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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

Gravitational waves could shed light on the origin of black holes

Researchers propose using gravitational wave experiments to detect merger events at redshifts greater than 40, which could indicate the presence of primordial black holes or non-Gaussianity in the early universe. A detection would bolster theories about dark matter, while a non-detection would cast doubt.

SourceBrown University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateNov 30, 2017
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Monster colliding black holes might lurk on the edge of spiral galaxies

Researchers at RIT suggest that outer gas disks of big spiral galaxies are suitable for hosting orbiting black holes and merging massive black holes. This discovery could help explain how black-hole pairs form and provide a new way to study the universe using gravitational waves and traditional light measurements.

SourceRochester Institute of Technology·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateOct 30, 2017
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Wits team involved in international breakthrough in astronomical observation

Researchers witnessed electromagnetic signals associated with the gravitational wave emission from a neutron star merger, complementing observations from multiple telescopes. This breakthrough marks the beginning of Multi-Messenger astrophysics, allowing scientists to study single events using various techniques.

SourceUniversity of the Witwatersrand·JournalScience·DateOct 17, 2017
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.

Astronomers detect colliding neutron stars for first time

For the first time, scientists have detected the collision of two neutron stars using both gravitational waves and light. The historic discovery ushers in a new era in astronomy with multi-messenger astronomy, confirming theoretical predictions and providing new mysteries to understand.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateOct 16, 2017

Astronomers follow gravitational waves to treasure

Researchers from the J-GEM collaboration observed a kilonova explosion, a phenomenon predicted to create heavy elements through rapid neutron capture reactions. The first-ever confirmed kilonova was detected using a network of telescopes worldwide, providing insight into the universe's heavy element production.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalPublications of the Astronomical Society of Japan·DateOct 16, 2017

Aus gravitational waves world-first finding

A team of Australian researchers has confirmed the detection of radio waves from a gravitational wave event, providing new insights into massive bodies like black holes. The discovery was made using the CSIRO's Australia Telescope Compact Array and marks a significant contribution to the global discovery of gravitational waves.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalScience·DateOct 16, 2017

Catch a fleeting kilonova

UCSB astronomers capture the fleeting kilonova using a network of telescopes and gravitational wave data. The event sheds light on the formation of heavy elements in the universe.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalNature·DateOct 16, 2017
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.

Gravitational waves shed first light on mergers of neutron stars

The LIGO-Virgo Collaboration observed the merger of two neutron stars, producing gravitational waves and a gamma-ray burst, marking the birth of multi-messenger astronomy. This discovery confirms kilonova formation, providing insight into the universe's heaviest elements.

SourceCNRS·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateOct 16, 2017

First observations of merging neutron stars mark a new era in astronomy

Astronomers have made the first-ever observations of a merging neutron star, detecting both gravitational waves and a brilliant explosion of visible light. The discovery has opened a new window into understanding neutron star physics and could resolve a long-standing question about the origins of heavy elements.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalScience·DateOct 16, 2017
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.

Radio 'eyes' unlocking secrets of neutron-star collision

The VLA detection and ongoing observations reveal key facts about the event that generated gravitational waves, including the amount of energy released and the environment in which it occurred. Radio waves will continue to provide valuable information for months or even years.

SourceNational Radio Astronomy Observatory·JournalScience·DateOct 16, 2017

Seeing the light of neutron star collisions

Researchers confirm neutron star collision using electromagnetic radiation detected by NASA's Swift Gamma Ray Burst Explorer. The event provided a complete picture of compact object mergers, marking a major breakthrough in astronomy.

SourcePenn State·JournalScience·DateOct 16, 2017
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.

Neutron star merger directly observed for the first time

Researchers observe historic detection of neutron star merger in both gravitational waves and the entire spectrum of light, offering insights into a cosmic event. The merger, named GW170817, revealed properties of the dense neutron stars and their collision, providing new opportunities for gravitational testing.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalNature·DateOct 16, 2017
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Discovered! Neutron star collision seen for the first time

The team used the Swope telescope to discover the light produced by the merger and obtained the earliest spectra of the collision. These observations may allow scientists to explain how many of the universe's heavy elements were created.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalScience·DateOct 16, 2017

Breaking: the first light from two neutron stars merging

The first-ever detection of light from a gravitational wave source has been made, shedding new light on the behavior of matter under extreme conditions. The event, caused by two neutron stars colliding and merging together, was observed using numerous telescopes around the world.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateOct 16, 2017
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Mapping black hole collisions gives astronomers (and hitchhikers) a new guide

RIT researchers, in collaboration with LIGO and Virgo, successfully triangulated the position of a 1.8 billion-year-old black hole merger. With three advanced detectors observing together, scientists can now pinpoint locations with higher precision, enabling more accurate electromagnetic counterparts searches.

SourceRochester Institute of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateSep 27, 2017

LIGO and Virgo observatories jointly detect black hole collision

The LIGO and Virgo observatories have jointly detected a black hole collision, emitting ripples in space and time. The event, located 1.8 billion light-years away, resulted in a spinning black hole with about 53 times the mass of our sun.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateSep 27, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

NASA's scientific balloon program reaches new heights

PIPER aims to detect primordial gravitational waves and study their effects on the cosmic microwave background, providing insight into the early universe's expansion. The mission will fly immersed in liquid helium at nearly absolute zero temperature.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 8, 2017
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

RIT hosts largest number of NSF undergraduate research programs in New York

Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) boasts the largest number of federally funded summer research programs for undergraduate students in New York. The institution's College of Science has launched several innovative research experiences, including a new program in multimessenger astrophysics that combines gravitational wave detecti...

SourceRochester Institute of Technology·DateJun 28, 2017

RIT study suggests dying stars give newborn black holes a swift kick

Researchers suggest that massive star explosions can expel newborn black holes with strong natal kicks, affecting their spin and alignment. This phenomenon could help explain years of tentative evidence suggesting black holes receive such kicks.

SourceRochester Institute of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJun 5, 2017

Gravitational waves detected a third time

Physicists at the University of Maryland contribute to the detection of a third gravitational wave event, GW170104, using data from Advanced LIGO detectors. The merger occurred approximately 3 billion years ago and produced a single, more massive black hole.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJun 1, 2017
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.

Third gravitational wave detection offers new insight into black holes

An international team of researchers detected gravitational waves from a binary black hole system, providing evidence that black holes in binary systems may not be aligned. The discovery highlights the need for further improvements in detector sensitivity to explore the universe.

SourceAustralian National University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJun 1, 2017

LIGO detects gravitational waves for third time

LIGO has made its third detection of gravitational waves, revealing a new population of black holes with masses up to 49 times that of the sun. The detected black holes were formed by merging pairs and provide clues about their spin directions, which may be non-aligned compared to their orbital motion.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJun 1, 2017

LIGO detects gravitational waves for third time

The Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory (LIGO) has confirmed the third detection of gravitational waves, revealing a population of black holes that were previously unknown. The detected black holes have masses ranging from 21 to 49 times that of the sun, shedding light on the existence of heavy black hole pairs.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJun 1, 2017
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.

NASA team explores using LISA Pathfinder as 'comet crumb' detector

A team of NASA scientists is using LISA Pathfinder's advanced technology to map the distribution of tiny dust particles in space. By analyzing the spacecraft's response to microscopic dust impacts, they aim to refine models used in various studies, including planet formation and impact risks for spacecraft.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateApr 17, 2017

Gravitational wave kicks monster black hole out of galactic core

Astronomers discovered a supermassive black hole weighing over 1 billion suns that was propelled out of the center of a distant galaxy due to gravitational wave energy. The estimated equivalent energy is 100 million supernovas, and the black hole travels at speeds of up to 4.7 million miles per hour.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMar 23, 2017
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.

LIGO veteran to give talk about gravitational waves

Caltech's Stan Whitcomb, a key figure in LIGO's development, will share insights into the project's groundbreaking discovery. He'll discuss how the detection confirmed Einstein's general theory of relativity and opened up new avenues for astronomy. The talk also touches on the technical challenges faced by LIGO detectors.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·DateFeb 19, 2017

Increasing the sensitivity of next-generation gravitational wave detectors

Researchers have made significant progress in developing stable laser sources for third-generation gravitational wave detectors, enabling the detection of weaker signals from distant cosmic events. The development includes a new type of pre-mode cleaner that compensates for astigmatism, making designs like the Einstein Telescope possible.

SourceOptica·JournalOptics Letters·DateFeb 10, 2017

Ancient signals from the early universe

Theoretical physicists at the University of Basel have calculated the signal of specific gravitational wave sources that emerged fractions of a second after the Big Bang. These oscillons, predicted by Einstein, can be used to study the universe's early stages and provide information on major astrophysical events.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 10, 2017

Quest to settle riddle over Einstein's theory may soon be over

A new study suggests that determining the speed of gravity in the cosmos from gravitational waves could resolve the puzzle. If gravitational waves are found to travel at the speed of light, it would rule out alternative gravity theories and support Einstein's Cosmological Constant.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalPhysics Letters B·DateFeb 10, 2017
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.

National Academy of Sciences honors LIGO researchers

LIGO researcher Gabriela González has received the National Academy of Sciences Award for Scientific Discovery for her work on gravitational wave astronomy. She shares the award with David Howard Reitze and Peter R. Saulson, who have also contributed significantly to the field over 19 years.

SourceLouisiana State University·DateJan 26, 2017