In August 2017, astronomers were graced with an extraordinary spectacle that would further complement our understanding of the cosmos: the collision of two neutron stars. This landmark event, observed worldwide by various telescopes, was marked by the subsequent formation of a black hole and a kilonova explosion, named AT2017gfo. The unique features of this cosmic
Space
The recent launch of LignoSat, the world’s first wooden satellite, marks a groundbreaking moment in space exploration. This innovative spacecraft was launched on a SpaceX rocket as part of a resupply mission to the International Space Station (ISS). Developed by researchers at Kyoto University, LignoSat represents a significant leap forward, both in materials science and
In the vast canvas of the universe, some celestial bodies exhibit behaviors that are not only mesmerizing but also challenge our understanding of fundamental astrophysical principles. One such captivating discovery is that of the binary star system 4U 1820-30, located an impressive 27,400 light-years from Earth. Here, a neutron star engages in a remarkable display
In the early epochs of the Solar System, the planets were born out of chaos, with celestial bodies colliding and impacting one another in a violent ballet of rock and molten material. The formative years were marked by relentless bombardment, resulting in pocked surfaces and massive craters across many planetary bodies. While Mercury, Mars, the
In the annals of space exploration, few companies have captured the imagination like SpaceX, particularly during its formative years when risks were high and outcomes uncertain. Eric Berger, a keen observer and chronicler of the aerospace sector, has documented these audacious undertakings in his latest book, “Reentry: SpaceX, Elon Musk, and the Reusable Rockets that
The universe constantly astounds us with its grandeur and complexity, and new findings continue to challenge our long-held assumptions about cosmic phenomena. Recent research has shifted the narrative on the origin of high-energy gamma rays, traditionally thought to originate from supermassive black holes in distant quasars, to an astonishing and much closer source: V4641 Sagittarii,
In Norse mythology, the prophesied event of Ragnarök heralds an apocalyptic end, where the terrifying wolf Sköll consumes the Sun, plunging the world into darkness. This dramatic imagery of cosmic consumption poses an interesting contrast to a phenomenon observed in the universe—the Dark Wolf Nebula. Located 5,300 light-years from Earth, this enigmatic structure stands as
In 1886, German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche posited a profound concept: “If you gaze for long into an abyss, the abyss gazes also into you.” Fast forward nearly 140 years, and it becomes apparent that we are, indeed, peering into an abyss of unimaginable scale—a vast expanse of space spanning 80 million light-years. Interestingly, in our
In a bold stride toward uncovering the mysteries of our universe, NASA is embarking on a revolutionary journey to assess the potential for extraterrestrial life in our own Solar System. The recent launch of the Europa Clipper spacecraft aboard a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket represents a significant leap forward in this quest. Focused on Europa,
This week, skywatchers around the world are in for a treat as the biggest and brightest supermoon of the year will grace our skies. A supermoon occurs when a full moon coincides with its closest approach to Earth, a point known as perigee. Unlike commonly fleeting celestial events like meteor showers or constellations, these lunar
While the supermassive black hole at the heart of our galaxy, Sagittarius A*, is generally a stable and quiet celestial body, the surrounding environment tells a different story. The Milky Way’s center is fraught with dynamic cosmic activity, characterized by high-energy events and mysterious astronomical phenomena. Among these is an intriguing new discovery referred to
In May 2023, a groundbreaking initiative unfolded from the depths of space as the Exomars Trace Gas Orbiter (TGO) sent out a signal to Earth, designed to mimic the characteristics of a potential extraterrestrial transmission. This endeavor, undertaken as part of the innovative art project titled “A Sign in Space,” aimed to engage citizen scientists
In an astonishing revelation that challenges existing cosmological theories, astronomers have stumbled upon an immense structure in the distant universe, known as the Big Ring. This colossal formation, spanning approximately 1.3 billion light-years in diameter, is characterized by a remarkable, nearly perfect arrangement of galaxies. It took 6.9 billion years for the light from this
The captivating image that was once hailed as the first visualization of Sagittarius A* (Sgr A*), the supermassive black hole residing at the center of our galaxy, is under scrutiny by researchers from the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan (NAOJ). While the image released by the Event Horizon Telescope (EHT) team generated significant excitement, recent
The pursuit of understanding the cosmos often leads us to the examination of its most enigmatic components. Among these are axions, hypothetical elementary particles that astronomers and physicists have been speculating about since the 1970s. Recent studies suggest that neutron stars, with their awe-inspiring characteristics such as extreme density and formidable magnetic fields, may play