Astronomy Now – Page 6 – Astronomy Now

‘Smiling cat’ nebula blazes with newborn stars and hot, ionised gas

27 June 2023 Astronomy Now

A cluster of young stars at the heart of the “smiling cat” nebula generates torrents of radiation that ionise surrounding gas, creating a vast reddish-orange nebula.

Supernova magnified 25 times and split into multiple images by galactic lens

19 June 2023 Astronomy Now

The Zwicky Transient Facility finds a supernova split into multiple images by the gravity of a foreground galaxy in a remarkable example of strong gravitational lensing.

A picture postcard from Mars, courtesy of the Curiosity rover

16 June 2023 Astronomy Now

Applying a bit of artistic license, colour was added to black-and-white Mars panoramas to produce an artistic rendering of the red planet as seen in the morning and afternoon on the slopes of Mount Sharp.

Phosphorous detection strengthens case for Enceladus’ habitability

16 June 2023 Astronomy Now

Researchers find high concentrations of phosphorous in water ice spewed from Saturn’s moon Enceladus, more evidence of a habitable sub-surface environment.

Best evidence yet for second supermassive black hole orbiting more massive companion

7 June 2023 Astronomy Now

Emissions from a supermassive black hole orbiting a much more massive hole at the heart of a brilliant quasar have finally been detected.

Gemini North back in action in spectacular fashion after mirror repair, recoating

7 June 2023 Astronomy Now

Back in action after its primary mirror was repaired and recoated, the Gemini North Telescope captures a spectacular view of a just-discovered Type II supernova in the Pinwheel Galaxy.

New software shows promise for coping with photobombing satellites

6 June 2023 Astronomy Now

Astronomers develop software to help eliminate streaks marring Hubble Space Telescope images caused by rapidly increasing numbers of Earth-orbiting satellites.

Vela supernova remnant in all its glory as seen by ESO’s OmegaCAM

1 June 2023 Astronomy Now

The Vela supernova remnant just 800 light years away shows the awesome aftermath of a Type II supernova that exploded some 11,000 years ago.

Webb spots vast plume of water vapor spewing from Saturn’s moon Enceladus

1 June 2023 Astronomy Now

Despite the huge distance to its target, the Webb telescope has managed to “see” a vast plume of water vapour jetting from geysers on Saturn’s moon Enceladus.

Seeing the universe in X-rays, optical and infrared, all at once

26 May 2023 Astronomy Now

New images of two galaxies, a star cluster and the famed “Pillars of Creation” showcase the value of multi-wavelength astronomy when it comes to seeing the Big Picture.