NGC 4753, a lenticular galaxy located 60 million light-years away in the constellation Virgo, has long captivated astronomers with its intricate dust lanes that resemble a ghostly web. Now, a newly released image from the Hubble Space Telescope offers the most detailed view of this celestial marvel ever captured, shedding light on its enigmatic nature.
The green flash is a rare optical phenomenon that occurs just before sunset or sunrise. It is caused by the separation of sunlight into different colors as it passes through the Earth’s atmosphere. The green flash is usually visible for less than a second, but it can sometimes last for a minute or two. The best chances of seeing the green flash are on a clear day with a direct line of sight to the sun. You can also use binoculars or a telescope to make the flash more visible.
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has released stunning images of the ‘Pillars of Creation’ in the Eagle Nebula, providing insights into the formation of stars. Captured in both visible light and near-infrared light, the images reveal new details of the pillars, which are made of cool molecular hydrogen and dust and are being eroded by the ultraviolet light of nearby hot stars. The images help scientists refine their understanding of how stars form in nebulae and provide a more precise count of the stars hidden within and beneath the pillars.
Researchers have discovered a new syndrome associated with COVID-19 that can cause life-threatening lung disease and other health issues. The syndrome, called MIP-C, is a rare but serious condition in which the immune system attacks the body, leading to severe scarring and stiffness in the lungs. The study was published May 8 in the journal Nature Medicine and highlights the potential for long-term effects of COVID-19.
A parasitic plant resembling an owl’s face has captured the top prize in a global nature photography contest. The plant, discovered in Thailand, glows an eerie emerald and is known as ‘Phisawong Ta Nok Hook,’ meaning ‘mysterious owl’s eye.’ It is a myco-heterotrophic species, meaning it obtains nutrients not through photosynthesis, but from fungi associated with tree roots. The plant’s peculiar shape and elusive nature have made it a captivating subject for photographers.
Black holes, long thought to be enigmatic objects with infinitely dense centers and inescapable gravitational pull, may have a different explanation: gravastars. Gravastars are hypothetical celestial entities made of vacuum energy, devoid of singularities and resembling stars. Researchers have found striking similarities between gravastars and black holes, suggesting they could be viable alternatives. Further experiments and observations are needed to validate this theory and distinguish between gravastars and singular black holes.
Our Milky Way galaxy is not alone but part of a cosmic dance, orbiting its neighbor, Andromeda, and engaging in a gravitational tango with other galaxies in their cosmic neighborhood. This intricate interplay shapes the future of these celestial giants, leading to a potential merger and the formation of a new, elliptical galaxy.
NASA’s first crewed launch to the International Space Station (ISS) has been delayed yet again, this time due to a technical glitch involving a helium leak in the rocket’s service module. The launch, initially scheduled for Tuesday, has now been rescheduled for May 25th. This delay comes on the heels of a last-minute postponement of a Starliner launch earlier this month due to another technical snag.
Researchers have created a detailed 3D map of a tiny slice of the human brain, revealing intricate networks of neurons and other structures at an unprecedented scale. The map, which was constructed using advanced microscopy techniques and machine learning, provides new insights into the brain’s inner workings and could help researchers understand neurological disorders.
Archaeologists in Colonial Williamsburg have uncovered the remains of barracks dating back to the Revolutionary War. The discovery, made during excavations last year, includes bricks, gun hardware, ceramics, and personal adornments belonging to soldiers. The barracks, built between 1776 and 1777, could house up to 2,000 soldiers and 100 horses. However, the building was short-lived, as British troops burned it down in 1781 during their march to the Battle of Yorktown.
