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Radio shadow reveals tenuous cosmic gas cloud

Researchers detected radio absorption by gas clouds in front of bright radio sources, revealing the composition and conditions of diffuse gas in the Milky Way galaxy. The discovery of three new absorption systems and confirmation of one previously known system provides insight into tenuous gas clouds and their role in the universe.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalPublications of the Astronomical Society of Japan·DateDec 6, 2015

Volunteer black hole hunters as good as the experts

A recent study published in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society found that trained volunteers can identify jets shooting from massive black holes and match them to their host galaxies with high accuracy. The project, Radio Galaxy Zoo, uses online tutorials to teach volunteers how to spot black holes and other objects emit...

SourceInternational Centre for Radio Astronomy Research·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateSep 6, 2015

New window on the early universe

Researchers at the University of Bonn and Cardiff develop a new observational strategy for imaging extremely distant galaxies, using ALMA radio telescope data. This method improves upon previous efforts by accurately estimating molecular hydrogen presence in these galaxies, providing insights into galaxy formation and star creation.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateOct 22, 2014

Monster galaxies gain weight by eating smaller neighbors

Research by Australian scientists reveals massive galaxies are eating smaller ones to gain weight, but their star-formation process is inefficient. Dr. Aaron Robotham explains that gravity allows larger galaxies to pull in smaller neighbors, and the Milky Way will follow suit, eventually merging with Andromeda.

SourceInternational Centre for Radio Astronomy Research·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateSep 19, 2014

Carbon monoxide predicts 'red and dead' future of gas guzzler galaxy

Astronomers have discovered that ALESS65 galaxy is running out of gas at an alarming rate, with only tens of millions of years left, much faster than the Milky Way's 5 billion years. The team found similar characteristics to nearby 'starbursting' galaxies in terms of UV radiation, suggesting a unique star formation process.

SourceInternational Centre for Radio Astronomy Research·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateJul 8, 2014

Pill-popping galaxy hooked on gas

A massive gas cloud called the Smith Cloud is hurtling towards our Galaxy, and may be a key source of fuel for star formation. The cloud has been found to have a magnetic field that helps keep it intact, protecting it from disintegrating as it approaches the Galaxy's disk.

Astronomers spy on galaxies in the raw

Researchers used CSIRO's Australia Telescope Compact Array to study distant star-forming clumps and discovered massive amounts of molecular hydrogen gas, a key fuel for star formation. The telescope's upgraded bandwidth and sensitivity enabled the detection of carbon monoxide, allowing scientists to estimate galaxy star-formation rates.

Astronomers discover 'missing link' of black holes

Researchers used Earth-orbiting X-ray telescopes to observe a bingeing black hole that expels powerful beams of material, solving the debate over whether ULXs are black holes gorging themselves or more massive ones eating sedately. The discovery provides key insights into how jets are produced by a binging black hole.

SourceDurham University·JournalNature·DateDec 12, 2012

Exotic galaxy reveals tantalizing tale

Astronomers have discovered a unique spiral galaxy with massive jets, providing insights into the formation of galaxies and clusters in the early universe. The galaxy, dubbed Speca, has been found to exhibit three distinct episodes of jet activity, shedding new light on the processes that shaped these ancient structures.

SourceNational Radio Astronomy Observatory·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateAug 25, 2011

Galaxies are running out of gas

A CSIRO study reveals galaxies have less molecular hydrogen gas than in the past, leading to fewer stars forming. The decline in gas availability is linked to Dark Energy's acceleration of the Universe's expansion.

SourceCSIRO Australia·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateAug 22, 2011