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Einstein wins again

The theory of general relativity passes a range of precise tests set by pair of extreme stars.

Dec 13th, 2021

Astronomers find clue to solar system formation through little-known star

An international study focusing on an infamous star in Orion may help to shed light on how the solar system formed.

Dec 10th, 2021

You can help scientists study the Sun

If you ever wanted to be an astronomer, now is your chance. A new citizen science project allows volunteers to play an important role in learning more about the Sun by using their personal computers.

Dec 9th, 2021

Researchers capture the fastest optical flash emitted from a newborn supernova

A team of astronomers has discovered the fastest optical flash of a Type Ia supernova.

Dec 9th, 2021

Machine Learning decodes the tremors of the Universe

Researchers trained a neural network to estimate - in just a few seconds - the precise characteristics of merging black holes based on their gravitational-wave emissions. The network determines the masses and spins of the black holes, where in the sky, at what angle, and how far away from Earth the merger took place.

Dec 9th, 2021

Astronomers observe planet orbiting b Centauri

The European Southern Observatory's Very Large Telescope has captured an image of a planet orbiting b Centauri, a two-star system that can be seen with the naked eye.

Dec 8th, 2021

Gravitational waves could be key to answering why more matter was left over after Big Bang

A team of theoretical researchers have found it might be possible to detect Q-balls in gravitational waves, and their detection would answer why more matter than anti-matter to be left over after the Big Bang.

Dec 8th, 2021

Star's self destruction is shown in 3D, revealing new details

A 1,000-year-old supernova has been captured in 3D images that reveal yet unseen details of the elements that are ejected when a star explodes. Analysis of data from the Multi-Unit Spectroscopic Explorer (MUSE) and X-shooter at the European Southern Observatory's (ESO) Very Large Telescope (VLT), offers new insights into how stars self-destruct.

Dec 8th, 2021

Astronomers discover strangely massive black hole in Milky Way satellite galaxy

Astronomers have discovered an unusually massive black hole at the heart of one of the Milky Way's dwarf satellite galaxies, called Leo I. Almost as massive as the black hole in our own galaxy, the finding could redefine our understanding of how all galaxies evolve.

Dec 1st, 2021

Astronomers observe a new type of binary star long predicted to exist

Astronomers have observed a new type of binary star that has long been theorized to exist. The discovery finally confirms how a rare type of star in the universe forms and evolves.

Dec 1st, 2021

Record-breaking simulations of large-scale structure formation in the Universe

Scientists present computer simulations that capture the complex dynamics of elusive neutrinos left over from the Big Bang.

Dec 1st, 2021

Mysterious clouds could offer new clues on dark matter

The hunt for gravitational waves, ripples in space and time caused by major cosmic cataclysms, could help solve one of the Universe's other burning mysteries - boson clouds and whether they are a leading contender for dark matter.

Dec 1st, 2021

Cells' replication of DNA is more error-prone in microgravity

Researchers show for the first time that a DNA polymerase enzyme derived from bacteria makes 10-140% more errors while copying DNA in microgravity. Combined with the known greater rate of DNA damage from space radiation, this inaccuracy of DNA replication is likely to pose a threat to the health of future astronauts on long missions.