Articles tagged with Observational Astronomy
Astronomers discover a small, dark moon orbiting Makemake, the second brightest icy dwarf planet in the Kuiper Belt. The moon's diameter is estimated to be 100 miles across and its orbit completes around Makemake in 12 days or longer.
The study uses a rare type of cosmic ray that acts like a tiny timer to determine the age and distance of galactic cosmic rays. The results suggest that these cosmic rays were created recently and are coming from nearby clusters of massive stars within 3,000 light years of Earth.
Researchers directly observed waves in superconductivity for the first time using scanning tunneling microscopes. They found relatively modest wave amplitude, but discovered that tuning different materials could produce more dramatic results.
Researchers at Osaka University have simulated the formation of supermassive black holes, revealing that they are seeded by clouds of gas falling into potential wells created by dark matter. The simulations found a central seed particle growing rapidly to form a supermassive black hole, accompanied by misaligned accretion discs.
The earliest definitions of time were based on observed astronomical phenomena, while modern times are derived from atomic properties. The paper reveals how these definitions have evolved over time, highlighting the connection between astronomic and atomic time.
A team of scientists has found that a star similar to the Sun could potentially create a massive eruption known as a superflare, which could have devastating effects on Earth. The research used data from nearly 100,000 stars to show that superflares are likely formed through the same mechanism as solar flares.
Astronomers at UMass Amherst report the discovery of eight 'outrageously luminous' galaxies, which outshine previously brightest known galaxies. The newly observed galaxies are estimated to be about 10 billion years old and formed only 4 billion years after the Big Bang.
The new system, VGOS, enables precise measurements of the Earth's shape with improved sensitivity and data rates. The system uses broadband antennas to conduct observations in four bands, reducing interference and increasing data rates.
A team of researchers discovered 80 young galaxies in the early universe, with at least 54 being spatially resolved. Computer simulations confirmed that many of these galaxies are actually merging pairs, triggering intense star formation activity. This study sheds light on the formation and evolution of compact galaxies.
Scientists use real-time observations and computer simulations to analyze the solar corona's dynamic system. The sun's magnetic field drives space weather on Earth and affects interplanetary radiation. Understanding its structure is crucial for studying space throughout the solar system.
A team of scientists has found that compact dwarf galaxies, like the green pea galaxy J0925+1403, could explain cosmic reionization by ejecting ionizing photons into the intergalactic medium. This discovery opens a new avenue for understanding the early universe's 14 billion-year history.
A Kyoto-led team reports that black hole activity can be observed through visible light during outbursts, and that optical rays provide reliable data for black hole activity. The study used a 20 cm telescope to observe V404 Cygni, detecting repetitive patterns with timescales of several minutes to a few hours.
Scientists have finally shed light on the atmospheres of a group of planets orbiting stars outside our solar system. A team of experts analyzed observations from NASA and ESA telescopes, revealing that water was hidden by haze and cloud on some hot-Jupiter exoplanets.
University of Arizona researchers captured the first photo of a planet forming in a gap within LkCa15's disk, providing insights into protoplanetary formation. The study utilized advanced telescopes and imaging techniques to observe the young star and its surrounding disk.
A team of astronomers used data from the VLT to study the remains of an asteroid around a stellar remnant -- a white dwarf. They discovered an orbiting disc of gaseous material and found that it is lopsided and has not yet become circular.
Astronomers have discovered an adolescent protostar, CARMA-7, exhibiting rapid-fire growth spurts and intermittent jets streaming away from its poles. This finding provides insights into chaotic stellar formation in the densely packed Serpens South star cluster.
Comet Lovejoy released large amounts of ethyl alcohol and glycolaldehyde into space, adding to evidence that comets could be a source of complex organic molecules necessary for life. The discovery supports the idea that comets carried sophisticated chemistry to Earth during its early stages.
Physicists from Warsaw and Nottingham show that in systems moving with enormous accelerations, no clock will accurately measure proper time due to the Unruh effect. This has significant consequences for measurements of space-time.
Astronomers have discovered unexplained wave-like structures in the dusty disk surrounding the young star AU Mic, moving at speeds of up to 22,000 miles per hour. The features, resembling ripples in water, are unlike anything ever observed or predicted and may provide valuable clues about planet formation.
Astronomers have discovered fast-moving wave-like features in the debris disc of star AU Microscopii, which could be a sign of something unusual. The ripples are racing away from the star at speeds of up to 40,000 kilometers per hour, making them unlike anything ever observed before.
Researchers used an enormous X-ray laser to induce a phenomenon that doesn't occur under normal circumstances, resulting in a single higher-energetic X-ray photon. The findings may lead to new ways to diagnose matter in the future.
A NASA camera aboard the DSCOVR satellite captured a unique view of the moon as it moved in front of the sunlit side of Earth. The images show the fully illuminated
Tropical Depression Felicia made landfall on Socorro Island in the Revillagigedo Islands, southwest of Baja California, Mexico. The storm's maximum sustained winds were near 35 mph, and it is forecast to weaken into a remnant low by Saturday.
Astronomers using NASA's Swift satellite have discovered concentric X-ray rings centered on a black hole, which form due to the 'echo' effect of light traveling through dust layers. The findings provide insights into the normally invisible interstellar dust and allow for better understanding of the black hole's behavior.
Researchers use ALMA to observe dust contents of galaxies at redshift 5-6, revealing a new evolutionary stage. Average-sized galaxies contain less dust than expected, suggesting a previously unseen transition from gas to the first generation of galaxies.
Astronomers have discovered a colossal cloud of hydrogen dispersing from the warm, Neptune-sized planet Gliese 436b. The enormous gaseous tail is about 50 times the size of its parent star and may offer clues on how hot super-Earths form around other stars.
Astronomers analyzed Hubble data to find that Nix and Hydra are in chaotic rotation around Pluto. The system's dynamic motion offers insights into binary star systems and potential consequences for life.
Two of Pluto's moons, Nix and Hydra, wobble unpredictably due to a constantly shifting gravitational field created by the double planet system of Pluto and Charon. This effect is strengthened by the non-spherical shape of the moons, which may be similar for the other two moons, Kerberos and Styx.
Astronomers discovered a peculiar Wolf-Rayet star, Nasty 1, with a vast pancake-shaped gas disk encircling it. The disk may have formed from an unseen companion star through mass transfer in a binary system.
Scientists have discovered a nearly-annual cycle of solar activity that can drive space weather events, including solar storms at Earth. This discovery could improve forecasts of space weather by understanding the interaction between magnetic field bands on the sun.
Scientists have observed two large coronal holes on the sun, with one covering about 6-8% of the total solar surface and another 0.16%. These regions can emit fast solar winds that affect Earth. The unique magnetic fields in these areas extend far into space.
Researchers observed a rare phenomenon where the light from a distant supernova is deflected by a massive galaxy, creating four separate images. The discovery provides insights into dark matter, which makes up about 95% of the universe's mass.
A team of students and professors is launching rockets to develop technologies that can detect the missing normal matter in space. The project aims to confirm current models of the universe by observing the absorption caused by the intergalactic medium.
A team of astronomers discovered a young and remote galaxy with dust levels similar to mature galaxies like the Milky Way, defying expectations. The galaxy, A1689-zD1, was observed using ALMA and VLT instruments and found to be emitting radiation in the far infrared, indicating significant star formation.
A recent study found that smartphone applications and wearable devices are generally accurate in tracking step counts, with minimal variation between devices. However, some wearables reported higher or lower counts than observed, highlighting the need for device accuracy assessment.
Some science museums are removing their dinosaur exhibits due to conservation issues. A new database aims to improve estimates of oceanic methane and nitrous oxide emissions. Amateur radio operators' data has potential for validating space weather models and understanding ionospheric behavior.
A team of astronomers has discovered the most massive pair of white dwarf stars yet found, which will merge in the future to form a runaway thermonuclear explosion leading to a Type Ia supernova. This discovery provides new insights into astronomical distances and dark energy, shedding light on the expansion of the Universe.
A new joint analysis of BICEP2/Keck Array and Planck data reveals that the earlier detection of primordial gravitational waves is no longer secure due to interstellar dust contamination. The study uses multi-frequency data from Planck and ground-based experiments to separate foreground emissions from the cosmic background.
DSCOVR will observe the sun, tracking Coronal Mass Ejections that can affect power grids and communications systems. The satellite will also study the Earth from its unique L1 orbit, providing multi-spectral images and radiation measurements.
Recent small volcanic eruptions have been identified as a contributing factor to the recent 'warming hiatus', with scientists finding that they cool the atmosphere and reflect sunlight away from Earth. The new research complements earlier studies, which found that volcanoes may have caused cooling of up to 0.12 degrees Celsius since 2000.
The Gemini Planet Imager (GPI) has produced high-quality exoplanet images and spectra from its first year of science operations. The instrument's advanced imaging capabilities have revealed significant differences in the colors of two planets in the HR 8799 system, suggesting unique atmospheric compositions.
A team of astronomers developed a simulation that produces galaxies with characteristics similar to observed ones, including mass, size, and age. The strong galactic winds in the EAGLE-simulation lead to lighter and younger galaxies with less star formation, mirroring real galaxy observations.
Researchers have solved the mystery of the theta aurora by studying data from the European Space Agency's Cluster and NASA's IMAGE satellites. The study found that the plasma trapping mechanism is responsible for the phenomenon, which occurs when the interplanetary magnetic field points northwards.
Scientists have explained the origin of theta auroras, a type of high-latitude aurora that was unclear until now. The mysterious phenomenon is linked to hot plasma in the magnetosphere, caused by magnetic reconnection and funneled into near-Earth space from the sun.
Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) has developed a portable solar observatory called SSIPP for use on commercial suborbital spacecraft. The observatory aims to enable cost-effective space-based observation similar to ground-based observatories.
Researchers analyzing decades of observations detect an unusual source of light in a galaxy, with properties suggesting it could be a supermassive black hole ejected from its home galaxy. Alternatively, the object might have been a rare type of star known as a Luminous Blue Variable that underwent prolonged eruptions.
Researchers have discovered two young stars with analogues to our solar system's asteroid and Kuiper belts, surrounded by a large dust halo. These findings suggest a common model for planetary formation and evolution, providing insight into the early stages of star formation and planet creation.
Two NASA and European spacecraft have gathered data about Comet Siding Spring's effects on Mars' atmosphere, detecting an intense meteor shower and a new layer of ions. The comet's debris added significant but temporary changes to the planet's upper atmosphere.
Researchers at Georgia State University's Center for High Angular Resolution Astronomy observed a nova's early fireball stage and revealed its complex expansion. The study, published in Nature, used the CHARA Array to create high-resolution images of the explosion, shedding new light on the structure of ejected material.
The study reveals two distinct families of exocomets in the Beta Pictoris system: old and recent ones. The old family has weak activity with low gas production rates, while the second family is more active and likely originates from a single object's breakup.
The XMASS collaboration has found no significant excess above background noise for bosonic super-WIMPs, ruling out their role as all dark matter. This result constrains light super-WIMP models and suggests alternative explanations for the nature of dark matter.
VAULT2.0 will observe light emitted from hydrogen atoms at extreme temperatures to understand coronal heating. The launch allows for six minutes of observations above the atmosphere, capturing images every six to eight seconds.
Arctic sea ice coverage reached its annual minimum of 1.94 million square miles in September 2014, the sixth lowest recorded since 1978. The summer started cool and lacked intense storms or persistent winds, contributing to the low extent.
Researchers discovered early observations of a 19th-century volcanic eruption, dated to within a fortnight of December 4, 1808. The 'Unknown' eruption occurred before the famous 1815 Tambora volcano, which had significant global impacts on climate and inspired literary works like 'Darkness.'
Typhoon Kalmaegi crossed northern Luzon, Philippines and entered the South China Sea, forming a giant whirlpool of clouds. The storm's maximum sustained winds reached 75mph, causing waves up to 22 feet in the sea.
A new study reveals that citizen science plays a crucial role in climate change research, with amateur data collectors contributing up to 77% of studies. The lack of recognition for this contribution can lead people to feel they have nothing to contribute to the scientific process.
Case Western Reserve University astronomers will study the outskirts of spiral galaxy M101 using Hubble Space Telescope data. The research aims to determine how galaxies form over time, with findings that could challenge current understanding of galaxy formation.
Scientists detected unexpectedly high emissions of CCl4, a banned ozone-depleting compound, averaging 39 kilotons per year. This finding suggests unidentified industrial leakages or unknown sources contributing to the compound's persistence in the atmosphere.
The Arctic Radiation IceBridge Sea and Ice Experiment (ARISE) aims to study the effect of sea ice retreat on Arctic climate. ARISE will conduct research flights over the Arctic from Aug. 28 to Oct. 1, collecting data on ice, clouds, and radiation balance.
Super Typhoon Genevieve rapidly intensified into a Category 5 storm after crossing the International Dateline. The NASA-NOAA Suomi NPP satellite captured infrared images of the storm, revealing a symmetrical structure with a clear eye and powerful thunderstorms.