Astronomy Now – Page 47

A captivating view of the Heron Galaxy as a gravitational tug of war plays out

13 December 2019 Astronomy Now

Two interacting galaxies, distorted in an ongoing gravitational tug of war, present a captivating vista as observed by the Gemini North telescope in Hawaii, taking on the shape of a graceful heron in the northern sky.

Water vapor common among exoplanets, but less than expected

12 December 2019 Astronomy Now

A five-year study shows water is a relatively common component of exoplanet atmospheres, but the observed abundances are less than expected, researchers say.

Quantum “vacuum squeezers” improve sensitivity of gravity wave detectors

9 December 2019 Astronomy Now

Exotic technology improves the sensitivity of gravity wave detectors, allowing researchers in the U.S. and Europe to “see” more high-energy events

In a first, astronomers find traces of a planet orbiting a white dwarf

7 December 2019 Astronomy Now

Astronomers have found evidence of a Neptune-class ice giant orbiting a white dwarf, its atmosphere stripped away by intense ultraviolet radiation.

Face-on spiral galaxy showcases multiple supernova blasts

5 December 2019 Astronomy Now

Spiral galaxies oriented face on to Earth offer spectacular views while giving astronomers a better chance to monitor the frequency of supernova blasts. A prime example is a galaxy known as NGC 5468 where at least five stellar explosions have been spotted.

Record-setting ultra-massive black hole found at heart of galaxy cluster

5 December 2019 Astronomy Now

The central elliptical galaxy in a cluster 700 million light years away harbours a record-setting black hole with the mass of 40 billion Suns.

Scientists conclude planets possible around supermassive black holes

2 December 2019 Astronomy Now

Astronomers theorize supermassive black holes at the hearts of many if not all large galaxies could host thousands of large planets out to distances up to 10 light years.

Interstellar Comet 2I/Borisov sports 160,000-kilometre-long tail

27 November 2019 Astronomy Now

As interstellar Comet 2I/Borisov nears its closest point to the Sun on 8 December, a long tail of icy debris has formed stretching some 160,000 kilometres.

Earth’s magnetic field ‘sings’ during energetic solar storms

26 November 2019 Astronomy Now

Data from the European Space Agency’s Cluster satellites allow scientists to listen in as solar storms interact with Earth’s magnetic field.

Radio telescope spots 27 previously unknown supernova remnants

25 November 2019 Astronomy Now

A new look at the central regions of the Milky Way, captured by the Murchison Widefield Array in Australia, has revealed 27 previously unknown supernova remnants.