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The universal sound of black holes

Researchers predict that two black holes producing chirp signals preferentially occur in two universal frequency ranges, providing insights into black hole formation and stellar explosion mechanisms.

SourceHeidelberg Institute for Theoretical Studies (HITS)·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 31, 2023

James Webb Telescope catches glimpse of possible first-ever ‘dark stars’

Astrophysicists analyze James Webb Space Telescope images to find three bright objects that might be 'dark stars,' powering themselves with annihilating particles of dark matter. The discovery could reveal the nature of dark matter and solve the puzzle of galaxy formation.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateJul 13, 2023
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.

Dark order in the universe

A team of scientists from Kyoto University has confirmed that galaxy alignments can be a powerful probe for dark matter and dark energy. The analysis of 1.2 million galaxy observations verified general theory of relativity at vast spatial scales, providing strong evidence for gravity's role in shaping the universe.

SourceKyoto University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 13, 2023

Four classes of planetary systems

The study reveals that 'similar' planetary systems are the most common type, followed by 'ordered' and then 'anti-ordered' systems. The researchers found that factors such as gas and dust disk mass and star abundance play a crucial role in determining system architecture.

SourceUniversity of Bern·JournalAstronomy and Astrophysics·DateFeb 14, 2023
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Ready for its close-up: New technology sharpens images of black holes

A team of researchers used advanced imaging algorithms to sharpen the image of the M87* black hole, revealing new insights into its behavior. The study found a thin, bright ring of light created by photons flung around the back of the black hole by its intense gravity.

SourceCenter for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·DateAug 16, 2022

The photon ring: A black hole ready for its close-up

A team of researchers used sophisticated imaging algorithms to reveal a thin, bright ring of light created by photons flung around the back of a supermassive black hole. The photon ring, comprising increasingly sharp sub-rings, confirms theoretical predictions and offers new ways to explore these mysterious objects.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·DateAug 16, 2022

HKU Laboratory for Space Research put a positive spin on the Buckyball ‘C60’: Its potential for high level ionisation and as the origin for some of the Mysterious Unidentified Infrared Emission Bands seen in the Universe

A team led by Dr SeyedAbdolreza Sadjadi and Professor Quentin Parker from HKU's Laboratory for Space Research identified highly ionised species of C60 fullerene as plausible carriers of some prominent UIE bands. Theoretical mid-infrared signatures of these ionised forms match well with astronomical UIE features, providing a promising d...

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·TypeObservational study·DateJul 28, 2022

Capturing the onset of galaxy rotation in the early universe

Researchers have detected the most distant galaxy rotation ever observed, suggesting an initial stage of rotational motion development. The galaxy's rapid rotation and small diameter provide valuable insights into its age and evolution.

SourceWaseda University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 30, 2022

Illinois astronomers help capture first image of Milky Way's black hole

A team of University of Illinois researchers, led by Charles Gammie, has captured the first direct visual evidence of a supermassive black hole at the center of the Milky Way. The image reveals a dark central region surrounded by a bright ringlike structure, providing valuable clues about the workings of such giants.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 12, 2022
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.

Astronomers reveal first image of the black hole at the heart of our galaxy

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

The dark side of the universe: How black holes became supermassive

Researchers at Brookhaven Lab propose a cosmological phase transition as the key to supermassive black hole formation in the early universe. This process, facilitated by ultralight dark matter particles, enabled efficient collapse of matter into black holes.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 11, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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Jet from giant galaxy M87: Computer modelling explains black hole observations

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

BICEP3 tightens the bounds on cosmic inflation

The BICEP3 experiment has ruled out several popular inflation models, including some motivated by string theory. The findings suggest that the correct model will be slightly more complicated than those ruled out, but still offer a wide range of viable alternatives.

SourceDOE/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeObservational study·DateOct 25, 2021

How the Sun’s magnetic forces arrange gas particles

A research team from Göttingen University observed magnetic forces arranging gas particles in solar prominences, with charged particles moving at speeds of up to 42 km/s. This phenomenon is significant for understanding astrophysical processes, including star and planet formation.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·TypeObservational study·DateOct 13, 2021

Astrophysicists explain the origin of unusually heavy neutron star binaries

A new study reveals how supernovae explosions of massive stars can form heavy neutron star binaries, resolving a puzzle from gravitational wave observatories LIGO and Virgo. The team's results show that the explosion energy determines whether a stripped star forms a neutron star or black hole.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateOct 8, 2021

New mathematical solutions to an old problem in astronomy

Theoretical astrophysicist Kevin Heng has discovered an entire family of new mathematical solutions for calculating phase curves, enabling the analysis of data in seconds. These solutions have major implications for interpreting data, such as analyzing the Cassini spacecraft's Jupiter phase curves to infer a cloudy atmosphere.

SourceUniversity of Bern·JournalNature Astronomy·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 30, 2021
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Superflares may be less harmful to exoplanets than previously thought, study shows

A new study published in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society found that superflares on red dwarf stars occur at high latitudes, near the star's poles, which means they are not directed towards orbiting exoplanets. This reduces the danger to planetary atmospheres and habitability.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·TypeObservational study·DateAug 5, 2021