April 2019 – Astronomy Now

Rock that hit Moon during lunar eclipse likely impacted at 61,000 kph

30 April 2019 Astronomy Now

A detailed analysis of the flash produced when a meteoroid crashed into the surface of the Moon during January’s lunar eclipse shows the body likely gouged a crater up to 15 metres (49 feet) across.

ALMA focuses on factors influencing star birth in nearby galaxies

30 April 2019 Astronomy Now

The Atacama Large Millimetre/submillimetre Array, or ALMA, is in the process of studying stellar nurseries in nearby galaxies to learn more about the factors influencing rates of star formation and the roles a host galaxy’s overall structure and dynamics might play.

Seeing double (and triple) in the spring sky

30 April 2019 Ade Ashford

If you’re bemoaning the current dearth of bright planets in the evening sky, or light pollution prevents you from viewing a multitude of spring galaxies, don’t give up – there are always attractively coloured double and multiple stars to view. Join us on a tour of the Northern Hemisphere constellation of Boötes (pronounced Bo-oh-tees), the Herdsman, easily located due to its brightest star, Arcturus.

Hubble constant mismatch no fluke; new physics may be needed

27 April 2019 Astronomy Now

More precise observations of pulsating Cepheid variable stars confirms a major discrepancy in values of the Hubble constant.

French seismometer detects first likely “marsquake”

24 April 2019 Astronomy Now

An ultrasensitive French seismometer carried to Mars by NASA’s InSight lander has detected its first “marsquake.”

SOFIA captures magnetic tapestry at the core of M82

23 April 2019 Astronomy Now

M82, a favourite target for amateur and professional astronomers alike, is the nearest starburst galaxy with a brilliant core 100 times more luminous than the Milky Way’s. Astronomers have detected and mapped the galaxy’s magnetic field in a dramatic composite image.

Month: April 2019

Rock that hit Moon during lunar eclipse likely impacted at 61,000 kph

ALMA focuses on factors influencing star birth in nearby galaxies

Seeing double (and triple) in the spring sky

Hubble constant mismatch no fluke; new physics may be needed

French seismometer detects first likely “marsquake”

SOFIA captures magnetic tapestry at the core of M82

Five long-period exoplanets found after 20 years of observation

Mercury has a heart of iron; literally

Jupiter-size star generates titanic white-light ‘superflare’

A third planet found in binary star system