Space and astronomy news
The molecule hydroxyl (HO) is common on Earth, but astronomers have not yet determined how abundant it is on other worlds. For the first time, astronomers have conclusively detected it in the atmosphere of an ultra-hot Jupiter, WASP-33b.
Continue reading “Hydroxyl (OH) Seen for the First Time in an Exoplanet Atmosphere”
Older stars should slow down, but new observations reveal that they have just as much of a spring in their step as their younger cousins. Astronomers suspect that complex interactions with the star’s magnetic field might be to blame.
Continue reading “Older Stars Rotate Faster Than Expected”
If you’re a fan of titanium, you should head to the nearest supernova. You’ll get more than enough of it. And its presence can help astronomers understand how supernovae work.
Continue reading “Exploding Stars are Titanium Factories”
Astronomers finally managed to observe a comet nearing the end of its life. And they found that it’s covered in talcum powder. They have no idea why.
Continue reading “A Comet Seen at the end of its Life. It’s covered in talcum powder”
Two neutron stars. One is 50% more massive than the other, yet they are almost exactly the same size. The results have big implications for understanding what neutron stars are really made of.
Continue reading “How Squeezable are Neutron Stars?”
What’s better than a quasar? That’s right, two quasars. Astronomers have spotted for the first time two rare double-quasars, and the results show us the dynamic, messy consequences of galaxy formation.
Continue reading “Astronomers see a Rare “Double Quasar” in a Pair of Merging Galaxies”
Two companies, OneWeb and SpaceX, are racing to put fleets of thousands of communication satellites into orbit. In March they had their first near-miss. Avoidance maneuvers were successful, but how many more close calls will they face in the future?
Continue reading “Starlink and OneWeb Have Their First Avoidance Maneuver With Each Other’s Constellations”
White dwarfs have some surprisingly strong magnetic fields, and one team of astronomers may have finally found the reason why. When they cool, they can activate a dynamo mechanism similar to what powers the Earth’s magnetic field.
Continue reading “How can White Dwarfs Produce Such Powerful Magnetic Fields?”
The magnetic fields of Uranus and Neptune are really, seriously messed up. And we don’t know why.
Continue reading “Both Uranus and Neptune Have Really Bizarre Magnetic Fields”
Many planetary systems may get snuffed out before they even get a chance to form, according to new research. The culprit: nearby stars, capable of evaporating entire protoplanetary disks just when they begin to form.
Continue reading “Young Stars can Evaporate Nearby Disks Before They can Form Planets”