Dramatic Quasar Interaction Revealed by INAF-Led Research Group
International research group led by INAF used NIRSpec on JWST to observe interaction between quasar and satellite galaxies in distant universe. Unprecedented details shed light on galaxy growth in early universe. Results presented at EAS 2024 meeting in Padua. Discovery impacts cosmic history and galaxies’ evolution.
Newly Discovered Satellite Galaxies Surrounding HSC-SSP Area Unveiled by Researchers at Tohoku University
A recent study by researchers at Tohoku University has uncovered numerous satellite galaxies in the HSC-SSP area, previously unknown and identified through advanced technology. This discovery provides valuable insights into the cosmos, shedding new light on the Milky Way, dark matter, and the dynamics of the universe.
NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope Discovers Ancient Stars and Massive Black Holes in Young Universe
NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope has made a groundbreaking discovery of ancient stars and massive supermassive black holes in the early universe, challenging existing theories of galaxy evolution and black hole formation. The findings, announced in Astrophysical Journal Letters, reveal objects dating back to 600–800 million years post-Big Bang, with stars hundreds of millions of years old and black holes 100 to 1,000 times larger than the one in our Milky Way.
NASA Transitions Hubble Space Telescope to Single-Gyroscope Operation
Learn about the transition of the Hubble Space Telescope to single-gyroscope operation and its impact on its science mission. With the possibility of another servicing mission up in the air, find out how the HST continues to function after 34 years in space and the potential future for this iconic telescope.
The Legacy of Dyson Spheres in the Search for Alien Life
Learn about the fascinating concept of Dyson spheres, proposed by physicist Freeman Dyson as a potential method to detect alien life in the universe. Discover how these hypothetical megastructures could emit detectable waste heat in the form of infrared radiation, sparking excitement within the scientific community. Explore the legacy of Dyson’s visionary idea and its impact on the search for extraterrestrial beings.
Hubble Space Telescope Explores Supernova Factory in Galaxy UGC 9684
Explore the supernova factory in galaxy UGC 9684 with the Hubble Space Telescope, located 240 million light-years away in the constellation Boötes. Known for its frequent supernova events and active star formation, this galaxy has captured the attention of astronomers in recent observations, showcasing classic galactic features and serving as a host for multiple Type-II supernovae since 2006.
First Magnetar Flare Detected Outside Our Galaxy: A Game-Changing Discovery in Astrophysics
Discover the groundbreaking detection of the first magnetar flare outside our galaxy, challenging previous notions about gamma-ray bursts and opening new frontiers in astrophysics. Learn how the Integral gamma-ray observatory identified the burst in the nearby galaxy M82, shedding light on the complex nature of cosmic phenomena and the potential origins of magnetars.
James Webb Space Telescope Reveals Mesmerizing Image of Tumultuous Area in Space
The James Webb Space Telescope unveils a mesmerizing image of a tumultuous area near the center of our galaxy, 25,000 light years away. This image showcases never-before-seen features that have left astronomers puzzled. Launched in 2021, the telescope’s advanced capabilities allow it to observe the near-infrared spectrum, capturing objects previously undetectable by the Hubble Space Telescope. The recent image focuses on Sagittarius C, a region densely populated with stars and proto-stars, including a colossal proto-star exceeding 30 times the mass of our sun. Astronomers aim to test star formation theories and understand the composition of the universe. The image reveals enigmatic phenomena, such as a blue cloud of ionized hydrogen, sparking excitement among astronomers as they uncover the mysteries of space.
UC Berkeley to manage $300 million NASA mission to conduct first all-sky survey of ultraviolet sources in the cosmos
UC Berkeley has been selected to manage a $300 million NASA mission called UVEX (UltraViolet EXplorer) that is set to launch in 2030. The mission, led by the Space Sciences Laboratory (SSL) at UC Berkeley, will conduct the first all-sky survey of ultraviolet (UV) sources in the cosmos. The UVEX mission, headed by Fiona Harrison, a UC Berkeley Ph.D. recipient and professor of physics at the California Institute of Technology, aims to provide valuable insights into the evolution of galaxies and stars, both in the present and the distant past. This initiative is expected to complement other ongoing or planned surveys by other missions, including the optical and infrared Euclid mission led by the European Space Agency with NASA contributions, and NASA’s Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope. According to Daniel Weisz, a science team leader for the UVEX mission and a UC Berkeley associate professor of astronomy, the launch of UVEX will mark the first time that the entire sky will be covered from the UV all the way through the infrared. This comprehensive coverage is considered groundbreaking, as ultraviolet emissions, which come from hot objects, are typically blocked by Earth’s atmosphere and must be studied from space. The survey will specifically focus on hot, massive blue stars, many of which are believed to be members of binary star systems, as well as exploding stars. UVEX will map the distribution of these ‘stripped’ stars in galaxies around the Milky Way. Additionally, the telescope will carry a UV spectrograph, jointly built by UC Berkeley and Caltech, to record detailed information about the UV wavelengths. With the ability to capture ultraviolet coverage of the entire sky, the UVEX mission is poised to provide groundbreaking insights into our understanding of galaxies, stars, and stellar explosions.
NASA’s Hubble Telescope Captures Virgo Galaxy Cluster 52 Million Light-Years Away
NASA’s Hubble Telescope captures stunning image of the Virgo galaxy cluster, located 52 million light-years away. The post reveals the impact of ram pressure on star formation within the galaxies, drawing awe and admiration from users on Instagram. NASA’s ability to captivate audiences with its breathtaking glimpses of the cosmos continues to fuel fascination and wonder about the mysteries of outer space.