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Researchers have detected, for the first time, a chiral molecule outside of our solar system, bringing them one step closer to understanding one of the most puzzling mysteries of the early origins of life.
Posted: Jun 14th, 2016
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Naturally formed quasicrystals - crystal-like solids with supposedly impossible symmetries - are among the rarest structures on Earth. Only two have ever been found.
Posted: Jun 14th, 2016
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Astronomers have confirmed, with new calculations, that the orbits of the six extreme trans-Neptunian objects that served as a reference to announce the existence of Planet Nine are not as stable as it was thought.
Posted: Jun 13th, 2016
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An international team of astronomers has witnessed a cosmic weather event that has never been seen before.
Posted: Jun 9th, 2016
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New research suggests that planet formation in the early universe might have created carbon planets consisting of graphite, carbides, and diamond. Astronomers might find these diamond worlds by searching a rare class of stars.
Posted: Jun 7th, 2016
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Galaxies 'waste' large amounts of heavy elements generated by star formation by ejecting them up to a million light years away into their surrounding halos and deep space, according to a new study.
Posted: Jun 6th, 2016
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New algorithm could stitch together astronomical measurements made across the globe.
Posted: Jun 6th, 2016
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While the 3-D simulation approach is still in its infancy, early results indicate that the models are providing a clearer picture than ever before of the mechanisms that drive supernova explosions.
Posted: Jun 3rd, 2016
Read moreUsing an 'intuitive' approach, a new study confirms a recent hypothesis on the formation of galaxies, according to which the larger elliptical galaxies formed in very ancient times through a process of local (in situ) star formation. This contradicts the current paradigm that they formed through the merging of spiral galaxies.
Posted: Jun 1st, 2016
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After countless fictional scenarios of humans making contact with alien civilisations, you'd think we'd be prepared for actually discovering one. But finding intelligent life beyond the Earth is clearly likely to be one of the most shattering moments in the history of our species.
Posted: May 26th, 2016
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Scientists have uncovered a new class of galaxies with supermassive black hole winds that are energetic enough to suppress future star formation.
Posted: May 26th, 2016
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An intriguing alternative view is that dark matter is made of black holes formed during the first second of our universe's existence, known as primordial black holes. A scientist suggests that this interpretation aligns with our knowledge of cosmic infrared and X-ray background glows and may explain the unexpectedly high masses of merging black holes detected last year.
Posted: May 25th, 2016
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A new analysis of the ALMA data for a young star HL Tauri provides yet more firm evidence of baby planets around the star. Researchers uncovered two gaps in the gas disk around HL Tauri.
Posted: May 25th, 2016
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An international team of scientists has detected and confirmed the faintest early-universe galaxy ever. Using the W. M. Keck Observatory on the summit on Mauna Kea in Hawaii, the researchers detected the galaxy as it was 13 billion years ago.
Posted: May 24th, 2016
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Photonics advances allow us to be seen across the universe, with major implications for the search for extraterrestrial intelligence.
Posted: May 18th, 2016
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Some supernovae have a reserve tank of radioactive fuel that cuts in and powers their explosions for three times longer than astronomers had previously thought.
Posted: May 18th, 2016
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