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Researchers uncover the first bubble in an intergalactic stew

A team of researchers found the earliest evidence of heated gas in a galaxy protocluster, indicating temperatures characteristic of the present-day 'Warm-Hot Intergalactic Medium'. This discovery provides insight into the mechanisms that caused the intergalactic gas to boil up and offers a unique window into the early universe.

SourceKavli Institute for the Physics and Mathematics of the Universe·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateMar 15, 2023

Waseda University researchers measure boron flux in high-energy cosmic rays with the CALorimetric Electron Telescope (CALET)

Researchers from Waseda University measured the energy spectrum of boron and the B/C flux ratio in high-energy cosmic rays using the CALorimetric Electron Telescope. The results indicate a different spectral index for boron compared to carbon, with implications for our understanding of cosmic ray propagation mechanisms.

SourceWaseda University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeObservational study·DateJan 26, 2023

Astronomers capture radio signal from distant galaxy

Researchers detect radio signal from record-breaking distance galaxy, measuring gas composition and gaining insights into the early universe. The signal was amplified by a factor of 30 using gravitational lensing, allowing scientists to study a previously inaccessible region.

SourceMcGill University·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 16, 2023

Discovering rare red spiral galaxy population from early universe with the James Webb Space Telescope

The James Webb Space Telescope has captured infrared images of a population of red spiral galaxies at unprecedented resolution, revealing their morphology in detail. These galaxies are among the farthest known spiral galaxies and suggest that such spiral galaxies existed in large numbers in the early universe.

SourceWaseda University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·TypeImaging analysis·DateDec 12, 2022

Mysteriously bright flash is a black hole jet pointing straight toward Earth, astronomers say

Astronomers have discovered a mysterious bright flash emanating from a relativistic jet of matter streaking out from a supermassive black hole. The signal, AT 2022cmc, is the brightest TDE ever detected and originates from a black hole that suddenly began devouring a nearby star, releasing an enormous amount of energy.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Astronomy·DateNov 30, 2022

IceCube neutrinos give us first glimpse into the inner depths of an active galaxy

Researchers have found evidence of high-energy neutrino emission from NGC 1068, an active galaxy in the constellation Cetus. The detection was made at the National Science Foundation-supported IceCube Neutrino Observatory, which reported its first observation of a high-energy astrophysical neutrino source in 2018.

Looking to move to a galaxy far, far away? Innovative system evaluates habitability of distant planets

A new system classifies atmospheres of distant planets to identify those suitable for future human habitation, without physically visiting them. The research study found that planet TRAPPIST-1e has a significantly more sensitive atmosphere than Earth, which could lead to extreme climate changes.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 20, 2022

Dozens of newly discovered gravitational lenses could reveal ancient galaxies and the nature of dark matter

Scientists have confirmed 68 strong gravitational lenses, transforming our understanding of galaxy evolution and dark matter. The discovery uses machine learning algorithms to identify thousands of potential lenses, opening a new window into studying mass distribution in distant galaxies.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for All Sky Astrophysics in 3D (ASTRO 3D)·JournalThe Astronomical Journal·TypeObservational study·DateSep 26, 2022

Astrophysicists prove neutrinos originate from Blazars

A team of scientists led by Clemson University's Marco Ajello has provided conclusive evidence that astrophysical neutrinos come from blazars, which are powerful black holes. This breakthrough resolves the long-standing question about the origin of high-energy cosmic rays.

SourceClemson University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 14, 2022

Colossal collisions linked to solar system science

A new study using Chandra X-ray Observatory data reveals a deep connection between cosmic collisions and solar system phenomena. The research, led by Helen Russell from the University of Nottingham, shows that electrons are heated by compression of gas in galaxy clusters.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·TypeObservational study·DateJun 7, 2022

Story tips: Fueling up on savings, COVID’s behavior effect, cosmic collisions, seismic and sound, and space-to-ground comms

Researchers found that speeding can decrease fuel economy by 7% and result in an extra 28 cents per gallon at current US fuel prices. They also studied human behavior during the early days of COVID-19 and simulated cosmic collisions to better understand X-ray emissions.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalJournal of Transport Geography·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 2, 2022

What ingredients went into the galactic blender to create the Milky Way?

Researchers analyzed individual stars to identify components of the Milky Way, finding that it consumed smaller galaxies. The study used advanced spectrographic techniques to measure elemental abundances, providing early insights into the galaxy's formation and evolution.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for All Sky Astrophysics in 3D (ASTRO 3D)·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 21, 2022

Infant stars identified at the center of our galaxy

Three young stars have been discovered at the center of our galaxy, contradicting initial assumptions about a gas and dust cloud called G2. The unusual temperature of G2 has sparked debate among astronomers, but new observations reveal it is actually composed of three evolving young stars.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·TypeObservational study·DateDec 10, 2021

Hubble tension: Showing the cracks in Gaussian Processes

Researchers Eoin Ó Colgáin and Mohammad Mehdi Sheikh-Jabbari found that the approach may not be universally applicable across all models. Their study evaluates Gaussian Processes using the Hubble constant, highlighting a mismatch between smaller-scale and overall measurements.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal C·DateNov 15, 2021

Jet from giant galaxy M87: Computer modelling explains black hole observations

Theoretical physicists modelled the region around M87's supermassive black hole, confirming that gravity plays a key role in accelerating particles out to thousands of light years. The findings provide further evidence for Einstein's theory of general relativity and its application to astrophysical phenomena.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalNature Astronomy·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 4, 2021