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Dark matter on the move

Scientists have discovered that dark matter can be heated up and pushed outwards due to star formation in galaxies. This phenomenon, known as 'dark matter heating', has been observed in 16 dwarf galaxies with varying star formation histories.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateJan 3, 2019

The 'Chinese Pyramids' and the pole star

Researchers discover Chinese pyramids exhibit surprising orientation patterns, defying expectations of traditional funerary practices. The study suggests that ancient Chinese emperors intentionally aligned their pyramids to the star Polaris, reflecting a deeper understanding of celestial movements and astronomy.

SourcePolitecnico di Milano·JournalArchaeological Research in Asia·DateNov 28, 2018

Scientists discover new 'pinwheel' star system

Researchers have discovered a new massive star system dubbed 'Apep,' featuring a slow-moving dust pinwheel that defies current theories on how large stars die. The system's unusual rotation is thought to cause the star to collapse at its poles before the equator, producing a gamma-ray burst.

SourceNew York University·JournalNature Astronomy·DateNov 19, 2018

Earth's magnetic field measured using artificial stars at 90 kilometers altitude

Researchers have successfully measured the Earth's magnetic field in the sodium layer of the mesosphere using laser-generated artificial stars. This technique allows for ground-based observations of the mesosphere, previously difficult to access, and holds promise for monitoring space weather and measuring electrical currents.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 14, 2018

Slow death of nearby galaxy

Researchers have observed a powerful outflow of hydrogen gas from the Small Magellanic Cloud, indicating it may eventually stop forming new stars. The discovery provides insight into the evolution of galaxies and the potential source of gas for the enormous Magellanic Stream surrounding the Milky Way.

SourceCSIRO Australia·JournalNature Astronomy·DateNov 9, 2018

Supermassive black holes and supercomputers

Researchers used supercomputers to simulate early universe, revealing formation of first stars and galaxies. Metal-enriched gas enabled rapid star formation, leading to smaller, more numerous stars and galaxy evolution.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Astronomy and Space Sciences·DateOct 17, 2018

Galactic archaeology

Researchers from Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias have discovered a star with an atmosphere devoid of metals, which is believed to be one of the oldest objects in the Milky Way. The study provides valuable information about the origin of the universe and the formation of the first stars.

SourceInstituto de Astrofísica de Canarias (IAC)·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateOct 10, 2018

Where are they?

A team of UCSB students, led by Philip Lubin, are searching for signs of alien life in Andromeda using a suite of telescopes and photonic technology. They aim to detect potential signals from civilizations using optical beams that could be visible across the universe.

Gaia detects a shake in the Milky Way

The Gaia satellite has detected substructures in the Milky Way's star disk, indicating a 300-million-year-old gravitational disturbance caused by the Sagittarius Dwarf galaxy. Researchers used precise data to analyze shapes and twisting patterns, leading to new findings on galactic archaeology

SourceUniversity of Barcelona·JournalNature·DateSep 19, 2018

Pairs of small colliding galaxies may seed future stars

Researchers found that dwarf-galaxy mergers can replenish a galaxy's supply of star-making fuel, like the Milky Way's. The Large and Small Magellanic Clouds hold enough gas to replenish half of the Milky Way's supply, with their gas footprint continuing to expand even after collision.

SourceColumbia University·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateAug 9, 2018

The McMaster recipe for star clusters

Researchers Corey Howard, Ralph Pudritz and William Harris use supercomputer simulations to re-create star cluster formation. The study shows that massive star clusters are the natural outcome of large gas collections, and can be used to reverse-engineer galaxy conditions.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalNature Astronomy·DateJun 25, 2018

New GAIA data reveals mergers in Milky Way

Researchers found relics of merger events in the Milky Way halo using Gaia Data Release 2. Five small clusters and a large 'blob' of stars indicate massive and smaller merger events shaped the galaxy. This study provides insights into the Milky Way's evolution, with further analysis to reveal more about its formation.

SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateJun 12, 2018

Lightening up dark galaxies

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 new map for a birthplace of stars

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.

Could a multiverse be hospitable to life?

New research suggests that life could be common throughout the multiverse due to dark energy's impact on star and planet formation. The findings contradict the long-held notion that a specific amount of dark energy is necessary for life to emerge, raising questions about the multiverse theory's ability to explain cosmic origins.

SourceDurham University·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateMay 13, 2018

The laws of star formation challenged

Researchers challenged the existing understanding of star formation by observing a distant molecular cloud, W43-MM1, with ALMA. Contrary to previous findings, they discovered an overabundance of massive cores and underrepresentation of less massive cores.

SourceCNRS·JournalNature Astronomy·DateApr 30, 2018

Be wary of cosmetic surgeons' online reviews

A Northwestern University study found that online ratings for cosmetic breast augmentation surgeries are highly polarized, with some reviews written by non-patients. The importance of interactions with the doctor's support staff is highlighted as a key factor in patient satisfaction.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalPlastic & Reconstructive Surgery·DateApr 26, 2018