NASA's TESS presents panorama of southern sky
The satellite discovered 29 exoplanets and over 1,000 candidate planets in the southern sky. The mosaic also reveals celestial events such as comets, supernovae, and a black hole flare.
Stars
Articles tagged with Stars
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.
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.
Cosmic Yeti from the dawn of the universe found lurking in dust
Astronomers have found a massive monster galaxy in the early universe, hidden in dust, which has never been seen before. The discovery provides new insights into the first growing steps of some of the biggest galaxies in the universe.
Stormy cluster weather could unleash black hole power and explain lack of cosmic cooling
Researchers used simulations to show how supermassive black holes' powerful jets are disrupted by hot gas and galaxies, preventing gas from cooling and forming stars. The team found that this 'weather' mechanism may solve the long-standing 'cooling flow' puzzle plaguing astrophysicists.
SourceRoyal Astronomical Society·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateOct 17, 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.
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.
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.
The violent history of the big galaxy next door
Researchers have discovered that the galaxy Andromeda has eaten several smaller galaxies over the last few billion years, leaving behind remnants in large streams of stars. The study found faint traces of even earlier consumed galaxies, possibly dating back to 10 billion years ago.
Telescope seeking new planets launches via football field-sized balloon
The University of Massachusetts Lowell's PICTURE-C telescope was launched via a football field-sized helium balloon to study objects hidden by stars' glare. The instrument boasts an optical control system and can block out direct light from stars, allowing for the detailed study of nearby planets.
Growing old together: A sharper look at black holes and their host galaxies
A new Yale University study reveals that supermassive black holes grow in tandem with their host galaxies, influenced by the rate of star formation. The research provides a sharper understanding of the intricate relationship between these cosmic entities.
Life's building blocks may have formed in interstellar clouds
Scientists at Hokkaido University detected nucleobases in a simulated interstellar cloud environment, essential building blocks of DNA. The findings suggest that the processes could lead to the formation of molecular precursors of life.
Giant exoplanet around tiny star challenges understanding of how planets form
A giant exoplanet has been found orbiting a small star, GJ 3512, which is unusual because low-mass stars should have less material to form planets. The discovery was made using the Doppler technique and suggests the presence of another massive planet that may have been ejected from the system.
The stellar nurseries of distant galaxies
Molecular clouds in distant galaxies have higher mass, density, and internal turbulence than those in nearby galaxies, producing more stars. The international team used ALMA to detect clouds in a Milky Way progenitor 8 billion light-years away.
Busy older stars outpace stellar youngsters, new study shows
Researchers analyze data from Gaia satellite and spectroscopy to find that older stars move more rapidly in and out of the Galaxy's disk. The findings provide insights into the history of our Galaxy and inform theories about star formation and evolution.
SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateAug 28, 2019
The dark side of extrasolar planets share surprisingly similar temperatures
New study reveals that the temperatures on the dark sides of hot Jupiters are remarkably uniform, suggesting the presence of clouds made of minerals and rocks. This discovery could provide insights into cloud formation elsewhere in the universe, including on Earth.
Newly discovered giant planet slingshots around its star
Astronomers have discovered a massive planet three times the size of Jupiter that orbits its star on an egg-shaped path. The planet's unique orbit takes it from within our asteroid belt to beyond Neptune, providing a rare opportunity for scientists to study extreme planetary configurations.
Where are new stars born? NASA's Webb Telescope will investigate
The TEMPLATES team will study four galaxies using gravitational lensing to magnify light and gain insights into star formation. They aim to measure star-formation rates, map galaxy distributions, compare young and old stellar populations, and reveal how galaxies grow over time.
Virtual 'universe machine' sheds light on galaxy evolution
A University of Arizona-led team used supercomputer simulations to generate millions of virtual universes, challenging fundamental ideas about galaxy formation and the role of dark matter. The findings suggest galaxies formed stars more efficiently in the early universe than previously thought.
SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateAug 9, 2019
A long time ago, galaxies far, far away
Astronomers have found a treasure trove of previously unknown ancient massive galaxies, defying current models of the universe. These galaxies are connected to supermassive black holes and dark matter, providing new insights into cosmic evolution.
Mapping the Milky Way in three dimensions
Researchers have charted the Milky Way in three dimensions using thousands of pulsating stars, revealing a warped and twisted stellar disc. The new map provides a broad view of our place among the stars and constrains the previously observed shape of the Galaxy's disk.
Distant 'heavy metal' gas planet is shaped like a football
Astronomers observe WASP-121b, a scorching hot exoplanet losing its atmosphere and emitting heavy metals like iron and magnesium. The planet's extreme conditions make it an ideal target for studying the physics of ultra-hot Jupiters.
NASA's TESS mission finds 'missing link' planets
The Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) has discovered three new exoplanets, including one rocky planet in the habitable zone, which could potentially support liquid water and life. The newly found planets, TOI-270, are unique in that they occupy a 'missing link' between rocky Earth-like planets and gas-dominant mini-Neptunes.
A test of general relativity at the galaxy's center suggests Einstein's theory still holds
Researchers detected gravitational redshift in star orbiting Sagittarius A* black hole, consistent with general relativity. The findings provide a 'transformational change' in understanding supermassive blackholes and their physics.
Production Sites of Stars are Rare
Astronomers have discovered that high-density gas, the material for stars, accounts for only 3% of the total mass of gas distributed in the Milky Way. This finding implies a small number of opportunities to form stars and will be investigated further using Fugin data.
SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalPublications of the Astronomical Society of Japan·DateJul 24, 2019
The early days of the Milky Way revealed
A study led by the Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias reveals the early days of the Milky Way's formation, identifying two distinct stellar components that merged to create our galaxy. The research uses accurate stellar ages and Gaia space telescope data to uncover the birth of the Milky Way with unprecedented detail.
New Hubble constant measurement adds to mystery of universe's expansion rate
Astronomers have made a new measurement of the Hubble constant using red giant stars, indicating an expansion rate of around 70 km/sec/Mpc. This measurement falls in the center of a hotly debated question and may lead to a new interpretation of the universe's fundamental properties.
New measurement of universe's expansion rate is 'stuck in the middle'
A new method using red giant stars has measured the universe's expansion rate at 69.8 kilometers per second per megaparsec, settling between previous values of 74.0 km/s/Mpc and 67.4 km/s/Mpc. The result may indicate that the standard model of the universe is not yet complete.
Scientists weigh the balance of matter in galaxy clusters
A team of researchers has found a balance between hot gas, stars, and other materials in galaxy clusters. The study validates the prevailing cold dark matter theory and provides insight into the relationship between ordinary matter and dark matter.
Black hole brings down curtain on jellyfish galaxy's star turn
A supermassive black hole at the centre of jellyfish galaxy JO201 is stripping away gas and throwing it out into space, accelerating the suppression of star formation. This process, known as ram-pressure stripping, has caused a brief increase in star formation due to the compression of clouds of gas.
Hubble captures the galaxy's biggest ongoing stellar fireworks show
Astronomers have discovered a large amount of warm gas ejected in the Great Eruption of Eta Carinae, revealing an astonishingly different ultraviolet-light image. The newly revealed gas is important for understanding how the eruption began and could be used to study other stars and gaseous nebulas.
Spiraling filaments feed young galaxies
A new study using the Keck Cosmic Web Imager has provided the clearest evidence yet that filaments of cool gas spiral into young galaxies, explaining how they can make stars on fast timescales. The observations suggest a cold-flow model of galaxy formation, where cool gas flows directly into forming galaxies and is converted into stars.
3D holograms bringing astronomy to life
Researchers from the University of Leeds have developed 3D holograms to share their work on massive star cluster formation with the general public. The holograms allow people to watch millions of years of stellar evolution in 3D, making it easier for non-experts to understand complex topics.
Organosilicon in circumstellar envelopes
A mechanism for bicyclic silicon tricarbide formation has been identified in the circumstellar envelopes of carbon stars. Electronically excited silicon atoms react with allene and methylacetylene to form SiC3H2, which is then converted into c-SiC3 via stellar wind and UV light
SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 1, 2019
Hubble finds tiny 'electric soccer balls' in space, helps solve interstellar mystery
Scientists confirm electrically-charged molecules shaped like soccer balls in space, shedding light on the mysterious contents of interstellar medium. The discovery points toward a strong likelihood for other complex carbon-bearing molecules arising spontaneously in space.
Hubble captures elusive, irregular galaxy
IC 10 is the closest-known starburst galaxy, with ample supplies of cool hydrogen gas fueling its furious star formation. The faint object, located 2.2 million light-years from Earth, remains difficult to study due to cosmic dust and stars blocking our view.
Astrophysicist announces her discovery that could rewrite story of how galaxies die
Astrophysicist Allison Kirkpatrick announces the discovery of cold quasars, galaxies with abundant cold gas that can still form new stars despite having a quasar at the center. This breakthrough finding overturns assumptions about galaxy maturation and may represent a previously unknown phase in every galaxy's lifecycle.
Technique pulls interstellar magnetic fields within easy reach
A new method allows researchers to map magnetic field orientations in space using ground-based telescopes, revolutionizing studies of star formation and cosmic rays. The 'Wisconsin technique' generates high-resolution maps comparable to those obtained with the Planck mission.
Mature galaxy mesmerizes in new Hubble view
The Hubble Space Telescope's Wide Field Camera 3 has captured a breathtaking image of NGC 7773, a mature barred spiral galaxy. The galaxy features a luminous bar-shaped structure, thought to be a sign of galactic maturity and stellar nursery.
Chemistry of stars sheds new light on the Gaia Sausage
Researchers used chemical composition of stars to determine Gaia Sausage's age, estimating it formed around 12.5 billion years ago. The study suggests a collision with the Milky Way disrupted star formation in our galaxy.
SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateMay 23, 2019
Galaxies as 'cosmic cauldrons'
New observations of the NGC 300 spiral galaxy reveal that molecular clouds are short-lived structures undergoing rapid lifecycles driven by intense stellar radiation. The positions of young stars rarely coincide with those of their parent molecular clouds, indicating rapid star formation and gas dispersion.
ALMA discovers aluminum around young star
Researchers discovered aluminum oxide around a young massive protostar using ALMA data, providing insights into the early formation of meteorites and planets. The detection suggests that aluminum-rich dust can form in hot regions close to the star and later condense into solid particles.
SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateMay 16, 2019
New clues about how ancient galaxies lit up the universe
New observations using NASA's Spitzer Space Telescope reveal that some of the earliest galaxies in the Universe were significantly brighter than anticipated. The excess light suggests that these galaxies released high amounts of ionising radiation, which may have played a key role in the Epoch of Reionisation.
SourceRoyal Astronomical Society·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateMay 9, 2019
Spinning black hole sprays light-speed plasma clouds into space
Astronomers have discovered rapidly swinging jets from a black hole in V404 Cygni, behaving in a way never seen before. The jets are thought to be caused by the misalignment of the accretion disk and the black hole, resulting in a wobble-like motion.
TESS discovers its first Earth-sized planet
The TESS mission has discovered its first Earth-sized exoplanet, HD 21749c, which orbits a nearby star in just 7.8 days. The planet is likely a rocky, uninhabitable world with surface temperatures of up to 800 degrees Fahrenheit.
SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateApr 16, 2019
Hubble peers at cosmic blue bauble
The Hubble Space Telescope has revealed a stunning image of Messier 3, a massive globular cluster containing over half a million stars. The cluster features 274 variable stars, including the rare RR Lyrae type, which can be used as standard candles to measure vast celestial distances.
Researchers pinpoint origin of photons in mysterious gamma-ray bursts
Using simulations, researchers found that photons in long gamma-ray bursts originate from the photosphere of relativistic jets emitted by exploding stars. This discovery provides a promising explanation for the emission mechanism and could help unlock insights into dark matter and dark energy.
Ultra-sharp images make old stars look absolutely marvelous!
Astronomers have uncovered one of the oldest star clusters in the Milky Way Galaxy using high-resolution adaptive optics imaging from the Gemini Observatory. The study reveals that the cluster is approximately 12.8 billion years old and provides new insights into galaxy formation.
SourceAssociation of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA)·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateMar 25, 2019
Anemic galaxy reveals deficiencies in ultra-diffuse galaxy formation theory
Researchers used Keck Cosmic Web Imager to study DGSAT I, a solitary ultra-diffuse galaxy with unusual chemical composition. Its low iron content and normal magnesium levels contradict current theories on UDG formation, sparking new questions about galaxy origins.
SourceW. M. Keck Observatory·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateFeb 26, 2019
ALMA differentiates two birth cries from a single star
Astronomers using ALMA have found evidence of independent origins for two gas flows from a baby star. The slow outflow and high-speed jet have misaligned axes, indicating they were launched from different parts of the disk around the protostar.
NIST 'Astrocomb' opens new horizons for planet-hunting telescope
The NIST Astrocomb allows the detection of Earth-mass planets orbiting M dwarf stars, which comprise 70% of stars in the galaxy. The precision provided by the comb enables astronomers to find habitable planets around the most ubiquitous stars near Earth.
Bubbles of brand new stars
Researchers have spotted a massive young stellar object with a jet emitted by a fledgling star, shedding light on the early lives of stars. The observations were made possible by ESO's MUSE instrument, which has been improved by the addition of Adaptive Optics Facility.
Retreating snow line reveals organic molecules around young star
Astronomers using ALMA have detected complex organic molecules around the young star V883 Ori, similar to those found in comets in our Solar System. The distribution of these molecules has a ring-like structure with a radius of 60 au, which is twice the size of Neptune's orbit.
The Milky Way is warped
Astronomers have created the first accurate 3D map of the Milky Way, revealing it is warped and twisted, with young stars in the outer regions.
MaNGA data release includes detailed maps of thousands of nearby galaxies
The MaNGA survey reveals the internal structure and composition of nearly 5,000 nearby galaxies, using resolved spectroscopy to dissect their composition and study star motions. The data release includes a massive 'stellar library' with spectra of over 3,000 stars in the Milky Way galaxy.
Missing link in planet evolution found
Scientists have discovered a 1.3 km radius body beyond Neptune's orbit, revealing more about the planet formation process. The detection supports models where planetesimals grow slowly into kilometer-sized objects before merging to form planets.
Funding boosts Exeter's research into the building blocks of galaxies
Dr Clare Dobbs' research will focus on the formation and evolution of young massive star clusters, a crucial aspect of understanding galaxy formation. The five-year project aims to tackle the puzzle of how stars develop in densely packed regions of space.
Environmental protection in outer space
The protection of extraterrestrial life is not stipulated in international space research agreements. However, launching miniature interstellar probes poses a risk to habitable but sterile oxygen planets. Research suggests that these planets are unlikely to support life due to the corrosive effect of free oxygen.
Birth of massive black holes in the early universe revealed
Massive black holes may have formed in rare, densely populated areas of the early universe, a new study suggests. The team used simulations to model the growth of dark matter halos and found that rapid assembly prevented normal star formation, leading to black hole formation instead.
Milky Way's neighbors pick up the pace
The Magellanic Clouds, near neighbors of the Milky Way, have increased their star formation rate over the past 2 billion years. This study, led by David Nidever, mapped the chemical compositions of thousands of stars in the clouds, revealing a dramatic difference from the Milky Way's slow start.