Add BrightSurf on Google Email

MIT researchers discover the universe’s oldest stars in our own galactic backyard

Researchers have discovered three of the oldest stars in the universe, forming between 12 and 13 billion years ago. The team believes these 'Small Accreted Stellar System' (SASS) stars originated from small primitive galaxies absorbed by the Milky Way.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
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.

Physicists solve puzzle about ancient galaxy found by Webb telescope

A massive ancient galaxy, JWST-ER1g, has been found to have a high dark matter density, puzzling physicists. Researchers offer an explanation that suggests a mechanism compressing the dark matter halo could be responsible for the high density.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·TypeObservational study

Twinkle twinkle baby star, 'sneezes' tell us how you are

Researchers at Kyushu University discovered that baby stars expel plumes of dust, gas, and electromagnetic energy in a phenomenon called 'interchange instability', releasing magnetic flux within the protostellar disk. This finding sheds new light on how baby stars develop and may be crucial for understanding star formation.

SourceKyushu University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·TypeObservational study

The hidden role of the Milky Way in ancient Egyptian mythology

Researchers found compelling evidence that the Milky Way highlighted Nut's divine presence, tracing her backbone across the heavens. The study also connected Egyptian beliefs with those of other cultures, showing similarities in how different societies interpret the Milky Way.

SourceUniversity of Portsmouth·JournalJournal of Astronomical History and Heritage·TypeLiterature review
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.

Explaining a supernova's 'string of pearls'

Researchers found that the Crow instability predicts the number and distribution of hydrogen gas clumps around supernovas, including SN1987A. The study suggests that the same mechanism responsible for breaking up airplane contrails may be at play, creating the 'string of pearls' effect.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalPhysical Review Letters

New theory explains why white dwarf stars can cheat death

Researchers propose a new theory explaining how some white dwarfs remain hot for billions of years, contradicting the standard picture of cooling. The theory suggests buoyant crystals form in the star's interior, disrupting its cooling process and releasing gravitational energy.

SourceInstitute for Advanced Study·JournalNature

Astronomers spot 18 black holes gobbling up nearby stars

A team of MIT scientists has detected 18 new tidal disruption events (TDEs) using infrared observations, more than doubling the catalog of known TDEs. The discoveries reveal that these star-shredding black holes occur in a range of galaxies across the entire sky, not just dusty galaxies.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal

Earth-sized planet discovered in ‘our solar backyard’

Scientists have discovered an Earth-sized planet in our solar backyard that may be similar to early Earth due to its proximity to the Sun and crowded system. The newly discovered planet was identified using the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) and is part of a young star system called the Ursa Major Moving Group.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalThe Astronomical Journal
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New dark matter theory explains two puzzles in astrophysics

A new theory, self-interacting dark matter (SIDM), proposes that dark matter particles interact through a dark force, explaining high-density halos and low-density halos of ultra-diffuse galaxies. SIDM simulates cosmic structure formation with strong dark matter self-interactions, diversifying halo density in central regions.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·TypeComputational simulation/modeling

Meteorites likely source of nitrogen for early Earth

A study of Ryugu samples suggests that micrometeorites from icy celestial bodies in the outer Solar System transported nitrogen compounds to near-Earth regions. This discovery could provide clues about the origins of nitrogen on our planet, potentially serving as a building block for life.

SourceKyoto University·JournalNature Astronomy·TypeExperimental study

New astrophysics model sheds light on additional source of long gamma-ray bursts

A new unified model confirms that some long-lasting gamma-ray bursts are created in the aftermath of cosmic mergers that spawn an infant black hole surrounded by a giant disk of natal material. The findings explain recently observed long GRBs that astronomers couldn't link to collapsing stars.

SourceSimons Foundation·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Giant planets cast a deadly pall

New studies show that giant gas planets in nearby star systems can prevent life on smaller, rocky planet neighbors by kicking them out of orbit and wreaking havoc on their climates. Researchers found that four giant planets in the HD 141399 system are likely to destroy the chances for life on Earth-like planets.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalThe Astronomical Journal

Massive space explosion observed creating elements needed for life

Researchers detected tellurium and other essential elements needed for life in the aftermath of a gamma-ray burst, revealing insights into heavy element formation. The study provides valuable information about kilonovae and neutron star mergers, paving the way for a deeper understanding of the universe.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalNature·TypeObservational study

LIGO surpasses the quantum limit

Researchers at LIGO have developed a significant advance in quantum squeezing technology, allowing them to measure undulations in space-time across the entire range of gravitational frequencies detected by LIGO. This breakthrough boosts the observatory's ability to study exotic events and detect about 60 percent more mergers than before.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalPhysical Review X

UArizona researchers probe how a piece of the moon became a near-Earth asteroid

Researchers found a rare pathway allowing a moon fragment to reach Earth's quasi-satellite orbit. The study suggests that many more lunar fragments remain to be discovered among the near-Earth asteroid population.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·TypeComputational simulation/modeling
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.

New algorithm ensnares its first ‘potentially hazardous’ asteroid

A team of researchers has successfully tested a new asteroid detection algorithm, HelioLinc3D, which identified its first 'potentially hazardous' asteroid, 2022 SF289. The discovery confirms the algorithm's effectiveness in finding near-Earth asteroids with fewer and more dispersed observations than traditional methods.

SourceUniversity of Washington·TypeObservational study

Violent atmosphere allows rare look at the early life of a planet

A new study has captured the early stages of planetary evolution, observing a young gas planet's violent and erratic atmospheric shedding. The research, led by Dartmouth researchers, provides insights into the most common experiences of planets beyond our solar system.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalThe Astronomical Journal·TypeObservational study

Astronomers discover elusive planet responsible for spiral arms around its star

Scientists have discovered a young exoplanet, MWC 758c, that may be generating the spiral arms in its infant planetary system. The planet's massive size is estimated to be at least twice the mass of Jupiter, yet it was invisible to other telescopes due to its reddish color, which makes it more difficult to detect.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalNature Astronomy·TypeObservational study
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.

Planet orbiting 2 stars discovered using new technique

Researchers have discovered a large gas giant orbiting two stars using the radial velocities method for the first time. The newly found system, TOI-1338/BEBOP-1, is only the second binary star system known to host multiple planets ever confirmed.

SourceOhio State University·JournalNature Astronomy·TypeObservational study

Astronomers reveal the largest cosmic explosion ever seen

The explosion, known as AT2021lwx, is more than ten times brighter than any known supernova and has lasted for nearly three years, compared to most supernovae which are only visibly bright for a few months. The researchers believe that the explosion is a result of a vast cloud of gas being violently disrupted by a supermassive black hole.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society

How 1,000 undergraduates helped solve an enduring mystery about the sun

A team of 995 undergraduate and graduate students analyzed 600 real solar flares, casting doubt on the theory that nanoflares heat up the sun's corona. The students' work provided a unique opportunity for early-career scientists to learn about collaborative research.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

The ultra-fast space winds that shape the evolution of galaxies

An international research team explores ultra-fast gas emissions from active galactic nuclei, which significantly change galaxy ecosystems. The study confirms the existence of these powerful emissions and their role in regulating star formation.

SourceUniversità di Bologna·JournalAstronomy and Astrophysics

Where did Earth’s water come from? Not melted meteorites, according to scientists

A new study led by University of Maryland researchers found that melted meteorites have extremely low water content, ruling them out as the primary source of Earth's water. The team suggests that unmelted, or chondritic, meteorites may be responsible for delivering water to our planet.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study

The planet that could end life on Earth

A recent experiment by UC Riverside astrophysicist Stephen Kane demonstrates that a terrestrial planet in this location would have disastrous effects on the solar system. The simulation found that such a planet could destabilize Earth's orbit, making it far less habitable and potentially ejecting Mercury and Venus from the solar system.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalThe Planetary Science Journal·TypeComputational simulation/modeling

Humanity’s quest to discover the origins of life in the universe

Researchers from ETH Zurich, Harvard, and Cambridge join forces to study chemical and physical processes of living organisms and environmental conditions for life on other planets. Synthetic cells enable scientists to deconstruct complex systems, understand basic principles of life and evolution.

SourceETH Zurich
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

James Webb spots super old, massive galaxies that shouldn’t exist

An international team of astrophysicists has discovered six potential galaxies emerging in the universe's earliest moments, containing as many stars as the Milky Way. These ancient structures are gigantic and massive, contradicting current cosmological theory, with calculations suggesting they formed hundreds of new stars a year.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalNature

Martian meteorite contains large diversity of organic compounds

The Martian meteorite Tissint has revealed a rich inventory of organic compounds, offering insights into Mars' habitability. The study, published in Science Advances, discovered an unprecedented diversity of organic molecules, including magnesium compounds not previously seen on the planet.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study

Research news alert: sudden spin-down event illuminates magnetar mystery

Researchers observed a sudden slowing of the star's angular momentum, followed by three Fast Radio Burst-like radio bursts and a month-long episode of pulsed radio emission. The synchronicity of these events suggests an association between magnetar spin-down glitches and radio emissions.

SourceGeorge Washington University·JournalNature Astronomy
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.

Discovery of three faint, distant galaxies may expand knowledge of early universe

A team of researchers has discovered three ultra-faint dwarf galaxies around a Milky Way-mass galaxy, providing insights into the formation and evolution of these enigmatic objects. The findings may help develop universal models for how the universe's oldest galaxies formed.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·TypeObservational study

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

Doomed pair of supermassive black holes the closest to collision ever seen

Astronomers have discovered two ghostly Goliath black holes just 750 light-years apart, closing in on a cataclysmic meeting. The estimated population of merging supermassive black holes may be surprisingly high, generating strong gravitational waves detectable by future telescopes.

SourceSimons Foundation·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·TypeObservational study
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.

What it would take to discover life on Saturn's icy moon Enceladus

A new study suggests that an orbiting space probe could provide definitive answers about the presence of life on Enceladus' ocean. The team mapped out how a hypothetical mission could gather data from the moon's plumes, which are thought to contain organic molecules and methane.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalThe Planetary Science Journal·TypeComputational simulation/modeling

Cosmological enigma of Milky Way’s satellite galaxies solved

Researchers used new data from the European Space Agency's GAIA space observatory to project the orbits of satellite galaxies into the past and future, revealing the plane form and dissolve in a few hundred million years. The findings remove one of the main objections to the validity of the standard model of cosmology.

SourceDurham University·JournalNature Astronomy·TypeComputational simulation/modeling

Machine learning reveals how black holes grow

Using supercomputers and machine learning, researchers created simulations of millions of computer-generated universes to test astrophysical predictions. The study found that supermassive black holes grow in the same way as their host galaxies, revealing a long-elusive relationship.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·TypeData/statistical analysis

Precise solar observations fed millions in ancient Mexico

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.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences

How the ‘hell planet’ got so hot

Researchers discovered that 55 Cnc e orbits its star along the equator, unlike other planets in the system. This unique orbit likely formed when the planet fell toward its star over time, resulting in a scorching surface and interior with possible diamond formation.

SourceSimons Foundation·JournalNature Astronomy·TypeObservational study
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.

Byzantine solar eclipse records illuminate obscure history of Earth's rotation

Researchers in Japan analyzed Byzantine Empire texts to identify five total solar eclipses near Eastern Mediterranean. This study improves understanding of the Earth's rotation and sheds light on variations in day length over time. The new data refine models of global phenomena, such as sea-level and ice-volume variability.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalPublications of the Astronomical Society of the Pacific

Why are dark matter halos of ultra-diffuse galaxies so … odd?

Researchers found that dark matter halos in ultra-diffuse galaxies have lower concentrations than expected, raising questions about their formation and evolution. The study's surprising results indicate these galaxies may be younger and contain more gas than normal galaxies.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·TypeObservational study
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Hopping space dust makes asteroids look rougher

Asteroids like Bennu and Ryugu appear rough due to the loss of fine-grained regolith caused by tiny space dust grains hopping around on their surfaces. This process may help small asteroids migrate faster through space, affecting their orbits.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalNature Astronomy

Astronauts may one day drink water from ancient moon volcanoes

Researchers from CU Boulder suggest that ancient moon volcanoes may have spewed out huge amounts of water vapor, forming stores of ice on the lunar surface. This discovery adds to evidence that the moon may be awash in more water than previously believed, with potential implications for future lunar missions.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalThe Planetary Science Journal

Breaking news from the dawn of the universe

Astronomers identify GNz7q, a dusty compact object with properties of both galaxies and quasars, born 750 million years after Big Bang. The discovery provides new insights into the rapid growth of supermassive black holes in early universe.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalNature

Could the asteroid Ryugu be a remnant of an extinct comet? Scientists now answer!

Researchers suggest that asteroid Ryugu could be a relic of an ancient comet due to its high organic content and spinning top shape. The study proposes a simple physical model that fits the observed data, suggesting that comets can leave behind rocky debris in the inner solar system.

SourceNagoya City University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling
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.

Black hole billiards in the centers of galaxies

Researchers propose a new mechanism for eccentric black hole mergers, suggesting that interactions between three black holes in a flat disk environment could lead to chaotic orbits. This finding challenges previous studies on the rarity of such events.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalNature

Powerful warm winds seen blowing from a neutron star as it rips up its companion

A team of astronomers discovered neutron stars blowing hot, warm and cold winds while consuming matter from a nearby star. The discovery provides key information about the behaviors of these extreme cosmic objects, which contribute to the formation of new stars and galaxy evolution.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalNature·TypeObservational study

Death spiral: A black hole spins on its side

Researchers from the University of Turku found that a black hole's axis of rotation is tilted more than 40 degrees relative to the orbiting stellar body. This extreme misalignment challenges current theoretical models and opens up new prospects for studying black hole formation and evolution.

SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalScience

Georgia State astronomers offer theory about mysterious location of massive stars

Researchers found that massive stars can be far from their birthplace due to mergers of medium-mass stars. The study of HD93521 and IT Librae reveals that these stars can rotate quickly enough to create black holes with large spins.

SourceGeorgia State University·JournalThe Astronomical Journal·TypeComputational simulation/modeling
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.

Even dying stars can still give birth to planets

Researchers discovered that a large cavity in the discs surrounding evolved binary stars could be evidence of planet formation. The presence of heavy elements on the surface of dying stars suggests that dust particles rich in these elements were trapped by planets, supporting this hypothesis.

SourceKU Leuven·JournalAstronomy and Astrophysics

Sidewinding young stellar jets spied by Gemini South

Astronomers have captured detailed images of sinuous stellar jets emanating from young stars, suggesting that their sidewinding appearances are caused by gravitational attraction from companion stars. The observations were made using the Gemini South telescope's adaptive optics system.

SourceAssociation of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA)·TypeObservational study

Cosmic 'spider' found to be source of powerful gamma-rays

Astronomers have discovered a binary system consisting of a rapidly spinning neutron star and the precursor to an extremely-low-mass white dwarf, dubbed a 'cosmic spider'. The system emits powerful gamma-rays and has been observed using the SOAR Telescope in Chile.

SourceAssociation of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA)·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·TypeObservational study

Astronomers just got better at finding “bright” black holes

A team of astronomers has developed a new technique to detect active black holes in galaxies, measuring their impact on galaxy evolution. The method can be applied to millions of galaxies, searching for bright supermassive black holes at the centre of galaxies and studying their effect on star formation.

SourceInternational Centre for Radio Astronomy Research·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·TypeObservational study
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.

A young, sun-like star may hold warnings for life on Earth

Astronomers observed a young, sun-like star ejecting a massive burst of energy and charged particles, potentially bad news for satellites and power grids. The study suggests that similar events could have shaped planets like Earth and Mars over billions of years.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalNature Astronomy