Astronomers have witnessed a titanic collision between two neutron stars, resulting in the birth of the smallest black hole ever observed and the creation of precious metals like gold, silver, and uranium. This incredible event, captured by a range of instruments including the Hubble Space Telescope, offers unprecedented insights into the origins of heavy elements and the dynamics of neutron star mergers.
A new study suggests that tiny, primordial black holes, formed shortly after the Big Bang, could be flying through our solar system every decade. These black holes, while minuscule, could generate detectable gravitational disturbances in the orbits of planets. This intriguing possibility could shed light on the mystery of dark matter, the invisible substance that makes up a significant portion of the universe.
The James Webb Space Telescope has captured a breathtaking image of Arp 107, two galaxies in a dramatic collision 465 million light-years away. The image showcases the chaotic beauty of galactic interaction, highlighting the birth of new stars and the swirling dust and gas around a supermassive black hole.
The Black Hole Experience (BHX), an immersive exhibition created by Age of Union Alliance, will debut in Los Angeles during L.A. Climate Week. This unique experience, housed in a mobile trailer, uses celestial imagery and black hole projections to inspire a sense of wonder and appreciation for the natural world. The BHX will be open to the public on September 14th at the Clean Energy Expo.
NASA has shared a breathtaking image of the supermassive black hole at the heart of the Andromeda galaxy, captured by the retired Spitzer Space Telescope. The image reveals the black hole’s ‘quiet’ feeding habits, consuming a steady stream of matter rather than large clumps. Meanwhile, NASA has announced a new crew for its SpaceX Crew-9 mission, scheduled to launch in September 2024.
The Event Horizon Telescope (EHT) has achieved a groundbreaking feat, capturing the highest-resolution images of space ever obtained from Earth’s surface. By leveraging a global network of telescopes and observing at higher frequencies, the EHT has significantly enhanced its imaging capabilities, allowing for a deeper understanding of black holes.
Astronomers have used data from NASA’s Chandra X-ray Observatory to observe a supermassive black hole’s ongoing meal, a star being gradually consumed. This discovery provides crucial insights into the feeding habits of black holes and the dynamics of such celestial events.
Scientists have been trying to understand how supermassive black holes form through mergers of smaller black holes. However, simulations have shown that these black holes get stuck in an eternal orbit before merging. A new study suggests that self-interacting dark matter could be the missing ingredient, providing the energy dissipation necessary for the final merger. This discovery not only resolves the ‘final parsec problem’ but also offers insights into the nature of dark matter.
The James Webb Space Telescope has captured a breathtaking image of Messier 106, a nearby spiral galaxy with a particularly active galactic nucleus. The image reveals the intense activity of the supermassive black hole at its center, which is gobbling up material and producing dramatic outflows of gas.
Scientists have detected a strange signal from the most powerful cosmic explosion ever observed, revealing the phenomenon of matter and antimatter colliding and annihilating each other at nearly the speed of light. The signal, originating from a gamma-ray burst (GRB) named GRB 221009A, provides new insights into the chaotic processes that occur within the jets of these massive explosions.
