravity to prevent negative effects on astronauts' health.
SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 29, 2021
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.
Researchers at TU Wien have successfully described the 'teapot effect' with a theoretical analysis and experiments. The effect occurs when a liquid is poured out of a teapot too slowly, causing it to dribble down the outside of the pot due to an interplay of inertia, viscous, and capillary forces.
SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalJournal of Fluid Mechanics·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 9, 2021
Theoretical physicists modelled the region around M87's supermassive black hole, confirming that gravity plays a key role in accelerating particles out to thousands of light years. The findings provide further evidence for Einstein's theory of general relativity and its application to astrophysical phenomena.
SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalNature Astronomy·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 4, 2021
A new study suggests that black holes grow in lockstep with the expanding universe, a phenomenon called cosmological coupling. This idea improves the explanation for large black hole masses observed in gravitational wave observatories.
SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateNov 3, 2021
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.
Researchers developed a novel magnetic levitation-based low-gravity simulator with a large functional volume, promising to break new ground for future space research. The design can create an area of low gravity about 1,000 times larger than existing simulators.
SourceFlorida State University·Journalnpj Microgravity·DateOct 29, 2021
A recent international workshop aimed to turn plans for a crewed lunar observatory into reality. The workshop, led by Vanderbilt astrophysicist Karan Jani, brought together experts from GW science, planetary science, and lunar exploration to discuss the geophysical properties of the moon and opportunities for observation.
Research reviews show that back pain in space is often sciatica, a form of back pain radiating down the legs. Astronauts experience changes in spine curvature due to microgravity, leading to acute and chronic pain upon return to Earth.
SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalAnesthesiology·DateOct 21, 2021
Plant biologists at Washington University in St. Louis have developed the first artificial scaffolds that can support individual plant cells, mimicking the properties of plant cell walls. The scaffolds demonstrate promising results for studying plant cell adhesion and growth.
SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 20, 2021
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.
Researchers are reconstructing life on the ISS over two decades to understand space culture and how astronauts interact with their tools and colleagues. The project uses digital photography, crowdsourcing, and archaeological surveys to document developments and changes within the station's lifestyle and cultural makeup.
SourceFlinders University·JournalAntiquity·TypeObservational study·DateOct 1, 2021
Researchers used extensive 2D and 3D broadband seismic reflection data to visualize and understand the subsurface structures of the Orphan Basin. The study provides context for future assessments of source rock, reservoir, and seal strata in oil and gas exploration.
SourceSouthwest Research Institute·JournalMarine and Petroleum Geology·DateSep 27, 2021
Researchers at the University of Cambridge suggest that unexplained results from the XENON1T experiment could be attributed to dark energy, rather than dark matter. The study proposes a physical model to explain the findings, which may have originated from dark energy particles produced in the Sun's strong magnetic fields.
SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalPhysical Review D·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 15, 2021
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.
Researchers developed a mathematical model to predict the angle of repose of sand hills, which is influenced by particle size and gravity. The model was validated using simulations and has potential applications in space exploration, additive manufacturing, and planetary science.
SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 14, 2021
A nearly $2 million NSF grant will accelerate the hunt for low-frequency gravitational waves using high-precision timing observations of exotic stars called millisecond pulsars. WVU's Maura McLaughlin is principal investigator on the project, which aims to discover new types of gravitational waves and expand the IPTA's reach globally.
Researchers from the Universities of Bonn and Bologna discovered a mutant in barley with roots growing straight downwards, potentially providing a starting point for breeding more drought-resistant varieties. The study found that the gene responsible for this trait is evolutionarily conserved across different cereals.
SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 27, 2021
New models of neutron stars show mountains only a fraction of millimetres high, contradicting previous estimates. The research used computational modelling to study the role of ultra-dense nuclear matter in supporting these tiny mountains.
Researchers at New York University have found a way for heavy motorized objects to navigate steep inclines by exploiting density imbalances and hydrodynamic effects. This breakthrough enhances understanding of gravitaxis and has implications for engineering and pharmaceutical development.
SourceNew York University·JournalSoft Matter·DateJul 14, 2021
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.
Researchers discovered a new type of stellar explosion, electron-capture supernovae, which sheds light on the historic 1054 supernova and provides insights into the behavior of stars. The study focuses on the supernova SN2018zd, located in the galaxy NGC 2146, which has all the properties expected from an electron-capture supernova.
SourceTel-Aviv University·JournalNature Astronomy·DateJul 14, 2021
A Danish student has solved the mathematical expression behind black hole image distortions, revealing a key factor of 500 times. The result provides new opportunities to test gravity and understanding of black holes, particularly in rotating cases.
SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 12, 2021
Researchers at MIT have cooled a large, human-scale object to close to its motional ground state, enabling the study of gravity's effects on massive quantum objects. The object, comprising nearly 1 octillion atoms, was cooled to 77 nanokelvins using LIGO's precise motion-measuring capabilities.
SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience·DateJun 17, 2021
The Milky Way's galactic bar has slowed down its spin by at least 24% since its formation, according to a study published in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society. Dark matter acts as a counterweight slowing the spin.
SourceUniversity College London·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateJun 14, 2021
Physicists propose an experiment using entangled quantum systems in free fall to detect movements and test if gravity is a quantum phenomenon. The system can also be used to detect space debris, tectonic movements, and burglars, with potential applications for early earthquake warnings and movement sensors.
SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalPhysical Review Research·DateJun 8, 2021
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.
A team of engineers from Purdue University, Air Squared Inc., and Whirlpool Corporation has developed a refrigerator prototype that can operate effectively in microgravity. The prototype aims to provide astronauts with a supply of food that could last five to six years, overcoming the challenges of traditional refrigeration systems in ...
Researchers from Simon Fraser University and Canadian Space Agency will develop a new system to capture detailed seismic and gravimetric models of the lunar subsurface. This project aims to advance our understanding of the moon's geophysical properties and inform future exploration, potentially enabling human settlement.
Researchers at University of Cambridge found that Killer flies can reach accelerations of over 3g when diving to catch prey, but struggle to correct course due to high speeds. The study reveals the unique flight dynamics of these insects, which beat their wings like powered flight to achieve impressive aerobatic maneuvers.
SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·DateMay 26, 2021
Scientists from Okayama University discovered that marine flatworms develop gravity-sensing ability within 0-7 days after hatching, with a statolith forming in the statocyst. The statocyst comprises nerve cords and is connected to the nervous system through the basal lamina and stc.
SourceOkayama University·JournalZoomorphology·DateMay 21, 2021
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.
Researchers at the Chinese Academy of Sciences extracted the proton mass radius from experimental data, finding it to be 0.67 ± 0.03 femtometers, which is smaller than the charge radius.
SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalPhysical Review D·DateMay 12, 2021
Researchers from the University of Tsukuba sent mice to space to study the effects of microgravity on muscle atrophy. The team found that artificial gravity prevented changes in gene expression and muscle wasting in mice.
SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 10, 2021
A new study finds that the Red Sea's seafloor spreading began 13 million years ago, with most of the basin composed of ancient oceanic crust. This discovery challenges existing geological models and sheds light on the region's formation history.
SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 29, 2021
The Red Sea is now considered a mature ocean basin, approximately 13 million years old, with features similar to those of the young southern Atlantic Ocean. The study uses gravity and earthquake data to develop a new tectonic model, revealing hidden structures such as rift axes and transform faults.
SourceHelmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel (GEOMAR)·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 23, 2021
Astronomers used ALMA to discover a rotating baby galaxy, providing insights into the early Universe. The galaxy, RXCJ0600-z6, is about 1/100th the size of the Milky Way and has a mass of 2-3 billion times that of our Sun.
SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·DateApr 22, 2021
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Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.
A survey of star formation in the Orion Nebula Cluster found similar mass distributions for newborn stars and dense gas cores, suggesting that gas accretion rate determines final star mass. The results contradict the core-collapse model, supporting the competitive accretion model instead.
SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·DateApr 16, 2021
A new theory explains how suspended sediment particles mysteriously move upward on submarine canyon slopes, defying gravity. This discovery helps understand biogeochemical cycles at continental margins and feeding behavior of suspension feeders like baleen whales and krill.
SourceFlinders University·JournalJournal of Marine Systems·DateApr 14, 2021
A team of engineers is building a fridge that can operate in zero gravity and different orientations, providing astronauts with access to longer-lasting and more nutritious food. The fridge aims to extend the shelf life of canned and dried food from three years to five to six years.