Colossal cosmic jets unleash trillion-Sun energy across 140 Milky Ways

Astronomers have spotted an absolutely colossal cosmic chimney that stretches as far as 140 Milky Ways lined up side by side. These jumbo jets are being blasted from a supermassive black hole.Continue ReadingCategory: Space, ScienceTags: Black hole, Su… Continue reading Colossal cosmic jets unleash trillion-Sun energy across 140 Milky Ways

Gallery: Cosmic wonders in the Astronomy Photographer of the Year awards

Few photography subjects offer the breadth of beauty as astronomy, and the Royal Observatory Greenwich’s annual Astronomy Photographer of the Year awards celebrate that fact. The winners for 2024 have now been crowned, including some breathtaking shots… Continue reading Gallery: Cosmic wonders in the Astronomy Photographer of the Year awards

Interstellar winter: Did galactic clouds cause an ice age on Earth?

Earth’s weather changes based on where it is in its annual cycle around the Sun – but is it possible the climate can also be affected by the solar system’s position in its orbit around the center of the Milky Way? A new study suggests an ice age period… Continue reading Interstellar winter: Did galactic clouds cause an ice age on Earth?

Spacetime defects uncouple gravity from mass in dark matter alternative

Something seems to be missing from the universe, and the favored model of physics calls it “dark matter” – but despite a century of searching, it remains a no-show. A new paper proposes an alternative hypothesis, showing how gravity could exist without… Continue reading Spacetime defects uncouple gravity from mass in dark matter alternative

Gallery: Our glorious galaxy stars in Milky Way photo competition

The seventh annual Milky Way Photographer of the Year collection has been released, featuring ever more stunning shots of our home galaxy, contrasted against our home planet. This year’s gallery is sure to inspire awe and just a touch of existential dr… Continue reading Gallery: Our glorious galaxy stars in Milky Way photo competition

James Webb captures first direct images of galaxies born at Cosmic Dawn

The James Webb Space Telescope has captured direct images of galaxies being born at the cosmic dawn. This is the first time this has ever been witnessed by astronomers, confirming models for galaxy formation.Continue ReadingCategory: Space, ScienceTags… Continue reading James Webb captures first direct images of galaxies born at Cosmic Dawn

Video: Largest 3D map of the universe reveals hints of new physics

Astronomers have produced the largest 3D map of the universe, which can be explored in an interactive VR video. In the process, they’ve uncovered some tantalizing hints that our understanding of physics, including the ultimate fate of the cosmos, could… Continue reading Video: Largest 3D map of the universe reveals hints of new physics

Supermassive sexual tension measured between the heaviest cosmic couple

At some point we’ve all regretted taking too long to make a move on that special someone, but at least there’s comfort knowing we didn’t take a quarter of all time that’s ever passed. That’s how long the sexual tension has been building between two slo… Continue reading Supermassive sexual tension measured between the heaviest cosmic couple

Ultraviolet eyes will explore the universe under new NASA mission

NASA has officially selected a new mission – the Ultraviolet Explorer, or UVEX. By scanning the skies in UV light, it will be able to study the hottest objects and fleeting events like supernovae, complementing existing and upcoming telescopes watching… Continue reading Ultraviolet eyes will explore the universe under new NASA mission

Our galaxy’s black hole spins so fast it warps spacetime into a football

A supermassive monster lurks at the center of our galaxy, and astronomers have now discovered that it’s spinning so fast it’s warping the very fabric of spacetime into a football shape.Continue ReadingCategory: Space, ScienceTags: Astronomy, Black hole… Continue reading Our galaxy’s black hole spins so fast it warps spacetime into a football