Distant quasar J0439+1634 explored in X-rays
Using ESA's XMM-Newton spacecraft, an international team of astronomers has conducted X-ray observations of the most distant known gravitationally lensed quasar—J0439+1634. Results of the study, published December 20 on the arXiv pre-print server,.....»»
To protect endangered sharks and rays, scientists are mapping these species" most important locations
All of the saltwater bodies on Earth make up one big ocean. But within it, there is infinite variety—just ask any scuba diver. Some spots have more coral, more sea turtles, more fish, more life......»»
Daily Telescope: A monster protostar in a distant nebula
Even as astronomical objects go, that's a gargantuan protostar. Enlarge / A great view of NGC 7538. (credit: Paul Buckley) Welcome to the Daily Telescope. There is a little too much darkness in this world and not enou.....»»
Unexpectedly massive black holes dominate small galaxies in the distant universe
Astronomers have discovered that the supermassive black holes in the centers of early galaxies are much more massive than expected. These surprisingly hefty black holes offer new insights into the origins of all supermassive black holes, as well as t.....»»
NASA selects bold proposal to "swarm" Proxima Centauri with tiny probes
Humans have dreamed about traveling to other star systems and setting foot on alien worlds for generations. To put it mildly, interstellar exploration is a very daunting task. As we explored in a previous post, it would take between 1000 and 81,000 y.....»»
Study explores the properties of a faint tidal disruption event
Using a spectral synthesis code designed to simulate conditions in interstellar matter, astronomers have explored a faint tidal disruption event (TDE) designated iPTF16fnl. Results of the study, published Dec. 29 on the pre-print server arXiv, delive.....»»
Astrophysicists explore links between atmospheric oxygen and detecting extraterrestrial technology on distant planets
In the quest to understand the potential for life beyond Earth, researchers are widening their search to encompass not only biological markers, but also technological ones. While astrobiologists have long recognized the importance of oxygen for life.....»»
These scientists explored the good vibrations of the bundengan and didgeridoo
Their relatively simple construction produces some surprisingly complicated physics. Enlarge / The bundengan (left) began as a combined shelter/instrument for duck hunters but it is now often played onstage. (credit: Utrezz0707/C.....»»
BarbNet: Awn phenotyping with advanced deep learning, potential applications in the automation of barley awns sorting
Awns, bristle-like extensions on grass crops like wheat and barley, are vital for protection and seed dispersal, with barbs on their surface playing a crucial role. While the genetic basis of barb formation has been explored through genome-wide assoc.....»»
Examining how fiber content affects mechanical properties in flax and pineapple leaf fiber-reinforced plastic composites
A new study has compared the reinforcing efficiency of pineapple leaf fiber (PALF) and cultivated flax fiber in poly(butylene succinate) composites. PALF, a less explored but potentially sustainable alternative, outperformed flax at 20 wt.%, showcasi.....»»
LST-1 discovers the most distant active galactic nucleus at very high energies
On 15 December, the Large-Sized Telescope (LST) Collaboration announced through an Astronomer's Telegram (ATel) the detection of the source OP 313 at very high energies with the LST-1. Although OP 313 was known at lower energies, it had never been de.....»»
Webb spots a second lensed supernova in a distant galaxy
In November 2023, the James Webb Space Telescope observed a massive cluster of galaxies named MACS J0138.0-2155. Through an effect called gravitational lensing, first predicted by Albert Einstein, a distant galaxy named MRG-M0138 appears warped by th.....»»
Galaxy-scale winds spotted in the distant Universe
These winds can drive gas out of galaxies, shaping their future evolution. Enlarge / X-ray emissions (purple) superimposed on a visible light image of a galaxy shows the galaxy winds being launched. (credit: X-ray: NASA/CXC/The O.....»»
Two possible ways to use black holes as energy source in the distant future
A pair of astrophysicists at Tianjin University, in China, has proposed ways that humans in the distant future might use black holes as an energy source. In their paper published in the journal Physical Review D, Zhan-Feng Mai and Run-Qiu Yang outlin.....»»
Researchers identify molecular basis for morphological diversity of amniote skull
A research group led by Associate Professor Masayoshi Tokita explored the molecular basis generating the diversity of amniote skull morphology, using embryos of several amniote species as materials......»»
New plasma instability sheds light on the nature of cosmic rays
Scientists from the Leibniz Institute for Astrophysics Potsdam (AIP) have discovered a new plasma instability that promises to revolutionize our understanding of the origin of cosmic rays and their dynamic impact on galaxies......»»
Deep into the Kuiper Belt, New Horizons is still doing science
Designed to study Pluto, the spacecraft’s instruments are being repurposed. Enlarge / Artist's impression of the New Horizons spacecraft at Arrokoth. This astronomical body is the most distant object visited by human spacecraft.....»»
Famed Halley"s comet passes aphelion this weekend
It's lonely out there in the frozen outer solar system. On Saturday, December 9th, that most famous of all comets 1P/Halley reaches a hallmark point on its 75-year journey through the solar system, reaching aphelion or its most distant point from the.....»»
Physicist explains X-rays that shouldn"t exist in "cold" plasma
For about 20 years, Caltech Professor of Applied Physics Paul Bellan and his group have been creating magnetically accelerated jets of plasma, an electrically conducting gas composed of ions and electrons, in a vacuum chamber big enough to hold a per.....»»
Protection of highly threatened sharks and rays inadequate, study finds
Biodiversity—the total variation of life—is multidimensional. Its study encompasses multiple facets, such as taxonomy (the variety of species), phylogenetics (their evolutionary history) and functionality (the ecological roles that species play i.....»»
Distant stars spotted for the first time in the vast Magellanic Stream
For nearly fifty years, astronomers have come up empty-handed in their search for stars within the sprawling structure known as the Magellanic Stream. A colossal ribbon of gas, the Magellanic Stream spans nearly 300 moon diameters across the Southern.....»»