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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

Giant planets cast a deadly pall

New studies show that giant gas planets in nearby star systems can prevent life on smaller, rocky planet neighbors by kicking them out of orbit and wreaking havoc on their climates. Researchers found that four giant planets in the HD 141399 system are likely to destroy the chances for life on Earth-like planets.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalThe Astronomical Journal·DateOct 31, 2023

Biggest ever supercomputer simulation to investigate Universe’s evolution

Researchers have carried out the largest ever computer simulations to investigate the Universe's evolution, taking into account ordinary matter and dark energy. The FLAMINGO simulations provide a detailed picture of virtual galaxies and galaxy clusters, allowing for comparisons with observations from new high-powered telescopes.

SourceDurham University·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 24, 2023

Leading scientists, philosophers identify nature’s missing evolutionary law

A team of scientists and philosophers identifies a new law of nature that governs the evolution of complex systems, including plants, animals, stars, and minerals. The law states that complex systems evolve to states of greater patterning, diversity, and complexity, regardless of whether they are living or nonliving.

SourceCarnegie Science Earth and Planets Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateOct 16, 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

Pulsars may make dark matter glow

Scientists propose that pulsars could detect dark matter by observing a subtle additional glow. If axions are produced in strong electromagnetic fields around pulsars, they could convert into observable light.

SourceUniversiteit van Amsterdam·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 6, 2023

Astrophysicists propose a new way of measuring cosmic expansion: lensed gravitational waves

Researchers propose using lensed gravitational waves from binary black holes to measure cosmic expansion. The method uses the delays between repeat appearances of these signals to encode the universe's expansion rate. This approach does not rely on knowing the exact locations or distances of binary black holes, making it a promising to...

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJun 30, 2023

Celestial monsters at the origin of globular clusters

A team of astronomers has discovered chemical traces of supermassive stars in globular proto-clusters, born 440 million years after the Big Bang. The study suggests that these 'celestial monsters' enriched the original gas cloud with chemical elements, explaining abundance anomalies in their stars.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalAstronomy and Astrophysics·TypeNews article·DateMay 11, 2023

Astronomers solve the 60-year mystery of quasars – the most powerful objects in the Universe

Scientists have discovered that quasars are ignited by galaxies crashing together, a process that drives gas towards supermassive black holes and releases extraordinary amounts of energy. This finding provides a significant step forward in understanding how these powerful objects are triggered and fuelled.

SourceUniversity of Sheffield·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·TypeImaging analysis·DateApr 25, 2023

Researchers discover tiny galaxy with big star power using James Webb telescope

Researchers have discovered a tiny galaxy with big star power using the James Webb Space Telescope, providing new insights into the universe's early stars. The galaxy is one of the smallest ever discovered at this distance—around 500 million years after the Big Bang—and generated new stars at an extremely high rate for its size.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalScience·TypeObservational study·DateApr 13, 2023

Dark order in the universe

A team of scientists from Kyoto University has confirmed that galaxy alignments can be a powerful probe for dark matter and dark energy. The analysis of 1.2 million galaxy observations verified general theory of relativity at vast spatial scales, providing strong evidence for gravity's role in shaping the universe.

SourceKyoto University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 13, 2023

Record-breaking detection of radio signal from atomic hydrogen in extremely distant galaxy using GMRT

Researchers have detected a radio signal from atomic hydrogen in an extremely distant galaxy at redshift z=1.29, marking the largest distance so far. The signal was amplified by gravitational lensing, allowing the team to observe the galaxy's atomic hydrogen mass, which is almost twice its stellar mass.

SourceIndian Institute of Science (IISc)·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateJan 16, 2023

Revealed: oldest star clusters in the universe

A team of astronomers used the James Webb Telescope to identify five ancient globular clusters, potentially containing the first and oldest stars in the universe. The clusters were formed close to the Big Bang, offering insights into star formation and galaxy evolution.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·TypeObservational study·DateNov 2, 2022