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NASA’s Chandra Finds Black Hole Growing Beyond Known Limits
A black hole in quasar RACS J0320-35, 12.8 billion light-years away, is growing 2.4 times faster than theory permits. Chandra’s discovery challenges ideas of how supermassive black holes formed so soon after the Big Bang.
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Not Like Venus Or Mars, Distant Exoplanet May Have Atmosphere Like Earth's
A distant exoplanet might have an atmosphere similar to Earth's, early observations from the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) suggest. It is part of a group of planets orbiting a star called TRAPPIST-1, about 40 light-years away from Earth.
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Astronomers Capture Sharpest-Ever Solar Flare Images with NSF’s DKIST Telescope
Astronomers have achieved a major breakthrough by capturing the sharpest images of a solar flare ever recorded, using the National Science Foundation’s Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope (DKIST). Observed at the hydrogen-alpha wavelength during the decay of an X1.3-class solar flare, the images unveiled hundreds of ultra-fine coronal loops averagin...
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Scientists Recreate Universe’s First Molecules, Challenging Early Star Formation Theories
Scientists have recreated helium hydride ions, the universe’s first molecules, under lab conditions. The study reveals these ions were far more effective in driving early star formation than older theories suggested. Published in Astronomy and Astrophysics, the research reshapes understanding of early cosmic chemistry and challenges assumptions a...
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Scientists Apply Stephen Hawking's Theory to Propose Detectable ‘Black Hole Morsels’ in Space
A new study suggests “black hole morsels” — tiny, asteroid-sized black holes from cosmic mergers — could emit detectable bursts of Hawking radiation. Observatories like HESS, HAWC, and Fermi may already hold clues. Detecting them could unlock insights into quantum gravity, unknown particles, and even hidden dimensions beyond the Standard Mo...
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Astronomers Observe Rare Supernova–Black Hole Interaction in Early Stages
In a groundbreaking discovery, astronomers observed SN 2023zkd, a supernova that may have been triggered by close interaction with a black hole. Featuring unusual brightness peaks and extended pre-explosion activity, the event offers new insights into star black hole dynamics. Real-time AI detection played a key role, and upcoming surveys promise t...
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NASA Explores Industry Collaboration to Boost Swift Observatory’s Orbit and Extend Its Mission
NASA is partnering with U.S. firms to study boosting the Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory’s orbit, aiming to extend its scientific life and advance orbital servicing technologies. Funded through Phase III SBIR awards, the project explores cost-effective solutions while preserving Swift’s astrophysics role. Collaboration with Starfish Space may al...
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Brightest Gamma-Ray Burst Ever Observed Reveals Cosmic Secrets
On October 9, 2022, astronomers detected GRB 221009A, the most powerful gamma-ray burst ever recorded, earning the nickname “BOAT” (Brightest Of All Time). This rare, once-in-10,000-year event came from a galaxy 2 billion light-years away and temporarily blinded gamma-ray detectors. It revealed new insights into stellar death, as the associated...
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PSR J0922+0638 Pulsar Keeps Glitching Every 550 Days, Scientists Are Intrigued
PSR J0922+0638, an ultradense neutron star, shows puzzling rotational glitches every 550 days. Using 22 years of radio data, scientists detected both abrupt and slow changes in its spin. These may be linked to magnetic field cycles or superfluid dynamics deep inside the star. However, the exact cause remains a mystery, demanding continued long-term...
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Scientists Recreate Cosmic Ray Physics Using Cold Atom in New Laboratory Study
Scientists have successfully recreated Fermi acceleration in a lab using ultracold atoms and movable optical barriers, simulating how cosmic rays gain energy in space. Developed by teams from Birmingham and Chicago, the mini Fermi accelerator marks a major advance in particle physics, opening doors to high-energy astrophysics studies and innovation...
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Scientists Say Dark Matter Could Turn Failed Stars Into ‘Dark Dwarfs’
Astronomers suggest that brown dwarfs—dim, failed stars—could transform into “dark dwarfs” by capturing dark matter in their cores. When dark matter particles annihilate, they release heat, potentially lighting up these stars. Physicist Jeremy Sakstein and researchers like Jillian Paulin and Rebecca Leane support this idea, which could help...
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Dark Dwarfs: New Star-Like Objects May Reveal Nature of Dark Matter
Scientists have proposed a new class of stellar objects called “dark dwarfs,” sub-stellar bodies that may glow faintly from the energy released by annihilating dark matter particles. Found near the galaxy’s core, these objects could hold crucial clues about the elusive nature of dark matter. Powered not by fusion but by WIMP-like particles, d...
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NASA TEMPO Satellite to Continue Tracking Pollution Hourly from Space Until 2026
TEMPO, a collaborative space mission by NASA, NOAA, and the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory, is transforming air quality tracking across North America. Since 2023, it has delivered hourly, high-resolution pollution data from space, aiding researchers, health officials, and the public.
-
Astronomers Capture First-Ever Image of a Dead Star That Exploded Twice in Rare Supernova Event
Astronomers have captured the first-ever image of a white dwarf star undergoing a rare double-detonation supernova. Using the Very Large Telescope, the team revealed that such explosions can occur without a star reaching the Chandrasekhar limit. The findings, published in Nature Astronomy, could reshape existing theories about stellar death and imp...
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Webb Telescope Spots Possible Jellyfish Galaxy 12 Billion Light-Years Away
Astronomers using the James Webb Space Telescope have identified a possible jellyfish galaxy about 12 billion light-years away. Named COSMOS2020-635829, it shows tentacle-like streams of gas and stars trailing off one side—likely formed through ram pressure stripping in a dense cluster. If confirmed, it would be the most distant jellyfish galaxy ...
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NASA’s Chandra Finds Black Hole Growing Beyond Known Limits
A black hole in quasar RACS J0320-35, 12.8 billion light-years away, is growing 2.4 times faster than theory permits. Chandra’s discovery challenges ideas of how supermassive black holes formed so soon after the Big Bang.
-
Not Like Venus Or Mars, Distant Exoplanet May Have Atmosphere Like Earth's
A distant exoplanet might have an atmosphere similar to Earth's, early observations from the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) suggest. It is part of a group of planets orbiting a star called TRAPPIST-1, about 40 light-years away from Earth.
-
Astronomers Capture Sharpest-Ever Solar Flare Images with NSF’s DKIST Telescope
Astronomers have achieved a major breakthrough by capturing the sharpest images of a solar flare ever recorded, using the National Science Foundation’s Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope (DKIST). Observed at the hydrogen-alpha wavelength during the decay of an X1.3-class solar flare, the images unveiled hundreds of ultra-fine coronal loops averagin...
-
Scientists Recreate Universe’s First Molecules, Challenging Early Star Formation Theories
Scientists have recreated helium hydride ions, the universe’s first molecules, under lab conditions. The study reveals these ions were far more effective in driving early star formation than older theories suggested. Published in Astronomy and Astrophysics, the research reshapes understanding of early cosmic chemistry and challenges assumptions a...
-
Scientists Apply Stephen Hawking's Theory to Propose Detectable ‘Black Hole Morsels’ in Space
A new study suggests “black hole morsels” — tiny, asteroid-sized black holes from cosmic mergers — could emit detectable bursts of Hawking radiation. Observatories like HESS, HAWC, and Fermi may already hold clues. Detecting them could unlock insights into quantum gravity, unknown particles, and even hidden dimensions beyond the Standard Mo...
-
Astronomers Observe Rare Supernova–Black Hole Interaction in Early Stages
In a groundbreaking discovery, astronomers observed SN 2023zkd, a supernova that may have been triggered by close interaction with a black hole. Featuring unusual brightness peaks and extended pre-explosion activity, the event offers new insights into star black hole dynamics. Real-time AI detection played a key role, and upcoming surveys promise t...
-
NASA Explores Industry Collaboration to Boost Swift Observatory’s Orbit and Extend Its Mission
NASA is partnering with U.S. firms to study boosting the Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory’s orbit, aiming to extend its scientific life and advance orbital servicing technologies. Funded through Phase III SBIR awards, the project explores cost-effective solutions while preserving Swift’s astrophysics role. Collaboration with Starfish Space may al...
-
Brightest Gamma-Ray Burst Ever Observed Reveals Cosmic Secrets
On October 9, 2022, astronomers detected GRB 221009A, the most powerful gamma-ray burst ever recorded, earning the nickname “BOAT” (Brightest Of All Time). This rare, once-in-10,000-year event came from a galaxy 2 billion light-years away and temporarily blinded gamma-ray detectors. It revealed new insights into stellar death, as the associated...
-
PSR J0922+0638 Pulsar Keeps Glitching Every 550 Days, Scientists Are Intrigued
PSR J0922+0638, an ultradense neutron star, shows puzzling rotational glitches every 550 days. Using 22 years of radio data, scientists detected both abrupt and slow changes in its spin. These may be linked to magnetic field cycles or superfluid dynamics deep inside the star. However, the exact cause remains a mystery, demanding continued long-term...
-
Scientists Recreate Cosmic Ray Physics Using Cold Atom in New Laboratory Study
Scientists have successfully recreated Fermi acceleration in a lab using ultracold atoms and movable optical barriers, simulating how cosmic rays gain energy in space. Developed by teams from Birmingham and Chicago, the mini Fermi accelerator marks a major advance in particle physics, opening doors to high-energy astrophysics studies and innovation...
-
Scientists Say Dark Matter Could Turn Failed Stars Into ‘Dark Dwarfs’
Astronomers suggest that brown dwarfs—dim, failed stars—could transform into “dark dwarfs” by capturing dark matter in their cores. When dark matter particles annihilate, they release heat, potentially lighting up these stars. Physicist Jeremy Sakstein and researchers like Jillian Paulin and Rebecca Leane support this idea, which could help...
-
Dark Dwarfs: New Star-Like Objects May Reveal Nature of Dark Matter
Scientists have proposed a new class of stellar objects called “dark dwarfs,” sub-stellar bodies that may glow faintly from the energy released by annihilating dark matter particles. Found near the galaxy’s core, these objects could hold crucial clues about the elusive nature of dark matter. Powered not by fusion but by WIMP-like particles, d...
-
NASA TEMPO Satellite to Continue Tracking Pollution Hourly from Space Until 2026
TEMPO, a collaborative space mission by NASA, NOAA, and the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory, is transforming air quality tracking across North America. Since 2023, it has delivered hourly, high-resolution pollution data from space, aiding researchers, health officials, and the public.
-
Astronomers Capture First-Ever Image of a Dead Star That Exploded Twice in Rare Supernova Event
Astronomers have captured the first-ever image of a white dwarf star undergoing a rare double-detonation supernova. Using the Very Large Telescope, the team revealed that such explosions can occur without a star reaching the Chandrasekhar limit. The findings, published in Nature Astronomy, could reshape existing theories about stellar death and imp...
-
Webb Telescope Spots Possible Jellyfish Galaxy 12 Billion Light-Years Away
Astronomers using the James Webb Space Telescope have identified a possible jellyfish galaxy about 12 billion light-years away. Named COSMOS2020-635829, it shows tentacle-like streams of gas and stars trailing off one side—likely formed through ram pressure stripping in a dense cluster. If confirmed, it would be the most distant jellyfish galaxy ...
