Articles tagged with Observational Astrophysics
A team of Chinese astronomers has discovered the most lithium-rich giant known to date using the LAMOST telescope. The star's lithium abundance is approximately 3,000 times higher than that of typical giants, providing valuable insights into the universe's evolution and Big Bang theory.
The Planck mission's final data supports the standard cosmological model with exceptional accuracy, providing a wealth of information about the Universe's content and rate of expansion. However, some limitations and anomalies remain, particularly regarding the Universe's expansion rate.
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.
A team of MIT scientists analyzed two years of data from the IceCube Neutrino Observatory and found no evidence of Lorentz violation in high-energy neutrinos. The results establish the most stringent limits to date on the existence of Lorentz violation in neutrinos, confirming Einstein's theory.
Researchers from the University of Leicester played a key role in discovering the origin of 'ghost particles' - high-energy neutrinos and cosmic rays. A global network helped identify a known blazar as the source of these particles, providing new insights into the universe's most distant energy sources.
A Drexel University astrophysicist and her colleagues have proven the origin of high-energy particles called neutrinos, revealing they come from blazars with spinning supermassive black holes. This discovery opens up new avenues for understanding the universe's formation and evolution.
A team of scientists, including a UC Riverside physicist, has imposed conditions on how dark matter interacts with ordinary matter. The study sets constraints that can aid in detecting the elusive dark matter particle and better understand its fundamental properties.
An international team has cataloged around 200 solar prominence oscillations detected in the first half of 2014. The analysis revealed that almost half of these events have been of large-amplitude, with speeds between 10 km/s and 100 km/s.
A new computer model developed by Dr. Jane Lixin Dai and Prof. Enrico Ramirez-Ruiz enables the categorization of variations in observations of Tidal Disruption Events, allowing for a better understanding of black hole properties and the study of rare celestial events.
A new study provides a unified model for understanding tidal disruption events, which occur when a star is torn apart by a supermassive black hole's gravity. The model reveals that viewing angle accounts for differences in observed properties of these events, offering a coherent framework for researchers to analyze.
A team of astronomers has identified at least six strong candidates for dark galaxies by leveraging the ultraviolet light from quasars to 'illuminate' gas in the intergalactic medium. The discovery could help fill a gap in our understanding of galaxy evolution, as it provides direct evidence for the existence of dark galaxies.
A team of astronomers has performed one of the highest resolution observations in astronomical history of a pulsar 6,500 light-years away, observing two intense regions of radiation around a rapidly spinning star. The observation could provide clues to the nature of Fast Radio Bursts, which may be amplified by plasma lenses.
The Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) has completed a lunar flyby, providing a gravity assist to help it reach its final working orbit. As part of camera commissioning, TESS snapped a two-second test exposure revealing over 200,000 stars in the southern constellation Centaurus.
A new map for a birthplace of stars provides unprecedented detail of the structure of the Orion A molecular cloud. The maps will help researchers calibrate star formation models for extragalactic studies and better understand how fast and efficiently stars form in the region.
Scientists discovered a new hot Jupiter exoplanet, KPS-1b, using data from an amateur astronomer. The exoplanet orbits a star similar to the Sun and has a mass and size close to that of Jupiter. Its proximity to its parent star results in extremely high temperatures in its atmosphere.
A new study predicts that LISA will detect dozens of binaries in the Milky Way's globular clusters, containing various compact object combinations. This will expand the breadth of the gravitational wave spectrum, allowing for exploration of different types of objects not observable with LIGO.
A study using ALMA found a surprising distribution of star-forming cores, with fewer massive stars and more solar-mass stars than expected. This discovery may require reevaluation of the relationship between core mass and star mass.
Researchers from ITMO University have discovered a new mechanism for neutron star radio emission, based on the transitions of particles between gravitational states. This phenomenon is similar to laser amplification and was first observed in electrons on the surface of neutron stars, consistent with real experimental observations.
A new international study has found that galaxies grow bigger and more ordered with age, with stars moving in all directions. The research team measured the movement of stars in 843 galaxies using an instrument called SAMI on the Anglo-Australian Telescope.
Astronomers have discovered an isolated neutron star with low magnetic field located beyond our Milky Way galaxy using the MUSE instrument on ESO's Very Large Telescope in Chile. The neutron star is surrounded by a ring of gas that includes neon and oxygen.
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.
Researchers discovered a Fast-Evolving Luminous Transient (FELT) captured by the Kepler Space Telescope in 2015. The transient rose in brightness over just 2.2 days and faded within 10 days, with scientists attributing its cause to a 'burp' from the star before exploding.
Researchers using Hubble Space Telescope have discovered a galaxy with minimal to no dark matter, contradicting long-held assumptions about its presence in galaxies. The ultra-diffuse galaxy NGC 1052-DF2 contains at least 400 times less dark matter than predicted for a galaxy of its mass.
Scientists used data from three NASA satellites to create a 3D model of coronal mass ejections and their associated shocks, confirming long-held theoretical predictions. The new models provide detailed information on shock density, speed, and strength, essential for assessing the danger CMEs pose to astronauts and spacecraft.
Narlikar shares personal reminiscences on the evolution of cosmology over six decades, highlighting the increase in confidence in the standard model. However, he also notes that this model lacks independent observational support and an established theoretical base.
A team of researchers validated theoretical predictions about the initial evolution of stellar explosions using data from a rare supernova captured by an amateur astronomer. The study found that the rapid brightening rate and low luminosity of SN 2016gkg supported models predicting shock emergence during the explosion.
Astrophysicists at UChicago used laser experiments to verify the turbulent dynamo theory, explaining the generation of cosmic magnetic fields. The study confirmed that turbulent plasma can amplify a weak magnetic field to strengths observed in stars and galaxies.
New observations of Tabby's Star by the Canary Island Observatories suggest that interstellar dust is causing the star's unusual brightness fluctuations, rather than an alien megastructure. The data, published in two articles, show that different colors in the star's light are being attenuated at varying rates.
Scientists have made significant progress in developing an ultra-stable telescope capable of detecting Earth-like planets and analyzing their atmospheres for signs of life. The team has successfully measured subatomic- or picometer-sized distortions across a five-foot segmented mirror, paving the way for future missions.
Astronomers studying the aftermath of a distant neutron-star merger are puzzled by the continued brightening of its afterglow, which defies initial expectations. New X-ray observations suggest a more complex emission process, potentially involving a hot 'cocoon' around a jet that shock-heated surrounding debris.
Astrophysicists have determined that the maximum mass of neutron stars cannot exceed 2.16 solar masses through a combination of theoretical and observational research. The result was achieved by applying universal relations to data on gravitational-wave signals and electromagnetic radiation from merging neutron star events.
Observations of a nearby star-forming region have revealed that large stars are more prevalent than predicted by models. The study found that there were many more stars at high masses, with a top-heavy initial mass function expected to generate exotic objects like black holes and neutron stars.
A team of researchers found that the star's light appears to dim and brighten due to different amounts of dust blocking various wavelengths of light. The study rules out alien megastructures as a cause, but raises the possibility of other phenomena being behind the dimming.
Researchers from Louisiana State University have collected new data on KIC 8462852, also known as Tabby's Star, which has been dimming and brightening sporadically. The study suggests that dust is likely the cause of these changes, blocking different colors of light at varying intensities.
A new study published in Nature shows that the mass of a galaxy's central black hole determines when its star formation history stops. The study found a continuous interplay between black hole activity and star formation throughout a galaxy's life, with bigger black holes quenching star formation faster.
A team of astronomers discovered massive clouds of gas and dust orbiting the star RZ Piscium, which could have formed from destroyed planets. The star's unusual dimming episodes suggest it is a young Sun-like star with a debris disk.
Observations of two massive galaxies using ALMA radio telescope reveal they formed 780 million years after the Big Bang, challenging previous understanding. The discovery provides new insights into galaxy formation and dark matter's role in assembling large structures.
A team of scientists used computer simulations based on recent observations to determine the radius of neutron stars. The calculations suggest a minimum radius of 10.7 km for these dense objects.
Researchers have proposed a new model to explain turbulent processes in plasmas, which are estimated to make up 99% of the universe's visible matter. The findings suggest that magnetic reconnection plays a crucial role in plasma turbulence, providing a conceptual shift in understanding its dynamics and properties.
Scientists have observed a contracting white dwarf for the first time, providing insights into young stars' evolution. The discovery suggests that young white dwarfs contract as they age, challenging current understanding of their behavior.
The Zwicky Transient Facility's (ZTF) new survey camera captures hundreds of thousands of stars and galaxies in a single shot, taking its first image of the sky, dubbed 'first light.' ZTF aims to discover objects and events varying in brightness over time, including explosive supernovae, hungry black holes, and asteroids/comets.
The UW Department of Astronomy is joining the ZTF team to develop new methods for identifying celestial objects in the night sky. The ZTF's massive real-time data stream will impact studies of stars, our solar system, and the evolution of our universe.
The James Webb Space Telescope has released early data from its first five months of operations, targeting Jupiter and its moons, organic molecule-forming infant stars, supermassive black holes, and baby galaxies. The observations will explore exoplanet atmospheres using infrared spectrographs and peer into the distant universe to exam...
Astronomers study distant galaxy's gravitational lensing, revealing smaller-than-thought giant clumps. Groundbreaking observations and simulations confirm turbulent nature of distant galaxies.
A team of scientists has discovered a remarkable exception to existing theories on supernovae, with a star that exploded multiple times over 50 years. The star, iPTF14hls, was initially observed as an ordinary supernova but grew brighter and dimmer at least five times.
Astronomers have detected the second most distant star-forming galaxy in the universe, born 12.8 billion years ago, using the Large Millimeter Telescope (LMT). The galaxy is one of the first massive galaxies to form and was observed with high precision using millimeter waves.
An international team of researchers has made a groundbreaking discovery about matter accretion in young stars, allowing for more accurate calculations of the accretion rate. This finding is crucial for understanding the life cycle of stars and their growth under gravity's influence.
Recent study finds that galaxy clusters' density is smaller than predicted, and brightest cluster galaxies wobble, indicating a shallower central density. This suggests the existence of exotic forms of dark matter.
Researchers detect electromagnetic waves from neutron star merger, confirming predictions of heavy element production. The event is a milestone in understanding astrophysical processes and requires precise nuclear data to be fully understood.
The team used the Swope telescope to discover the light produced by the merger and obtained the earliest spectra of the collision. These observations may allow scientists to explain how many of the universe's heavy elements were created.
The LIGO detector has confirmed a 1989 prediction made by Prof. Tsvi Piran that neutron star mergers produce gamma-ray bursts and synthesize heavy elements like gold and uranium. This confirmation solves several puzzles in astronomy and opens new ways to understand the universe.
Third-year physics graduate students Kaitlin Rasmussen and Devin Whitten witnessed the historic event using the 2.5-meter Irénée du Pont Telescope in Chile. The observation provided valuable insights into the rapid-neutron capture process, a key mechanism for forming heavy metals like gold, platinum, and uranium.
A new model reveals that neutral particles facilitate magnetic field penetration through the Sun's surface, producing spicules. This leads to the generation of Alfvén waves, which are thought to heat the sun's atmosphere and propel the solar wind.
A new telescope attachment using custom beam-shaping diffusers enables highly precise ground-based observations of exoplanets. The technology minimizes distortions caused by the Earth's atmosphere, allowing for stable and smooth images that are essential for maximizing precision in measurements.
The LIGO and Virgo Scientific Collaborations have detected a fourth gravitational wave signal, confirming Einstein's theory of general relativity. The detection was made using advanced optical interferometers and marks the first time three observatories have witnessed a merger at once.
For the first time, three detectors tracked gravitational waves emitted by a merger of two black holes, allowing scientists to more closely locate their birthplace in space. The detection highlights the scientific potential of a three-detector network of gravitational-wave detectors.
A decade-long study by the Pierre Auger Collaboration has found six percent greater rate of extragalactic cosmic rays from one side of sky than other, suggesting acceleration sites are outside Milky Way. The observatory's detection provides compelling evidence for extragalactic origin of ultra-high energy cosmic particles.
The Pierre Auger Collaboration reports that cosmic rays with energies a million times greater than the protons accelerated in the Large Hadron Collider come from much further away. The study discovered an anisotropy in the arrival directions of over 30,000 cosmic particles, indicating an extragalactic origin.
A study published in Science confirms that the highest energy cosmic rays bombard the Earth come from outside the Milky Way Galaxy. The Pierre Auger Observatory collected data from 12 years, revealing an anisotropy in the distribution of arrival directions of cosmic particles.
Researchers at the University of New South Wales have successfully detected polarised light from a rapidly spinning star for the first time. Using a highly sensitive piece of equipment, they measured Regulus' spin rate of 96.5% of its break-up velocity, equivalent to 320 km/s.