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Physicists solve puzzle about ancient galaxy found by Webb telescope

A massive ancient galaxy, JWST-ER1g, has been found to have a high dark matter density, puzzling physicists. Researchers offer an explanation that suggests a mechanism compressing the dark matter halo could be responsible for the high density.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·TypeObservational study·DateApr 12, 2024
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Twinkle twinkle baby star, 'sneezes' tell us how you are

Researchers at Kyushu University discovered that baby stars expel plumes of dust, gas, and electromagnetic energy in a phenomenon called 'interchange instability', releasing magnetic flux within the protostellar disk. This finding sheds new light on how baby stars develop and may be crucial for understanding star formation.

SourceKyushu University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·TypeObservational study·DateApr 11, 2024

Astronomers discover 49 new galaxies in under three hours

An international team of astronomers has discovered 49 new gas-rich galaxies, expanding our understanding of the universe. The detection was made possible by the MeerKAT radio telescope in South Africa, which allowed for rapid identification of HI-rich galaxy groups.

SourceInternational Centre for Radio Astronomy Research·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateMar 25, 2024
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Researchers identify two of the Milky Way's earliest building blocks

Astronomers Khyati Malhan and Hans-Walter Rix identified two proto-galactic fragments, Shakti and Shiva, that merged with an early Milky Way between 12-13 billion years ago. These remnants share low metal content and unusual energy and angular momentum values, making them potential ancestors of the galaxy.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Astronomy·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·TypeObservational study·DateMar 21, 2024

Scientists find one of the most ancient stars that formed in another galaxy

Astronomers have found a second-generation star in the Large Magellanic Cloud that formed in a different galaxy, offering clues about how elements were enriched in the universe. This discovery provides new hints about the early element-forming process and suggests that conditions may not be the same across all galaxies.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalNature Astronomy·DateMar 20, 2024

Largest-ever map of universe’s active supermassive black holes released

Astronomers have charted the largest-ever volume of the universe with a new map of active supermassive black holes, logging 1.3 million quasars in space and time. This map allows scientists to study dark matter and the universe's expansion by comparing distant quasars and their host galaxies.

SourceSimons Foundation·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·TypeObservational study·DateMar 18, 2024

Cheers! NASA’s Webb finds ethanol, other icy ingredients for worlds

Astronomers identify complex organic molecules like ethanol and acetic acid in icy compounds surrounding two young protostars. These ingredients may have been delivered to the primitive Earth and could be part of comets and asteroids that collide with forming planets.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalAstronomy and Astrophysics·DateMar 13, 2024
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

New theory explains why white dwarf stars can cheat death

Researchers propose a new theory explaining how some white dwarfs remain hot for billions of years, contradicting the standard picture of cooling. The theory suggests buoyant crystals form in the star's interior, disrupting its cooling process and releasing gravitational energy.

SourceInstitute for Advanced Study·JournalNature·DateMar 6, 2024

Astronomers spot oldest ‘dead’ galaxy yet observed

Astronomers have spotted a galaxy that stopped forming new stars over 13 billion years ago, when the universe was just 700 million years old. The 'dead' galaxy experienced a short and intense period of star formation, followed by rapid quenching.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature·DateMar 6, 2024

New insights on how galaxies are formed

A team of 160 researchers from 60 institutions used supercomputers to simulate galaxy formation, correcting limitations and assumptions. The results show disc galaxies formed early in the Universe's history, solving the 'missing satellites problem'.

SourceLund University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·DateMar 1, 2024

Finding cannibalized stars

Researchers have directly detected the feeble glow of cannibalized stars, revealing a key stage in the lives of close stellar pairs. The study identifies new orbits of stripped subdwarf stars around fast-spinning massive stars, shedding light on star formation and evolution.

SourceGeorgia State University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 9, 2024
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Which came first: Black holes or galaxies?

A new study found that black holes existed at the dawn of time and played a crucial role in galaxy formation. The research, using James Webb Space Telescope data, challenges classical understanding of black hole formation and suggests they may have dramatically accelerated star birth in the first 50 million years of the universe.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateFeb 6, 2024

Bright galaxies put dark matter to the test

A team of astrophysicists used simulations to track galaxy formation near the Big Bang, including interactions between gas and dark matter. The results show that tiny, bright galaxies were formed more quickly than expected, challenging current theories about dark matter.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateJan 31, 2024

Astronomers spot 18 black holes gobbling up nearby stars

A team of MIT scientists has detected 18 new tidal disruption events (TDEs) using infrared observations, more than doubling the catalog of known TDEs. The discoveries reveal that these star-shredding black holes occur in a range of galaxies across the entire sky, not just dusty galaxies.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·DateJan 29, 2024

Study: Stars travel more slowly at Milky Way’s edge

A team of MIT physicists analyzed Gaia and APOGEE data to find stars farther out in the galactic disk are rotating more slowly than expected. This flat rotation curve indicates a lower mass galactic core, potentially containing less dark matter than previously estimated.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateJan 26, 2024
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

'Old smokers' and 'squalling newborns' among hidden stars spotted for first time

A team of international scientists has spotted a new type of elderly giant star, nicknamed 'old smokers,' which emits clouds of smoke over decades. These stars, hidden from view in visible light, were discovered using infrared light and have significant implications for the spread of heavy elements in space.

SourceRoyal Astronomical Society·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·TypeObservational study·DateJan 25, 2024

Study delivers detailed photos of galaxies’ inner structures

A team of astronomers used JWST data to create detailed photos of nearby star-forming galaxies, revealing the intricate physics of cosmic dust. The study found consistent patterns in the distribution of diffuse gas across galaxies, suggesting universal principles in star and planet formation.

SourceOhio State University·JournalThe Astronomical Journal·TypeImaging analysis·DateJan 17, 2024
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Unexpected chemistry reveals cosmic star factories´ secrets

Astronomers studying two distant galaxies in the early universe reveal unprecedented molecular diversity, shedding light on the lives of prodigious star factories. By analyzing light from over 13 molecules, researchers gain insights into the physical and chemical conditions in these galaxies.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalAstronomy and Astrophysics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 14, 2023
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Giant doubts about giant exomoons

New research from the Max Planck Institute challenges previous claims of giant exomoons around Kepler-1625b and Kepler-1708b. The study uses a computer algorithm to analyze observations, finding that 'planet-only' interpretations are more conclusive than initially thought.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Astronomy·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 7, 2023

Stellar winds regulate growth of galaxies

Researchers use MUSE to study ancient galaxies and find that galactic winds, created by massive stars, limit their growth. The team's findings reveal a universal process affecting most galaxies.

SourceCNRS·JournalNature·DateDec 6, 2023
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

New dark matter theory explains two puzzles in astrophysics

A new theory, self-interacting dark matter (SIDM), proposes that dark matter particles interact through a dark force, explaining high-density halos and low-density halos of ultra-diffuse galaxies. SIDM simulates cosmic structure formation with strong dark matter self-interactions, diversifying halo density in central regions.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 6, 2023

Building blocks for life could have formed near new stars and planets

A team of researchers found that carbamic acid and ammonium carbamate can form in interstellar ices at low temperatures, potentially delivering these molecules to early Earth via comets or meteorites. This discovery could inform future studies using powerful telescopes to search for prebiotic molecules in distant star-forming regions.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Central Science·DateNov 29, 2023
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

New astrophysics model sheds light on additional source of long gamma-ray bursts

A new unified model confirms that some long-lasting gamma-ray bursts are created in the aftermath of cosmic mergers that spawn an infant black hole surrounded by a giant disk of natal material. The findings explain recently observed long GRBs that astronomers couldn't link to collapsing stars.

SourceSimons Foundation·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 29, 2023

When baby stars fledge

A team of astrophysicists discovered that two methods for determining the age of stars measure different things, with a 5.5 million-year difference in age determined by dynamic tracking versus isochronous measurement. This finding has significant implications for our understanding of star formation and stellar evolution.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalNature Astronomy·DateNov 23, 2023

‘Teenage galaxies’ are unusually hot, glowing with unexpected elements

Researchers analyzed the chemistry of distant teenage galaxies, finding they are unusually hot and contain unexpected elements like nickel. The study provides insight into galaxy formation and evolution, shedding light on why some galaxies appear 'red and dead' while others continue to form stars.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 20, 2023

Milky Way-like galaxy found in the early universe

Researchers found a barred spiral galaxy similar to the Milky Way at a redshift of 3, challenging previous understanding of galaxy evolution. The discovery suggests that galaxies matured and became ordered much faster than thought, with implications for theories of galaxy formation and evolution.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalNature·TypeObservational study·DateNov 9, 2023
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

PKU astronomers reveal the formation of dense dwarf galaxy ‘fossils’

An international team of astronomers has identified 106 galaxies with sizes between normal dwarfs and ultra-compact dwarfs in the Virgo Cluster. These 'fossils' provide insight into how extreme galaxies form, suggesting a common origin for ultra-diffuse galaxies and ultra-compact dwarf galaxies.

SourcePeking University·JournalNature·DateNov 8, 2023

Exploding stars

Researchers from Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf are studying near-Earth cosmic explosions to understand their potential impact on the Earth's biosphere. They found that ejected debris can reach our solar system, with some isotopes, such as iron-60 and plutonium-244, potentially coming from supernovae or other galactic events.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf·JournalAnnual Review of Nuclear and Particle Science·TypeSystematic review·DateNov 2, 2023

Finding explanation for Milky Way’s warp

Astronomers at Harvard University have discovered a tilted dark matter halo, explaining the Milky Way's warp and flare. The team used models to calculate star orbits within a warped, oblong dark matter halo, matching existing observations of a distorted galaxy.

SourceHarvard University·JournalNature Astronomy·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 10, 2023
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Stellar fountain of youth with turbulent formation history in the centre of our galaxy

A young star cluster, IRS13, has been found to be significantly younger than expected, with stars only 100,000 years old, despite being near the supermassive black hole Sgr A*. The cluster's turbulent history suggests it was 'captured' by the black hole's gravity, leading to a bow shock and increased star formation.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·TypeObservational study·DateOct 10, 2023

Bursts of star formation explain mysterious brightness at cosmic dawn

A Northwestern University-led team of astrophysicists has discovered that young galaxies appear brighter than anticipated due to irregular bursts of star formation. This finding explains the puzzling appearance of massive galaxies too soon after the Big Bang, fitting within the standard model of cosmology.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 3, 2023

Astronomers discover newborn galaxies with the James Webb Space Telescope

Scientists have observed 16 newly formed galaxies that exhibit significantly less heavy elements than expected, indicating a lack of time for element creation. The findings suggest that these galaxies are still in the process of being created, contradicting the long-held equilibrium model of galaxy formation.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalNature Astronomy·TypeObservational study·DateSep 22, 2023
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

NASA’s Swift learns a new trick, spots a snacking black hole

Astronomers using NASA's Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory discovered a black hole repeatedly nibbling on a Sun-like star in a distant galaxy. The object was detected using a new method for analyzing data from the satellite's X-ray Telescope, enabling it to adapt to new areas of astrophysics.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalNature Astronomy·DateSep 7, 2023

New exoplanet discovery builds better understanding of planet formation

Researchers have discovered an unusual Jupiter-sized exoplanet, TOI-4860 b, orbiting a low-mass star in the Corvus constellation. The planet is enriched with heavy elements and takes about 1.52 days to complete its orbit, making it a 'Warm Jupiter'.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateAug 3, 2023
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Listen to a star ‘twinkle’

A Northwestern University-led team developed the first 3D simulations of energy rippling from a massive star's core to its outer surface. The researchers determined how much stars should innately twinkle and converted these waves into sound waves, allowing listeners to hear both what the insides of stars and their twinkling sound like.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Astronomy·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 27, 2023

Violent atmosphere allows rare look at the early life of a planet

A new study has captured the early stages of planetary evolution, observing a young gas planet's violent and erratic atmospheric shedding. The research, led by Dartmouth researchers, provides insights into the most common experiences of planets beyond our solar system.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalThe Astronomical Journal·TypeObservational study·DateJul 27, 2023
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

RIT professor co-authors paper on new planetary formation findings

A team of researchers, including RIT's Joel Kastner, have discovered new evidence of how planets as massive as Jupiter can form through gravitational instability around a young star. The discovery was made using images from the ESO's Very Large Telescope and the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array.

SourceRochester Institute of Technology·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateJul 26, 2023

New study reveals NASA's roman could find 400 earth-mass rogue planets

A new study by NASA and Japan's Osaka University suggests that rogue planets, drifting through space without a star, may outnumber stars with orbiting worlds. The Roman Space Telescope could discover up to 400 Earth-mass rogue planets, according to the findings.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalThe Astronomical Journal·DateJul 19, 2023

Astronomers discover striking evidence of ‘unusual’ stellar evolution

Researchers from Ohio State University found that some low-mass stars have unexpectedly strong surface magnetic fields, which could intensify their radiation for billions of years. This discovery challenges current models of stellar evolution and has important implications for the search for life on other planets.

SourceOhio State University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·TypeObservational study·DateJul 17, 2023
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

James Webb Telescope catches glimpse of possible first-ever ‘dark stars’

Astrophysicists analyze James Webb Space Telescope images to find three bright objects that might be 'dark stars,' powering themselves with annihilating particles of dark matter. The discovery could reveal the nature of dark matter and solve the puzzle of galaxy formation.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateJul 13, 2023

Einstein and Euler put to the test at the edge of the Universe

Researchers from UNIGE have developed a new method to test the validity of Einstein and Euler's theories on the accelerating Universe expansion and dark matter. The study uses time distortion as a never-before-used measure, allowing for differentiation between the two equations.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature Astronomy·TypeNews article·DateJun 22, 2023

Observations of high-mass star seeds defy models

Researchers mapped 39 interstellar clouds to understand high-mass star formation. They found over 800 stellar seeds that will evolve into stars, but only 1% have enough mass to become high-mass stars.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·TypeObservational study·DateJun 20, 2023
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Astronomers propose novel method of measuring galaxy distances

Astronomers have proposed a new method for measuring the distances of galaxies, utilizing double-period RR Lyrae (RR Lyr) stars. The study, published in Nature Astronomy, aims to improve the accuracy of distance measurements by leveraging the unique properties of these stars.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature Astronomy·DateJun 19, 2023

Planet orbiting 2 stars discovered using new technique

Researchers have discovered a large gas giant orbiting two stars using the radial velocities method for the first time. The newly found system, TOI-1338/BEBOP-1, is only the second binary star system known to host multiple planets ever confirmed.

SourceOhio State University·JournalNature Astronomy·TypeObservational study·DateJun 12, 2023

Astrophysicists look into a powerful gamma-ray burst

Scientists observe a bright optical emission after the most powerful gamma-ray burst documented, providing detailed data on radiation across various wavebands. The study reveals that luminous phenomenon arises from high-energy charged particles in a rarefied medium with a powerful magnetic field.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalNature Astronomy·DateJun 8, 2023
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Researchers discover chemical evidence for pair-instability supernova from a very massive first star

A new study has identified a chemically peculiar star in the Galactic halo as clear evidence of the existence of pair-instability supernovae (PISNe) from very massive first stars. The star's low sodium and cobalt abundances are consistent with predictions for primordial PISN from first-generation stars with 260 solar masses.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature·DateJun 7, 2023