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Accretion discs show their true colors

A new study using VLT observations verifies the long-standing prediction that accretion discs emit intensely blue radiation. The researchers used polarised light from six quasars to uncover the buried light from the discs, vindicating the standard picture of these discs.

SourceESO·JournalNature·DateJul 24, 2008

Astronomers find evidence supporting theory of quasars

Researchers at Cornell University have found clear bumps in infrared emissions at 10 and 18 microns in five type 1 AGNs, confirming the existence of silicate dust and supporting the unified theory. This evidence may provide insights into the inner temperature of dusty tori and shed light on the structure of active galactic nuclei.

SourceCornell University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateJun 6, 2005

Astrophysical jets in the lab

Caltech researchers use magnetic forces to create jet-like structures in a hydrogen plasma experiment, shedding light on the formation of astrophysical jets. The study involves running high electrical currents through a cylindrical metal chamber, producing spiral-shaped plumes similar to those observed in space.

Black Hole research shows English football (soccer) is 30 times more boring than football (soccer) games in rest of world

A study by University of Warwick researchers found that English football games are characterized by fewer high-scoring matches compared to the rest of the world. In contrast, top division matches globally exhibit a much higher frequency of high scores, suggesting a significant difference in the level of excitement between the two.