Space

Recent simulations of Mercury’s formation suggest that the planet may have a hidden treasure in the form of a thick layer of solid diamond. This layer, located between the core and the mantle, could have significant implications for our understanding of the planet’s development and its mysteriously persistent magnetic field. Diamonds in the Rough Scientists

Supermassive black holes, found at the hearts of galaxies, have always presented a significant challenge for astronomers. Unlike smaller black holes formed from dying massive stars, supermassive black holes are millions to billions of times the mass of the Sun. The existence of such massive black holes suggests that they must have merged with other

NASA’s Chandra X-ray Observatory has been a key player in unlocking the mysteries of the universe for the past 25 years. Launched in 1999, Chandra has provided astronomers with groundbreaking images and discoveries that have astounded the scientific community. Unlike visible light, X-rays allow astronomers to peer into extreme events in space, such as exploding

The discovery of the exoplanet Eps Ind Ab using the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) marks a new era in exoplanet science. This gas giant has been imaged directly, separate from its host star, making it a rare and valuable find. Previous methods of detecting exoplanets have been indirect, relying on observing the effects of

The recent discovery of an intermediate mass black hole near the center of the Milky Way galaxy has sparked excitement among astronomers. Named IRS 13, this cluster of stars is believed to house a black hole in its midst, providing valuable insights into the growth and evolution of black holes. IRS 13 is not just

A recent study led by astronomers from the University of Michigan has shed light on a fascinating discovery: up to 60 percent of near-Earth objects may be “dark comets” containing ice within their rocky bodies. These dark comets have the potential to provide insights into the origins of Earth’s water, raising questions about the sources

The concept of using mosses to terraform Mars is a fascinating idea proposed by ecologist Xiaoshuang Li and his team at the Chinese Academy of Sciences. Mosses, which are non-vascular plants, have historically proven to be resilient in harsh environments on Earth. Their ability to adapt and thrive in barren landscapes makes them a potential

The recent discovery made by Curiosity, the rover on Mars, has left scientists astounded. As the rover rolled over a seemingly ordinary rock on the surface of Mars, it inadvertently cracked it open, exposing a mesmerizing sight – yellow crystals of elemental sulfur, also known as brimstone. While sulfates are not uncommon on Mars, the

For the past 23 years, the International Space Station (ISS) has served as a vital research center and home for astronauts from around the world. However, its days are now numbered, with NASA recently announcing a plan to pay SpaceX up to $843 million to help decommission the ISS. This move marks a significant shift

Neutron stars are remarkable celestial bodies that push the boundaries of what we know about the universe. These incredibly dense objects, formed from the remnants of massive stars, possess a mass greater than that of our own Sun, yet are condensed into a sphere no larger than a city. Within the cores of neutron stars,

Novae are a rare and captivating phenomenon in the world of astronomy. One such nova, T Coronae Borealis (T CrB), is set to make a spectacular appearance in the night sky. While novae are not uncommon in the universe, the predictability and recurrence of T CrB make it a particularly intriguing subject for astronomers. Unlike

Sending humans to Mars has always been an ambitious goal, but one major obstacle standing in the way is the lengthy travel time. Currently, a round-trip journey to the red planet would take almost two years, exposing astronauts to significant health risks such as high levels of radiation, zero-gravity effects, and isolation. The exposure to

NASA astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore have been facing unexpected challenges while on the International Space Station. Their initial plan was to stay for just eight days after flying into space aboard Boeing’s Starliner spaceship on June 5. However, due to glitches in the spacecraft, they have been stranded on the ISS while NASA

Uranus, the seventh planet from the Sun, has hydrogen sulfide in its atmosphere, giving it a smell reminiscent of rotten eggs. Recently, astronomers have discovered the same foul-smelling gas on an extreme exoplanet known as HD-189733b. This Jupiter-sized exoplanet, located in the Milky Way, exhibits a signature of hydrogen sulfide, shedding light on the role

As astronauts departed the lunar surface for the last time 52 years ago, the Moon has been patiently waiting for our return. A recent study conducted by NASA scientists revealed that the Moon’s time is slightly ahead of Earth’s time by approximately 1.1 seconds. This seemingly insignificant difference in time could have significant implications for