Articles tagged with Radio Astronomy
A new study by the SETI Institute suggests that stellar activity and plasma turbulence near a transmitting planet can broaden an otherwise ultra-narrow signal, spreading its power across more frequencies. This makes it more difficult to detect in traditional narrowband searches.
Astronomers have captured unprecedented detail of cosmic gas in the Milky Way's Central Molecular Zone, revealing intricate chemistry and complex star-forming processes. The dataset provides a unique view of the raw material from which stars form, shedding light on galaxy evolution and the birth of massive stars.
Researchers have found a galaxy cluster with scorching hot gas just 1.4 billion years after the Big Bang, five times hotter than predicted, and containing three supermassive black holes that pumped energy into the surroundings. This discovery could upend current models of galaxy cluster formation and evolution.
The Atacama Large Millimeter/Submillimeter Array (ALMA) has been upgraded with 145 low-noise amplifiers, allowing for more sensitive measurements of cosmic radiation. This enables researchers to study dark and distant regions of the universe, gaining insights into star and galaxy formation.
A SETI Institute team monitored pulsar PSR J0332+5434 for 10 months to study its radio signal twinkling as it passes through gas between the star and Earth. The team observed slow, significant changes in the twinkling pattern over time, which can help distinguish human-made radio signals from signals from other star systems.
Astronomers have detected a new gamma-ray source near Westerlund 1, a young massive star cluster in the Milky Way. The source is connected to a 'nascent outflow' of particles driven by the cluster's collective wind, creating a cavity in the interstellar medium.
The SETI Institute is incorporating the NVIDIA IGX Thor platform to enhance its real-time search for signals from space at the Allen Telescope Array. This collaboration brings cutting-edge AI technology into radio astronomy for the first time, dramatically reducing the time to recognize unusual or promising data.
A team of astronomers has discovered the first tidal disruption event producing bright radio emission outside the center of a galaxy. The event revealed the fastest-evolving radio emission ever observed from a black-hole-driven stellar disruption, suggesting delayed and complex processes in the aftermath of the disruption.
A team of astronomers has discovered a mysterious dark object in the distant universe with a mass about 1 million times that of our Sun. The discovery is significant as it could confirm or refute theories about the nature of dark matter.
Researchers at University of Tsukuba predicted the intensity of 21-cm radio signal in different dark matter models using numerical simulations. The results imply hydrogen gas produced a characteristic signal that could reveal dark matter mass and velocity if detected globally.
Astronomers have discovered the most powerful and distant 'odd radio circle' (ORC) known so far, located nearly at redshift ~0.94. The ORC is linked to superwind outflows from spiral host radio galaxies.
Astronomers searching for evidence of early cosmic light found that the universe was in a warm state before it became visible. The discovery suggests that the universe's brightness increased significantly, marking a pivotal moment in its evolution.
A team of researchers captured the motion of spirals of dust around a young star using ALMA observations. The study shows that the winding motion of the spiral pattern is conducive to planet formation, providing new evidence for this process.
Researchers pinpointed the location of the brightest fast radio burst (FRB) ever recorded, RBFLOAT, to a single spiral arm of a galaxy 130 million light-years away. The precision was achieved using the CHIME/Outrigger array, allowing scientists to explore the environment and potentially shed light on the nature and origins of these mys...
A team of Japanese astronomers discovered an explosively expanding bubble structure near the protoplanetary disk of WSB 52, pushing back against the disk and distorting it. The center of the bubble aligned with the disk's rotation axis, suggesting a jet triggered the expansion.
A team of international researchers has taken an unprecedented image of the heart of the OJ 287 galaxy, revealing a curved segment of the plasma jet. The discovery provides new insights into the extreme conditions surrounding supermassive black holes and their role in shaping the jets.
A team of astronomers captured a detailed image of a ribbon-like jet emerging from the heart of OJ 287, revealing extreme energy and motion near the black hole. The study sheds new light on supermassive black holes and their powerful jets, potentially offering clues to binary black hole mergers.
Curtin University researchers have detected significant Starlink satellite interference with radio astronomy observations, affecting up to 30% of images. The study highlights the need for regulatory improvements to minimize the impact of satellite technology on research.
Researchers discovered signs of planet formation in disks around still-forming baby stars, suggesting planets begin to form earlier than previously believed. The new high-resolution images show ring or spiral patterns in 27 of the disks, providing a better understanding of when planet formation begins.
The SETI Institute and SpaceX have launched a collaboration to reduce satellite interference on radio astronomy observations at the Allen Telescope Array. This effort aims to preserve the integrity of radio astronomy while accommodating expanding global connectivity. By implementing new coordination techniques, the initiative successfu...
Dr. Karen I. Perez joins the SETI Institute as the inaugural recipient of the William J. Welch Postdoctoral Fellowship, developing real-time analysis pipelines for detecting signals from intelligent life. Her research will advance radio astronomy and contribute to shaping the next generation of SETI instrumentation.
The MISTRAL receiver, installed on the Sardinia Radio Telescope (SRT), enables wide-field imaging of weak and extended sources. It achieves this by containing 415 Kinetic Inductance Detectors cooled to absolute zero, producing highly detailed images of celestial objects in diverse astrophysical contexts.
A team of astronomers observed a rare cosmic collision where one galaxy is pierced by intense radiation from a quasar, leading to the disruption of stellar nurseries. The study used ALMA and ESO's VLT telescopes to reveal the effects of this radiation on the internal structure of the gas in the regular galaxy.
Researchers use ALMA to observe J0107a, a 'monster' galaxy 11.1 billion years ago. They find similarities with modern galaxies in gas distribution and motion, but higher concentrations and faster gas flow rates.
Researchers discover over 500 dense cores in Milky Way's Central Molecular Zone, which may indicate widespread presence of protoplanetary disks. The findings propose two scenarios: self-absorption of smaller structures within dense cores or growth of dust grains in these systems.
The SETI Institute has launched the ARISE Lab program, providing hands-on training for community college instructors and students in astronomy, digital signal processing, and radio science. The program combines real-time radio telescope data with experiential learning techniques to spark curiosity and build skills.
Researchers analyzed over 8500 meteoroids and found that the atmosphere and Sun act like giant filters, destroying fragile carbon-rich meteoroids before they reach the ground. This discovery reshapes how scientists interpret meteorites collected so far and could influence future asteroid missions.
Scientists use FAST to analyze FRB 20201124A and discover 90% circular polarization, a record high. The findings contradict theoretical models, suggesting pulsar-like mechanisms may be more plausible.
Researchers have discovered that radio pulses lasting seconds to minutes are due to two stars coming together, rather than emissions from a single star. The study used a novel imaging technique to detect periodic radio signals in data taken with the Low Frequency Array (LOFAR), an international radio telescope.
Astronomers have discovered entwined dwarf stars emitting radio pulses, challenging the long-held assumption that only neutron stars were responsible for these emissions. The discovery was made using follow-up observations of two stars orbiting each other every two hours.
Astronomers at Brown University have created a new method to pinpoint and filter out unwanted radio frequencies, crucial for preserving high-quality observations in the face of increasing satellite activity. By combining near-field corrections and beamforming techniques, researchers successfully tracked an airplane transmitting a telev...
Researchers detect and measure magnetic field lines in protoplanetary disk around HD 142527 using dust 'fingerprint' method. The discovery may create strong turbulence within the disk, affecting planet formation.
Dale Gary, a distinguished professor of physics at NJIT's Center for Solar-Terrestrial Research, has been named an American Astronomical Society Fellow. He is recognized for his national and international leadership in solar radio engineering and physics, advancing our understanding of solar energetic processes.
The EHT Collaboration unveils a new analysis of the supermassive black hole at the heart of galaxy M87, combining observations from 2017 and 2018. The study confirms the presence of a luminous ring with a shifted brightest region, indicating turbulent accretion disk dynamics.
Researchers used a new method to precisely locate a fast radio burst, finding it in the outskirts of an old elliptical galaxy. This discovery raises questions about how energetic events occur in regions without new star formation, and challenges existing theories about FRB origins.
The Event Horizon Telescope has taken detailed measurements of a galaxy's supermassive black hole and its powerful jets. The research reveals strong magnetic fields close to the event horizon and estimates their strength, consistent with previous estimates.
Researchers from the International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research have discovered a possible explanation for a rare and mysterious stellar event. By conducting a meta-analysis of existing data, they were able to identify key factors contributing to this phenomenon, shedding light on its underlying mechanisms.
The SETI Institute offers the 2025 William J. Welch Postdoctoral Fellowship to support early-career scientists in developing novel instrumentation for astronomy and astrophysics research. Fellows will receive mentorship, access to advanced facilities, and a stipend of $85,000 per year.
Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have developed a system that uses a silent amplifier and record-sensitive receiver to pave the way for faster and improved space communication. The system opens up new communication opportunities in space, allowing for error-free data transmission over long distances.
Astronomers have detected the most distant Milky-Way-like galaxy, REBELS-25, with a rotation and structure similar to our own galaxy. The galaxy is estimated to be 700 million years old, challenging current understanding of galaxy formation.
The SETI Institute conducted a groundbreaking study searching for signs of advanced extraterrestrial civilizations in distant galaxies. The research used the Murchison Widefield Array to cover about 2,800 galaxies in one observation, providing insights that will help focus future searches.
Astrophysicists record radio emissions from Earth and view it as an exoplanet to understand potential signals from intelligent life. The mission marks a major achievement for NASA's Commercial Lunar Payload Services program.
A team of astronomers led by Kohei Kurahara discovered a mysterious cloud of magnetized plasma, dubbed the Flying Fox, in the Hydra galaxy cluster. The plasma's shape and location have left scientists baffled, with no known class or host galaxy identified.
The ALMA radio telescope detected over 100 molecular species in the starburst galaxy NGC 253, a significant increase from previous studies. This knowledge will help astronomers understand the factors leading to starbursts and plan future observations.
Researchers analyzed over 3,000 CSO candidates and found that these galaxies host supermassive black holes with compact jets that extend up to 1,500 light-years. The team concludes that CSOs have relatively short lifetimes of 5,000 years or less, fueled by tidal disruption events (TDEs) triggered by massive star consumption.
The new CLASS maps provide further insight into linear polarization, helping scientists study the Milky Way but also studying the early universe. The results significantly improve observations, allowing for a better understanding of the cosmic microwave background and its implications on the universe's origins.
The COSMIC project uses cutting-edge technology to search for extraterrestrial signals, exploring new frequencies and enhancing our understanding of the universe. With its adaptability and future upgrades, COSMIC may cover more stars and unlock new explorations.
Astronomers studying two distant galaxies in the early universe reveal unprecedented molecular diversity, shedding light on the lives of prodigious star factories. By analyzing light from over 13 molecules, researchers gain insights into the physical and chemical conditions in these galaxies.
A West Virginia University research team aims to remove human-made radio interference from cell phones, televisions and radar systems to improve astronomical signal detection. The project will develop new algorithms and hardware with potential applications beyond astronomy.
Researchers at ALMA achieved the highest resolution ever, observing a ring-like gas structure around R Leporis and confirming gas escape from the star. This capability will now be applied to young stars with protoplanetary disks where planets are forming.
Researchers from NJIT-CSTR have discovered an extraordinary aurora-like display occurring 40,000 km above a sunspot. The novel radio emission shares characteristics with planetary magnetospheres and potentially opens new avenues for understanding similar phenomena in distant stars with large starspots.
Research reveals that supermassive black holes consume about 3% of the gas flowing towards them, while the remaining 97% is ejected and recycled back into the host galaxy. Gravitational instability drives the inflow, and most expelled outflows are not fast enough to escape the galaxy.
Researchers from Trinity College Dublin are searching millions of star systems for technosignatures that could support intelligent alien life. The team has already scanned 1.6 million star systems but so far, no signals have been detected.
A global team has discovered the most ancient and distant fast radio burst, located 8 billion years ago, confirming that FRBs can be used to measure the 'missing' matter between galaxies. The source was found to be a group of merging galaxies, supporting current theories on the cause of fast radio bursts.
A recent study published in Nature found that massive low-earth orbit communications satellites like BlueWalker 3 can outshine bright stars, disrupting astronomical observations. The satellite's large antenna system causes an abrupt increase in brightness, affecting not only visual observations but also radio astronomy.
Researchers observed the core region of the protocluster A2744z7p9OD using JWST and detected ionized oxygen-ion light from four galaxies at a distance of 13.14 billion light-years away. The team also detected cosmic dust emissions from three of the four galaxies, indicating that many first-generation stars have completed their lives.
Researchers used ALMA to study gravitational lens system MG J0414+0534, detecting dark matter distribution fluctuations down to 30,000 light-years. The observed distribution is consistent with models for slow-moving dark matter particles.
Astronomers have observed and simulated the feeding of gas to three protostars in a trinary system, revealing how spiral arms, or 'streamers,' form and contribute to protostar growth. This study provides new insights into multi-star system formation, an important aspect of overall star formation theory.
An international team of astronomers used VERA to observe six nearby active NLS1 galaxies, uncovering clues about how rapidly growing massive black holes form and grow. The study revealed significantly greater Faraday rotation compared to older black holes, indicating abundant gas in the nuclear regions.
Researchers used ALMA to study a distant galaxy, detecting structures of star formation and possible death sites within the surrounding nebulae. The findings suggest a complex environment where many stars may form together as massive clusters.