The Milky Way in a twist
Astronomers have created a 3D picture of the Milky Way's outer regions using variable stars. The team found that the galaxy's S-like stellar disk is warped in a progressively twisted spiral pattern.
Milky Way
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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.
Milky Way's neighbors pick up the pace
The Magellanic Clouds, near neighbors of the Milky Way, have increased their star formation rate over the past 2 billion years. This study, led by David Nidever, mapped the chemical compositions of thousands of stars in the clouds, revealing a dramatic difference from the Milky Way's slow start.
New technique more precisely determines the ages of stars, Embry-Riddle researchers report
A new technique developed by Embry-Riddle researchers allows for the precise determination of star ages, reducing errors to 5% or less. The method leverages Gaia satellite data and considers factors such as surface temperature, atmospheric composition, and mass.
The lonely giant: Milky Way-sized galaxy lacking galactic neighbors
Researchers detected just two galaxies near M94, with few stars each, contradicting predictions of galaxy formation models. The study suggests that Milky Way-like galaxies host a wider diversity of satellite populations than previously thought.
Catastrophic galactic collision could send solar system flying into space
A collision between the Milky Way and Large Magellanic Cloud is expected in 2 billion years, potentially waking up a dormant black hole. The event could eject the Solar System from the galaxy, although the impact on Earth is unlikely.
Slow death of nearby galaxy
Researchers have observed a powerful outflow of hydrogen gas from the Small Magellanic Cloud, indicating it may eventually stop forming new stars. The discovery provides insight into the evolution of galaxies and the potential source of gas for the enormous Magellanic Stream surrounding the Milky Way.
Astronomers discover the giant that shaped the early days of our Milky Way
Researchers found a shared origin in one large merger for most halo stars, indicating the Milky Way formed from a massive collision. The young stars from Gaia-Enceladus are younger than native Milky Way stars in the thick disk region.
Astronomers witness slow death of nearby galaxy
Researchers observed a powerful outflow of hydrogen gas from the Small Magellanic Cloud, a tiny dwarf galaxy. The discovery provides the first clear observational measurement of mass lost from a dwarf galaxy, shedding light on its slow death and potential impact on the surrounding Milky Way galaxy.
Galactic archaeology
Researchers from Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias have discovered a star with an atmosphere devoid of metals, which is believed to be one of the oldest objects in the Milky Way. The study provides valuable information about the origin of the universe and the formation of the first stars.
Scientists discover new nursery for superpowered photons
Researchers have found a new source of high-energy photons in the cosmos: a microquasar located in our galaxy. The gamma rays emitted by this system are among the most energetic ever observed and were detected using the High-Altitude Water Cherenkov Gamma-Ray Observatory.
Gaia spots stars flying between galaxies
A team of astronomers using Gaia data found twenty high-velocity stars racing towards the Galactic centre, raising questions about their origin. The stars' velocities could be a sign of supermassive black holes or binary systems in nearby galaxies.
Astronomers probe 'outstanding mystery' of how galaxies stop building stars
Astronomers are probing the mystery of how galaxies stop forming stars by studying a class of galaxies known as 'self-quenching' galaxies. These galaxies have gas being blown out at incredible speeds, but without evidence of black hole activity, suggesting alternative mechanisms may be at play.
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.
Astronomers identify some of the oldest galaxies in the universe
Scientists discover faintest satellite galaxies orbiting Milky Way are among the first galaxies to form, dating back over 13 billion years. The findings support the current model for the evolution of the universe, providing insight into the early stages of galaxy formation.
Pairs of small colliding galaxies may seed future stars
Researchers found that dwarf-galaxy mergers can replenish a galaxy's supply of star-making fuel, like the Milky Way's. The Large and Small Magellanic Clouds hold enough gas to replenish half of the Milky Way's supply, with their gas footprint continuing to expand even after collision.
Researchers discover thin gap on stellar family portrait
Astronomers at Georgia State University have discovered a thin gap on the Hertzsprung-Russell Diagram, indicating where stars transition from being larger and mostly convective to smaller and fully convective. This finding reveals information about the interior structures of low-mass stars in the Milky Way Galaxy.
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.
NASA's new mini satellite will study Milky Way's halo
HaloSat mission aims to search for the universe's missing matter by studying X-rays from hot gas surrounding the Milky Way galaxy. The satellite will help determine if the diffuse galactic halo is shaped more like a fried egg or a sphere, which will impact our understanding of the universe's mass and composition.
The Gaia Sausage: The major collision that changed the Milky Way galaxy
The Gaia Sausage refers to an ancient head-on collision between the Milky Way and a smaller dwarf galaxy, dubbed the Sausage galaxy. The impact, which occurred around 8-10 billion years ago, reshaped the galaxy's structure, forming its inner bulge and outer halo.
Old star clusters could have been the birthplace of supermassive stars
A team of astrophysicists propose a new model for the formation of globular clusters and supermassive stars. They suggest that a runaway collision process between densely packed stars in globular clusters could form a supermassive star, explaining the unusual chemical elements found in these clusters.
New GAIA data reveals mergers in Milky Way
Researchers found relics of merger events in the Milky Way halo using Gaia Data Release 2. Five small clusters and a large 'blob' of stars indicate massive and smaller merger events shaped the galaxy. This study provides insights into the Milky Way's evolution, with further analysis to reveal more about its formation.
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.
Globular clusters 4 billion years younger than previously thought
New research led by the University of Warwick has found that globular clusters may be only around 9 billion years old, revised from their previous age of 13 billion. The discovery brings into question current theories on how galaxies, including the Milky Way, were formed.
Milky Way's supermassive black hole may have 'unseen' siblings
A new study suggests that galaxies similar to the Milky Way should host multiple supermassive black holes, as predicted by a state-of-the-art cosmological simulation. The wanderings of these black holes are unlikely to affect our solar system due to their vast distances and low accretion rates.
350,000 stars' DNA interrogated in search for sun's lost siblings
Astronomers have revealed the 'DNA' of over 340,000 stars in the Milky Way, tracing their ancestry and composition. The GALAH survey aims to make DNA matches between stars to find long-lost sisters and brothers of the Sun.
New study suggests tens of thousands of black holes exist in Milky Way's center
A study led by Columbia University astrophysicists has found a dozen black holes gathered around Sagittarius A*, the supermassive black hole at the center of the Milky Way Galaxy. The discovery confirms a major theory and opens up new opportunities to understand the universe.
Is the Milky Way getting bigger?
A team of astronomers has found that galaxies like the Milky Way are slowly increasing in size due to star formation on their outskirts. The study, led by Cristina Martínez-Lombilla, reveals a growth rate of around 500 meters per second, which is fast enough to cover the distance from Liverpool to London in about twelve minutes.
First age-map of the heart of the Milky Way
A new age-map of the Milky Way's center shows that a period of star formation lasting around 4 billion years created the complex structure. The map, produced by an international team, combines data from millions of stars and spectroscopic surveys, revealing that the bar-shaped structure was formed about 7 billion years ago.
Decades of research identify source of galaxy-sized stream of gas
Researchers at University of Wisconsin-Madison used Hubble Space Telescope to analyze Leading Arm of Magellanic Stream, identifying it as coming from Small Magellanic Cloud. The study helps refine models of galaxy orbit and formation, shedding light on mysterious gas clouds surrounding Milky Way.
Arrested development: Hubble finds relic galaxy close to home
The Hubble Space Telescope has discovered a rare relic galaxy, NGC 1277, that remains unchanged for the past 10 billion years. This unique find provides valuable insights into the origin and evolution of galaxies billions of years ago.
Study reveals Milky Way stars being evicted by invading galaxies
A team of astronomers discovered that some stars in the Galactic halo are former residents of the Galactic disk, kicked out by invading dwarf galaxies. This finding confirms a new understanding of the Milky Way's history and future, revealing a complex interplay between galaxy interactions.
Stars around the Milky Way: Cosmic space invaders or victims of galactic eviction?
Astronomers discover halo structures in Milky Way, finding chemical compositions matching those of the Galactic disk. Theories suggest oscillations of the disk as a whole may have relocated these stars to extreme positions.
Stars around the Milky Way: Cosmic space invaders or victims of galactic eviction?
Researchers found that the chemical compositions of halo stars match those of outer disk stars, suggesting they originated from the galaxy's own disk. This discovery reveals a more complex dynamics of the Milky Way, indicating that groups of stars in the disk can be relocated to distant realms within the galaxy.
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.
Distant galaxy group contradicts common cosmological models, simulations
An international team of astronomers has discovered a galactic arrangement where dwarf satellite galaxies orbit the main body in a narrow disk around Centaurus A. This finding contradicts commonly used cosmological models and simulations.
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.
GBT detection unlocks exploration of 'aromatic' interstellar chemistry
The discovery of benzonitrile marks a significant milestone in understanding the source of the Milky Way's mysterious infrared glow. The detection provides chemical breadcrumbs from simple molecules to larger PAHs, shedding light on their ubiquity in interstellar space.
New stellar streams confirm 'melting pot' history of the galaxy
The discovery of eleven new stellar streams in the Milky Way confirms its role as a cosmic melting pot, with stars originating from other galaxies. The Dark Energy Survey data, made publicly available, enabled the detection of these streams, which provide evidence for the galaxy's history of migration events.
Astronomers detect 'whirlpool' movement in earliest galaxies
Researchers have discovered swirling gas motion in early galaxies, which spun like a whirlpool similar to the Milky Way. The galaxies, observed nearly 13 billion years ago, were found to be forming stars at a higher rate than expected, yet retaining order and appearing well-regulated despite their small size.
Astronomer's map reveals location of mysterious fast-moving gas
Australian scientist Dr. Tobias Westmeier has created the most detailed map ever of high-velocity gas clouds in the Universe, revealing over 13% of the sky is covered by these mysterious clouds. The map shows gas clouds moving at speeds of up to a few hundred kilometers per second and provides new clues about their origin.
First proper motions measured of stars in a small galaxy outside the Milky Way
Researchers combined Hubble and Gaia data to measure the proper motion of 15 stars in the Sculptor Galaxy, revealing an unexpected preference in direction. The findings question current models of dark matter halos, suggesting that assumptions on star populations may be invalid.
Astronomers reveal nearby stars that are among the oldest in our galaxy
A team of astronomers from Georgia State University has discovered two old binary stars and identified 29 new old star candidates using a technique called astrometry. The study focused on subdwarf stars, which are cooler and older than the sun, and used their motion across the sky to determine their age.
'Seeing' the other side of our galaxy
A team of astronomers successfully traced a spiral arm on the far side of our Galaxy using radio interferometry and parallax measurements. They located the Scutum-Centaurus spiral arm as it passes around the far side and verified a new method to infer distances in this region.
VLBA measurement promises complete picture of Milky Way
Astronomers using the VLBA have directly measured the distance to a star-forming region on the opposite side of the Milky Way, nearly doubling the previous record. This achievement allows for the accurate mapping of the Galaxy's structure and spiral arms.
Ultra-high-energy cosmic rays come from galaxies far, far away
A new study reveals that ultra-high-energy cosmic rays come from galaxies far beyond our own Milky Way galaxy. The Pierre Auger Observatory's data analysis shows that these particles favor a specific direction, suggesting an extragalactic origin.
Astrophysicists map out the light energy contained within the Milky Way
A team of scientists has calculated the distribution of all light energy contained within the Milky Way, providing insight into galaxy formation and stellar processes. The research shows how stellar photons control gamma-ray production in the Universe.
Milky Way's origins are not what they seem
Researchers at Northwestern University discovered that up to half of the Milky Way's matter may have originated from distant galaxies through intergalactic transfer. This phenomenon, identified in simulations, shows that gas flows from smaller galaxies to larger ones, such as the Milky Way, forming stars.
Hubble's hidden galaxy
Located close to the Milky Way, IC 342 is a sweeping spiral galaxy with an active core. The Hubble Space Telescope image reveals a mixture of hot star-forming regions, cooler gas, and dark dust lanes around the bright core, indicating the presence of ionized hydrogen.
Fastest stars in the Milky Way are 'runaways' from another galaxy
Astronomers found that the fastest-moving stars in the Milky Way originated in the Large Magellanic Cloud, a dwarf galaxy in orbit around our own. Computer simulations and data analysis showed that these stars were ejected from their original home at incredible speeds.
Does dark matter annihilate quicker in the Milky Way?
Researchers propose a theory that predicts dark matter annihilation rates vary by galaxy size and time. This study suggests dark matter could consist of multiple particles interacting through a yet-undiscovered low-mass particle.
Unexpected rotation in a stone-dead galaxy
A team of scientists has detected a rotating stellar disk in the ancient elliptical-shaped galaxy MACS2129-1, located 10 billion light-years from Earth. This finding contradicts prevailing astrophysical theory regarding the formation of such galaxies shortly after the Big Bang. The stars in MACS2129-1 rotate at a speed of over 500 km p...
Hubble 'traps' a vermin galaxy
Astronomers study properties of debris disk around sun-like star by analyzing light passing through it. The transit allows scientists to infer characteristics of the disk and potentially discover analogues in our Solar System.
Astronomers perform largest-ever survey of high-mass binary star systems
Researchers have discovered and characterized 82 massive binary star systems in the Tarantula Nebula, a satellite galaxy of the Milky Way. The study provides new insights into the properties of these systems, which are expected to play a crucial role in shaping the chemical evolution of the universe.
Hydrogen halo lifts the veil of our galactic home
Researchers at University of Arizona discover diffuse hydrogen gas surrounding Milky Way, accounting for large part of galaxy's baryonic mass. This finding confirms predictions from simulations and provides new insights into the nature of dark matter.
Satellite galaxies at edge of Milky Way coexist with dark matter, says RIT study
A new RIT study confirms the coexistence of satellite galaxies and dark matter, shedding light on a long-standing debate. The research supports the current cosmological paradigm by showing that the vast polar structure of dwarf galaxies is an unstable feature that formed later in the galaxy's evolution.
NASA's fermi finds possible dark matter ties in andromeda galaxy
Fermi data reveals concentrated gamma rays at Andromeda's center, sparking speculation about dark matter. The unusual distribution may be caused by unknown sources or the presence of dark matter.
New delta Scuti: Rare pulsating star 7,000 light years away is 1 of only 7 in Milky Way
Astronomers have discovered a rare pulsating delta Scuti star 7,000 light years away in the Pegasus constellation. The star's unique pattern of expansion and contraction every 2.5 hours is the result of its heating and cooling hydrogen fuel at its core.
Astronomers propose a cell phone search for galactic fast radio bursts
Scientists suggest a global network of cell phones or small radio receivers could 'hear' nearby Fast Radio Bursts (FRBs). A free smartphone app could monitor appropriate frequencies, sending data to a central facility.
Tail of stray black hole hiding in the Milky Way
Astronomers detected a compact molecular cloud with unusual motion near the supernova remnant W44, suggesting the presence of a hidden black hole. The black hole is estimated to be between 3.5 and 36 times more massive than the sun, sparking debate over its origin.