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,.....»»
SpaceX"s Starlink satellites are interfering with ground-based astronomy
Ground-based observations often involve long exposures to capture light from distant targets. While small, Starlink’s satellites can still reflect enough sunlight to interfere with astronomers’ images, showing up as streaks of light in photos......»»
Rogue planets: How wandering bodies in interstellar space ended up on their own
We now know of almost 5,000 planets outside the Solar System. If you were to picture what it would be like on one of these distant worlds, or exoplanets, your mental image would probably include a parent star—or more than one, especially if you're.....»»
Messier 85"s complex globular cluster system explored by researchers
Using the Gemini North telescope, astronomers have conducted photometric and spectroscopic observations of a galaxy known as Messier 85. The observational campaign revealed more details about its complex globular cluster system. The findings are repo.....»»
Cosmic "spider" found to be source of powerful gamma-rays
Using the 4.1-meter SOAR Telescope in Chile, astronomers have discovered the first example of a binary system where a star in the process of becoming a white dwarf is orbiting a neutron star that has just finished turning into a rapidly spinning puls.....»»
Astronomers find most luminous supernova explosion to shine in X-rays
Another member of the new "Cow" class of supernova explosions has been discovered—the brightest one seen in X-rays to date. The new event, dubbed AT2020mrf, is only the fifth found so far belonging to the Cow class of supernovae. The group is named.....»»
2029 Will be the Perfect Year to Launch a Mission to Sedna
Image Credit: NasaObject 90377 Sedna - a distant transneptunian object best known for its highly elliptical, 11,390-year-old orbit - is currently en-route to perihelion (its closest approach to the Sun) in 2076. After that, Sedna will ret.....»»
2029 will be the perfect year to launch a mission to Sedna
Object 90377 Sedna—a distant trans-Neptunian object known best for its highly elliptical, 11,390-year long orbit—is currently on its way toward perihelion (its closest approach to the sun) in 2076. After that, Sedna will swing out into deep space.....»»
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,.....»»
Hunting galaxies far far away – here"s how anyone can explore the universe
By far my favourite thing about my job as an astronomer is those rare moments when I get to see beautiful distant galaxies, whose light left them millions to billions of years ago. It's a combination of pure awe and scientific curiosity that excites.....»»
Scientists invent lead-free composite shielding material for neutrons and gamma-rays
Dr. Huo Zhipeng and his student Zhao Sheng from the Hefei Institutes of physical science (HFIPS) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences recently developed a lead-free neutron and gamma ray composite shielding material that has high shielding properties.....»»
The James Webb Space Telescope Finally Prepares for Launch
After decades of hard work and controversies, NASA scientists ready Hubble’s massive successor for its mission to probe the distant universe......»»
Hubble lends a helping hand
Far above rain clouds, light pollution, and atmospheric distortion, NASA's Hubble Space Telescope has a clear view of the universe. It has shown us distant galaxies, tracked interstellar objects as they soar through our solar system, and studied the.....»»
How will our warming climate stabilize? Scientists look to the distant past
Can the deep past help us understand our future? Enlarge (credit: Getty Images | Aurich Lawson) Thanks to unbridled greenhouse gas emissions, our planet is stitching together a climate version of Dr. Frankenstein's monster. We.....»»
A potential hangup for quantum computing: Cosmic rays
For quantum chips, the problems they cause are too big for error correction. Enlarge / Google's Sycamore processor. (credit: Google) Recently, when researchers were testing error correction on Google's quantum processor, they.....»»
NASA"s Webb telescope will have the coolest camera in space
Set to launch on Dec. 22, NASA's James Webb Space Telescope is the largest space observatory in history, and it has an equally gargantuan task: to collect infrared light from the distant corners of the cosmos, enabling scientists to probe the structu.....»»
A stunning infrared nebula hides astronomical objects of interest
A beautiful image of a distant nebula has been captured using the international Gemini Observatory, located in Chile......»»
COVID Booster Cuts Death Rate by 90%, Israeli Study Finds
An Israeli study tracked more than 843,000 people who received two doses of the Pfizer vaccine — and then explored whether the results improved for the 758,000 who then also got a booster shot. The results? HealthDay reports: Boosted folks ar.....»»
Is Europe entering a golden age of astronomy?
Groundbreaking discoveries about gravitational waves, black holes, cosmic rays, neutrinos and other areas of cutting-edge astronomy may soon become more frequent due to the convergence of two major communities of astronomers in a fresh project......»»
Citizen scientists find young-Jupiter-like object missed by previous exoplanet searches
Citizen scientists have discovered a new object orbiting a Sun-like star that had been missed by previous searches. The object is very distant from its host star—more than 1,600 times farther than the Earth is from the Sun—and is thought to be a.....»»
Simulated Webb images of quasar and galaxy surrounding quasar
Very distant, active supermassive black holes are the brightest beacons in the universe. Known as quasars, these behemoths are surrounded by equally distant galaxies. In recent decades, researchers have gone on a cosmic treasure hunt and identified t.....»»