Astronomy Now – Page 44

Transition from red giant to white dwarf interrupted in unusual binary system

5 February 2020 Astronomy Now

Astronomers have found a binary star system in which a swelling red giant swallowed a smaller companion that then spiralled inward, triggering unusual outbursts.

White dwarf in pulsar binary “drags” space as Einstein predicted

5 February 2020 Astronomy Now

Scientists measure spacetime ‘frame dragging’ around white dwarf by measuring its effects on a companion radio pulsar.

NASA pulls the plug on Spitzer, ending trail-blazing mission

31 January 2020 Astronomy Now

NASA pulls the plug on the Spitzer Space Telescope after more than 16 years of trail-blazing infrared observations, finally bringing the mission to a close.

Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope dazzles with first light images

29 January 2020 Astronomy Now

First light images from the 4-metre Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope are the sharpest ever achieved from the ground, hinting at discoveries to come.

Analysis indicates Enceladus’ sub-surface ocean may be habitable

28 January 2020 Astronomy Now

A new analysis incorporating data from the Cassini mission suggests Saturn’s icy moon Enceladus may host a habitable environment in its sub-surface ocean.

Retiring Spitzer’s IR views of the Tarantula a fitting legacy

28 January 2020 Astronomy Now

The Spitzer Space Telescope, one of NASA’s original “Great Observatories,” is being retired after more than 16 years of infrared observations, but not before providing another look at the spectacular Tarantula Nebula.

Hottest known exoplanet’s dayside atmosphere a toasty 4,300 C

27 January 2020 Astronomy Now

Temperatures in the dayside atmosphere of the hottest known exoplanet reach a record 4,300 C, hotter than the surfaces of some stars.

White dwarf chows down on brown dwarf companion in feeding frenzy

26 January 2020 Astronomy Now

A chance observation buried in the Kepler Space Telescope’s data archive revealed a dwarf nova that brightened by a factor of 1,600 in a single day.

Oldest known asteroid impact may have played role in ending ancient ice age

24 January 2020 Astronomy Now

A heavily-eroded impact structure in Western Australia – Yarrabubba – is now known to be the oldest of the world’s roughly 190 known major impact sites.

Very Large Telescope catches star-forming region “pink handed”

23 January 2020 Astronomy Now

The European Southern Observatory’s Cosmic Gems programme generates a steady stream of spectacular images, including this view of Gum 26, an emission nebula in Vela where new stars are being born.