Articles tagged with Observational Astrophysics
Astronomers have discovered a massive galaxy protocluster, believed to be a 'galaxy shipyard', in the distant universe. The discovery provides insights into galaxy cluster formation and sheds light on the process of galaxies forming into clusters.
The BICEP3 experiment has ruled out several popular inflation models, including some motivated by string theory. The findings suggest that the correct model will be slightly more complicated than those ruled out, but still offer a wide range of viable alternatives.
A recent international workshop aimed to turn plans for a crewed lunar observatory into reality. The workshop, led by Vanderbilt astrophysicist Karan Jani, brought together experts from GW science, planetary science, and lunar exploration to discuss the geophysical properties of the moon and opportunities for observation.
A team of researchers observed the evolution of warm gas coming from an active black hole for unprecedented detail, revealing structures reminiscent of volcanic eruptions. These gas bubbles, rings, and 'intergalactic smoke' filaments are formed when black holes consume surrounding matter and release energy, influencing galaxy evolution.
A research team from Göttingen University observed magnetic forces arranging gas particles in solar prominences, with charged particles moving at speeds of up to 42 km/s. This phenomenon is significant for understanding astrophysical processes, including star and planet formation.
The study of 42 asteroids provides detailed images and shapes, revealing a variety of asteroid types, including spherical and elongated objects. The densities of the asteroids vary significantly, suggesting different compositions and origins, supporting theories of substantial migration and distinct region formation in the Solar System.
An international team used the MUSE instrument to map a galactic wind and observe the formation of a nebula around a galaxy, revealing some of the Universe's missing baryons. This discovery confirms that 80–90% of normal matter is located outside of galaxies.
Researchers used detailed simulations to detect and study 'quenched' UDGs, which are rare dwarf galaxies that have stopped generating stars. They found these galaxies were not in clusters but rather isolated in voids, with unique orbits that stripped away their star-forming gas.
Researchers used simulations to detect extended dwarf galaxies with low surface brightness, challenging previous theories. The study found that these 'quenched' UDGs originated in backsplash orbits and are isolated from their parent systems.
Researchers have confirmed that galaxies emit a significant amount of polluted gas into space, contrary to previous assumptions. This 'outflow' is driven by the process of star formation and can include elements such as oxygen, carbon, and iron.
Scientists at Carnegie Mellon and University of Washington are developing new software platforms to analyze the Legacy Survey of Space and Time (LSST) dataset. The open-source platforms will enable researchers to make sense of big data and address fundamental questions about the universe, such as dark matter and dark energy.
A new study published in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society found that superflares on red dwarf stars occur at high latitudes, near the star's poles, which means they are not directed towards orbiting exoplanets. This reduces the danger to planetary atmospheres and habitability.
Researchers have made the first direct observation of light from behind a black hole, confirming a key prediction by Einstein's theory of general relativity. The discovery was made using X-rays emitted by a supermassive black hole at a galaxy 800 million light-years away.
Astronomers have discovered a 0.6-second gamma-ray burst caused by the implosion of a massive star, revealing that some short GRBs might be imposters in disguise. The discovery suggests that most collapsing stars fail to produce a GRB jet, making this event an effective fizzle.
Karan Jani's Gravitational-Wave Lunar Observatory for Cosmology aims to analyze black hole and dark matter mergers with unprecedented sensitivity. The moon's environment offers an ideal backdrop for the observatory, lacking atmosphere and seismic noise, making it a crucial step towards discovering new physics.
The newly launched NEID spectrometer will measure the minute gravitational tug of planets on their host stars, enabling the detection of rocky planets and characterization of exoplanetary atmospheres. By utilizing this technology, scientists aim to push the boundaries for searching smaller exoplanets and probing beyond past challenges.
A new study found a low rate of lithium production in a classical nova, indicating diversity within these events. This discovery suggests that other objects, such as supernovae, may also contribute to lithium production in the Universe.
Astronomers have identified a white dwarf so massive that it may collapse. The discovery provides an example of what can happen after the phase where two less massive white dwarfs merge into one. This process boosts the magnetic field and speeds up rotation compared to progenitors.
Researchers at MIT confirmed Hawking's area theorem for the first time by analyzing GW150914 signal, showing total event horizon area did not decrease after merger. The findings provide evidence that black holes behave as thermal objects and emit radiation over long timescales, a fundamental revelation about these cosmic phenomena.
Astronomer Wendy Freedman's review paper suggests that recent observations are closing the gap between different measurement methods for the Hubble constant. The latest data from red giant stars and cosmic microwave background experiments agree within 1% of each other, indicating no need for fundamental new physics.
Researchers have detected two events of black holes merging with neutron stars, providing insights into their origins and merger rates. The findings will enable the drawing of conclusions about the host of astrophysical models of compact object formation and binary evolution.
The LIGO, Virgo, and KAGRA collaborations have detected gravitational waves from the merger of a black hole and a neutron star. Analysis reveals that the signals originated from two mixed binaries, each made up of a neutron star and a black hole, with masses consistent with these objects.
Astronomers have confirmed the existence of a new type of supernova, electron capture supernova, through observations of SN 2018zd. The discovery confirms a prediction made four decades ago and provides new insights into the life and death of stars.
Researchers developed a new type of gravitational wave detector that can find small primordial black holes. The device uses a specific metal cavity and strong external magnetic field to detect high-frequency gravitational waves emitted by these hypothetical black holes.
A team of researchers led by Zili Shen and Pieter van Dokkum used Hubble Space Telescope to measure the distance of ultra-diffuse galaxy NGC1052-DF2, confirming it lacks dark matter. The results are based on 40 orbits of the telescope and provide crucial implications for estimating the physical properties of the galaxy.
Astronomers have explained Betelgeuse's sudden dimming by a cloud of dust formed from stardust, which temporarily blocked the star's light. The discovery was made using new images taken with the European Southern Observatory's Very Large Telescope.
Researchers used ALMA to detect a galactic wind driven by a supermassive black hole 13.1 billion years ago, pushing back the start of galaxy-growth interactions by 100 million years. The observation reveals coevolution between supermassive black holes and galaxies since less than a billion years after the Universe's birth.
A study reveals that black holes have an unexpected effect on galaxy evolution, influencing the formation of stars in satellite galaxies at vast distances. The research found a clear modulation of star formation rates depending on a galaxy's orientation with respect to its central black hole.
Researchers discover two waves of bulge formation in disc galaxies, with older bulges formed at redshift 6.2 and younger ones at 1.3. The bulges formed quickly or over thousands of million years, showing the universe has two ways to form galaxy centers.
A team of astrophysicists led by Luke Bouma has confirmed that one of these streams of stars, NGC 2516, extends at least 1,600 light-years -- 500 parsecs -- from tip to tip.
Astronomers have discovered a massive open cluster of intermediate age in the Scutum constellation, containing at least 15,000 stars. The Valparaíso 1 cluster was detected using Gaia satellite data and is notable for its unexpected discovery in a well-explored part of the sky.
A new study by Chinese Academy of Sciences researchers has revealed diverse magnetic field morphologies in Solar-type star-forming cores in the Taurus B213 region. The findings contradict expectations based on theory that magnetic fields regulate star formation.
The LHAASO observatory detected 12 Ultra-high Energy gamma-ray sources, prompting the presence of active or recent PeVatrons. The team identified possible candidates, including pulsar wind nebulae and supernova remnants.
The discovery of UGC 10738 reveals that galaxies with similar structures and properties are likely common. The galaxy's thick disc consists mainly of ancient stars, while its thin disc stars are more recent and contain more metal.
A team of astronomers has measured internal mixing within an ensemble of massive stars using observations of stellar oscillations. The results show that the mixing is diverse, unrelated to star mass or age, and influenced by internal rotation. This study provides new insights into the evolution and structure of massive stars.
Scientists used uGMRT to determine that AT 2018cow has an extremely patchy environment. The study provides the first observational evidence of inhomogeneous emission from an FBOT, which sheds light on its progenitor star's mass shedding rate and magnetic field strength.
Researchers observed the first-ever galaxy in a 'blow-away' state, which suggests that small galaxies were responsible for reionization. The study reveals that intense star-formation can cause galaxies to lose their hydrogen clouds, allowing high energy light to escape.
The study revealed key physics behind primary energy release, particle acceleration, and transportation in solar radio bursts. MUSER provides a unique tool for measuring solar magnetic fields and tracing dynamic evolution of energetic electrons.
Astronomers have observed a record-breaking flare from Proxima Centauri, the Sun's nearest neighbor, using nine instruments. This extreme outburst offers valuable insights into stellar flares and their potential impact on exoplanet life.
Researchers have made significant progress in understanding the stellar beta-decay rate of 59Fe, which is essential for predicting the yield of 60Fe in massive stars. By measuring this rate, they eliminated a major nuclear uncertainty and found that the yield of 60Fe is 40% less than previously predicted.
A study of 50 protoplanetary-disk forming regions found differences in the abundance of complex organic molecules, with some regions having higher concentrations of methanol and acetonitrile. The findings suggest a possible common production mechanism for these molecules, shedding light on their formation in space.
The discovery of 12 quadruply imaged quasars using machine-learning techniques will help determine the expansion rate of the universe and address mysteries like dark matter. Quasars are extremely luminous cores powered by supermassive black holes, providing a way to probe the intermediate range of the universe.
The NASA Hubble Fellowship Program has awarded fellowships to 24 postdoctoral scientists to pursue independent research in astrophysics. The selected researchers will focus on three broad scientific questions: How does the universe work?, How did we get here?, and Are we alone?
Researchers from Göttingen and Auckland universities simulated microscopic clusters from the Big Bang, discovering complex networks of structures that mimic today's galaxy distribution. These primordial clumps would have masses of only a few grams and be incredibly small.
Researchers studied 304 developing stars and found that gas-clearing by a star's outflow may not be as important in determining its final mass. The team's results indicate cavities in the surrounding gas cloud do not grow regularly, suggesting another process gets rid of excess gas.
Astronomers have studied the rare RV Tauri variable U Monocerotis, a binary system with two stars orbiting within a sprawling disk of dust. The 130-year dataset reveals predictable brightness changes and X-ray emissions.
Researchers using the New Vacuum Solar Telescope observed a significant acceleration of magnetic reconnection due to propagating disturbances caused by filament eruptions. The study, published in The Astrophysical Journal, found that these disturbances led to shorter and brighter current sheets with increased reconnection rates.
A team of astronomers and astrophysicists detected and localized a fast radio burst using the Australian Square Kilometre Array Pathfinder, providing vital information on its origins. The detection was part of an international effort that improved understanding of fast radio bursts in distant galaxies.
Astronomers have detected streams of cold gas flowing through the dark matter halo of an early massive galaxy, supplying materials for star formation. The discovery provides direct evidence for cosmic filaments ferrying cold gas to galaxies during the early universe.
The CLASP2 space experiment has mapped the Sun's magnetic field in the outer layers of the solar atmosphere. This achievement provides new insights into the origin of violent solar activity and its effects on Earth's magnetosphere.
CRIRES+ is a high-resolution infrared spectrograph designed to study planets outside our solar system. It detects super-Earths, planets in the habitable zone around their star, and analyzes their atmospheres during transits.
Astronomers have discovered three hot worlds larger than Earth in the Pisces-Eridanus stream, a collection of young stars. The planets, TOI 451 b, c, and d, are expected to retain much of their atmospheres despite intense heat from their nearby star.
Researchers have mapped the orbit of a rare Nitrogen-rich Wolf-Rayet star in the WR 133 binary system, marking the first-ever visually observed orbit of this type. The team determined the dynamical mass of both stars, with the WN star having 9.3 times more mass than our Sun.
The SAMI survey has revealed the internal structures of galaxies, showing how they interact and grow over time. The study provides insights into the forces that shape galaxy evolution, including the role of supermassive black holes.
A combination of observational data and computer simulations have yielded advances in understanding intracluster light, a faint type of light found inside galaxy clusters. The results suggest that ICL might provide a new way to measure dark matter.
Researchers link magnetic waves in chromosphere to areas of abundant ionised particles in hot outer atmosphere, explaining the Sun's unique chemical make-up. The discovery provides a foundation for understanding the solar wind and its impact on Earth.
Astronomers at the Center for Astrophysics have detected a cloud-free exoplanet, WASP-62b, which is similar to Jupiter. The discovery was made using spectroscopy and revealed the presence of sodium in the planet's atmosphere. This finding provides valuable insights into the formation and composition of such rare planets.
A team of scientists has discovered the most distant quasar ever observed, J0313-1806, which is also the earliest known quasar in the universe. The quasar is powered by a supermassive black hole weighing over 1.6 billion times the mass of the Sun.
Researchers used Hubble's imagery to wind back the clock on a supernova remnant, pinpointing its age and centre. The study found that light from the blast arrived at Earth 1700 years ago, during the decline of the Roman Empire.
Astronomers have identified the most distant quasar known, powered by a supermassive black hole weighing over 1.6 billion times the mass of the Sun. The discovery provides insight into the formation of massive galaxies in the early universe and challenges theories of black hole growth.