Articles tagged with Observational Astronomy
A University of Maryland-led study has observed the electron heating process in Earth's bow shock, revealing a new mechanism for converting energy from the solar wind to heat. This breakthrough provides valuable new insights into Earth's magnetic field and its ability to protect the planet from harmful particles and radiation.
An international team of astronomers used ALMA to observe a distant galaxy called MACS1149-JD1, detecting ionised oxygen emitted 13.3 billion years ago. This signal indicates that even earlier generations of stars existed in the galaxy, pushing back the frontiers of the observable Universe.
A team of international astronomers has detected oxygen in a galaxy 13.28 billion light-years away, revealing that stars formed at an unexpectedly early stage in the universe's history. The discovery provides insight into the formation of galaxies and sheds light on the 'cosmic dawn' era.
Researchers have discovered the farthest individual star ever seen, Icarus, 9 billion light years away, by magnifying its brightness with the gravity of a larger object. This breakthrough study uses gravitational lensing to exclude the possibility that dark matter is made up mostly of large black holes.
OU Professor Cameron Homeyer received a NASA Research Opportunities in Space and Earth Science grant to study the effects of storms on atmospheric composition. He aims to link ground-based radar observations with satellite data to better understand storm characteristics.
Researchers have identified nearly 200 regions of galaxies gathering together to form protoclusters in the early Universe 12 billion years ago. The discovery challenges the long-held assumption that quasars are created by galaxy mergers, suggesting alternative mechanisms for quasar activity.
A team of researchers proposes a new scenario for the formation of Comet Chury, suggesting it formed through a gentle encounter between two comets, preserving its primordial composition. This process allows for the survival of small bodies like Chury, which would otherwise be destroyed by collisions in the regions where they orbit.
A team of researchers has created a comprehensive dark matter map, indicating inconsistent halos with the standard cosmological model. The findings could hold new clues to understanding the accelerating expansion of the Universe.
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.
New research using NASA's THEMIS and Japan's ERG satellite data reveals chirping waves cause pulsating auroras by disturbing electrons in Earth's upper atmosphere. The discovery provides a definitive explanation for the mysterious phenomenon, with implications for understanding plasma waves across the universe.
The James Webb Space Telescope will study Mars' transition from wet to dry, revealing clues about the planet's past and present habitability. The telescope will also analyze the abundance of water and methane in the Martian atmosphere, shedding light on the origin of these gases.
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.
Scientists from Carnegie Institution for Science have observed evidence of the long-theorized, difficult-to-see low-density liquid phase of water. The team used a rapid-decompression technique to create this phase, which only lasted for half a second at extremely cold temperatures.
Astronomers have discovered a trio of super-Earths around the star GJ 9827, with two of them having radii between 1.7 times and 2.5 times that of Earth, sparking debate about their composition. The study's findings provide insight into how these planets form and evolve, with implications for the search for life beyond our Solar System.
A team of astronomers from the University of Basel has found that satellite galaxies around Centaurus A co-rotate within disc-shaped planes, a phenomenon that challenges the standard model of cosmology. This discovery suggests that these systems are not isolated cases but part of a widespread pattern.
Astronomers have discovered a star behaving strangely, orbiting an invisible black hole with four times the mass of the Sun. The finding reveals a dense nucleus within globular clusters, challenging previous theories on stellar-mass black holes.
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.
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.
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.
Researchers measured gas levels in comet 45P, revealing it doesn't match any studied before, with carbon monoxide and methane being detected. The team found a larger-than-average share of frozen methanol, raising questions about its origin.
Researchers discovered a significant cooling of Titan's polar atmosphere, contradicting model predictions and other celestial bodies. The study attributes this phenomenon to exotic photochemical reactions producing hydrocarbons that cool the atmosphere.
The first known interstellar visitor, 'Oumuamua, is a rapidly rotating and dimly bright object similar to Kuiper Belt objects and organic-rich comets. It was discovered in October and observed using the Gemini Observatory before fading from view due to its increasing distance.
Researchers analyzed over 60 years of solar microwave data and found consistent microwave intensities and spectra at the minimums of each cycle, contrasting with varying intensity and spectrum during periods of maximum solar activity. This discovery sheds light on understanding the creation and amplification of solar magnetic fields.
An international team of astronomers discovered a star that exploded multiple times over 50 years, challenging existing theories on cosmic catastrophes. The star, iPTF14hls, was found to be at least 50 times more massive than the sun and may be the first example of a rare 'Pulsational Pair Instability Supernova'.
The ESA and NASA's SOHO mission recently observed comet 96P in two separate sessions, offering valuable insights into its composition and interactions with the solar wind. By combining polarization measurements from both missions, scientists can gain a better understanding of the comet's tail particles.
Galaxies moving through 'cosmic web' filaments may have altered star formation rates due to compressed gas. The team will use multiple telescopes to observe neutral hydrogen and molecular gas in galaxies as they travel along filaments, aiming to determine if the amount of fuel for star formation is less abundant.
Researchers from the J-GEM collaboration observed a kilonova explosion, a phenomenon predicted to create heavy elements through rapid neutron capture reactions. The first-ever confirmed kilonova was detected using a network of telescopes worldwide, providing insight into the universe's heavy element production.
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.
Researchers have discovered evidence of dynamical dark energy, suggesting that the nature of dark energy may not be a constant vacuum energy. The discovery was made possible by high-precision measurements of Baryonic Acoustic Oscillations and will require confirmation from next-generation astronomical surveys.
Researchers used historic accounts and modern methods to describe an extreme magnetic storm over Kyoto in the 18th century. The study provides valuable insights into past solar activity and its potential impact on future events.
A new study recounts the life and work of Hisako Koyama, a pioneering female solar observer who created detailed sunspot drawings for over 40 years. Her archive was used to establish a continuous record of sunspots stretching back to 1610, shedding light on the solar cycle and its influence on Earth.
Hubble identifies potential targets for Webb using preparatory science observations, filling observational gaps in the infrared spectrum. Astronomers plan to use Hubble to survey multiple targets and determine the best strategy for Webb, optimizing observation time.
The LIGO and Virgo observatories have jointly detected a black hole collision, emitting ripples in space and time. The event, located 1.8 billion light-years away, resulted in a spinning black hole with about 53 times the mass of our sun.
Research detects 30,000 high-energy particles with energies a million times greater than the LHC, finding that flux from certain regions of the sky is approximately 6% higher than uniform, indicating an extragalactic origin. The Pierre Auger Observatory detects these particles and analyzes their arrival directions.
Astronomers have observed a unique type of object in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter, revealing two asteroids orbiting each other and exhibiting comet-like features. The research provides crucial information about the origin and evolution of main-belt comets, which can help answer questions about how water came to Earth.
A team of astronomers has detected titanium oxide in the atmosphere of WASP-19b, an exoplanet with a temperature of 2000 degrees Celsius. The discovery was made using ESO's VLT and allows for more accurate modeling of exoplanet atmospheres.
Tropical depression 21W strengthened into tropical storm Doksuri, exhibiting fragmented feeder bands of strong thunderstorms. NASA's Aqua satellite captured images of the storm as it moved west in the South China Sea and intensified over the next day and a half.
A team of scientists identified 68 exoplanets where observers can see the planets in our Solar System transit the Sun. Nine of these are ideally placed to observe Earth's transits, although none are habitable.
Researchers have observed a sudden change in rotation speed of SXP 1062, a binary pulsar exhibiting the 'glitch' phenomenon. The discovery provides new constraints on neutron star equation of state and sheds light on the interior dynamics of these compact objects.
Two Japanese teams found the Phoenicid meteor shower linked to Comet Blanpain, which disappeared in 1819. The team predicted the shower's return and observed 29 Phoenicids, confirming their link to Comet Blanpain.
Scientists have tracked a solar storm using data from 10 NASA and ESA spacecraft, shedding light on how coronal mass ejections (CMEs) move through space. The study provides key information for understanding space weather effects on the solar system.
A new study suggests that human-caused warming is very likely responsible for the recent streak of record-breaking temperatures. The likelihood of experiencing consecutive record-breaking global temperatures from 2014 to 2016 without the effects of human-caused climate change is no greater than 0.03 percent.
Researchers discovered a massive storm system near Neptune's equator, about 1/3 the size of Neptune's radius, with bright clouds forming at low latitudes. This unexpected feature was observed during twilight and is thought to be linked to high-pressure dark vortex systems.
Dellingr, a 6U CubeSat, is set to launch in August with NASA-quality data on the sun's influence on Earth's upper atmosphere. The spacecraft demonstrates a more reliable design and relatively inexpensive technology, addressing previous reliability issues.
An international team of astronomers suggests that the Milky Way contains a staggering number of brown dwarfs, with estimates ranging from 25 to 100 billion. The Substellar Objects in Nearby Young Clusters (SONYC) survey found that brown dwarfs are common in dense star clusters and have a small effect on their formation environment.
Spicules are violently driven jets of plasma that occur thousands of times per day, yet their origin is poorly understood. The new model resolves this mystery by explaining how magnetic fields and solar plasma interact to generate spicules.
Researchers suggest that converging waves in the upper atmosphere amplify naturally occurring airglow, causing the unexplained glow seen in historical observations. Bright airglow can be a concern for astronomers, but its effects are still observable in remote areas.
The James Webb Space Telescope will observe a range of celestial objects, from the outer planets and Kuiper Belt to exoplanets and distant galaxies. The initial 2100 observations planned will address various science areas, including first light, galaxy assembly, and star and planet birth.
A new study reveals that the largest galaxies in the universe have been aligned with their surroundings for at least ten billion years. The discovery suggests that these galaxies are especially sensitive to their environment and were influenced by their surroundings from a young age.
Researchers combined data from three spacecraft to show that Jupiter's brightest auroral features are powered by both volcanic moon Io and interaction with the solar wind. The energy is transferred at speeds approaching 400-800 km/s, challenging previous assumptions about magnetic fields' dominance.
Researchers confirmed the orbit and temperature of TRAPPIST-1h, which orbits its star every 18.77 days and is frigidly cold. The discovery suggests that TRAPPIST-1h may have been habitable in the past, with a possible rotation period and activity level for its host star.
The RAISE mission will take 1,500 images of the sun's surface in just five minutes, providing high-cadence observations of its dynamic processes. By analyzing these images, scientists can study solar flares and massive eruptions, gaining insights into the sun's complex magnetic activity.
A new study proposes a unified model for solar eruptions, suggesting that smaller events like coronal jets can be explained by the same process as massive coronal mass ejections. The breakout model, which was previously used to describe CMEs, has been adapted to explain the formation of jets.
An international team of physicists and astronomers has detected for the first time multiple images from a gravitationally lensed Type Ia supernova. The observations suggest that this phenomenon can be used to test key cosmological theories about the accelerating expansion of the universe and the distribution of dark matter. By analyzi...
Researchers at the University of Leicester have discovered a massive, cold spot on Jupiter's atmosphere, comparable to its famous Great Red Spot, generated by polar aurorae. The phenomenon, potentially thousands of years old, creates a region of cooling in the thermosphere and has been observed to change dramatically over time.
Researchers at Kyoto University and Japan's National Institute of Polar Research used ancient texts to track past solar events, including prolonged auroras. They found clear patterns in solar activity and discovered that auroras were more prevalent during maximal solar cycles.
A study published in Nature Astronomy found that blue binaries in the Kuiper Belt formed closer to the Sun and were shaped by Neptune's gravitational nudges. The research suggests a smooth and calm migration of Neptune from 20 AU to its current location at 30 AU, allowing fragile binaries to be pushed out to their current orbits.
Astronomers have observed stars forming within powerful outflows of material blasted out from supermassive black holes. The discovery provides new insights into galaxy properties and evolution, shedding light on how galaxies obtain their shapes and become enriched with heavy elements.
The GOES-16 SUVI instrument has successfully captured its first solar images, providing valuable data on coronal plasma temperatures and emission measurements. This will enable the NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center to issue early warnings for potential geomagnetic storms impacting Earth's magnetic field.
Scientists have observed rapid temperature changes in ultra-fast black hole winds, which are responding to X-ray emissions from the accretion disk. This discovery provides clues for locating the origin of these outflows and their connection to galaxy formation.