June 2019 – Page 2 – Astronomy Now

Japanese spacecraft to carry European rover to martian moon

20 June 2019 Astronomy Now

A Japanese spacecraft designed to explore Mars’ moons will carry a European rover that will land on Phobos or Deimos.

ALMA spots merging galaxies in infant universe

18 June 2019 Astronomy Now

The ALMA radio telescope array has spotted what appears to be the merger of two galaxies in the infant universe, the earliest such encounter yet observed.

A galaxy being stripped of stars as it plows through a cluster

17 June 2019 Astronomy Now

Stars and long streams of gas are torn away from a galaxy as it plows through the heart of a cluster near the centre of the Great Attractor in a phenomenon known as ram pressure stripping.

Giant planets orbiting Sun-like stars may be rare

17 June 2019 Astronomy Now

A survey of 300 young, nearby stars by the Gemini South telescope indicates giant planets may be rare in solar systems with Sun-like stars.

Perfecting the technology needed for ‘starshades’

14 June 2019 Astronomy Now

Engineers are studying plans for a future “starshade” that would block out a star’s light, allowing a distant telescope to directly image smaller exoplanets.

Cassini mosaic captures moon sculpting Saturn’s rings

14 June 2019 Astronomy Now

Data collected by the Cassini spacecraft before its 2017 demise continues to shed light on the composition and dynamics of Saturn’s rings.

Hubble monitors galactic host of multiple supernova blasts

11 June 2019 Astronomy Now

Imaged by the Hubble Space Telescope, the active Seyfert galaxy NGC 4051 has hosted at least three supernovae since 1983 that were visible to ground- or space-based telescopes on Earth.

New study suggests tighter restrictions on exoplanet habitability

11 June 2019 Astronomy Now

New research indicates a star’s habitable zone may be narrower than previously believed, making it tougher for ET to evolve and thrive.

Simulations tackle black hole-accretion disc alignment

10 June 2019 Astronomy Now

Complex computer simulations confirm long-held belief that the inner regions of a spinning black hole’s accretion disc are aligned with the equator.

NASA helicopter passes key tests on road to Mars flight

10 June 2019 Astronomy Now

Engineers are making preparations to attach a small drone-like helicopter to the Mars 2020 rover; a webcam is now available to monitor the rover’s assembly.