Articles tagged with Observatories
A new study suggests that the ultra-high-energy neutrino may have originated from a population of blazars, which could provide a plausible explanation for the rare phenomenon. The researchers used a combination of simulations and observations from various instruments to test their hypothesis.
The European Southern Observatory (ESO) welcomes the cancellation of INNA, a planned industrial complex near Paranal Observatory. The project would have posed a major threat to the darkest skies on Earth and compromised the performance of advanced astronomical facilities.
Astronomers have developed a protocol to detect supernovae within 24 hours of their explosion, using high-cadence sky surveys. The method involves rapid searches for candidates based on light signal absence and galaxy location, followed by spectroscopic observations to determine the type of supernova.
Astronomers have identified dozens of small galaxies that played a key role in transforming the early universe into the one we know today. These tiny but mighty galaxies produced ultraviolet light, which drove the reionization of the universe.
Astronomers have discovered the most energetic cosmic explosions yet discovered, named 'extreme nuclear transients' (ENTs), which occur when massive stars are torn apart after wandering too close to a supermassive black hole. ENTs release vast amounts of energy visible across enormous distances and remain luminous for years.
Scientists have observed ultra-narrow bright and dark stripes on the solar photosphere, offering unprecedented insight into how magnetic fields shape solar surface dynamics. These striations are linked to magnetic fluctuations that alter plasma density and opacity.
The VTF successfully captured a two-dimensional snapshot of the Sun at specific wavelengths, showcasing its scientific capabilities. The instrument enables scientists to analyze plasma properties and study solar magnetic fields, crucial for understanding solar flares and space weather.
Researchers found a high-velocity star ejected from a globular cluster at an extreme velocity of nearly 550 km/s, suggesting the presence of an intermediate-mass black hole. The star's similarities with the cluster's chemical composition and age provide strong evidence for the IMBH's existence.
George Biddell Airy's emphasis on standardization in the Royal Observatory's library and archive led to improved record-keeping, increased book loans, and enhanced research output. His labors also contributed to the observatory's role in British society, solidifying its position as a 'scientific civil servant'.
The Rubin Observatory will capture more data than any other observatory in history using its 3200-megapixel LSST Camera. The camera's installation marks a significant step forward in the decades-long story of its design, construction, and transport to Chile.
A new optical technology developed at UC Riverside enables gravitational-wave detectors to reach extreme laser powers, overcoming limitations that hinder the detection of cosmic phenomena. This breakthrough is expected to significantly expand our view of the universe, particularly in the earliest stages of its history.
Scientists have identified flickering loops in the solar atmosphere that signal impending solar flares. The loops' brightness variability can be measured to predict flares with up to 80% accuracy, potentially providing 2-6 hours of warning time for astronauts and technology.
TEGO's three-dimensional tetrahedral structure improves stability and reliability through redundancy and stable center of mass. The configuration also enables the detection of six polarization modes simultaneously, expanding our understanding of gravitational waves.
A new study by Tel Aviv University reveals Rujm el-Hiri's original alignment does not match celestial observations, casting doubt on its use as an astronomical observatory. The site's current orientation differs from its original position due to thousands of years of geodynamic shifts.
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.
Optical spring tracking reduces noise and improves signal clarity for gravitational-wave detectors, enabling scientists to observe distant cosmic events more effectively. The technique has the potential to expand our understanding of black holes and neutron stars as they merge.
Researchers have derived a new formula to estimate the maximum occurrence rate of Earth-like habitats (EHs) in the galaxy, concluding that these habitats are relatively rare. The investigation suggests that the probability of extraterrestrial intelligence is significantly rarer still.
The WVU STARS-UP program pairs two-year colleges with nearby four-year institutions to provide astrophysics and astronomy research opportunities. The goal is to create a sustainable pipeline for careers in STEM, focusing on underrepresented students from low socioeconomic communities.
Two UMD Astronomy space probes, AXIS and PRIMA, have advanced to the next round of consideration for a $1 billion NASA mission. AXIS will study X-rays from stars and black holes, while PRIMA will explore far-infrared radiation to understand galaxy formation.
Astronomers have discovered an exoplanet orbiting Barnard's star, located six light-years away, which has at least half the mass of Venus and orbits its star in just over three Earth days. The discovery was made using ESO's VLT and confirms the existence of a new exoplanet candidate, while also hinting at the presence of three more.
The EHT Collaboration has conducted test observations using ALMA and other facilities to detect light from distant galaxies at a frequency of around 345 GHz. The Collaboration achieved the highest resolution ever obtained from the surface of Earth, detecting details as fine as 19 microarcseconds.
The Event Horizon Telescope has achieved the highest resolution ever obtained from Earth, detecting light from the centers of distant galaxies at a frequency of 345 GHz. This allows for multi-color views of the region immediately outside the boundary of cosmic beasts, revealing new properties about supermassive black holes.
Astronomers at MIT and Penn State have discovered a new 'progenitor' of hot Jupiters, a highly eccentric planet with an orbit providing clues to its evolution. The planet, TIC 241249530 b, is expected to become a scorching hot Jupiter in about 1 billion years.
Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology discovered a powerful rotating magnetic wind in galaxy ESO320-G030, suggesting its role in supermassive black hole growth. The study reveals similarities between this process and the birth of stars.
Sean McWilliams' team will study stellar-mass and massive binary inspirals, improving modeling accuracy for the Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA). The project aims to enhance the instrument's science mission by making necessary dramatic improvements in modeling accuracy.
The NASA TESS-Keck Survey catalog features 126 exotic planets with detailed measurements allowing for comparisons with our solar system. Several planets stand out as touchstones for deepening astronomers' understanding of planetary formation and evolution.
The 3,200-megapixel LSST Camera will help researchers better understand dark matter and dark energy by observing the night sky in unprecedented detail. The camera's high resolution will allow it to resolve a golf ball from 15 miles away, providing valuable insights into the universe.
Scientists detected water molecules on two asteroids, Iris and Massalia, indicating a distribution of water in our solar system that can inform searches for life beyond Earth. The discovery was made possible by using the FORCAST instrument to isolate mid-infrared spectral signatures indicative of molecular water.
The H.E.S.S. Observatory detected gamma-ray emission from the outer jets of SS 433, revealing a shift in energy-dependent morphology. This suggests strong shock acceleration, where high-energy particles collide with photons, producing x-ray radiation and explaining the X-ray reappearance of the jets.
A recent solar coronal mass ejection caused aurorae at low latitudes, while a historically significant event in 1872 was found to be one of the most extreme geomagnetic storms in history. The storm's impact on modern society could be severe, with potential disruptions to power grids, communication systems, and satellite communications.
Research by University of Leeds scientists has found evidence that massive Be stars may exist in triple systems, challenging current theories on their formation. The discovery could have significant impacts on our understanding of black holes, neutron stars, and gravitational wave sources.
A team of scientists has detected signals directly from the smaller (secondary) black hole in the binary system of Blazar OJ 287. The discovery provides evidence for two separate signals contributing to the total light signal, confirming OJ 287 as an ultramassive binary black hole system.
Scientists will use the Simons Observatory to uncover secrets hidden in the cosmic tapestry, revealing mysteries of the universe with unparalleled precision. The observatory's completion marks a major milestone in understanding the cosmos.
Researchers used a new code to test the capabilities of future giant telescopes, which could help identify potentially habitable planets. The study found that ELT and TMT can make high-resolution observations of brown dwarfs and exoplanets over a single rotation, while GMT's instruments require multiple rounds.
An international team of scientists has detected a quasi-periodic oscillation (QPO) signal in the radio band from a Galactic black hole system, revealing features that have never been seen before. The QPO signal may provide the first evidence of activity from a jet launched by a Galactic stellar-mass black hole.
A joint research team from Northeastern University and the National Astronomical Observatories of the Chinese Academy of Sciences has proposed a novel 21-cm forest probe to shed light on dark matter and the early formation of galaxies simultaneously. By measuring the one-dimensional power spectrum of the 21-cm forest, scientists can di...
Scientists using ALMA have discovered the most compelling chemical evidence to date of protoplanet formation. The discovery provides an alternate method for detecting and characterizing protoplanets, particularly those embedded in their parental circumstellar disks.
A New Jersey Institute of Technology research team has been awarded a $4.64 million grant to continue studying the Sun's explosive activity at Big Bear Solar Observatory. The team will use the observatory's unique imaging capabilities and stable seeing conditions to investigate solar phenomenon as activity on the Sun ramps up.
A new study reveals that asteroid Dinkinesh is remarkably small, making it the smallest asteroid to be approached by Lucy. It is a stony, S-type asteroid composed mainly of silicates and some metal.
Researchers have identified extreme field reversals around FRB 20190520B, a persistently active repeating Fast Radio Burst. This finding provides insights into the turbulent magnetized environment surrounding the cosmic explosion, which may be caused by signal passage through a companion's halo.
A team of scientists at MIT and elsewhere have observed a star engulfing a nearby planet, a phenomenon that will also befall Earth in 5 billion years. The star's outburst was followed by a colder, longer-lasting signal, indicating the presence of gas from the star condensing into dust.
Space-based gravitational wave observatories offer longer arm lengths, enabling detection of low-frequency GWs. Configuration design and stability control are key factors for success, with geocentric configurations showing promise due to their simplicity and ease of deployment.
The detection of GRB 221009A marks the most energetic gamma-ray burst ever observed, with a luminosity surpassing that of entire galaxies and hundreds of billions of stars. The event was followed up by space-based telescopes, including the James Webb Space Telescope, which provided insight into its properties.
The Swift Observatory team, led by Maia Williams, detected the brightest gamma-ray burst ever recorded, GRB 221009A. The burst was incredibly bright and had an afterglow that was more than 10 times brighter than any previous observation.
A team of scientists observed the dynamic formation process of interstellar gas clouds, revealing speeds of up to 20 km/s that compress gas into denser regions where massive stars form. The findings challenge previous assumptions of slow and quasi-static star formation processes in this region.
Researchers used machine learning to classify hundreds of thousands of X-ray objects, discovering thousands of new cosmic objects including black holes and neutron stars. This breakthrough establishes a state-of-the-art capacity for applying machine learning techniques in fundamental astronomy research.
A team of astronomers discovered 87 galaxies that could be the earliest known galaxies in the universe using data from NASA's James Webb Space Telescope. This finding suggests a revision to our understanding of galaxy formation, indicating that more galaxies may have formed earlier than previously thought.
A German-made meridian circle was installed at the National Astronomical Observatory of Chile in 1911 to support international astronomy work, including establishing official time and cataloging stars. The precise performance relied on collaboration between the manufacturer, astronomer Friedrich W. Ristenpart, and local laborers.
The ngVLA prototype antenna design has passed an intensive review, allowing for its manufacturing and testing. The design meets requirements and is considered mature enough for mass production, with some minor items needing additional work.
The Aztecs tracked seasonal variations in weather by watching the sunrise against the peaks of the Sierra Nevada mountains. Their agricultural system accurately fed a population of up to 3 million people before the Spanish arrival.
Researchers have observed long, web-like plasma structures in the Sun's middle corona, which discharge particles into space through interactions within the structures. This innovative observation method could lead to a better understanding of the solar wind's origins and its interactions with the rest of the solar system.
Researchers investigated open star clusters, finding they dissolve faster than predicted by Newton's laws. The team developed a new method to count stars in tidal tails, revealing a significant difference in the number of stars between the front and rear tails.
Scientists discovered that the galaxy stopped forming stars because most of its gas fuel was thrown out of the system as it merged with another galaxy. The result is a first for ALMA scientists and challenges long-held theories about galaxy mergers and deaths.
Researchers confirm significant increase in freshwater entering the Arctic Ocean via the Bering Strait, leading to a decrease in saltiness and potential impacts on sea ice formation and regional ecosystems. This change could also affect climate-sensitive processes, such as deep water mixing in the North Atlantic.
Scientists using ALMA have detected gas in a circumplanetary disk around a potential Jupiter-mass planet, about 395 light-years from Earth. The discovery sheds light on planetary formation and moon creation processes.
A team of scientists led by Clemson University's Marco Ajello has provided conclusive evidence that astrophysical neutrinos come from blazars, which are powerful black holes. This breakthrough resolves the long-standing question about the origin of high-energy cosmic rays.
A team of astronomers discovered an unusual ultra-faint dwarf galaxy, Pegasus V, on the outer edge of the Andromeda Galaxy using NSF's NOIRLab facilities. The galaxy appears to be extremely deficient in heavier elements, indicating it is very old and likely a fossil of the first galaxies.
The team at Arecibo Observatory successfully captured data on the mysterious asteroid 2019 OK, revealing it was a fast-rotating C-type or S-type asteroid with a diameter of .04 to .08 miles. The findings provide insights into asteroid composition and rotation rates, which can help inform deflection techniques to protect the planet.
Astronomers discovered five isolated 'blue blob' systems containing young, blue stars and little atomic hydrogen gas. The presence of mostly young stars and lack of gas suggests recent gas loss, contradicting expectations of older red stars.
Researchers using ALMA have observed significant cold gas in the outer regions of A1689-zD1, a young, active star-forming galaxy. The findings suggest that early galaxies like A1689-zD1 may be larger and more complex than previously believed.