The Spectro-Photometer for the History of the Universe, Epoch of Reionization and Ices Explorer (SPHEREx) mission will provide the first all-sky spectral survey. Over a two-year planned mission, the SPHEREx Observatory will collect data on more than 450 million galaxies along with more than 100 million stars in the Milky Way in order to...
Machine learning is helping LIGO scientists extract meaningful signals from chaotic data, opening doors for future breakthroughs in astrophysics and data science. Credit: SciTechDaily.comA newly developed AI-driven tool is transforming how scientists process vast amounts of data from the LIGO gravitational wave observatory. Without requiring human input, it identifies environmental noise sources—such as earthquakes...
An illustration shows hot spots in the disk swirling around the Milky Way's central black hole. (NASA, ESA, CSA, Ralf Crawford/STScI)NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has revealed an unexpected cosmic light show around Sagittarius A*, the supermassive black hole at the center of the Milky Way. Although not as ravenous as other black holes...
Credit: PixabayWhile the chances are slim, an asteroid large enough to destroy an entire city could strike Earth in less than eight years. However, even if this space rock is on a collision course, experts assure us that humanity now has ways to defend itself.NASA recently reported that the probability of asteroid 2024 YR4...
Scientists have developed a novel optical system to enhance LIGO’s sensitivity, pushing gravitational-wave detection to unprecedented depths. This breakthrough could unlock cosmic secrets and revolutionize astrophysics. Credit: SciTechDaily.comBy refining mirror correction techniques, scientists can now push laser power to extreme levels, unlocking new insights into the early universe and black hole physics.A recent study...
Artist’s concept of a fast-moving star system. (NASA/JPL-Caltech/R. Hurt (Caltech-IPAC))Near the Milky Way's central bulge, about 24,000 light-years from Earth, a peculiar pair of celestial objects is racing through space at unprecedented speeds.Scientists believe this duo consists of a high-velocity star and its orbiting exoplanet, according to a new study. If confirmed, it would set...
Starquakes, or seismic events in neutron stars, are offering scientists an exciting new way to study nuclear matter under extreme conditions. Credit: SciTechDaily.comThis study connects astronomy and nuclear physics, paving the way for advancements in health, security, and energy. Scientists are studying "starquakes" in neutron stars to gain insights into these dense remnants. Led...
Credit: PixabayDepression impacts about 280 million people globally and is known to affect eating habits. A recent study from researchers at University Hospital Bonn (UKB), the University of Bonn, and University Hospital Tübingen reveals that while people with depression often experience a reduced appetite, they tend to crave carbohydrate-rich foods. The study, published in...
Credit: PixabayAt the end of 2024, astronomers spotted a new asteroid in the night sky. It was designated 2024 YR4—"Y" for its December discovery, "R4" as the 117th rock found in late December, and "2024" marking the year of detection.Once identified, astronomers began tracking its position to refine its orbit. Initial calculations suggested a...
Credit: PixabayA mysterious cosmic explosion has left astronomers baffled, presenting either an incredibly rare cosmic alignment or an entirely new phenomenon.The event, labeled EP240408a, was first detected on April 8, 2024, by the Einstein Probe, an X-ray space telescope. Initially, it resembled a typical gamma-ray burst, known for its bright X-ray emissions. However, follow-up...
