Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Why are dark matter halos of ultra-diffuse galaxies so … odd?

Researchers found that dark matter halos in ultra-diffuse galaxies have lower concentrations than expected, raising questions about their formation and evolution. The study's surprising results indicate these galaxies may be younger and contain more gas than normal galaxies.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·TypeObservational study·DateSep 12, 2022

Unraveling a mystery surrounding cosmic matter

Researchers propose using precision data from upcoming experiments to test the cosmological collider effect and unravel the mystery of matter's origin. They suggest that leptogenesis, a well-known mechanism, could be used to explain the imbalance between matter and antimatter in the early universe.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 8, 2022

NASA's Hubble finds spiraling stars, providing window into early universe

Researchers have discovered young stars spiraling into the center of a massive cluster in the Small Magellanic Cloud, a satellite galaxy of the Milky Way. The spiral motion is thought to be feeding star formation in a river-like motion of gas and stars, an efficient way to fuel star birth.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·TypeObservational study·DateSep 8, 2022
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.

ALMA witnesses deadly star-slinging tug-of-war between merging galaxies

Scientists discovered that the galaxy stopped forming stars because most of its gas fuel was thrown out of the system as it merged with another galaxy. The result is a first for ALMA scientists and challenges long-held theories about galaxy mergers and deaths.

SourceNational Radio Astronomy Observatory·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateAug 30, 2022

ALMA discovers birth cry from a baby star in the Small Magellanic Cloud

Researchers detected a bipolar gas stream flowing out of a young stellar object in the Small Magellanic Cloud, revealing a rotational motion suppressed by molecular outflow during gravitational contraction. This finding suggests that star formation has been common throughout the past 10 billion years.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·TypeObservational study·DateAug 30, 2022

Sharpest image ever of universe’s most massive known star

Researchers use Gemini Observatory's Zorro instrument to observe R136a1, finding it may be less massive than previously thought, potentially altering understanding of element formation. This breakthrough pushes the capabilities of ground-based telescopes, rivaling those of Hubble and James Webb Space Telescopes.

SourceAssociation of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA)·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·TypeObservational study·DateAug 18, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

First stars and black holes

Researchers used Stampede2 supercomputer to simulate star seeding, heating effects of primordial black holes. The study found that these two effects cancel each other out, with little impact on star formation.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin, Texas Advanced Computing Center·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 10, 2022

No trace of dark matter halos

Researchers from the University of Bonn found that dwarf galaxies in one of Earth's nearest galaxy clusters show signs of disturbance without dark matter halos. The study's results contradict previous models, suggesting an alternative gravity theory might be more accurate.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateAug 5, 2022

Gemini telescopes help uncover origins of castaway gamma-ray bursts

Astronomers have found that short gamma-ray bursts did not originate as castaways, but instead occurred in distant galaxies up to 10 billion light-years away. The discovery suggests that these events may have been more common in the past than expected and could have seeded the Universe with precious metals.

SourceAssociation of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA)·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·TypeObservational study·DateJul 27, 2022

How do galaxies evolve? A UMass Amherst undergrad may have provided the missing link

A UMass Amherst undergraduate student's work has provided key insight into how galaxies evolve, linking supermassive black hole growth to star formation. The study uses mid-infrared spectra to quantify the connection between these phenomena, paving the way for the James Webb Space Telescope to investigate galaxy evolution.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·DateJul 21, 2022

An ocean of galaxies awaits

A new Caltech project, COMAP, will peer beneath the 'tip of the iceberg' of galaxies to unveil a hidden era of star formation. The project aims to answer questions about what caused the universe's rapid increase in star production.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·DateJul 13, 2022
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Astronomers discover a multiplanet system nearby

Scientists have discovered a new multiplanet system about 33 light-years from Earth, featuring two rocky, Earth-sized planets. The inner planet orbits every 2.8 days and is twice as massive as the Earth, while the outer planet orbits every 5.7 days and is three times as massive.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateJun 15, 2022

Black holes helped quenching star formation in the early Universe

A team of astronomers found that black holes played a crucial role in preventing rejuvenated star formation in massive quiescent galaxies. By analyzing the combined light from thousands of galaxies, they discovered a low-luminosity active galactic nucleus that may have heated the galaxy's gas, preventing new stars from forming.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·DateJun 1, 2022
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.

New discovery about distant galaxies: Stars are heavier than we thought

Researchers have found that stars in distant galaxies are typically more massive than those in the Milky Way, changing our understanding of astronomical phenomena like black holes, supernovae, and galaxy death. This discovery may also explain why galaxies die and stop forming new stars.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·DateMay 25, 2022

Astronomers find hidden trove of massive black holes

Researchers have found a significant number of massive black holes in dwarf galaxies, contradicting previous assumptions that they are rare. The newly discovered black holes offer insights into the life story of the Milky Way's supermassive black hole and its potential mergers with other galaxies.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 24, 2022

Planets of binary stars as possible homes for alien life

Researchers found that planetary systems around binary stars form differently than those around single stars, potentially creating new targets for extraterrestrial life. The study also suggests that comets could play a key role in delivering organic molecules necessary for life.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalNature·DateMay 23, 2022
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.

Shedding light on turbulence with wave-optics simulations

Researchers conducted wave-optics simulations to study the impact of turbulence on light beams, finding that branch point density grows non-linearly with grid resolution. The study's results could lead to more accurate modeling and improved performance in Adaptive Optics systems.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalOptical Engineering·DateMay 18, 2022

Illinois astronomers help capture first image of Milky Way's black hole

A team of University of Illinois researchers, led by Charles Gammie, has captured the first direct visual evidence of a supermassive black hole at the center of the Milky Way. The image reveals a dark central region surrounded by a bright ringlike structure, providing valuable clues about the workings of such giants.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 12, 2022
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.

Dying stars’ cocoons might explain fast blue optical transients

A Northwestern University astrophysics team proposes that fast blue optical transients (FBOTs) originate from the cocoons of jets launched by dying stars. The new model, fully consistent with all FBOT observations, suggests that as the jet pushes the cocoon outward, it cools and releases heat, emitting an observed FBOT emission.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 20, 2022

Astronomers discover micronovae, a new kind of stellar explosion

A team of astronomers has discovered micronovae, extremely powerful events that occur on the surface of white dwarfs and can burn through billions of kilograms of material in a few hours. These new stellar explosions challenge our understanding of thermonuclear reactions in stars and may be more abundant than previously thought.

SourceESO·JournalNature·DateApr 20, 2022

Breaking news from the dawn of the universe

Astronomers identify GNz7q, a dusty compact object with properties of both galaxies and quasars, born 750 million years after Big Bang. The discovery provides new insights into the rapid growth of supermassive black holes in early universe.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalNature·DateApr 13, 2022

Simulating supernova remnants, star formation in earthbound lab

Researchers create high-power laser and foam ball to simulate supernova remnants and observe compression of molecular cloud material. This experiment demonstrates the potential for laboratory astrophysics to understand star formation mechanisms.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalMatter and Radiation at Extremes·DateApr 12, 2022
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.

Scientists created complete online database of water masers

The new database provides access to almost all observational data on water masers since 1989, enabling quick analysis and prediction of maser locations. With its technological solutions, researchers can now study the early stages of star formation more efficiently.

SourceUral Federal University·JournalThe Astronomical Journal·DateMar 16, 2022

Look! Up in the sky! Is it a planet? Nope, just a star

Three exoplanets mistakenly identified as planets are actually small stars, according to a new MIT study. The discovery was made using updated measurements of planet-hosting stars from the European Space Agency's Gaia mission.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalThe Astronomical Journal·DateMar 15, 2022

Black hole billiards in the centers of galaxies

Researchers propose a new mechanism for eccentric black hole mergers, suggesting that interactions between three black holes in a flat disk environment could lead to chaotic orbits. This finding challenges previous studies on the rarity of such events.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalNature·DateMar 9, 2022
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.

“Closest black hole” system found to contain no black hole

Astronomers have found that the HR 6819 system, once thought to be the closest black hole to Earth, is actually a binary system without a black hole. The discovery was made using new data from ESO's Very Large Telescope and Multi Unit Spectroscopic Explorer instruments.

SourceESO·JournalAstronomy and Astrophysics·DateMar 2, 2022

What ingredients went into the galactic blender to create the Milky Way?

Researchers analyzed individual stars to identify components of the Milky Way, finding that it consumed smaller galaxies. The study used advanced spectrographic techniques to measure elemental abundances, providing early insights into the galaxy's formation and evolution.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for All Sky Astrophysics in 3D (ASTRO 3D)·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 21, 2022
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

New planet detected around star closest to the Sun

Astronomers have detected a new planet orbiting Proxima Centauri, the closest star to our Solar System, with a mass comparable to that of Earth. The newly discovered planet, named Proxima d, orbits its star at just five days, within the habitable zone.

SourceESO·JournalAstronomy and Astrophysics·DateFeb 10, 2022

Is the ‘fine-tuned universe’ an illusion?

A new FQXi report re-assesses the 'fine-tuned universe' hypothesis, proposing that intelligent life could have evolved under drastically different physical conditions. This challenges popular arguments for a multiverse and suggests that the universe may be able to produce life under a wider range of circumstances than previously thought.

SourceFoundational Questions Institute, FQXi·TypeLiterature review·DateFeb 7, 2022
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.

Even dying stars can still give birth to planets

Researchers discovered that a large cavity in the discs surrounding evolved binary stars could be evidence of planet formation. The presence of heavy elements on the surface of dying stars suggests that dust particles rich in these elements were trapped by planets, supporting this hypothesis.

SourceKU Leuven·JournalAstronomy and Astrophysics·DateFeb 1, 2022

Exotic cocktail in the atmosphere of extreme exoplanet

The study reveals the presence of titanium oxide in the atmosphere of WASP-189b, a hot gas giant planet 322 light years from Earth. The researchers used high-resolution spectroscopy to analyze the exoplanet's atmosphere, finding a layered type of chemistry that suggests three-dimensional effects and winds play a crucial role.

SourceLund University·JournalNature Astronomy·DateJan 28, 2022

Discovery of the least 'metallic' stellar structure in the Milky Way

A unique stellar structure in the Milky Way, C-19, has been found to consist of stars with extremely low metallicity, challenging current understanding of star formation models. This discovery provides a direct window into the earliest ages of star formation and the development of stellar structures in the distant past.

SourceCNRS·JournalNature·DateJan 5, 2022

Infant stars identified at the center of our galaxy

Three young stars have been discovered at the center of our galaxy, contradicting initial assumptions about a gas and dust cloud called G2. The unusual temperature of G2 has sparked debate among astronomers, but new observations reveal it is actually composed of three evolving young stars.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·TypeObservational study·DateDec 10, 2021
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.

A young, sun-like star may hold warnings for life on Earth

Astronomers observed a young, sun-like star ejecting a massive burst of energy and charged particles, potentially bad news for satellites and power grids. The study suggests that similar events could have shaped planets like Earth and Mars over billions of years.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalNature Astronomy·DateDec 9, 2021

GMRT discovers several rare class of radio stars

A team of astronomers discovered eight new stars and three more previously known stars belonging to the rare 'Main-sequence Radio Pulse emitters' (MRPs) using the GMRT. These discoveries suggest that MRPs may be more common than thought, but are difficult to detect due to their radio pulses being visible only at certain times.

SourceTata Institute of Fundamental Research·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·DateNov 23, 2021

Magellanic Stream arcing over Milky Way may be five times closer than previously thought

New astronomical models suggest the Magellanic Stream could be just 20 kiloparsecs from Earth, potentially colliding with the Milky Way and fueling new star formation. The revised distance may also affect estimates of the stream's mass and density, which could require revision.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 23, 2021
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Astronomers team up to create new method to understand galaxy evolution

Researchers used NASA's Hubble Space Telescope to focus on a post-starburst galaxy nearly 500 million light years away. They discovered two periods of intense starburst before the galaxy stopped forming stars, shedding new light on its history and evolution.

SourceUniversity of Toledo·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·TypeObservational study·DateNov 16, 2021
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.

Gravitational ‘kick’ may explain the strange shape at the center of Andromeda

A new study suggests that a gravitational 'kick' from colliding supermassive black holes could be responsible for the strange shape of stars at the center of the Andromeda Galaxy. The team used computer simulations to track the consequences of such a merger, finding that it could knock millions of stars into wonky orbits.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 2, 2021

Astronomers discover massive galaxy 'shipyard' in the distant universe

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.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalAstronomy and Astrophysics·TypeObservational study·DateOct 27, 2021
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.

The planet does not fall far from the star

Scientists confirm a link between planetary and stellar compositions, with some planets exhibiting higher iron content than their host stars. This study provides insights into planetary formation and evolution, shedding light on potential habitability and constraining possible compositions.

SourceUniversity of Bern·JournalScience·DateOct 14, 2021

Research in Brief: UNLV astronomers may have discovered first planet to orbit 3 stars

Researchers identified a potential circumtriple planet in the star system GW Ori, with implications for our understanding of planet formation. The discovery, made using ALMA telescope observations, suggests that planet formation may be more active than previously thought.

SourceUniversity of Nevada, Las Vegas·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 1, 2021

‘Planet confusion’ could slow Earth-like exoplanet exploration

Researchers warn that future exoplanet direct-imaging missions need to make multiple observations to differentiate between planets. In 36% of solar systems, an Earth-like planet can be misidentified with a Mercury-like planet, and in 72% of cases, it could be mistaken for a Venus-like planet.

SourceCornell University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateSep 30, 2021
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Investigating the potential for life around the galaxy’s smallest stars

Scientists study potential for life around M-dwarf planets with new telescope, finding atmospheres may be dried out due to intense radiation. The James Webb Space Telescope can detect gases in heavy carbon dioxide or oxygen-dominated atmospheres.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalThe Astronomical Journal·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 29, 2021

Unveiling galaxies at cosmic dawn that were hiding behind the dust

Researchers used ALMA to observe distant galaxies and discovered two new, dusty galaxies near original targets, challenging our understanding of early galaxy formation. The discovery suggests that a significant portion of early galaxies may be hidden from view due to cosmic dust.

SourceWaseda University·JournalNature·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 22, 2021
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.