Andromeda, the closest major galaxy to our Milky Way, is on a collision course with our galaxy at a speed of about 110 kilometers (68 miles) per second. While this may sound alarming, the two galaxies are still about 2.5 million light-years away from Earth, giving us billions of years before any potential collision. Previous
Space
Fast radio bursts (FRBs) have long captured the attention of astrophysicists worldwide due to their sudden and intense blasts of radio wave energy from deep space. A recent study conducted by a team from the Italian National Institute for Astrophysics (INAF) sheds new light on the potential sources of these enigmatic phenomena. The researchers focused
The Sun may appear calm and peaceful from a distance, but upon closer observation, it is revealed to be a hub of erupting solar activity that has defied astrophysicists’ expectations. Andrew Gerrard, the department chair and director of the Center for Solar-Terrestrial Research at New Jersey Institute of Technology, expressed surprise at the heightened solar
Giant black holes residing in the centers of galaxies such as the Milky Way have been observed to engage in a peculiar activity – consuming nearby stars and transforming them into a dramatic spectacle of destruction. This process, known as a tidal disruption event, involves the star being stretched and torn apart as it approaches
Stars collapsing past the event horizon of a black hole is not an uncommon sight in the world of astronomy. The flashes representing the death throes of these stars serve as a grim reminder of the destructive forces at play. However, in rare instances, a star manages to escape being completely swallowed by its gigantic
On Monday, the Earth experienced a level-four geomagnetic storm, which has the potential to bring the northern lights further south than usual. This phenomenon, observed by a specialized center at the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), is caused by coronal mass ejections (CMEs) from the Sun. These explosions of particles disrupt the Earth’s
One of the most intriguing mysteries in the realm of space exploration is the apparent absence of intelligent alien life, despite the age and size of the Milky Way galaxy. According to a new study, the reason for this silence could be that alien civilizations are simply too advanced for us to detect. The study
As scientists embarked on unraveling a century-old cosmic mystery, they stumbled upon an unexpected cosmic laboratory in Terzan 5, a dense star cluster hurtling through our galaxy at a rapid pace. This discovery has opened up a plethora of opportunities to delve into the enigmatic world of cosmic rays. The existence of cosmic rays came
The Gaia mission, known for its remarkable efforts in mapping stars in the Milky Way Galaxy, has also proven to be a successful asteroid hunter. Recent reports from astronomers highlight Gaia’s achievement in identifying more moons of asteroids within our solar system. With the upcoming confirmation of data from Gaia’s release 3, these observations are
The recent analysis of seismic data collected by the Mars InSight lander has revealed the presence of huge reservoirs of liquid water hidden deep within the Martian interior. While this discovery sheds light on the mysterious aquatic history of Mars, it also presents a significant challenge due to the inaccessibility of the water. Geophysicist Vashan
Creating a sustainable environment on Mars is not an easy task. One of the major hurdles is the extreme cold temperatures on the planet, with the median sitting at a bone-chilling -64 degrees Celsius. In order to terraform Mars, scientists need to find a way to heat up the planet and maintain a warmer climate
When we look at Venus and Earth, we see two planets that have taken vastly different paths in their geological evolution. Earth is a paradise with lush vegetation, oceans, and a hospitable atmosphere. In contrast, Venus is a hellish landscape with toxic clouds, acid rain, and scorching temperatures. These differences go beyond just surface-level appearance
Recently, a Chinese state-backed company, Shanghai Spacecom Satellite Technology, made headlines with the launch of its first 18 satellites. This initiative is part of a grand plan to establish a vast orbital network known as the “Thousand Sails Constellation,” aimed at competing with the likes of Starlink. The company’s goal is to have a total
The Moon, despite appearing barren and exposed, actually has a thin layer of gasses surrounding it known as an exosphere. This exosphere has puzzled scientists for quite some time, as the Moon lacks a magnetosphere like Earth, which should have caused its gasses to be stripped away by solar activity. The constant replenishment of the
Stars are not the fixed, unchanging entities that some ancient civilizations believed them to be. Occasionally, new stars appear in the night sky, only to fade away after a brief period of time. These transient stars, known as “guest stars,” have been observed throughout history, capturing the attention of astronomers and skywatchers alike. The Fascination