Astrophysics Archives - Page 3 of 10 - Scitke

Astrophysicists Uncover the Secrets Behind the Formation of Massive Galaxies

It’s both humbling and inspiring to consider how much remains to be discovered about the Universe. My collaborators and I recently addressed one of astrophysics’ longstanding mysteries: how massive elliptical galaxies form. For the first time, we now have strong observational evidence to answer this question, as detailed in our recently published study in Nature. […]

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Primordial Black Holes Might be Hidden in Planets or Everyday Objects on Earth

Astronomy, Astrophysics, Planetary Science / Mauro Lucas

When you think of black hole formation, you likely picture a massive star collapsing under its own gravity. However, the early universe’s chaotic conditions might have also produced small black holes, known as primordial black holes, long before the first stars existed. These black holes, theorized for decades, could even be the elusive dark matter

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NASA’s Moon Return Missions Face Further Delays

Astronomy, Astrophysics, Planetary Science / Samilton Santos

The Artemis II and III missions, which aim to return U.S. astronauts to the Moon, have been delayed once again. At a press briefing, NASA officials revealed that issues with the heat shield and life support systems would push back the launches to 2026 and 2027. On December 5, NASA Administrator Bill Nelson, Deputy Administrator

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Ancient Black Holes Could Leave Tiny Tunnels in Rocks and Buildings

Astronomy, Astrophysics / Samilton Santos

Black holes are usually detected light-years away, but a new study suggests they could also be found here on Earth, in the form of tiny tunnels carved through rocks or ancient buildings. Scientists theorize that primordial black holes formed shortly after the Big Bang, unlike regular black holes, which form from collapsing massive stars. They

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A Galaxy Collision at 3.2 Million km/h

Astronomy, Astrophysics, Planetary Science / Jorge Paka

Astronomers have observed a massive galaxy collision in remarkable detail, triggered by a galaxy traveling at 2 million mph (3.2 million km/h), using one of Earth’s most powerful telescopes. The dramatic event occurred in Stephan’s Quintet, a galaxy group discovered nearly 150 years ago, and sparked a shockwave resembling a “sonic boom from a jet

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A Magnetic Vortex is Churning the Haze at Jupiter’s Poles

Astronomy, Astrophysics, Planetary Science / Mauro Lucas

Jupiter’s Great Red Spot has long been a planetary icon. However, UC Berkeley astronomers have now identified equally massive, Earth-sized dark spots at the planet’s poles. These UV-dark ovals, which appear within the stratospheric haze at the poles, come and go unpredictably. Notably, they sit just below the auroral zones and absorb more ultraviolet light,

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Scientists Have Officially Confirmed the Composition of the Moon’s Interior

Astronomy, Astrophysics, Planetary Science / Jorge Paka

A detailed study released in May 2023 revealed that the Moon’s inner core is a solid sphere with a density similar to iron. Researchers believe this discovery will resolve a long-standing debate about whether the Moon’s core is solid or molten, providing a clearer understanding of the Moon’s history and, in turn, the history of

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Wild Star Spinning at an Incredible 716 Times Per Second

Astronomy, Astrophysics / cumbonguala

Neutron Star Spins at Unbelievable Speed A neutron star located 27,400 light-years away is exhibiting one of the most remarkable rotational speeds ever observed. In the binary system 4U 1820-30, this dead star spins so rapidly around its axis that it completes an astounding 716 rotations per second. This marks the fastest spin observed, with

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Rolls-Royce Gets $6M for Nuclear Space Reactor Development

Astronomy, Astrophysics, Planetary Science / Ngoma Manuel

Rolls-Royce has received an additional £4.8 million (US$6.2 million) from the UK Space Agency (UKSA) to develop critical technology for a nuclear micro-reactor, potentially powering lunar bases and spacecraft propulsion in the future. In the 1969 science fiction film Doppelganger (also known as Journey to the Far Side of the Sun), the hero docks with

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NASA and SpaceX’s Plans to Deorbit and Dismantle the ISS

Astronomy, Astrophysics, Planetary Science / Jorge Paka

NASA has shared details about its plan to deorbit the International Space Station (ISS) after it is decommissioned in 2030. During a press conference, NASA explained that the US Deorbit Vehicle (USDV), which is being built by SpaceX, will be used for this task. The ISS, one of the most ambitious and costly space engineering

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