Astronomers observe planet orbiting b Centauri
The European Southern Observatory's Very Large Telescope has captured an image of a planet orbiting b Centauri, a two-star system that can be seen with the naked eye.
Dec 8th, 2021
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Gravitational waves could be key to answering why more matter was left over after Big Bang
A team of theoretical researchers have found it might be possible to detect Q-balls in gravitational waves, and their detection would answer why more matter than anti-matter to be left over after the Big Bang.
Dec 8th, 2021
Read moreStar's self destruction is shown in 3D, revealing new details
A 1,000-year-old supernova has been captured in 3D images that reveal yet unseen details of the elements that are ejected when a star explodes. Analysis of data from the Multi-Unit Spectroscopic Explorer (MUSE) and X-shooter at the European Southern Observatory's (ESO) Very Large Telescope (VLT), offers new insights into how stars self-destruct.
Dec 8th, 2021
Read moreAstronomers discover strangely massive black hole in Milky Way satellite galaxy
Astronomers have discovered an unusually massive black hole at the heart of one of the Milky Way's dwarf satellite galaxies, called Leo I. Almost as massive as the black hole in our own galaxy, the finding could redefine our understanding of how all galaxies evolve.
Dec 1st, 2021
Read moreAstronomers observe a new type of binary star long predicted to exist
Astronomers have observed a new type of binary star that has long been theorized to exist. The discovery finally confirms how a rare type of star in the universe forms and evolves.
Dec 1st, 2021
Read moreRecord-breaking simulations of large-scale structure formation in the Universe
Scientists present computer simulations that capture the complex dynamics of elusive neutrinos left over from the Big Bang.
Dec 1st, 2021
Read moreMysterious clouds could offer new clues on dark matter
The hunt for gravitational waves, ripples in space and time caused by major cosmic cataclysms, could help solve one of the Universe's other burning mysteries - boson clouds and whether they are a leading contender for dark matter.
Dec 1st, 2021
Read moreCells' replication of DNA is more error-prone in microgravity
Researchers show for the first time that a DNA polymerase enzyme derived from bacteria makes 10-140% more errors while copying DNA in microgravity. Combined with the known greater rate of DNA damage from space radiation, this inaccuracy of DNA replication is likely to pose a threat to the health of future astronauts on long missions.
Nov 29th, 2021
Read moreMars seismic deployment lays groundwork for future planetary missions
About 1000 days after the Mars InSight mission deployed SEIS, the first seismometer on the red planet, researchers are analyzing new seismic data and reporting on instrument responses, using these data to plan for future planetary seismographs.
Nov 24th, 2021
Read moreDARPA takes first steps towards biomanufacturing capabilities in space
B-SURE program aims to develop fundamental understanding of microbial capabilities for bioproduction in space.
Nov 24th, 2021
Read moreAnalysis of Mars's wind-induced vibrations sheds light on the planet's subsurface properties
Seismic data collected in Elysium Planitia, the second largest volcanic region on Mars, suggest the presence of a shallow sedimentary layer sandwiched between lava flows beneath the planet's surface.
Nov 23rd, 2021
Read moreHigh-speed propeller star is fastest spinning white dwarf
Record-breaking spin rate for a confirmed white dwarf star is observed astronomers. Establishes the star as only the second magnetic propeller ever found, over seventy years since the first.
Nov 22nd, 2021
Read moreAlien organisms - hitchhikers of the galaxy?
Scientists warn, without good biosecurity measures 'alien organisms' on Earth may become a reality stranger than fiction.
Nov 17th, 2021
Read moreLife on Mars search could be misled by false fossils, study says
Mars explorers searching for signs of ancient life could be fooled by fossil-like specimens created by chemical processes, research suggests.
Nov 17th, 2021
Read moreRussian anti-satellite weapon test: What happened and what are the risks?
On Nov. 15, 2021, U.S. officials announced that they had detected a dangerous new debris field in orbit near Earth. Later in the day, it was confirmed that Russia had destroyed one of its old satellites in a test of an anti-satellite weapon.
Nov 17th, 2021
Read moreAstronomers team up to create new method to understand galaxy evolution
New research outlines a new method to establish the star formation history of a post-starburst galaxy using its cluster population. The approach uses the age and mass estimates of stellar clusters to determine the strength and speed of the starburst that stopped more stars from forming in the galaxy.
Nov 16th, 2021
Read moreThe worlds next door: Looking for habitable planets around Alpha Centauri
Could life survive around the nearest stars? This project aims to find out.
Nov 16th, 2021
Read moreCarbon dioxide cold traps on the moon are confirmed for the first time
The traps likely contain solid carbon dioxide that could be used to sustain robot or human presence on the moon.
Nov 15th, 2021
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