The Milky Way and Andromeda galaxies, two of the largest galaxies in our Local Group, have long been predicted to collide with each other at some point in the future. However, a recent study conducted by researchers from the University of Helsinki and Durham University suggests that this collision may not be as inevitable as
Space
Recent research conducted by the Italian National Institute for Astrophysics (INAF) has shed new light on the enigmatic phenomenon of Fast Radio Bursts (FRBs). These sudden and intense blasts of radio wave energy from deep space have puzzled astrophysicists for years, but a closer look at FRB 20201124A has provided valuable insight into their origins.
The Sun, from a distance, may seem calm and serene, but a closer look reveals a different reality. The recent solar activity has defied the expectations of astrophysicists, including Andrew Gerrard from the New Jersey Institute of Technology. Solar cycles, which typically occur every 11 years, involve fluctuations in solar activity from minimum to maximum.
The discovery of tidal disruption events (TDEs) where giant black holes in the centers of galaxies devour nearby stars has sparked fascination and intrigue in the field of astronomy. This process involves the star being spaghettified and torn to shreds as it approaches the supermassive black hole, resulting in a spectacular display known as a
Black holes are known for their destructive nature towards stars that wander too close to them. The typical scenario involves a star being engulfed by the black hole, resulting in a dramatic death marked by intense X-ray and UV emissions. However, in rare instances, stars can be captured in an orbit around a black hole,
Recently, the Earth experienced a level-four geomagnetic storm, which has the potential to bring the northern lights to night skies further south than usual. This phenomenon is a result of solar storms caused by coronal mass ejections (CMEs) – explosions of particles leaving the Sun. When these particles reach Earth, they disrupt the planet’s magnetic
The age and vastness of the Milky Way galaxy suggest that there should be numerous intelligent civilizations spread throughout the cosmos. However, the question remains – where is everybody? A recent study proposes that alien civilizations may be too advanced for us to detect using our current methods of observation. In an effort to understand
The realm of cosmic rays has long been a puzzling mystery for scientists, dating back to their discovery in 1912 by Austrian-American physicist Victor Hess. The revelation that high-energy particles were bombarding Earth from space shattered previous assumptions about the origins of radiation. These cosmic rays, consisting of atomic nuclei and elementary particles accelerated to
The Gaia mission, known for its stellar cartography in the Milky Way Galaxy, has also proven to be a successful asteroid hunter within our solar system. Through its recent data release 3, Gaia has identified 352 binary asteroids, effectively doubling the known number of asteroids with moons. This discovery sheds light on the complexity of
Mars, our red, dusty neighbor in the solar system, has long been a source of fascination for scientists. Recent analysis of seismic data collected by the Mars InSight lander has revealed something truly remarkable – massive reservoirs of liquid water hiding deep below the surface of the planet. This discovery has raised many questions about
The idea of establishing long-term human colonies on Mars has been a popular topic of discussion for quite some time now. However, the harsh conditions on the red planet pose a number of challenges. Mars is known for its extreme temperatures, with the median temperature sitting at a bone-chilling -64 degrees Celsius (-85 Fahrenheit). In
The planets Venus and Earth, often considered sister planets, have taken divergent paths in terms of their evolution and characteristics. Earth boasts a rich and diverse environment with moderate temperatures, vibrant oceans, and flourishing vegetation, while Venus is plagued by a hostile atmosphere, corrosive rains, extreme temperatures, and crushing pressure. Beyond just surface appearances, the
In a bid to rival Starlink, a state-backed Chinese company, Shanghai Spacecom Satellite Technology, has successfully launched its first 18 satellites. The company aims to build a vast orbital network, known as the “Thousand Sails Constellation,” which will eventually consist of 15,000 satellites orbiting in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) by 2030. This project has been
When we look up at the Moon, we see a serene and barren landscape devoid of life. However, scientists have discovered that Earth’s satellite does indeed have a thin exosphere, a kind of atmosphere created by the constant bombardment of micrometeorites. This revelation sheds light on the mystery of how the Moon sustains its gaseous
The night sky has always captivated humanity with its twinkling stars, celestial events, and mysterious phenomena. One such phenomenon that has intrigued astronomers and stargazers alike is the occurrence of nova explosions. Contrary to ancient beliefs that stars are fixed and unchanging, novae are unexpected events that transform a star’s brightness in a matter of