News – Page 24 – Astronomy Now

Possible evidence found for life on Venus

14 September 2020 Keith Cooper

The best evidence for life beyond Earth has been found in the most surprising of places – the atmosphere of Venus. A team led by Jane Greaves, who is a professor at Cardiff University, has detected the presence of phosphine gas in Venus’ clouds.

Iconic Arecibo Observatory undergoing detailed structural inspections

11 September 2020 Astronomy Now

The Arecibo Observatory remains off line pending results of detailed structural and safety analyses needed to clear the way for repairs.

Japan’s MMX Mars probe will carry 8K “Super Hi-Vision Camera”

11 September 2020 Astronomy Now

Japan’s planned Martian Moons eXploration mission will carry an ultra-high resolution 8K camera system to the red planet.

Shotgun-like meteoroid impacts and thermal stress trigger asteroid ejections

9 September 2020 Astronomy Now

Small rocks seen spewing into space from the asteroid Bennu likely were ejected due to thermal stress and shotgun-like meteoroid impacts.

Survey finds no detectable alien radio signals across 10 million stars

8 September 2020 Astronomy Now

Australian researchers find no detectable alien radio emissions across at least 10 million stars

Chandra shows off multiwavelength “treasure chest of cosmic delights”

7 September 2020 Astronomy Now

Multiwavelength astronomy offers a fresh look at familiar and unfamiliar targets alike.

Triple star system features mis-aligned planet-forming dust rings

4 September 2020 Astronomy Now

A star system in Orion features a warped protoplanetary disc that could indicate the presence of an unseen planet – a first for a triple star system.

Gravitational wave observatories detect biggest black hole merger yet

2 September 2020 Astronomy Now

Gravity waves indicate the birth of an elusive intermediate-mass black hole, raising fresh questions about the gap between stellar and supermassive black holes.

Astronomers find dual quasars are exceedingly rare

1 September 2020 Astronomy Now

While galaxy collisions and mergers are not rare, merging supermassive black holes at the hearts of active galaxies are far less common.

Gemini North captures mesmerising view of Comet NEOWISE’s rotation

25 August 2020 Astronomy Now

Researchers using the Gemini North telescope in Hawaii observe a spiralling outflow of gas from Comet NEOWISE, revealing its rotation.