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.
The Gemini Observatory has detected a distant short gamma-ray burst (SGRB) with an optical afterglow, providing new insights into the merger of two neutron stars. The observation, made just hours after the burst's detection, revealed the SGRB's distance and placed it in the epoch of cosmic high noon.
A new study reveals that low-mass stars become white dwarfs, producing carbon essential for life, challenging previous theories. The findings place a minimum mass threshold of 1.5 solar masses for star-induced carbon enrichment.
Astronomers have spotted evidence of a light-producing scenario during a black hole merger, with the flare likely resulting from the reaction of gas to the merging black holes. The event, observed by ZTF and other telescopes, provides insights into the behavior of supermassive black holes.
Astronomers have discovered the second-most distant quasar, Pōniuā`ena, powered by a supermassive black hole 1.5 billion times more massive than our Sun. The discovery challenges current theories of how these massive black holes formed and grew in the young universe.
The Hubble Space Telescope captured an image of a young star surrounded by a disk that casts a huge, 200-light-year-long shadow. The shadow's movement was initially thought to be caused by planet warping the disk, but further observation revealed it was actually flapping like wings.
Astronomers detect exoplanet AU Mic b, about the size of Neptune, using NASA's TESS and Spitzer space telescopes. The discovery provides a unique laboratory to study planetary formation and atmospheric interactions with a young star.
Scientists have discovered a planet about as large as Neptune that orbits the young star AU Mic in just over a week, providing valuable insights into planetary formation and evolution. The planet, named AU Mic b, was detected using data from NASA's Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) and retired Spitzer Space Telescope.
Researchers discovered that quasar gamma-ray emission extends over thousands of light-years along plasma jets, contradicting previous assumptions. This finding reveals that particle acceleration occurs not only near the black hole but also along the entire jet length.
A team of astronomers has detected a periodic pattern of fast radio bursts from an unknown source outside our galaxy, 500 million light years away. The pattern repeats every 16 days and is the most definitive one seen from a FRB source, offering a clue to the physics behind these intense flashes of radio waves.
The XENON1T experiment has observed a surprising excess of 53 events over expected backgrounds, sparking theories on potential sources such as tritium, axions, or altered neutrino properties. The solar axion hypothesis holds the most significance at 3.5 sigma, while other explanations remain consistent with data.
Researchers have created a new 'sun clock' using 200 years of sunspot observations to map solar activity over 18 solar cycles. The analysis reveals sharp transitions between quiet and active periods in solar activity, allowing scientists to estimate the risk of future solar superstorms.
Scientists created a scaled-down shock wave in the lab, mimicking supernova remnants. The study found that turbulent electromagnetic fields within the shock boost electron speeds, allowing particles to escape and gain even more speed.
New research suggests black holes could be like holograms, with information concentrated in a two-dimensional surface. This idea aligns with Einstein's theory of relativity and has significant implications for understanding these cosmic bodies.
Researchers observed an accreting neutron star entering an outburst phase, studying its structure and material movement. The observation revealed a 12-day process, contradicting previous theories of two- to three-day timescales.
A new computer simulation theory suggests that supermassive black holes form from gas clouds enriched with heavy elements, explaining the large number observed in galaxies today. The simulations showed that a massive star can form 10,000 times more massive than the Sun, which will continue to grow and evolve into a giant black hole.
Researchers from the University of Helsinki have found strong evidence for the presence of exotic quark matter inside the cores of the largest neutron stars in existence. The new results were published in Nature Physics and combined recent findings from theoretical particle and nuclear physics with astrophysical measurements.
A study led by Arizona State University researchers found that classical novae are galactic producers of lithium. The team used simulations, observations, and laboratory studies to determine the role of these stellar explosions.
Astronomers found that stars in the cluster's periphery have planet-forming dust clouds, while those near the center lack them. The observations suggest that location plays a crucial role in planet formation, and massive stars may alter disk properties, making it harder for planets to form.
Astronomers have identified a new class of cosmic explosions, dubbed fast blue optical transients (FBOTs), which produce the fastest and heaviest outflows ever recorded. The newly discovered object, CSS161010, has surpassed the famous AT2018COW in speed and mass ejected during its event.
The Gemini North telescope has collected some of the highest resolution images of Jupiter ever obtained from the ground, complementing Hubble observations to reveal details about Jovian weather. The images show that lightning strikes and giant storm systems are formed in large convective cells over deep clouds of water ice and liquid.
Researchers at Special Astrophysical Observatory and Kazan Federal University studied the globular cluster NGC 6652 and found its age to be approximately 13.6 billion years. This discovery challenges the long-held assumption that younger galaxies are more metal-rich, revealing a complex history for this ancient object.
A new framework, called a 'detectability index,' has been developed to help scientists narrow down the field of exoplanets that require additional study. The index takes into account factors such as oxygen levels and water content on planets, providing a tool for prioritizing targets for observation.
A study published in the Astrophysical Journal reveals that massive galaxies attain their size by merging with smaller ones. Researchers used a combination of observation and modelling to analyze how gases within galaxies move, finding evidence that many stars have been acquired from outside.
The BRITE Constellation has recorded a complete nova eruption, offering a unique perspective on the phenomenon. The data provides valuable insights into shock-powered optical emission in novae, shedding light on the underlying mechanisms of star explosions.
Researchers have found a connection between the size and structure of galaxies and dark matter halos, using observations of faint galaxies around the Milky Way. They also discovered more evidence for the existence of Large Magellanic Cloud satellite galaxies, predicting an additional 150 or more very faint satellites awaiting discovery.
Researchers used XMM-Newton space telescope data to search for a 3.5 keV X-ray emission line, a predicted signature of dark matter decay. No evidence was found, ruling out the signal strength by over an order of magnitude and challenging previous interpretations.
Researchers predict a nested series of rings within black hole images, with each successive ring becoming increasingly sharper due to its higher number of orbits around the black hole. This discovery enables new possibilities for observing black holes using only two telescopes far apart.
Researchers detected chemical variations between day and night on the planet, revealing the presence of iron vapour condensing into drops on the dark side. This discovery provides insights into the extreme climate conditions on ultra-hot giant exoplanets.
Astronomers detected velocities of both brown dwarfs in a system orbiting each other, confirming the hypothesis that 2M1510 is composed of two brown dwarfs. The discovery provides rare data on the mass, radius, and age of brown dwarfs, allowing for verification of theoretical models.
Researchers at IAS and University of Michigan propose QCD axion as solution to cosmological excess of matter over antimatter. The QCD axion could explain three missing pieces of physics puzzle, including the strong CP problem and dark matter.
Researchers discovered a rare eclipsing binary brown dwarf system using the SPECULOOS project, confirming theoretical models of brown dwarfs' cooling processes and providing valuable insights. The system consists of two brown dwarfs orbiting each other, offering opportunities to study their atmospheres and climates.
Researchers at the University of Washington and Lowell Observatory found that Betelgeuse's surface temperature remains relatively stable despite recent dimming. The team calculated the average surface temperature of the star using a filter to 'dampen' its light, revealing a surface temperature of around 3,325 degrees Celsius.
A sub-Neptune sized planet, G 9-40b, has been validated as an exoplanet using the HPF at the Hobby-Eberly Telescope. The discovery confirms the planet's mass and orbits its low-mass host star 100 light years from Earth.
An international team of astronomers has discovered an unusual monster galaxy called XMM-2599, which formed most of its stars in a huge frenzy when the universe was less than 1 billion years old. The galaxy stopped forming stars and became inactive by the time the universe was only 1.8 billion years old.
Researchers observed solar energetic particle events and found that pre-accelerated particles build up in front of coronal mass ejections, creating a new phase of the energization process critical for radiation hazards. The study highlights the complex interplay between flares, particle populations and CMEs.
Astronomers have detected significant amounts of oxygen in the ancient star J0815+4729, which is one of the oldest and most elementally depleted stars known. This finding provides valuable insights into how oxygen and other essential elements were produced in the early universe.
Superluminous supernova SN 2006gy was found to be a Type Ia explosion that interacted with a dense shell of circumstellar material, producing an unusual spectrum with unidentified emission lines. The iron lines were identified as evidence of the interaction, which is consistent with observations and simulations.
A team of researchers discovered a massive galaxy dying 1.5 billion years after the Big Bang, with its core already fully formed at that time. This finding challenges previous measurements and adds to our understanding of the universe's formation.
A 'cold Neptune' and two temperate super-Earths, GJ180d and GJ229Ac, have been discovered orbiting nearby red dwarf stars, offering a chance to study potentially habitable worlds. The planets were found using the radial velocity method and offer insights into exoplanet formation and evolution.
Researchers have discovered that tidal effects from a close binary companion can cause a star to spin fast enough to launch material into space, forming a gamma-ray burst. This phenomenon is necessary for creating the most luminous events in the universe, observable from Earth when their jet of material is pointed directly at us.
The NEID instrument has made its first observations, detecting the subtle effect of exoplanets on their parent stars. With a precision three times better than previous instruments, NEID aims to determine the masses of exoplanets as small as Earth and characterize their atmospheres.
A Princeton-led team of astrophysicists has shown that WASP-12b, a 'hot Jupiter' exoplanet, is spiraling inward toward its host star due to tidal forces. This process converts the planet's orbital energy into heat within the star, causing it to dissipate rapidly.
NASA's Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) has discovered its first Earth-size planet in its star's habitable zone, TOI 700 d. The planet orbits a small, cool M dwarf star located just over 100 light-years away and is thought to be rocky with surface temperatures suitable for liquid water.
Astronomers have localized a repeating fast radio burst (FRB) to a region approximately seven light years across in the Milky-Way-like galaxy, making it one of the closest yet seen. This discovery enables more detailed study and may help narrow down possible explanations for FRBs.
Astronomers using the GMRT have discovered a massive ring of hydrogen gas surrounding a galaxy, with a diameter of 380,000 light-years. The origin and formation mechanism of such rings remain unknown, despite previous thought that they are associated with galaxy-galaxy collisions.
Astronomers used ESO's VLT to observe gas halos around early galaxies, providing fuel for supermassive black holes. The study found 12 quasars surrounded by enormous gas reservoirs, sustaining both black hole growth and star formation.
A new image of the Milky Way's center captures a colorful composite of giant molecular clouds, with details on radio filaments and star factories. Scientists use GISMO data to observe microwaves at large scales, making detailed observations for the first time.
Researchers analyzed rotation curves of low-surface-brightness galaxies to discover a universal relationship describing dark matter's distribution. This result consolidates clues on dark matter's presence and behavior, opening up new scenarios for interactions with bright matter.
A distant galaxy with over a trillion stars showed that the 'cores' of massive galaxies formed 1.5 billion years after the Big Bang, about 1 billion years earlier than previously thought. Researchers used telescopes to observe the quenching galaxy and found suppressed star formation.
Scientists observe a new type of magnetic explosion, known as forced reconnection, triggered by a solar eruption. This discovery confirms a decade-old theory and may help predict space weather and understand the Sun's atmosphere.
Astronomers used ESO's VLT to observe the Milky Way's central region, revealing a burst of star formation that occurred around one billion years ago. This intense event resulted in over 100,000 supernova explosions and is similar to 'starburst' galaxies.
Scientists have discovered a unique neutron star with an apparent magnetic field structure that manifests itself under specific angles relative to the observer. The study provides insight into the internal structure of the magnetic field, contradicting earlier assumptions and revealing new properties of neutron stars.
Astronomers captured a clear start-to-finish image sequence of an explosive emission during the close approach of comet 46P/Wirtanen in late 2018. The team observed the initial brightening in two distinct phases, with a gradual second stage that continued to grow brighter over 8 hours.
University of Maryland astronomers observe natural comet outburst, capturing start-to-finish sequence with NASA's Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) data. The team gained detailed observations of the explosive emission of dust, ice, and gases during the close approach to Earth.
A Chinese-led team of international scientists has discovered a massive stellar black hole with a mass 70 times greater than the Sun, located 15 thousand light-years from Earth. The discovery challenges current models of stellar evolution and forces theorists to re-examine how such massive black holes can form.
The study reveals the location of the most energetic outburst ever seen, sitting in a dense environment within a bright galaxy 5 billion light years away. The high-energy radiation was produced by a collapsing star at nearly the speed of light, creating a shock that triggered the gamma-ray burst.
An international team of researchers has identified a previously unseen component of gamma-ray bursts, emitting trillions of times more energetic photons than visible light. The discovery supports the possibility that inverse Compton emission is commonly produced in gamma-ray bursts.
A new study from Vanderbilt University presents a compelling roadmap for capturing multiband observations of gravitational waves emitted by intermediate-mass black holes. This could help fill in the gaps in our understanding of these enigmatic objects, allowing scientists to 'hear the entire song' when it comes to black holes.
Researchers at NJIT's Big Bear Solar Observatory have uncovered a likely mechanism for the Sun's upper atmosphere heating, revealing jets of magnetized plasma known as spicules. High-resolution images show spicules erupting from the Sun's surface at speeds of up to 100 km/s.
Researchers from Cardiff University have discovered metastability in gallium arsenide compound semiconductor material, a phenomenon that could affect device stability. The findings could lead to improved materials and structures for electronic devices, such as smartphones, GPS, and satellites.