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Milky Way family tree

A team of astrophysicists has created a complete family tree of the Milky Way, revealing a previously unknown galaxy collision that permanently altered its appearance. The researchers used advanced computer simulations and artificial intelligence to study the merger history of the galaxy.

SourceHeidelberg University·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateNov 23, 2020

Hubble launches large ultraviolet-light survey of nearby stars

The ULLYSES program aims to create a comprehensive dataset for understanding star formation and its impact on planet habitability. The Hubble Space Telescope will observe over 300 stars across eight regions, capturing their spectral templates to inform research on stellar evolution and planetary chemistry.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateNov 5, 2020

Galactic archaeology

Researchers from the University of Texas at Austin and Georgia Tech used supercomputers to model the formation of the first stars, known as Population III or Pop III stars. Their simulations showed that these ancient stars forged heavier elements, such as carbon, which seeded the next generation of stars.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin, Texas Advanced Computing Center·DateOct 22, 2020

The Milky Way galaxy has a clumpy halo

The Milky Way's circumgalactic medium (CGM) has a disk-like geometry, with denser areas where stars are forming and material is being traded between the galaxy and the CGM. The discovery provides insight into the galaxy's formation and evolution, as well as its interaction with the surrounding universe.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalNature Astronomy·DateOct 19, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Anemic star cluster breaks metal-poor record

Researchers have found a globular star cluster with 800 times less iron than the Sun and is three times more iron-poor than the previous record-holder. The study contradicts the standard picture of how these old star clusters formed in the early universe.

SourceW. M. Keck Observatory·JournalScience·DateOct 15, 2020

Upgraded GMRT measures the mass of hydrogen in distant galaxies

A team of astronomers has used the upgraded GMRT to measure atomic hydrogen content in galaxies as they were 8 billion years ago. The study reveals that the exhaustion of atomic hydrogen gas explains the decline in star formation activity over time.

SourceTata Institute of Fundamental Research·JournalNature·DateOct 15, 2020

The puzzle of the strange galaxy made of 99.9% dark matter is solved

Astronomers find galaxy Dragonfly 44 has normal amount of dark matter, contrary to earlier claims. The team discovered only 20 globular clusters, reducing the amount of dark matter, and confirming that the galaxy is not unique or anomalous.

SourceInstituto de Astrofísica de Canarias (IAC)·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateOct 13, 2020
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.

Signals from distant stars connect optical atomic clocks across Earth for the first time

Researchers have successfully connected two optical atomic clocks in Italy and Japan, separated by 8700 km, using radio telescopes observing distant stars. This achievement could provide a global infrastructure for high-precision timekeeping and unlock new possibilities for studying fundamental physics and general relativity.

SourceNational Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT)·JournalNature Physics·DateOct 8, 2020

Astronomers turn up the heavy metal to shed light on star formation

Researchers reconstruct when most stars formed in the Universe, agreeing with telescope observations for the first time. They use a new algorithm to model energy and wavelengths of light coming from 7000 nearby galaxies.

SourceInternational Centre for Radio Astronomy Research·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateOct 6, 2020
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Revealing secret of lithium-rich stars by monitoring their heartbeats

A recent study from an international team led by Prof. ZHAO Gang, Prof. SHI Jianrong, and Dr. YAN Hongliang found that most lithium-rich stars are 'red clumps' rather than 'red giants'. The research provides new insights into the origin of the ancient element lithium.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature Astronomy·DateOct 5, 2020

Astronomers model, determine how disk galaxies evolve so smoothly

Researchers have advanced studies on galaxy formation, revealing the role of massive clumps in scattering stars and creating smooth galaxy disks. The models show that this process is robust and universal, applying to many types of galaxies.

SourceIowa State University·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateSep 25, 2020

Water trapped in star dust

A research team from Friedrich Schiller University Jena has proven that dust particles and ice are mixed in the interstellar medium. This finding suggests complex organic molecules may be present on dust particles, which can contribute to planetary formation. The study also reveals a hidden reservoir of oxygen in solid-state water.

SourceFriedrich-Schiller-Universitaet Jena·JournalNature Astronomy·DateSep 22, 2020

A warm Jupiter orbiting a cool star

Astronomers have detected a Jupiter-sized planet, TOI-1899 b, orbiting a low-mass star, providing insights into the formation of giant planets. The discovery was made possible by the Habitable-zone Planet Finder spectrograph and offers a unique opportunity to study the properties of warm Jupiters.

SourcePenn State·DateSep 14, 2020
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.

Quntao Zhuang receives DARPA Young Faculty Award

Quntao Zhuang, a University of Arizona electrical and computer engineer, has received the DARPA Young Faculty Award to improve the precision of quantum sensor networks. His research focuses on enhancing the ability of these sensors to perform in noisy environments.

SourceUniversity of Arizona College of Engineering·DateSep 3, 2020

Galactic bar paradox resolved in cosmic dance

A new study resolves the Galactic bar paradox by proposing that the central region of the Milky Way is connected to the spiral arm in a 'cosmic dance', causing contradictory estimates of motion. The bar's size and rotational speed fluctuate rapidly, making it appear larger and slower at certain times.

SourceRoyal Astronomical Society·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateAug 25, 2020
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Mystery gas discovered near center of Milky Way

Researchers have discovered a dense, cold gas ejected from the centre of the Milky Way, which could impact star formation and galaxy stability. The finding raises new questions about what's happening in the galactic centre, particularly with regards to the massive black hole at its heart.

SourceAustralian National University·JournalNature·DateAug 19, 2020

Stars rich in phosphorus: Seeds of life in the universe

A study published in Nature Communications has discovered phosphorus-rich stars with unusual abundances, defying current theories of stellar evolution and nucleosynthesis. The findings suggest a new type of object that could provide insights into the origin of life's essential element.

SourceInstituto de Astrofísica de Canarias (IAC)·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 4, 2020
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.

In a first, astronomers watch a black hole's corona disappear, then reappear

Researchers at MIT watched as a supermassive black hole's corona was abruptly destroyed, causing its brightness to drop by a factor of 10,000 in under a year. The corona eventually rebuilt itself, sparking hopes for understanding how black holes' coronas are heated and powered.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateJul 15, 2020

Artificial intelligence predicts which planetary systems will survive

A Princeton astrophysicist has developed an AI model, SPOCK, to predict the stability of planetary systems. By combining simplified models with machine learning methods, researchers can quickly eliminate unstable configurations, reducing computational time by factors of 100,000.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 13, 2020

The cosmic commute towards star and planet formation

Researchers measured gas motions throughout the Milky Way and a nearby galaxy, finding that cold molecular gas motions appear to fluctuate in velocity, reminiscent of ocean waves. The team discovered that equidistantly spaced structure shows distinctive pattern, with periodic spacing likely resulting from gravitational instability.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Astronomy·DateJul 7, 2020
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.

Large simulation finds new origin of supermassive black holes

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.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateJun 2, 2020

Under pressure, black holes feast

A new study reveals that supermassive black holes experience a surge in activity as galaxies within galaxy clusters stop forming stars. The intense pressure allows for a final feast of gas clouds and stars before shutting off normal feeding, suggesting an intricate interplay between black hole behavior and star formation.

SourceYale University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateMay 27, 2020
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.

ALMA discovers massive rotating disk in early universe

Astronomers used ALMA to discover a massive rotating disk galaxy, DLA0817g, which challenges traditional models of galaxy formation. The galaxy formed primarily through the steady accretion of cold gas, indicating alternative growth processes dominated over violent mergers.

SourceNational Radio Astronomy Observatory·JournalNature·DateMay 20, 2020

Age of NGC 6652 globular cluster specified

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.

SourceKazan Federal University·JournalResearch in Astronomy and Astrophysics·DateMay 5, 2020

Origin of the first known interstellar object 'Oumuamua

Scientists have found that the unique characteristics of interstellar object 'Oumuamua can be explained by tidal forces felt during close encounters with stars. The study suggests that rocky objects like 'Oumuamua could originate from planetary systems, providing a new perspective on their formation and evolution.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature Astronomy·DateApr 13, 2020

Microscopic STAR particles offer new potential treatment for skin diseases

Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology have developed a new skin treatment using microscopic STAR particles that can deliver drugs directly to affected areas. The treatment, which involves rubbing the particles on the skin, has shown promising results in inhibiting tumor growth in mice.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalNature Medicine·DateMar 9, 2020
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.

Dimming Betelgeuse likely isn't cold, just dusty, new study shows

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.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateMar 6, 2020

What if mysterious 'cotton candy' planets actually sport rings?

New research suggests that some 'cotton candy' exoplanets could have rings, challenging current ideas about their low densities. The discovery proposal, led by Anthony Piro and Shreyas Vissapragada, simulates how ringed exoplanets would appear to astronomers using high-precision instruments.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalThe Astronomical Journal·DateMar 2, 2020
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.

The Milky Way's impending galactic collision is already birthing new stars

Astronomers have discovered a flock of young stars on the outskirts of the Milky Way, suggesting that material from nearby dwarf galaxies, the Magellanic Clouds, is forming new stars. The discovery implies that a stream of gas extending from the galaxies is closer to crashing into the Milky Way than previously thought.

SourceSimons Foundation·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·DateJan 7, 2020
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.

Ten not-to-be-missed PPPL stories from 2019 -- plus a triple bonus!

PPPL made significant strides in fusion energy development, including the creation of a supersonic plasma jet that could study stellar bodies light years away. The Laboratory also partnered with Princeton University to study low-temperature plasma and developed an award-winning apprenticeship program for early career technicians.

SourceDOE/Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory·DateJan 2, 2020

GMRT discovers a gigantic ring of hydrogen gas around a distant galaxy

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.

SourceTata Institute of Fundamental Research·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateJan 2, 2020

Massive gas disk raises questions about planet formation theory

Researchers found a massive gas disk around the 40-million-year-old star 49 Ceti, contradicting conventional planet formation predictions. The discovery raises questions about the origin of the gas and its impact on planetary composition.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateDec 23, 2019
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.

Star fruit could be the new 'star' of Florida agriculture

Researchers are exploring how cover crops can enhance the sustainability of star fruit farms in Florida. By incorporating cover crops like sunn hemp and velvet bean into their practices, farmers can improve soil organic matter and reduce the need for synthetic inputs.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·DateDec 18, 2019

New clues on dark matter from the darkest galaxies

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.

SourceScuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateDec 18, 2019
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.

Gas giant composition not determined by host star

Researchers find no correlation between a gas giant planet's composition and its host star's heavy element content, contradicting previous theories on planetary formation. The authors suggest other factors, such as location in the disk or distance from neighbors, may be contributing to this discrepancy.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalThe Astronomical Journal·DateDec 3, 2019

Two cosmic peacocks show violent history of the magellanic clouds

A team of astronomers used ALMA to study the structure of dense gas in N159, a bustling star formation region in the LMC. The observations found fan-shaped filaments of gas extending to the north with pivots in the southernmost points, similar shapes and ages of baby stars in two regions separated by 150 light-years.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·DateNov 14, 2019
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.

Galactic fountains and carousels: order emerging from chaos

A new cosmological simulation, TNG50, has revealed that the geometry of cosmic gas flows determines galaxies' structures. The study finds that galaxies form into disc-like shapes with rapid rotation, eventually becoming spiral galaxies through a process known as galactic fountains.

SourceRoyal Astronomical Society·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateNov 7, 2019

Thousands of new globular clusters have formed over the last billion years

A study published in Nature Astronomy reveals thousands of new globular clusters have formed over the last billion years, primarily from a cool gas network surrounding giant galaxies. These clusters are thought to be the result of precipitation from hot gas and aging of stars.

SourceUniversity of the Basque Country·JournalNature Astronomy·DateNov 4, 2019
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

How to spot a wormhole (if they exist)

Physicists propose detecting wormholes by searching for small deviations in the orbit of stars near Sagittarius A*, a supermassive black hole. The technique could reveal the presence of traversable or non-traversable wormholes.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalPhysical Review D·DateOct 23, 2019

Astronomers use giant galaxy cluster as X-ray magnifying lens

Researchers have successfully used a massive galaxy cluster as an X-ray magnifying glass to detect a tiny dwarf galaxy in its first, high-energy stages of star formation. The technique allows for the zooming in on extreme, distant X-ray-emitting phenomena and could be used to age-date different parts of a galaxy.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Astronomy·DateOct 14, 2019
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.

Black holes stunt growth of dwarf galaxies

Researchers at UC Riverside discover large-scale winds associated with active black holes in small galaxies suppress star formation, impacting galaxy evolution. The team used the Sloan Digital Sky Survey data to identify 50 dwarf galaxies and found six of them showing signs of winds emanating from their active black holes.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·DateOct 11, 2019

A dusty lab in the sky

The DUST experiment aims to shed light on cosmic dust formation and its impact on planet growth. By launching lab equipment into space, scientists can study the complex process of dust grain growth and aggregation.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateOct 4, 2019