Fast radio bursts (FRBs) have long captivated the attention of astronomers, thanks to their enigmatic nature and extraordinary intensity. Recently, the origin of the most potent and farthest-traveling FRB ever detected has been traced back to a densely packed cluster of seven galaxies. This breakthrough discovery sheds light on the diverse environments capable of generating
Space
New research presented at the American Astronomical Society’s 243rd Meeting suggests that planet formation around young stars may begin much earlier than previously believed. This groundbreaking study conducted using the Atacama Large Millimetre/submillimetre Array (ALMA) challenges our current understanding of planetary formation. The study focuses on the images captured by ALMA, revealing the presence of
In the vastness of the outer Solar System lies an unexplored wilderness, shrouded in mystery. The limited capabilities of our telescopes hinder our ability to observe and understand the strange objects that may exist in this remote region. The known part of this enigmatic realm is the Kuiper Belt, a field of small icy rocks
In a major blow to America’s lunar ambitions, a highly anticipated commercial mission to the Moon is set to end in failure due to a critical loss of fuel. The organizers of the mission made the distressing announcement on Tuesday, dashing hopes of placing the first American spacecraft on the lunar surface since the Apollo
The United States is making strides towards returning to the Moon! A momentous event took place on January 8, 2024, with the successful launch of United Launch Alliance’s Vulcan rocket. Onboard this rocket was a lunar lander named Peregrine, developed by commercial company Astrobotic. Notably, Peregrine carries five science payloads from NASA, marking the first
Constellations have always required a bit of imagination to decipher. While some, like Leo or Orion, bear a resemblance to their namesakes, others, such as Pegasus or Telescopium, demand a powerful level of imagination to see their intended shapes. Even squinting or tilting our heads doesn’t always make them visible. This same challenge presented itself
The distribution of dark matter in the Universe has long intrigued scientists, but recent observations have raised more questions than answers. These observations reveal that dark matter, an elusive substance that exerts a gravitational influence on the Universe, is distributed differently now compared to its early stages after the Big Bang. It appears to be
Neutron stars, the remnants of massive stars, have always fascinated scientists with their bizarre and extreme nature. These incredibly dense objects are believed to be supported by the quantum pressure of neutrons. However, recent studies suggest that some neutron stars might have an even more peculiar feature – a core made of quarks. This revelation
As humanity sets its sights on Mars, the challenges of speedy and long-distance space travel come to the forefront. NASA, taking a significant step forward, recently announced the successful testing of an innovative rocket engine that could propel us to the Red Planet. By putting the prototype Rotating Detonation Rocket Engine (RDRE) through rigorous testing
Jupiter’s moon, Io, has long captivated scientists and space enthusiasts with its volatile and tumultuous nature. Surpassing all other celestial bodies in the Solar System, Io is dubbed the most volcanic object to date. In a recent development, the Juno probe conducted its closest flyby of Io, capturing stunning images that have offered unprecedented insights
India has taken a significant stride in the field of space exploration by launching its first satellite dedicated to studying black holes. The X-ray Polarimeter Satellite marks a major milestone for India, making it the second country in the world after NASA to delve into the mysteries of black holes and other celestial objects using
The early Universe was a turbulent and dynamic era. In the aftermath of the Big Bang, star formation surged while galaxies emerged from the darkness, colliding and growing. However, interpreting the light that has traveled across vast distances and time poses a challenge, leading to occasional misinterpretations. Such is the case with the intriguing object
In the year 1931, the city of Tatahouine in Tunisia witnessed a spectacular event that left locals in awe – a fireball explosion followed by hundreds of meteorite fragments raining down on the city. Little did they know that this extraordinary occurrence would go on to inspire one of the world’s most beloved film franchises,
Arctic observers were recently treated to a mesmerizing phenomenon as rare rainbow-colored clouds adorned the skies ahead of the holiday season. For three consecutive days between December 18 and December 20, an extraordinary cold wave swept through the Arctic, bringing with it the captivating presence of polar stratospheric clouds. These ethereal clouds, also known as
Japan’s space exploration program took a significant leap forward as its Smart Lander for Investigating Moon (SLIM), also known as the “Moon Sniper,” successfully entered the Moon’s orbit on Monday. The SLIM probe is designed to achieve a highly precise landing within 100 meters of a specific target on the lunar surface. If the mission