In March 2021, astronomers caught sight of a remarkable astronomical phenomenon—a high-energy burst of light originating from a distant galaxy. Initially categorized as a potential supernova, this event, designated AT 2021hdr, intrigued researchers due to its unusual characteristics. The Automatic Learning for the Rapid Classification of Events (ALeRCE) flagged this anomaly, hinting that there was
Space
The sun is more than just a celestial body; it has been a pivotal player in the history of life on Earth and a source of fascination for humanity for millennia. Throughout history, civilizations have revered the sun as a giver of light, heat, and life, underscoring its essential role in our existence. This article
New Zealand has long been a favorite among filmmakers, a sentiment that is echoed in masterpieces like *The Lord of the Rings.* The country’s diverse topography, ranging from its golden beaches to dramatic volcanic landscapes, creates a breathtaking backdrop that feels reminiscent of fantasy realms. But beyond its cinematic allure, New Zealand is home to
Recently, a significant chapter unfolded in the realm of satellite technology when three miniature satellites from Australia’s Curtin University, part of the Binar Space Program, met an unexpected fiery end upon re-entering Earth’s atmosphere. Dubbed Binar-2, 3, and 4, these CubeSats had a life expectancy of six months but instead survived barely a third of
The Leonid meteor shower, renowned for its breathtaking displays and significant historical meteor storms, presents an enchanting experience for sky watchers. This year, enthusiasts are again encouraged to keep their gaze directed toward the heavens, reflecting on past spectacles while anticipating future possibilities. My own encounter with the Leonids roots back to the late 90s
Recent advancements in Mars exploration have shed light on the long-standing debate regarding the presence of water on the planet. A study released on Thursday reveals compelling evidence to support the theory that Mars was once engulfed by a vast ocean, particularly in its northern hemisphere. This finding, attributable to China’s Zhurong rover, may lead
Massive stars, particularly those exceeding eight times the mass of the Sun, undergo dramatic transformations in their lifetimes. As these cosmic giants exhaust their hydrogen fuel, they face the inevitable gravitational collapse that usually culminates in violent supernova explosions. Supernovae are not just spectacular cosmic displays; they are critical for the synthesis of heavy elements
The exploration of Uranus has long intrigued astronomers and scientists, as this distant blue planet showcases a unique set of characteristics and an enigmatic magnetic field. Historically, the prevailing view of Uranus has been informed by data obtained from NASA’s Voyager 2 during its flyby in 1986. Initial interpretations suggested that Uranus possessed an exceptionally
Nestled within the vast expanse of the Milky Way, our Solar System occupies a distinctly peculiar region known as the Local Hot Bubble (LHB). This volume of space, notable for its unusually elevated temperature and low density, challenges our understanding of stellar dynamics and galactic structures. The peculiar nomenclature of “Local Hot Bubble” elicits curiosity
The X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle (OTV) stands at the forefront of modern aerospace technology, representing a convergence of innovation and military strategy. Its operational history, dating back to its inaugural launch in 2011, paints a picture of an advanced space plane that performs tasks far beyond mere atmospheric navigation. With its seventh mission, dubbed OTV-7,
The early Universe was a realm characterized by darkness and mystery—a chaotic state devoid of light, filled only with a hot, dense fog of ionized plasma. This obscure era, known as the cosmic dawn, began shortly after the Big Bang. Following this event, for approximately 300,000 years, light sources were virtually nonexistent, and the universe
Jupiter, the grandest giant in our solar system, challenges our understanding of planetary formation and structure. While Earth offers solid ground under our feet, Jupiter presents a distinct reality: a massive ball of gas with no traditional surface to speak of. This begs the question: What exactly lies beneath the tempestuous clouds that envelop this
In a groundbreaking astronomical event in August 2017, scientists from around the globe turned their telescopes towards the skies to witness a phenomenon that had only been theorized until that moment—a collision between two neutron stars. This extraordinary event, designated as AT2017gfo, provided rich data for scientific analysis and a deeper understanding of the cosmos.
The universe is a stage of breathtaking phenomena, and a recent revelation brings to light the stellar performance of a neutron star located a staggering 27,400 light-years away. Within the binary system known as 4U 1820-30, researchers have found a neutron star that spins at a remarkable speed of 716 rotations per second. This discovery,
In an impressive move towards sustainable space exploration, scientists at Kyoto University have successfully launched LignoSat, the world’s first wooden satellite. Part of a resupply mission to the International Space Station (ISS), this pioneering project aims to address the growing issue of space debris, specifically the metal particles produced when conventional satellites burn up upon