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
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
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Astronomers predict that gravitational waves generated by the merger of two supermassive black holes will be detected within 10 years using pulsar timing array data. The study estimates a 100% chance of detecting something in 10 years, with bigger galaxies offering longer detection windows.
SourceSimons Foundation·JournalNature Astronomy·DateNov 13, 2017
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
A proposed NASA mission employs lobster-eye optics to locate the source of gravitational waves, a key feature in understanding cosmic ripples. The Transient Astrophysics Observatory on the International Space Station aims to characterize and alert other observatories to these events.
The collision of neutron stars has been observed directly for the first time, confirming a key aspect of Albert Einstein's General Relativity theory. The detection, made possible by a global research collaboration, reveals that gravitational waves and gamma ray bursts are produced during these collisions.
SourceUniversity of Johannesburg·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateOct 19, 2017
The Los Alamos team used supercomputers to analyze gravitational wave data from a neutron star merger, confirming the formation of heavy elements beyond iron. The observation also provided the first direct detection of gravitational waves in gamma rays, confirming Einstein's prediction.
SourceDOE/Los Alamos National Laboratory·JournalNature·DateOct 17, 2017
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For the first time, astronomers have observed a celestial event through both conventional telescopes and gravitational waves. The collision of two super-dense neutron stars just 120 million light-years from Earth was captured by both gravity wave observatories and telescopes.
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
For the first time, astronomers have observed a cataclysmic cosmic event that generated gravitational waves detected on Earth. The event was the merger of two neutron stars in a galaxy 130 million light-years away, resulting in a supernova-like explosion.
SourceDunlap Institute for Astronomy & Astrophysics·JournalScience·DateOct 16, 2017
Scientists directly observed two neutron stars for the first time, detecting gravitational waves and a burst of gamma rays. The event allowed researchers to calculate the expansion rate of the universe and verify Einstein's prediction that gravitational waves travel at the speed of light.
The detection of light from a neutron star merger reveals the formation of heavy elements like gold and platinum. The observations support theoretical predictions and provide new insights into astrophysics.
SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalNature·DateOct 16, 2017
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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
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
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.
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
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For the first time, scientists have detected both gravitational waves and electromagnetic radiation from the merger of two neutron stars, creating a new black hole. The detection marks the beginning of a new era in multi-messenger space exploration.
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.
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
RIT researchers played a significant role in the groundbreaking detection of colliding neutron stars by LIGO. This event marked the first time both gravitational waves and light were detected from the same cosmic collision.
SourceRochester Institute of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateOct 16, 2017
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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
Scientists at Tel Aviv University utilize Nobel-winning research to detect gravitational waves produced by the merger of two ancient neutron stars. This discovery combines gravitational waves with light, producing a detailed model of the emission for the first time.
SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalScience·DateOct 16, 2017
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.
Scientists at Oregon State University predicted a short gamma-ray burst detection, which was confirmed just a month later. The OSU team predicted the event based on their understanding of binary neutron star systems and gravitational waves.
SourceOregon State University·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateOct 16, 2017
Astronomers have observed a neutron star merger, detecting gravitational waves and gamma-ray signatures. Computer simulations suggest that the merger produces heavy elements, which are then dispersed into space, potentially seeding the universe with gold, platinum, and other rare elements.
SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature·DateOct 16, 2017
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A team of scientists from around the world detected gravitational waves and visible light from the collision of two neutron stars. The discovery marks a new era in multimessenger astronomy, allowing researchers to learn more about the universe through different kinds of electromagnetic radiation and gravitational waves.
Three GW astrophysicists contribute to global effort identifying kilonova explosion, a rare event roughly 1,000 times brighter than a nova. The discovery confirms predictions of gravitational waves and electromagnetic radiation from neutron-star mergers, providing insights into the formation and expansion of our universe.
SourceGeorge Washington University·JournalNature·DateOct 16, 2017
An international team detected radio frequency emission from colliding neutron stars, providing the longest-lasting electromagnetic signature. The discovery uses a new VHF/UHF receiver system and VLITE instrument to track the source's evolution.
SourceNaval Research Laboratory·JournalScience·DateOct 16, 2017
A team of scientists captured images of the kilonova explosion from a neutron star collision, detecting the first confirmed explosion from two colliding neutron stars. The detection correlates to a burst of gamma rays spotted by NASA's Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope.
SourceDOE/Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory·DateOct 16, 2017
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.
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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
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
The Columbia team will use machine learning and advanced techniques to filter out extraneous data and aid in the detection of gravitational waves. With a $1 million NSF grant, they aim to contribute to LIGO's historic breakthroughs and advance understanding of the cosmos.
The LIGO team detected gravitational waves from colliding black holes, providing a new way to explore the cosmos. Advanced optical interferometers enabled these breakthroughs, allowing scientists to study powerful astrophysical events.
The LIGO and Virgo Scientific Collaborations have detected a fourth gravitational wave signal, confirming Einstein's theory of general relativity. The detection was made using advanced optical interferometers and marks the first time three observatories have witnessed a merger at once.
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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
For the first time, three detectors tracked gravitational waves emitted by a merger of two black holes, allowing scientists to more closely locate their birthplace in space. The detection highlights the scientific potential of a three-detector network of gravitational-wave detectors.
SourcePenn State·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateSep 27, 2017
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
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Astronomers have detected the closest ever binary supermassive black hole system in galaxy NGC 7674, featuring two massive black holes with a combined mass of 40 million solar masses. The discovery is significant as it confirms theoretical predictions and provides insight into gravitational wave sources.
SourceTata Institute of Fundamental Research·JournalNature Astronomy·DateSep 19, 2017
Researchers suggest black holes seen via gravitational waves spin slowly or rapidly, with tumbling behavior in dense environments; these findings provide new target for understanding black hole formation.
SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalNature·DateAug 23, 2017
Researchers have discovered two detached, eclipsing double white dwarf binaries with orbital periods under an hour, producing significant gravitational waves. One binary is believed to be a new verification source for the Laser Interferometer Space Antenna, a gravitational wave satellite.
Researchers from University of California, Irvine estimate tens of millions of stellar-remnant black holes exist in the Milky Way galaxy. The number of black holes is expected to depend on the size of the galaxy.
SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateAug 8, 2017
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.
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.
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...
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
Researchers suggest dense star clusters as source of gravitational waves, with black holes colliding to produce these waves. Computer simulations and observations point to globular clusters as ideal environments for black hole collisions.
SourceThe Kavli Foundation·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJun 2, 2017
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.
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
Researchers at Rochester Institute of Technology contributed to the measurement of a newly discovered black hole's tilt and spin, which can reveal clues about how massive stars die. The findings support Einstein's general theory of relativity and rule out extreme predictions for black hole spins.
SourceRochester Institute of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJun 1, 2017
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
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
Researchers at Monash University have identified a new concept called 'orphan memory,' which challenges current understanding of gravitational waves. They found that high-frequency waves leave behind a signature that LIGO can detect.
SourceMonash University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMay 22, 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.
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.
Astrophysicists at the University of Birmingham made progress in understanding how two black holes can merge, using Advanced LIGO data. The team found that all three observed events can be formed via isolated binary evolution via a common-envelope phase.
SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 5, 2017
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.
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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.
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.
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
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
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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.