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Beaming with the light of millions of suns

Researchers have identified a fourth ULX as a neutron star, shedding new light on how these objects can shine so brightly. The study found unusual dip in the ULX's light spectrum attributed to cyclotron resonance scattering, revealing strong magnetic fields around the neutron star.

Magnetic field traces gas and dust swirling around supermassive black hole

A team led by Professor Pat Roche created the first high-resolution map of magnetic field lines in gas and dust swirling around a supermassive black hole at the centre of our Galaxy. The map shows intense infrared light and magnetic field lines within filaments of warm dust grains and hot gas, revealing their intricate relationship.

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.

No relation between a supermassive black hole and its host galaxy!?

Researchers observed CO gas associated with the galactic disk, but found it unaffected by the strong ionized gas outflow from the galactic center. This challenges the widely accepted idea that radiation from galactic centers influences molecular gas and star formation activities.

Some black holes erase your past

Mathematical calculations show that certain types of black holes can break down determinism, leading to unpredictable futures. The discovery provides evidence for a violation of strong cosmic censorship in a theory of gravity and electromagnetism.

Remote jets are clearer now

Astrophysicists develop model to test hypothesis about supermassive black holes and their impact on galaxy jets. The study suggests that part of the jet's power comes from the rotating black hole, which loses angular momentum as it emits energy. By measuring magnetic fields in jets, scientists can estimate this rotational energy loss.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Supermassive black holes can feast on one star per year

Researchers at CU Boulder discovered a mechanism explaining the persistence of asymmetrical stellar clusters surrounding supermassive black holes. This rate suggests that in post-galactic merger periods, orbiting stars could be flung into the black hole and destroyed at a rate of one per year.

Confirmed: Black holes regulate star formation in massive galaxies

An international team of researchers has confirmed that supermassive black holes in the centers of massive galaxies play a key role in regulating star formation. The study found that galaxies with more massive black holes form stars at a faster rate initially, but then experience slower star formation rates over time.

Overabundance of massive stars in the Tarantula Nebula

The study reveals that massive stars are much more abundant than previously thought, with a significant fraction of stellar mass in high-mass stars. The research has far-reaching consequences for the understanding of our cosmos, including an estimated 70% increase in supernovae and 200% increase in chemical yields.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New universe simulation prompts breakthrough discoveries in astrophysics

A new universe simulation model, IllustrisTNG, provides fresh insights into how black holes influence dark matter distribution, heavy element production, and magnetic field origins. The simulation reveals a high degree of realism in predicting galaxy clustering patterns and the influence of supermassive black holes on the cosmos.

How black holes shape the cosmos

The IllustrisTNG project simulates the universe's large-scale structure, gaining insights into how supermassive black holes shape galaxies. The simulations predict a key transformation in galaxy life cycles, with black holes extinguishing star formation.

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.

Queen's University scientist unlocks gamma ray burst secrets

A team of researchers, led by Dr Gianluca Sarri from Queen's University Belfast, has created the first small-scale replica of a gamma ray burst in a laboratory. The experiment used the Gemini laser to produce a mini gamma ray burst, confirming current models' predictions for magnetic field generation and gamma-ray emission.

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.

How massive can neutron stars be?

Astrophysicists have determined that the maximum mass of neutron stars cannot exceed 2.16 solar masses through a combination of theoretical and observational research. The result was achieved by applying universal relations to data on gravitational-wave signals and electromagnetic radiation from merging neutron star events.

Black hole spin cranks-up radio volume

Statistical analysis suggests that supermassive black hole spin plays a role in generating high-speed jets and powerful radio waves. Nearly 8000 quasars were analyzed, with O III oxygen emissions found to be stronger in radio loud quasars, implying spin's importance.

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.

Fast radio burst source linked to 'extreme' environment

Astrophysicists have discovered that the only known repeating fast radio burst (FRB) source is in an extreme environment, with measurements suggesting it may be caused by a black hole or other extreme astrophysical circumstances. The new findings raise questions about whether FRBs are a product of their environment.

SETI project homes in on strange 'fast radio bursts'

Recent observations of FRB 121102 provide new data about the source of fast radio bursts, which are nearly 100 percent linearly polarized and suggest a source embedded in strong magnetic fields. The team plans to observe at higher frequencies to narrow the range of possible sources.

Black hole breakthrough: New insight into mysterious jets

Researchers gained new understanding of relativistic jets' behavior through advanced supercomputer simulations, revealing how space-time is dragged into the rotation of rotating black holes. The study confirms that tilted disks lead to precessing jets that periodically change their direction in the sky.

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.

Weighing massive stars in nearby galaxy reveals excess of heavyweights

An international team has discovered an 'astonishing' overabundance of massive stars in the Large Magellanic Cloud galaxy. The study used detailed analyses of nearly 1,000 massive stars to determine their distribution, revealing that massive stars are much more abundant than previously thought.

Supermassive black holes control star formation in large galaxies

A new study published in Nature shows that the mass of a galaxy's central black hole determines when its star formation history stops. The study found a continuous interplay between black hole activity and star formation throughout a galaxy's life, with bigger black holes quenching star formation faster.

Black hole pair born inside a dying star?

Researchers at Kyoto University have proposed a new theory on the formation of binary black holes within collapsing stars. Their study suggests that these black holes could form through dynamical fragmentation of the star's inner core, leading to two fragments becoming black holes and orbiting each other.

KFU astronomer contributed to blazar research

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.

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.

Unravelling the mysteries of extragalactic jets

Extragalactic jets from supermassive black holes can disintegrate due to a previously unknown centrifugal instability. This study reveals that an instability similar to water flowing in curved pipes creates a weak point in the jet's flow.

Black holes' magnetism surprisingly wimpy

Scientists have discovered black holes have significantly weaker magnetic fields than previously thought, with measurements about 400 times lower than estimated. This finding deepens our knowledge of how matter behaves under extreme conditions and could impact nuclear fusion power and GPS systems.

A glimpse of the magnetic field around a black hole

Astronomers measured the magnetic field of a black hole in a binary system using data from a sudden flare. The field was found to be substantially weaker than expected, providing new insights into how black holes consume material.

Supermassive black hole is ahead of its time

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.

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Found: The most distant supermassive black hole ever observed

A team of astronomers discovered the most-distant supermassive black hole ever observed, located in a luminous quasar and emitting light from 5% of its current age. The black hole has a mass 800 million times that of our Sun, posing a challenge to theories of supermassive black hole growth.

Scientists observe supermassive black hole in infant universe

A team of astronomers has detected the most distant supermassive black hole ever observed, measuring around 800 million times the mass of our sun. The black hole's extreme size is puzzling, as the universe was not old enough to create such a massive object just 690 million years after the Big Bang.

MACHOs are dead, WIMPs are a no-show -- say hello to SIMPs

Recent observations of four colliding galaxies in the Abell 3827 cluster suggest that SIMPs, strongly interacting massive particles, may be a new candidate for the universe's elusive dark matter. SIMPs would interact strongly with themselves via gravity but weakly with normal matter, overcoming a major failing of WIMP theory.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Gravitational waves could shed light on the origin of black holes

Researchers propose using gravitational wave experiments to detect merger events at redshifts greater than 40, which could indicate the presence of primordial black holes or non-Gaussianity in the early universe. A detection would bolster theories about dark matter, while a non-detection would cast doubt.

The WHT measures the size of a stellar-mass black hole jet

Scientists measured a time delay of 100 milli-seconds between X-rays and optical flashes from the jet emitted by V404 Cygni's black hole. This delay indicates the inner acceleration zone in the jet is approximately 30,000 kilometers away from the event horizon.

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.

Cosmos code helps probe space oddities

The Cosmos code, developed by the University of Texas at Austin, has been optimized for the Stampede2 supercomputer using XSEDE ECSS resources. This allows for accurate simulations of black hole jets and other astrophysical phenomena, providing new insights into the mysteries of space.

Scientists penetrate mystery of raging black hole beams

A team of scientists has captured the time delay between X-ray flares and optical light flashes in a stellar-mass black hole, resolving controversy over jet plasma activation. This study uses precise multi-wavelength observations to demonstrate that relativistic jets are formed by gravity and magnetic fields.

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.

Monster colliding black holes might lurk on the edge of spiral galaxies

Researchers at RIT suggest that outer gas disks of big spiral galaxies are suitable for hosting orbiting black holes and merging massive black holes. This discovery could help explain how black-hole pairs form and provide a new way to study the universe using gravitational waves and traditional light measurements.

Russian scientists have found flaws in popular theories of gravity

Researchers at Ural Federal University found that a popular theory of gravity is flawed when applied to real-world astrophysical conditions. They propose new Horndeski models to stabilize black holes, addressing modern physics prerequisites and inconsistencies. The study aims to develop a new theory of gravity meeting all requirements.

NASA's Webb Telescope to witness galactic infancy

Scientists will use NASA's James Webb Space Telescope to study the creation of the universe's first galaxies and stars. With its powerful spectrographic instruments, Webb will see much more detail than imaging alone can provide, allowing scientists to study how gases transformed into stars in the first galaxies.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

The material that obscures supermassive black holes

Researchers studied nuclear obscuration in AGN using infrared and X-ray studies, revealing complex gas and dusty clouds orbiting the black hole. The material is connected to the galaxy via outflows and inflows of gas, regulating star formation.

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.

Researchers propose how the universe became filled with light

A team of researchers at the University of Iowa suggests that black holes played a crucial role in making the universe visible. By ejecting matter violently, black holes may have pierced cloudy surroundings, enabling light from stars to escape. This theory is supported by observations of a nearby galaxy emitting ultraviolet light.

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.