Add BrightSurf on Google Email

To find giant black holes, start with Jupiter

Researchers are using Jupiter's mass and orbit to help locate the center of gravity of the solar system, which can signal the presence of massive black holes. By analyzing changes in pulsar timing, they aim to detect gravitational waves that warp space-time.

SourceVanderbilt University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·DateJun 30, 2020
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Australian scientists reveal a lost 8 billion light years of universe evolution

Researchers have developed a method to detect the presence of weak gravitational wave events, revealing a lost 8 billion light years of universe evolution. This breakthrough will allow scientists to observe farther away in space-time and gain insights into the early universe's structure.

SourceThe Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Gravitational Wave Discovery·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateJun 18, 2020

Finnish researchers have discovered a new type of matter inside neutron stars

Researchers from the University of Helsinki have found strong evidence for the presence of exotic quark matter inside the cores of the largest neutron stars in existence. The new results were published in Nature Physics and combined recent findings from theoretical particle and nuclear physics with astrophysical measurements.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalNature Physics·DateJun 1, 2020

Like thunder without lightning

Researchers discovered black hole-neutron star mergers in globular star clusters can be detected using computer simulations. The study offers critical insights into the fusion of massive stellar objects, with potential implications for gravitational wave detection.

SourceHeidelberg University·JournalCommunications Physics·DateMay 15, 2020
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.

TAMA300 blazes trail for improved gravitational wave astronomy

Researchers at NAOJ have demonstrated a new technique to reduce quantum noise in gravitational wave detectors, increasing sensitivity and allowing for the detection of fainter waves. This technique, known as frequency dependent vacuum squeezing, will enable improved sensitivity at both high and low frequencies simultaneously.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateApr 28, 2020

Looking for dark matter

Physicists Rees McNally and Tanya Zelevinsky have proposed two novel methods of searching for dark matter by measuring tiny perturbations in fundamental constants. These methods involve using gravity sensors and LIGO gravitational wave detectors to detect a small extra 'push' or acceleration on normal matter caused by dark matter clumps.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal D·DateApr 9, 2020

Supermassive black holes shortly after the Big Bang: How to seed them

A recent study suggests that supermassive black holes could have formed in just 50-100 million years after the Big Bang, thanks to the rapid migration of stellar black holes. This theory reconciles the short time required for their growth with the age of the Universe.

SourceScuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·DateMar 23, 2020
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.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

New instrument extends LIGO's reach

The new instrument has helped scientists pick out dozens of gravitational wave signals, including one from a binary neutron star merger. This extended range has enabled LIGO to detect gravitational waves on an almost weekly basis, with the detectors now reaching distances of over 400 million light years.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateDec 5, 2019

How to observe a 'black hole symphony' using gravitational wave astronomy

A new study from Vanderbilt University presents a compelling roadmap for capturing multiband observations of gravitational waves emitted by intermediate-mass black holes. This could help fill in the gaps in our understanding of these enigmatic objects, allowing scientists to 'hear the entire song' when it comes to black holes.

SourceVanderbilt University·JournalNature Astronomy·DateNov 18, 2019
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.

Evading Heisenberg isn't easy

Researchers at EPFL have found unexpected constraints on the achievable sensitivity of measurements, even with backaction-evading techniques. Tiny deviations in optical and mechanical frequencies can cause mechanical oscillations to amplify out of control, affecting quantum sensors and applications.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalPhysical Review X·DateOct 31, 2019

NSF invests in cyberinfrastructure institute to harness cosmic data

The NSF awards $2.8M to develop a Scalable Cyberinfrastructure Institute for Multi-Messenger Astrophysics (SCIMMA) to analyze large-scale distributed data. The project aims to accelerate scientific discovery in multi-messenger astrophysics by facilitating global collaborations.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin - Milwaukee·DateOct 24, 2019

Exploring mysteries of the universe

A team led by Prof Swati Singh is exploring the use of quantum systems to study astrophysical phenomena. They are developing smaller detectors that can be used to detect weak forces exerted by dark matter and gravitational waves, which could provide new insights into these mysteries.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·DateOct 8, 2019

Laser prototype for space-based gravitational wave detector

Researchers have developed a laser prototype that nearly meets the stringent requirements for the Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA) mission. The laser system features a seed laser, YDFA amplifiers, and an optical reference cavity to improve spectral purity and stability.

SourceOptica·DateSep 18, 2019
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Best of both worlds: Asteroids and massive mergers

University of Arizona researchers are using the Catalina Sky Survey's near-Earth object telescopes to find optical counterparts to gravitational waves triggered by massive mergers. The team found several supernovae and a near-Earth object during their ongoing campaign, which began in April.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateAug 15, 2019

Where in the universe can you find a black hole nursery?

A new study suggests that stellar collapse causes instabilities, preventing the formation of heavier black holes. The researchers propose that nuclear star clusters might act as 'black-hole nurseries', providing an ideal environment for generating generations of black holes.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalPhysical Review D·DateAug 7, 2019
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Found: Fastest eclipsing binary, a valuable target for gravitational wave studies

The discovery of ZTF J1539+5027 is the fastest known eclipsing white dwarf binary, with an orbit period of only 6.91 minutes, making it a valuable target for gravitational wave studies. The system is expected to be one of the strongest sources of gravitational waves detectable by LISA, the future space-based gravitational wave detector.

SourceAssociation of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA)·JournalNature·DateJul 24, 2019

Pair of supermassive black holes discovered on a collision course

A team of astronomers has discovered a pair of titanic supermassive black holes on a collision course, which will soon emit powerful gravitational waves dwarfing those from smaller black hole mergers. The discovery can aid in estimating the number of nearby supermassive black holes emitting detectable gravitational waves.

SourceSimons Foundation·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateJul 10, 2019

New method may resolve difficulty in measuring universe's expansion

Astronomers have developed a new method to measure the expansion of the Universe by analyzing neutron star mergers and gravitational waves. This technique uses the orientation of the gravitational wave signal to determine the distance, providing a new 'cosmic ruler' for measuring the Hubble Constant.

SourceNational Radio Astronomy Observatory·JournalNature Astronomy·DateJul 8, 2019

Gravitational waves leave a detectable mark, physicists say

New research identifies three persistent gravitational wave observables that provide insight into the intrinsic properties of gravitational waves. These observables could someday help extract information from the Cosmic Microwave Background, offering a new window on the universe.

SourceCornell University·JournalPhysical Review D·DateMay 9, 2019
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

DIY gravitational waves with 'BlackHoles@Home'

West Virginia University researchers aim to unlock secrets of gravitational waves from binary black hole collisions with public computing power. They are building a website with downloadable software to generate self-consistent simulations, covering gaps in knowledge about gravitational wave parameters.

SourceAmerican Physical Society·DateApr 13, 2019

Physics tip sheet: APS April Meeting

The 2019 APS April Meeting features talks on Event Horizon Telescope project's first results, nucleosynthesis in neutron star mergers, and the proposed AMEGO mission. These discoveries shed light on black holes, dark matter, and the universe's evolution.

SourceAmerican Physical Society·DateApr 9, 2019

Listening to the quantum vacuum

Physicists have created a device that can detect and measure quantum radiation pressure noise, a significant source of uncertainty in gravitational wave detectors. The breakthrough aims to improve the sensitivity of next-generation detectors, potentially leading to more accurate detections.

SourceLouisiana State University·JournalNature·DateMar 25, 2019

Gravitational waves will settle cosmic conundrum

Measurements of gravitational waves from binary neutron stars will definitively resolve the debate on the universe's expansion rate. By observing 50 binary neutron stars over the next decade, scientists can calculate the Hubble constant accurately, resolving the conflict between conflicting measurements.

SourceSimons Foundation·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 14, 2019

US-UK-Australia funding to improve global gravitational wave network

The $US30 million Advanced LIGO Plus project will improve the two existing Laser Interferometer Gravitational wave Observatories (LIGO) in the United States and include a new LIGO India facility. This upgrade is expected to significantly increase the number and strength of gravitational wave detections.

SourceUK Research and Innovation·DateFeb 14, 2019
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Gravitational waves will settle cosmic conundrum

Researchers from UCL and Flatiron Institute develop technique to calculate gravitational wave data, enabling accurate measurement of Hubble constant. By observing 50 binary neutron stars over the next decade, scientists can resolve the long-standing debate on the universe's expansion rate.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 14, 2019

Environmentally stable laser emits exceptionally pure light

Researchers developed a compact, environmentally stable laser with an ultra-narrow linewidth of 20 hertz, suitable for improving GPS accuracy and detecting gravitational waves. The laser's stability is maintained through self-referencing temperature sensing, allowing precise correction signals to be applied.

SourceOptica·JournalOptica·DateJan 31, 2019

Mini-detectors for the gigantic?

Researchers from HZDR found that Bose-Einstein condensates, which can be thought of as heavily diluted vapor from individual atoms cooled to extreme temperatures, are not sensitive enough to detect gravitational waves. The team discovered that the power of these gravitational waves is too weak to be measured using current methods.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf·JournalPhysical Review D·DateDec 12, 2018

LIGO and Virgo announce four new gravitational-wave detections

The LIGO and Virgo collaborations have detected 10 stellar-mass binary black hole mergers and one neutron star merger, with six of the black hole events previously reported. The new detections include GW170729, GW170809, GW170818, and GW170823, which are included in a new catalog of gravitational-wave events.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateDec 3, 2018
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.

All in the family: Kin of gravitational wave source discovered

Researchers have identified a direct relative of the historic neutron star merger that produced the first simultaneous detection of light and gravitational waves. The newly described object, named GRB150101B, shares remarkable similarities with GW170817 and suggests that these events may be from the same family of objects.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 16, 2018

Physics: Not everything is where it seems to be

Physicists at University of Innsbruck and TU Wien demonstrate that elliptical polarization causes a spiral shape in light wavefronts, leading to a distorted image of actual structures. This systematic error can affect biomedical research, super-resolution microscopy, and even astronomical object position estimation.

SourceUniversity of Innsbruck·JournalNature Physics·DateOct 15, 2018

Computer simulation follows light to supermassive black holes

Researchers at Rochester Institute of Technology have built the first simulation to predict light signals from supermassive black hole binaries nearing merger. The model combines information gathered from light- and gravitational waves, enabling scientists to identify these monster collisions with existing and future telescopes.

SourceRochester Institute of Technology·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·DateOct 2, 2018
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Radio observations confirm superfast jet of material from neutron star merger

Astronomers used a continent-wide collection of radio telescopes to observe the aftermath of a neutron star merger and confirmed the presence of a narrow, fast-moving jet of material. The jet moved at nearly the speed of light and was likely powered by the gravitational energy released during the merger.

SourceNational Radio Astronomy Observatory·JournalNature·DateSep 5, 2018

Boosting gravitational wave detectors with quantum tricks

A group of scientists from the Niels Bohr Institute aim to improve gravitational wave detectors by incorporating a 'filter' made of cesium atoms, which can neutralize Quantum Back Action and increase accuracy. The development is expected to show proof of concept within three years.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateSep 3, 2018

Could gravitational waves reveal how fast our universe is expanding?

Researchers propose using gravitational waves to estimate the Hubble constant and measure the rate of the expanding universe. By detecting gravitational waves from rare black hole-neutron star binary systems, scientists can obtain an independent and precise measurement of their distance and velocity.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJul 12, 2018
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.

Frankfurt physicists set limits on size of neutron stars

Researchers set limits on neutron star sizes by analyzing billions of theoretical models, refining estimates to within 1.5 kilometers. The study also explores the possibility of 'twin stars' with exotic properties, which are statistically rare and unlikely to be deformed during mergers.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJun 26, 2018

Black holes from an exacomputer

Scientists from Goethe University Frankfurt and the Frankfurt Institute for Advanced Studies have developed a novel simulation code, ExaHyPE, to calculate gravitational waves on exascale supercomputers. This breakthrough allows for more accurate simulations of black hole mergers and other astrophysical phenomena.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalPhysical Review D·DateMay 28, 2018
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

The background hum of space could reveal hidden black holes

Researchers have developed a way to detect gravitational waves from faint black hole mergers, allowing them to study populations of black holes at vast distances. The new method is estimated to be one thousand times more sensitive than previous techniques, and will enable the detection of thousands of previously hidden black holes.

SourceMonash University·JournalPhysical Review X·DateApr 12, 2018

AS medals and awards honor leading astronomers and geophysicists

Professor James Hough receives the Gold Medal for his seminal contribution to gravitational waves, while Professor Robert White is awarded for a lifetime of distinguished achievement in solid Earth geophysics. The awards recognize significant achievements in astronomy and geophysics across various fields.

SourceRoyal Astronomical Society·DateJan 12, 2018
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.

Science's 2017 Breakthrough of the Year: The observation of two neutron stars merging

The observation of two neutron stars merging generated tiny ripples in spacetime called gravitational waves, detected by LIGO detectors on Earth. This event also triggered an explosion studied by hundreds of astronomers worldwide, marking a major breakthrough in astrophysics and offering new tools for observing the universe.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateDec 21, 2017

Neutron-star merger creates new mysteries

The collision produced gravitational waves and detected radio waves, which led to the discovery of a 'cocoon', a broader outflow of radio-emitting material, rather than a fast-moving jet. This finding provides more insight into short gamma-ray bursts.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalNature·DateDec 20, 2017

Star mergers: A new test of gravity, dark energy theories

The neutron star collision has challenged existing theories of dark energy and gravity, ruling out a class of dark energy theories that modify gravity. The observation also supports the simplest theories, suggesting that the timing between gravitational waves and light is crucial in understanding these phenomena.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateDec 18, 2017
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Black hole pair born inside a dying star?

Researchers at Kyoto University have proposed a new theory on the formation of binary black holes within collapsing stars. Their study suggests that these black holes could form through dynamical fragmentation of the star's inner core, leading to two fragments becoming black holes and orbiting each other.

SourceKyoto University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateDec 18, 2017