Articles tagged with Observational Astrophysics
Comprehensive exploration of living organisms, biological systems, and life processes across all scales from molecules to ecosystems. Encompasses cutting-edge research in biology, genetics, molecular biology, ecology, biochemistry, microbiology, botany, zoology, evolutionary biology, genomics, and biotechnology. Investigates cellular mechanisms, organism development, genetic inheritance, biodiversity conservation, metabolic processes, protein synthesis, DNA sequencing, CRISPR gene editing, stem cell research, and the fundamental principles governing all forms of life on Earth.
Comprehensive medical research, clinical studies, and healthcare sciences focused on disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Encompasses clinical medicine, public health, pharmacology, epidemiology, medical specialties, disease mechanisms, therapeutic interventions, healthcare innovation, precision medicine, telemedicine, medical devices, drug development, clinical trials, patient care, mental health, nutrition science, health policy, and the application of medical science to improve human health, wellbeing, and quality of life across diverse populations.
Comprehensive investigation of human society, behavior, relationships, and social structures through systematic research and analysis. Encompasses psychology, sociology, anthropology, economics, political science, linguistics, education, demography, communications, and social research methodologies. Examines human cognition, social interactions, cultural phenomena, economic systems, political institutions, language and communication, educational processes, population dynamics, and the complex social, cultural, economic, and political forces shaping human societies, communities, and civilizations throughout history and across the contemporary world.
Fundamental study of the non-living natural world, matter, energy, and physical phenomena governing the universe. Encompasses physics, chemistry, earth sciences, atmospheric sciences, oceanography, materials science, and the investigation of physical laws, chemical reactions, geological processes, climate systems, and planetary dynamics. Explores everything from subatomic particles and quantum mechanics to planetary systems and cosmic phenomena, including energy transformations, molecular interactions, elemental properties, weather patterns, tectonic activity, and the fundamental forces and principles underlying the physical nature of reality.
Practical application of scientific knowledge and engineering principles to solve real-world problems and develop innovative technologies. Encompasses all engineering disciplines, technology development, computer science, artificial intelligence, environmental sciences, agriculture, materials applications, energy systems, and industrial innovation. Bridges theoretical research with tangible solutions for infrastructure, manufacturing, computing, communications, transportation, construction, sustainable development, and emerging technologies that advance human capabilities, improve quality of life, and address societal challenges through scientific innovation and technological progress.
Study of the practice, culture, infrastructure, and social dimensions of science itself. Addresses how science is conducted, organized, communicated, and integrated into society. Encompasses research funding mechanisms, scientific publishing systems, peer review processes, academic ethics, science policy, research institutions, scientific collaboration networks, science education, career development, research programs, scientific methods, science communication, and the sociology of scientific discovery. Examines the human, institutional, and cultural aspects of scientific enterprise, knowledge production, and the translation of research into societal benefit.
Comprehensive study of the universe beyond Earth, encompassing celestial objects, cosmic phenomena, and space exploration. Includes astronomy, astrophysics, planetary science, cosmology, space physics, astrobiology, and space technology. Investigates stars, galaxies, planets, moons, asteroids, comets, black holes, nebulae, exoplanets, dark matter, dark energy, cosmic microwave background, stellar evolution, planetary formation, space weather, solar system dynamics, the search for extraterrestrial life, and humanity's efforts to explore, understand, and unlock the mysteries of the cosmos through observation, theory, and space missions.
Comprehensive examination of tools, techniques, methodologies, and approaches used across scientific disciplines to conduct research, collect data, and analyze results. Encompasses experimental procedures, analytical methods, measurement techniques, instrumentation, imaging technologies, spectroscopic methods, laboratory protocols, observational studies, statistical analysis, computational methods, data visualization, quality control, and methodological innovations. Addresses the practical techniques and theoretical frameworks enabling scientists to investigate phenomena, test hypotheses, gather evidence, ensure reproducibility, and generate reliable knowledge through systematic, rigorous investigation across all areas of scientific inquiry.
Study of abstract structures, patterns, quantities, relationships, and logical reasoning through pure and applied mathematical disciplines. Encompasses algebra, calculus, geometry, topology, number theory, analysis, discrete mathematics, mathematical logic, set theory, probability, statistics, and computational mathematics. Investigates mathematical structures, theorems, proofs, algorithms, functions, equations, and the rigorous logical frameworks underlying quantitative reasoning. Provides the foundational language and tools for all scientific fields, enabling precise description of natural phenomena, modeling of complex systems, and the development of technologies across physics, engineering, computer science, economics, and all quantitative sciences.
Researchers observed a supernova's X-ray emission breaking through a cocoon of dense gas surrounding the star. The data support the idea that some supernovas are powered by blast waves interacting with surrounding material. Additionally, the discovery hints at an unrelated ultraluminous X-ray source nearby.
Astronomers have discovered a supermassive black hole eating a star's core, revealing that these massive objects snack infrequently. The discovery showcases the power of the Panoramic Survey Telescope and Rapid Response System (Pan-STARRS) in detecting transient phenomena.
Researchers analyze Hinode and SOHO data to show the north pole's magnetic field is weakening faster than predicted, while the south pole's polarity remains unchanged. The findings suggest an imminent solar maximum, potentially occurring before 2013, with significant implications for solar activity and space weather forecasts.
The IceCube Neutrino Observatory has provided significant new insights into the production of cosmic rays, contradicting 15 years of predictions. The study found no neutrinos from gamma-ray bursts, forcing a re-evaluation of theories on high-energy cosmic ray production.
The IceCube Neutrino Observatory has found no neutrinos emitted from gamma ray bursts, contradicting 15 years of predictions and challenging one of the two leading theories for high-energy cosmic rays. The result opens a new window on cosmic ray production and the interior processes of GRBs.
Researchers at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center discovered a unique solar pattern, dubbed 'coronal cells,' in the sun's corona. These cells are characterized by bright centers and dark boundaries, occurring in areas between coronal holes and filament channels, with implications for magnetic fields and solar wind emission.
Studies using X-ray and ultraviolet observations from NASA's Swift satellite provide new insights into the elusive origins of Type Ia supernovae. The research suggests that the companion to a white dwarf is either a smaller, younger star similar to our sun or another white dwarf.
Astronomers have observed a unique neutron star system, T5X2, exhibiting marginally stable nuclear fusion at high accretion rates. The RXTE data resolves a long-standing gap between theoretical predictions and observational evidence, shedding light on the complex processes governing thermonuclear explosions.
The team discovered the most distant cluster of red galaxies, 30 galaxies packed together, 10.5 billion light years away, and formed the earliest known 'galaxy city' in the universe. The findings revealed a conspicuous concentration of galaxies that existed three billion years ago, providing insights into galaxy evolution and assembly.
The discovery of the most distant galaxy cluster reveals that it is located 10.5 billion light-years away from our Milky Way galaxy and contains a dense concentration of 30 galaxies. This finding provides insights into the evolution of galaxy clusters and the formation of large urban centers in the universe's earliest moments.
Astronomers have observed a clump of dark matter in the Abell 520 galaxy cluster, which contradicts current theories about its behavior. The team used the Hubble Space Telescope to map dark matter, revealing a core rich in dark matter but containing no luminous galaxies.
The 'sloshing' motion in the hot gas cloud of Abell 2052 helps redistribute heavy elements and limits star formation, while also affecting the growth of the galaxy's supermassive black hole. The Chandra observations provide insights into the complex interactions within the galaxy cluster.
Researchers have confirmed that Type Ia supernovae are produced by the explosion of carbon-oxygen white dwarf stars. By analyzing a fluke observation of SN2011fe four hours after its explosion, scientists set stricter limits on the size of the progenitor star, ruling out other possibilities.
Astronomers have discovered the most distant galaxy cluster ever observed, comprising five bright galaxies that are 600 million years after the Big Bang. The cluster is believed to be a protocluster, with galaxies expected to merge and form a massive central galaxy.
Astronomers have pinpointed the most distant galaxy cluster in the early universe, comprising five tiny galaxies 600 million years after the Big Bang. The discovery confirms theoretical understanding of galaxy cluster formation and provides evidence for the hierarchical model of galaxy assembly.
A team of researchers has discovered the most distant developing galaxy cluster, approximately 13.1 billion light-years away, using NASA's Hubble Space Telescope. The cluster is among the brightest galaxies in the early universe and is expected to grow into a massive galactic city.
The study of the closest supernova in 25 years has shed new light on its formation. The team found that the exploding star was a white dwarf, and while they couldn't rule out a white dwarf merger, their results suggest a medium-sized star supplied the white dwarf with extra material to trigger the explosion.
Astronomers identify smallest-known black hole using data from NASA's Rossi X-ray Timing Explorer (RXTE). The 'heartbeat' pattern, similar to an electrocardiogram, suggests a minuscule black hole weighing less than three times the sun's mass.
Astronomers are observing a unique opportunity to study how a black hole gulps gas, dust, and stars as it grows bigger. The gas cloud is currently 550 Kelvin or 280 degrees Celsius and will be ripped apart by the tidal forces around the black hole.
Astronomers have determined how a Type Ia supernova occurs, involving a dense white dwarf and main-sequence star. The study provides new insights into the universe's expansion and cosmic origins.
An international team of scientists has discovered that a recently exploded supernova was a 'white dwarf' star, challenging the long-held theory that it was a red giant. The finding provides direct evidence that white dwarfs are responsible for Type Ia supernovae.
Astronomers have discovered two gigantic black holes with masses about 10 billion times the mass of our sun, surpassing previous measurements by more than 50 per cent. The discovery suggests that these massive black holes may be the dormant remains of extremely luminous quasars from billions of years ago.
A team of scientists has discovered the fastest-rotating massive star ever recorded, with a rotational velocity of 600 kilometers per second. The star, VFTS 102, is extremely hot and luminous, having been ejected from a double star system by its exploding companion star.
A Caltech-led team of astronomers has discovered 18 new planets orbiting massive stars, with masses similar to Jupiter's. The findings provide valuable insights into planetary formation and support the theory that planets grow from seed particles accumulating gas and dust in a disk surrounding a newborn star.
Astronomers propose two exotic scenarios for the unusual cosmic explosion: a novel supernova billions of light-years away or an unusual collision within our own galaxy. The 'Christmas burst' was caused by either event, with observations suggesting a neutron star and rapid tightening of its orbit.
Scientists at PPPL have discovered a new process that releases magnetic energy faster than expected by classical theories. The 3-D process involves the formation of high current ropes called flux ropes, which are ejected out of the reconnection region, leading to a sudden decrease in current density.
Astronomers have identified 13 new diffuse interstellar bands with the longest wavelengths to date, which could help explain the presence of large organic molecules in space. The discovery supports recent ideas that these molecules, or 'carriers,' are hidden in interstellar dust clouds.
The NASA Swift Observatory has released a free iPhone application that provides up-to-date information on gamma-ray burst discoveries, allowing users to track the location of Swift as it orbits Earth. The app also offers an interactive map, gallery of images, and real-time observations.
Astronomers discover how blue stragglers, old stars appearing younger than expected, are created through mass transfer. The study reveals that these stars eat up the mass of their giant-star companion, allowing them to continue burning and living longer.
Researchers found that ultraviolet radiation from massive stars evaporated gas in intergalactic medium, clearing a narrow cone-shaped passage. This process helps explain why similar phenomena in other galaxies were difficult to detect.
A new survey of galaxies reveals active galactic nuclei in young, blue star-making factories, overturning the idea that these objects hinder star formation. The study finds X-ray signals from AGN in a wide range of galaxy types, including massive and smaller galaxies, old elliptical red galaxies and younger blue spirals.
New data from NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory shows that radiation from some solar flares can continue for up to five hours beyond the initial minutes. The total energy from this extended phase sometimes has more energy than the initial event, increasing our understanding of flare physics and its impact on Earth's atmosphere.
A team of scientists has discovered a distant galaxy that helps elucidate two fundamental questions of galaxy formation. The galaxy's extended patch of light suggests that roughly half of the radiation is escaping and exciting hydrogen atoms outside its halo.
A team of researchers at the University of Warwick has found a solution to a 40-year-old problem in understanding solar wind turbulence. By analyzing data from the Cluster mission and creating a virtual model, they discovered that turbulence is not affected by the direction of travel of the solar wind, resolving a long-standing issue.
New images show the solar wind's dynamic interactions, including piling up at the leading edge of a CME, voids in the interior, long thread-like structures, and V-shaped structures centered on the current sheet. These findings are changing the way scientists think about space weather.
The comet's water production in 2010 was three times less than in 1997, with a sudden increase of hydrogen signatures detected by SWAN. This observation challenges standard models of comet behavior and highlights the need for further analysis to understand the underlying causes.
A new study using satellite observations reveals that magnetic oscillations carrying energy from the Sun's surface into its corona are far more vigorous than previously thought. These waves are energetic enough to heat the corona, driving the solar wind and affecting the entire solar system.
Astronomers using the Hubble Space Telescope have discovered a fourth moon orbiting Pluto, the smallest discovered to date. The new moon, temporarily designated P4, was found in a survey searching for rings around Pluto and has an estimated diameter of 8-21 miles.
A Rutgers University astrophysicist's research team has discovered that supermassive black holes were surprisingly common in the early universe, growing at a rate similar to their host galaxies. The findings suggest there are at least 30 million black holes in the early universe, far exceeding previous estimates.
Researchers found a nearly 20-year-old observation of the faint galaxy ESO 546-G34, which offers insights into the earliest galaxies in the universe. The discovery suggests that small low surface brightness galaxies may have more in common with the first galaxies formed after the Big Bang.
The Gang of Four, including Davis, Efstathiou, Frenk and White, receives the prize for their pioneering use of numerical simulations to model the Universe's large-scale distribution. Their work, which began with a survey of 2400 galaxies in 1981, showed that observations were consistent with a simulated Universe based on cold dark matter.
Astronomers have created an atlas of galactic 'train wrecks' to understand the collision process and form, growth, and evolution of galaxies. The study combines data from Spitzer Space Telescope and Galaxy Evolution Explorer to analyze areas where stars are forming rapidly.
Astronomers have discovered a local supernova factory in the Carina Nebula, which may help understand how young stars release newly-forged elements into their surroundings. The Chandra X-ray Observatory detected over 14,000 stars, six possible neutron stars, and a new population of young massive stars.
Astronomers discover densest solid planet 55 Cancri e, with a diameter 60% larger than Earth, orbiting its star every 17 hours. The planet's immense density makes it unlikely to have an atmosphere at surface temperatures of up to 2,700 degrees Celsius.
Researchers have spotted Kelvin-Helmholtz instabilities in exploding cloud material from the Sun, similar to those seen in Earth's clouds. These instabilities could help predict the Solar System's 'weather'.
Astronomers have discovered unexpected changes in the Crab Nebula's X-ray emission, revealing it is not as stable as previously thought. The findings indicate the nebula has brightened and faded by up to 3.5% a year since 1999.
Researchers have identified 16 binary systems consisting of supermassive black holes that are hundreds to thousands closer together than previously observed. This discovery sheds new light on how these cosmic behemoths and their host galaxies merge, a crucial aspect of understanding the universe's evolution.
Researchers discover that jets of plasma shooting up from just above the Sun's surface are a major source of hot gas replenishing the corona. This finding addresses a fundamental question in astrophysics and provides new insight into the Sun's subtle influence on the Earth's upper atmosphere.
Scientists observed temperatures of millions of degrees in gas jets, known as spicules, which could contribute to coronal heating. The discovery offers a new framework for understanding the sun's high atmosphere and its role in space weather.
Scientists have discovered that narrow jets of plasma, known as spicules, shoot up from the Sun's surface and insert heated plasma into its outer atmosphere. This finding addresses a fundamental question in astrophysics and provides an observational challenge to existing theories of coronal heating.
Astrophysicists can now obtain accurate answers to the mystery of accelerating universe expansion thanks to a calibrated Pan-STARRS telescope. The telescope's performance was fine-tuned at many individual wavelengths, allowing for consistent information about supernovae.
The IceCube observatory, located in the crystal clear ice of the South Pole, has been completed as a world-first large-scale neutrino telescope. The telescope will investigate the sources and properties of neutrinos, which originate in spectacular phenomena in the universe.
Astronomers used Hubble Space Telescope to observe eight massive stars in Small Magellanic Cloud, finding five without large neighbors and three in tiny clusters. The study suggests that giant stars can form randomly across the universe, including in isolation.
The IceCube Neutrino Observatory is a cubic kilometer instrumented ice detector that records rare collisions of neutrinos with the atomic nuclei of water molecules in the Antarctic ice. The observatory provides an innovative means to investigate fundamental particles originating from cosmic phenomena.
Astronomers have discovered a new alien world, Qatar-1b, a hot Jupiter located 550 light-years from Earth. The planet orbits extremely close to its star, resulting in scorching temperatures and a unique rotational period.
Astronomers have made new discoveries about exploding stars, including pauses, flickers, and flares that were not previously observed. Using sensitive data from a satellite, they studied four novae and found three stalls before reaching peak brightness, with all experiencing flickering or flaring during the outburst.
A new study predicts where neutron star mergers are likely to occur in the local galactic neighborhood, providing valuable information for researchers at gravitational-wave detectors. The predictions suggest that astronomers might not want to look in the nearest galaxies for optical counterparts of gravitational waves.
Astronomers at Yale University have discovered that small red dwarfs are much more prolific than previously believed, increasing the total number of stars in the universe. The discovery found 20 times more red dwarfs in elliptical galaxies than in the Milky Way, with potential implications for galaxy formation and evolution.
Researchers found five to ten times more massive galaxies existed 1.5 billion years after the Big Bang, with high infrared luminosities indicating intense growth and activity, challenging current understanding of galaxy formation.
The National Science Foundation has signed a five-year, $34.5-million agreement with the University of Wisconsin-Madison to operate the IceCube Neutrino Observatory in Antarctica. The observatory records rare collisions of neutrinos with ice, providing insights into these elusive sub-atomic particles.