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Sloan Digital Sky Survey launches data release 20

The Sloan Digital Sky Survey has released its 20th data set, featuring over three million spectra of stars and galaxies, as well as 18 new value-added catalogs. This release marks a significant expansion of the survey's efforts, integrating full all-sky panoptic spectroscopy across both hemispheres.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·DateJul 31, 2026
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

FIU study challenges leading explanation for why galaxies stop forming stars

A recent study from Florida International University suggests that galaxy mergers are neither necessary nor sufficient to stop galaxies from forming new stars. Instead, slower internal processes are believed to play a much larger role in quenching star formation.

SourceFlorida International University·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 21, 2026

Milky Way’s ‘little cousins’ may hold clues about infant universe

Ultra-faint dwarf galaxies, tiny satellite galaxies of the Milky Way, can reflect conditions of the early universe, shedding light on galaxy formation and dark matter. Simulations suggest these small galaxies are sensitive to early radiation environment and can probe the universe's earliest climate.

SourceRoyal Astronomical Society·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateApr 23, 2026

New study sheds light on Milky Way's mysterious chemical history

A new study using advanced computer simulations has shed light on the mysterious chemical history of the Milky Way. Researchers found that galaxies like the Milky Way can develop two distinct chemical sequences through various mechanisms, challenging previous assumptions about the role of cosmic gas flows and galaxy mergers.

SourceRoyal Astronomical Society·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateDec 8, 2025
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Panorama of our nearest galactic neighbor unveils hundreds of millions of stars

The Hubble Space Telescope has captured a panoramic view of the Andromeda Galaxy, unveiling hundreds of millions of stars and providing new clues to its evolutionary history. The galaxy's unique structural features, such as coherent streams of stars, suggest a more active recent star formation and interaction history than the Milky Way.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·TypeObservational study·DateJan 17, 2025

NASA's Hubble traces hidden history of Andromeda galaxy

The Hubble Space Telescope has completed a comprehensive survey of the Andromeda galaxy, revealing its structure and evolution on a holistic scale. The observations provide insights into the galaxy's age, heavy-element abundance, and stellar masses, helping astronomers distinguish between competing scenarios of merger history.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJan 16, 2025
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Dark energy could be measured by studying the galaxy next door

Researchers have found that studying the mass and movement of the Andromeda galaxy and the Milky Way could help place an upper limit on the value of dark energy. The technique may provide valuable insights into the mysterious force, but it is not yet a direct detection.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateAug 14, 2023

Footprints of galactic immigration uncovered in Andromeda galaxy

Researchers used the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument to study the motions of nearly 7500 stars in the inner halo of the Andromeda Galaxy. They found telltale patterns that revealed how these stars began their lives as part of another galaxy, shedding light on galactic immigration events.

SourceAssociation of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA)·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 8, 2023
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Old and new stars paint very different pictures of the Triangulum Galaxy

Researchers used the Panchromatic Hubble Andromeda Treasury Triangulum Extended Region — or PHATTER — survey to study the Triangulum galaxy. The team discovered two drastically different structures depending on the age of the stars, with younger and older stars having distinct distributions.

SourceUniversity of Washington·TypeObservational study·DateJan 11, 2023

ALMA scientists find pair of black holes dining together in nearby galaxy merger

Scientists using ALMA discovered a rare instance of two supermassive black holes growing simultaneously near the center of a newly coalescing galaxy. This finding suggests that binary black hole pairs may be more common than previously thought, with potential implications for future gravitational wave detections.

SourceNational Radio Astronomy Observatory·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateJan 9, 2023
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Gemini North spies ultra-faint fossil galaxy discovered on outskirts of Andromeda

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.

SourceAssociation of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA)·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·TypeObservational study·DateJun 30, 2022

Tracing the remnants of Andromeda’s violent history

Researchers studied over 500 stars in a region of Andromeda called the Northeast shelf, finding conclusive evidence of an ancient collision. The findings provide insights into how material from collisions shapes a galaxy's appearance and makeup.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·TypeObservational study·DateJun 13, 2022

Extraordinary black hole found in neighboring galaxy

Astronomers have found an intermediate-mass black hole in the Andromeda galaxy, one of only a few confirmed objects of its kind. The discovery sheds light on the formation of galaxies and provides insights into the population of black holes at the centers of low-mass galaxies.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 24, 2022
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Satellite galaxies can carry on forming stars when they pass close to their parent galaxies

Using numerical simulations, researchers showed that satellite galaxies can retain gas and experience new episodes of star formation after passing close to their parent galaxy. This process is driven by the satellite's reserve of cold gas and minimum distance from its parent galaxy.

SourceInstituto de Astrofísica de Canarias (IAC)·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateJul 6, 2021

LAMOST reveals new footprints of the Gaia -sausage-enceladus merger event

The LAMOST survey has identified 1534 low-α metal-rich member stars of the Gaia-Sausage-Enceladus galaxy, challenging previous understanding of the merging process. The newly discovered component extends from a previously detected metal-poor region and suggests that these stars were formed during subsequent evolution.

SourceScience China Press·DateMar 15, 2021
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Hubble maps giant halo around Andromeda Galaxy

A team of scientists using NASA's Hubble Space Telescope has mapped the immense envelope of gas surrounding the Andromeda galaxy, our nearest large galactic neighbor. The study reveals a layered structure with two main shells of gas, and sheds light on the fuel for future star formation and outflows from supernovae.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 27, 2020
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

NASA's Webb to unveil the secrets of nearby dwarf galaxies

The James Webb Space Telescope will study dwarf galaxy companions to the Milky Way and Andromeda, gaining insights into galaxy formation and dark matter. By measuring star motions, researchers hope to determine if some galaxies are grouped in a flat plane, which would have significant implications for understanding their formation.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateNov 25, 2019

The violent history of the big galaxy next door

Researchers have discovered that the galaxy Andromeda has eaten several smaller galaxies over the last few billion years, leaving behind remnants in large streams of stars. The study found faint traces of even earlier consumed galaxies, possibly dating back to 10 billion years ago.

SourceAustralian National University·JournalNature·DateOct 2, 2019

Two ancient migration events in the Andromeda Galaxy: Dynamical footprints uncovered by galactic archaeologists in galaxy next door

Astronomers have uncovered two historic events in the Andromeda Galaxy, with evidence suggesting major changes to its structure occurred a few billion years ago and much earlier. The findings provide insights into the evolution and formation of both the Andromeda Galaxy and our own Milky Way.

SourceAssociation of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA)·JournalNature·DateOct 2, 2019
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Hubble's dazzling display of 2 colliding galaxies

NGC 6052 is a pair of colliding galaxies visible in the Hercules constellation, consisting of two galaxies merging due to gravity. The Milky Way will undergo a similar collision with Andromeda in approximately 4 billion years.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMar 8, 2019

The Milky Way is warped

Astronomers have created the first accurate 3D map of the Milky Way, revealing it is warped and twisted, with young stars in the outer regions.

SourceScience in Public·JournalNature Astronomy·DateFeb 4, 2019

Astronomers unveil growing black holes in colliding galaxies

Researchers have observed two galaxy nuclei in close proximity to each other, providing a rare glimpse of supermassive black hole pairs. The study offers insights into the final stages of galaxy mergers and their role in shaping the evolution of massive black holes.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalNature·DateNov 7, 2018
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Stars memorize rebirth of our home galaxy

Calculations by Masafumi Noguchi confirm two-stage formation of Milky Way stars, with iron-rich stars forming after a gap in star birth. This discovery sheds light on the galaxy's dramatic history and provides insights into its formation.

SourceTohoku University·JournalNature·DateAug 21, 2018

The Milky Way's long-lost sibling finally found

Researchers at the University of Michigan have found a massive galaxy, M32p, in Andromeda's outer stellar halo, shedding light on the evolution and survival of disk galaxies. This discovery helps explain the formation of Andromeda's enigmatic M32 satellite galaxy.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalNature Astronomy·DateJul 23, 2018
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

How do you weigh a galaxy? Especially the one you're in?

A new technique combines satellite galaxies' motions with computer simulations to estimate a galaxy's mass. The method yields more reliable results than previous methods, especially for large datasets generated by current and future surveys.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·DateJun 6, 2018

Milky Way ties with neighbor in galactic arms race

Researchers have discovered that the Milky Way and Andromeda galaxies are roughly the same size, with Andromeda being 800 billion times heavier than the Sun. This finding challenges previous estimates of dark matter in the Andromeda galaxy and suggests that scientists may need to revise their understanding of the local group.

SourceInternational Centre for Radio Astronomy Research·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateFeb 14, 2018

Astronomy: A rotating system of satellite galaxies raises questions

A team of astronomers from the University of Basel has found that satellite galaxies around Centaurus A co-rotate within disc-shaped planes, a phenomenon that challenges the standard model of cosmology. This discovery suggests that these systems are not isolated cases but part of a widespread pattern.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalScience·DateFeb 1, 2018

Surprise: Satellite galaxies of Centaurus A are on a coordinated dance

Researchers found that 14 out of 16 satellite galaxies of Centaurus A orbit in a single plane and rotate coherently. This synchronized movement contradicts standard cosmology simulations, suggesting flaws in current theories of galaxy formation.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateFeb 1, 2018
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.

New study challenges popular theory about dwarf galaxies

A new international study has found a plane of dwarf galaxies orbiting around Centaurus A, challenging a long-held theory that these galaxies are spread out in all directions. The research reveals that spinning pancake-like systems of satellite galaxies are more common than previously thought.

SourceAustralian National University·JournalScience·DateFeb 1, 2018

Minor merger kicks supermassive black hole into high gear

A team of researchers used the Subaru Telescope to study Messier 77, revealing evidence of a hidden minor merger billions of years ago. The discovery provides crucial evidence for the minor merger origin of active galactic nuclei and sheds light on the mysterious phenomenon.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalPublications of the Astronomical Society of Japan·DateOct 30, 2017

Hubble catches a galaxy duo by the 'hare'

The Hubble Space Telescope has imaged two galaxies in close proximity, each traveling at approximately 2 million kilometers per hour. Their interaction will cause distortions and changes to the structures of both galaxies due to gravitational forces.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMay 12, 2017

Astrophysicists studied the 'rejuvenating' pulsar in a neighboring galaxy

Astronomers have discovered a unique ultra-slow pulsar XB091D in the Andromeda galaxy, believed to have captured a companion only a million years ago. The pulsar's acceleration is linked to its interaction with an ordinary star, providing new insights into neutron star rejuvenation.

SourceLomonosov Moscow State University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·DateApr 25, 2017
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Both push and pull drive our galaxy's race through space

A new study confirms that galaxies are being pushed away from a previously unknown region of low density, called the Dipole Repeller. This region exerts a repelling force on our Local Group of galaxies, suggesting that push and pull forces are equally important.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalNature Astronomy·DateJan 30, 2017

Blended galaxies

Astrophysicist Hai Fu aims to study the late stages of merging galaxies and observe supermassive black holes' accretion using a large chunk of the night sky. The research project will use radio-emission maps and optical observations to confirm findings.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·DateJan 12, 2017
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.

Our galaxy's black hole is spewing out planet-size 'spitballs'

New research reveals that the Milky Way's black hole can create hundreds of planet-mass objects, which are then flung throughout the galaxy. These objects, known as 'spitballs,' could be detected by future telescopes and may pose a challenge to distinguish from free-floating planets.

SourceCenter for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian·DateJan 11, 2017

All we are is dust in the interstellar wind

Researchers have created a 3D map of interstellar dust reddening across three-quarters of the visible sky using data from almost one billion stars. This map reveals the structure and history of our galaxy, including the distribution of dust in the disk and the presence of ghostly trails indicating collisions with other galaxies.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·DateMar 9, 2016

Hubble survey unlocks clues to star birth in neighboring galaxy

Astronomers have found a similar percentage of newborn stars with specific masses in young clusters of the Andromeda galaxy compared to our own. This study, utilizing Hubble images and citizen scientist contributions, helps interpret distant galaxy light and understand star formation history.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateSep 3, 2015
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

The ghostly remnants of galaxy interactions uncovered in a nearby galaxy group

Astronomers using the Subaru Telescope's Hyper Suprime-Cam camera observed deep, super-wide-field images of the galaxies and their populations of young stars. The team discovered that the spatial distribution of young stars around these galaxies follows closely that of their distribution of neutral hydrogen.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateAug 4, 2015

What happens when cosmic giants meet galactic dwarfs?

A study of over 20,000 merging galaxies found that when two galaxies collide, the larger one can stop the smaller one from forming new stars. However, when two galaxies of similar mass collide, they both increase their stellar birth rate.

SourceInternational Centre for Radio Astronomy Research·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateJul 12, 2015

VLA reveals 'bashful' black hole in neighboring galaxy

The detection of a supermassive black hole at the center of Messier 32, a satellite of the Andromeda Galaxy, reveals a 'quiescent' black hole with activity among the weakest yet found. The VLA's improved sensitivity allowed for the detection of radio emission from the black hole, which is roughly 90 times fainter than previous studies.

SourceNational Radio Astronomy Observatory·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateJun 17, 2015

Astrophysicists draw most comprehensive map of the universe

A 3D map of galaxy superclusters has been created, providing insights into dark matter and its distribution in the universe. The map, published online in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society, spans nearly two billion light years.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateApr 27, 2015
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Small victims of galactic threesomes can run away

Researchers found nearly 200 compact elliptical galaxies, including 11 isolated ones, which were formed when a massive galaxy stripped away the core of a smaller one. These galaxies can escape their host clusters due to gravitational perturbations, helping them survive for about a billion years.

SourceLomonosov Moscow State University·JournalScience·DateApr 23, 2015

Hubble's high-definition panoramic view of the Andromeda galaxy

The Hubble Space Telescope has captured the sharpest large composite image of the Andromeda galaxy, revealing over 100 million stars in a 61,000-light-year-long stretch. This panoramic view provides unprecedented insights into the galaxy's structure and evolution.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJan 5, 2015

Astronomers measure weight of galaxies, expansion of universe

Researchers calculated the precise mass of the Milky Way and Andromeda galaxies, finding that Andromeda is about twice as heavy. The study also measured the expansion of the universe by observing satellite galaxies' motion, confirming cosmic expansion near our local group.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateJul 29, 2014
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Our galaxy is way smaller than previous estimates, study shows

Scientists have precisely measured the mass of the Milky Way for the first time, finding it to be approximately half the weight of Andromeda. The study, led by the University of Edinburgh, used data on galaxy distances and velocities to calculate the total masses of both galaxies.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateJul 29, 2014

Weighing the Milky Way

An international team of researchers devises precise method for calculating galaxy masses using gravity and expansion data. The new study shows the Milky Way has only half the mass of its neighbor Andromeda.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateJul 29, 2014

Mysterious dance of dwarfs may force a cosmic rethink

Astronomers discover that small galaxies orbit in orderly disc-shaped orbits, contradicting computer models. The phenomenon is observed in about 50% of galaxies, sparking a reevaluation of dark matter's nature and the laws of physics.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalNature·DateJul 20, 2014