Articles tagged with Observatories
The Chang'E 4 mission has collected new evidence from the largest crater in the solar system, shedding light on the moon's composition and evolution. The findings suggest that the lunar mantle may consist of equal parts olivine and pyroxene, contradicting previous theories.
A team of international astronomers, including UNLV's Bing Zhang, has discovered a new way to spot neutron star mergers using a bright X-ray burst detected by NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory. The observation validated predictions made in 2013 and provided a rare glimpse into how neutron stars are formed.
Researchers have detected a radio signal from abundant interstellar dust in MACS0416_Y1, a galaxy 13.2 billion light-years away. This discovery forces scientists to rethink the history of star formation and suggests that the galaxy experienced staggered starburst periods.
Researchers used Keck Cosmic Web Imager to study DGSAT I, a solitary ultra-diffuse galaxy with unusual chemical composition. Its low iron content and normal magnesium levels contradict current theories on UDG formation, sparking new questions about galaxy origins.
Astronomers using ALMA have found evidence of independent origins for two gas flows from a baby star. The slow outflow and high-speed jet have misaligned axes, indicating they were launched from different parts of the disk around the protostar.
The Dark Energy Survey's legacy continues as scientists prepare to analyze the final image taken on January 9, 2019. The survey mapped 5,000 square degrees of the southern sky, collecting 50 terabytes worth of data and mapping nearly a billion galaxies.
Astronomers have discovered two stars, MM 1a and MM 1b, orbiting each other in the young star system. The team used ALMA to image the surrounding gas and dust discs, revealing a massive companion star with a mass ratio of 80:1.
New work from the Carnegie Supernova Project provides precise calibrations for using type Ia supernovae to measure cosmic distances. This improvement helps astronomers better understand how fast the universe is expanding and the potential impact of dark energy on this process.
A team of astronomers used ALMA to observe a supermassive black hole in the Circinus Galaxy, finding that gas expelled from the center interacts with infalling gas to create a turbulent three-dimensional structure. This 'donut' structure is not rigid, but rather a complex collection of highly dynamic gaseous components.
The discovery of ASASSN-18bt, a Type Ia supernova, has revealed an unexpected pattern in the light from its first hours, complicating our understanding of how these phenomena originate. The findings suggest that the genesis of Type Ia supernovae is even more mysterious than previously thought.
Researchers discovered trans-galactic streamers flowing into the most luminous galaxy in the universe, W2246-0526. The galaxy is stripping away material from three smaller neighbors, which will fuel its star-forming activity for hundreds of millions of years.
Astronomers detect a super-Earth orbiting Barnard's Star, with the planet having a mass at least 3.2 times that of Earth, and orbits its host star in roughly 233 days. The exoplanet lies close to the snow line, making it inhospitable for life as we know it.
Astrophysicists from Far Eastern Federal University studied the linear polarization of sunlight scattered by asteroid Phaethon, applying the Umov effect to its research. They discovered a correlation between reflectivity and polarization, shedding light on this phenomenon in small Solar System bodies.
A team of scientists from Russia and abroad observed Comet 29P using the SOAR Telescope, discovering that its dust environment is primarily composed of magnesium-rich silicate particles. This finding provides an important constraint on the comet's chemical composition and sheds light on the origins of this Centaur object.
The W. M. Keck Observatory has received a NSF grant to develop the Keck All-Sky Precision Adaptive Optics (KAPA) system, which will deliver sharper images of the universe over nearly 100% of the night sky. KAPA aims to investigate modern astronomy's greatest mysteries, including dark matter and cosmology.
The James Webb Space Telescope has successfully connected its two halves, enabling them to communicate like they will in flight. This test was a significant step forward for the program and provided an opportunity for engineers to fix any issues before launch.
Astronomers detected a fast-moving jet from a neutron star with a strong magnetic field, challenging the long-held idea that magnetic fields prevent jets from forming. The discovery was made using the VLA, which revealed radio waves produced by the jet, characteristic of other jet-producing systems.
The new Windows on the Universe Center for Astronomy Outreach will provide a unique public experience with data visualization systems, interactive exhibits, and simulated telescope control rooms. The center highlights research carried out at NSF facilities worldwide.
The Gemini Observatory will receive a $4 million NSF award to enhance its capabilities in multi-messenger astronomy, including the development of an advanced multi-conjugate adaptive optics system. This will enable the detection of transient phenomena and improve our understanding of the universe.
Researchers have detected matter falling directly into a black hole for the first time, with gas spiraling in at 30% of the speed of light. The discovery sheds light on chaotic accretion and its implications for supermassive black holes.
Two lunar transits were observed by NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory in September 2018, with the first lasting one hour and obscuring 92% of the Sun. The second transit was shorter, lasting 49 minutes and showing a distinct view of the Moon's surface due to the lack of atmospheric distortion.
Astronomers used ALMA to create the most detailed map of a distant starburst galaxy, finding highly unstable molecular clouds that lead to rapid star formation. The galaxy's gas is estimated to be consumed in 100 million years, 10 times faster than in other galaxies.
Astronomers observed water vapor jets streaming away from a protostar, detecting heavy water naturally emitted by water molecules. ALMA also observed a wealth of complex organic molecules surrounding the star-forming region, with over ten times more spectral lines than previous observations.
The Republic of Korea has become a full Participant in the International Gemini Observatory, allowing Korean astronomers to access the twin 8-meter telescopes. This partnership is expected to yield new scientific discoveries and collaborations with other international partners.
Researchers using NSF's IceCube Neutrino Observatory data confirmed a single neutrino's origin as a previously known blazar, providing the first definitive evidence of proton acceleration by black holes. This discovery sheds light on cosmic ray origins and supports multi-messenger astronomy.
Astronomers at the IceCube Observatory have detected a high-energy neutrino from a flaring supermassive black hole in the constellation Orion, marking a new era in space research. The detection is believed to be generated by the blazar TXS 0506+056, which was identified as a possible counterpart to the neutrino event.
The discovery provides evidence for a known blazar as a source of high-energy neutrinos detected by the National Science Foundation-supported IceCube observatory. The observations resolve a century-old mystery about what creates and launches cosmic rays, which are highly energetic particles that continuously rain down on Earth from space.
Using Hawaii-based telescopes, scientists have identified TXS 0506+056 as a known blazar source of high-energy neutrinos. The discovery uses a combination of ground and space-based observatories to pinpoint the source's location.
New Hubble data reveals `Oumuamua is most likely a comet, venting material from its surface due to solar heating. The boost in speed, detected by NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope, suggests cometary outgassing.
Researchers found that `Oumuamua is venting material from its surface due to solar heating, causing a tiny boost in speed. This outgassing behavior is typical for comets and contradicts the previous classification of `O'uamua as an interstellar asteroid.
Using ALMA, two teams of astronomers have confirmed the presence of three infant planets around a young star, HD 163296. The planets are located at distances of approximately 12 billion and 21 billion kilometers from the star, and were identified using a novel technique that analyzes gas flow patterns within a protoplanetary disc.
A team of astronomers has developed a new technique to find young extrasolar planets by analyzing the motion of gas in protoplanetary disks. The method successfully confirmed the existence of two Jupiter-mass planets around star HD 163296, providing insight into planet formation and the process that shaped our own solar system.
A team of researchers using the Herschel Space Observatory, APEX antenna, and ALMA interferometer discovered a cluster of galaxies in deep space when the universe was only 1,500 million years old. This finding challenges current theories on galaxy formation and evolution.
A team of scientists used ALMA to investigate the proportion of massive stars in four distant gas-rich starburst galaxies. The study found that these galaxies have a much higher proportion of massive stars than expected, with some stars having birth masses up to 300 solar masses.
Scientists discovered a new hot Jupiter exoplanet, KPS-1b, using data from an amateur astronomer. The exoplanet orbits a star similar to the Sun and has a mass and size close to that of Jupiter. Its proximity to its parent star results in extremely high temperatures in its atmosphere.
Astronomers detected a faint signal of oxygen 13.28 billion light-years away using ALMA, indicating mature star formation in a young galaxy. The observation suggests stars formed 250 million years after the Big Bang.
A new study predicts that LISA will detect dozens of binaries in the Milky Way's globular clusters, containing various compact object combinations. This will expand the breadth of the gravitational wave spectrum, allowing for exploration of different types of objects not observable with LIGO.
The SEXTANT team plans to fly XNAV on a CubeSat mission called CubeX to gather timing data from millisecond pulsars. The mission aims to improve navigation in deep space and measure the Moon's lower crust and upper mantle composition.
A team of researchers detected two distinct sequences of blue straggler stars in a young globular cluster, NGC 2173, using the Hubble Space Telescope. This finding challenges the generality of explanations for similar blue straggler sequences and presents unexpected observational results.
Astronomers have observed gargantuan cosmic pileups, the impending collisions of young starburst galaxies, when the Universe was only half its current age. These ancient systems are thought to be building the most massive structures in the known Universe: galaxy clusters.
Astronomers have observed a gargantuan cosmic collision of 14 young galaxies, poised to merge and form a colossal galaxy cluster. This protocluster is located 12.4 billion light-years away, offering an unprecedented opportunity to study the early stages of cluster formation.
The discovery of 51 Pegasi b marked a significant milestone in the search for exoplanets, with Michel Mayor and his colleague Queloz credited with the groundbreaking find. The development of better telescopes enabled this achievement, contributing to a new community of researchers exploring this field.
Researchers have discovered a galaxy that is almost completely devoid of dark matter, forcing them to rethink the formation of galaxies. The team found that the stars in NGC1052-DF2 can account for all its mass, leaving little room for dark matter.
Researchers used tree-ring records to analyze Mongolia's 2,060-year climate history. The study found that future droughts are likely no worse than those of the past, with increased precipitation offsetting the effects of higher temperatures on semi-arid regions.
Engineers are conducting final testing at Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems to ensure the observatory is ready for space. The science payload has already undergone rigorous testing, and the integrated spacecraft and sunshield will soon undergo their own launch environment tests.
Astronomers discovered a powerful stellar flare erupted from Proxima Centauri, making the habitability of its exoplanetary neighbor Proxima b uncertain. The flare was 10 times brighter than our sun's largest flares and could have evaporated any atmosphere or ocean on Proxima b.
A UCF-led consortium will take over management of the Arecibo Observatory in Puerto Rico, with plans to expand its capabilities and provide new research opportunities. The partnership aims to create a pipeline for students studying space sciences and enhance public outreach through formal education.
Astronomers capture unique data on a Type IIb supernova using amateur photographs, providing insights into the physical structure of the star and the nature of the explosion. The discovery sheds new light on the type of stars that explode and the physics behind massive stellar collapses.
An amateur astronomer in Argentina captured the rare first optical light from a massive exploding star, providing valuable insights into the supernova explosion and the star's physical structure. The discovery was made using a new camera and allowed scientists to determine the type of star that exploded and the nature of the explosion.
Researchers used ALMA to directly observe the rotation of a compact gaseous structure around a supermassive black hole in galaxy M77. The team found that the structure, called a torus, has an asymmetry and contains random motion, suggesting a possible violent history.
Astronomers detected methanol, dimethyl ether, and methyl formate in the Large Magellanic Cloud, a chemically primitive galaxy. The findings suggest that complex organic molecules can form in early galaxies, potentially leading to life.
Astronomers studying the aftermath of a distant neutron-star merger are puzzled by the continued brightening of its afterglow, which defies initial expectations. New X-ray observations suggest a more complex emission process, potentially involving a hot 'cocoon' around a jet that shock-heated surrounding debris.
Researchers at Kazan Federal University studied blazar CTA 102 and found a twisted inhomogeneous jet changing its orientation and rotation. This discovery helps explain long-term trends in spectral variability and brightness.
The W.M. Keck Observatory has received an NSF grant to upgrade its adaptive optics system, further advancing research on habitable exoplanets and supermassive black holes. The new system will deliver faster, more flexible real-time controller and better camera technology, improving image clarity.
Astronomers find two giant galaxies from the Big Bang era, forming stars at record rates and surrounded by massive dark matter halos. Their rapid star formation is triggered by close encounters with smaller companions.
Astronomers have detected an extremely distant supermassive black hole with a mass 800 million times that of our Sun, pushing the boundaries of understanding the early cosmos. The discovery, based on data from Gemini Observatory, reveals the universe was only 5% of its current age at this distance.
Astronomers have discovered eleven low-mass protostars forming close to the Milky Way's supermassive black hole, defying predictions of hostile environment. These newly formed stars are about 6,000 years old and represent the earliest phase of star formation in this highly turbulent region.
The first known interstellar visitor, 'Oumuamua, is a rapidly rotating and dimly bright object similar to Kuiper Belt objects and organic-rich comets. It was discovered in October and observed using the Gemini Observatory before fading from view due to its increasing distance.
An international team of astronomers, including Carnegie's Nick Konidaris, discovered a 'zombie star' that exploded multiple times over 50 years. The finding challenges existing knowledge of a star's end of life and was made possible by Konidaris' instrument-construction, which helped analyze the phenomenon.
Using ALMA's unparalleled sensitivity and resolution, the team identified eight massive dusty clouds along the center of the galaxy, each with a unique chemical signature. The clouds are thought to be aggregates of dense, warm cocoons around young stars, driving complex chemical reactions and molecule formation.