Here, we bring you the news that is trending across WION's social media platforms- Astronomers have discovered a new type of stellar object that could change their understanding of extreme celestial bodies in the universe.

Astronomers find new type of stellar object that challenges understanding of neutron star physics

A two-faced star has been discovered by astronomers and its bizarre appearance has left them baffled. On one side, the white dwarf appears to have been composed mostly of hydrogen and helium appears to have filled the other side. 
 
For the first time, a lone star has been discovered by astronomers that appears to have developed two contrasting faces spontaneously. “The surface of the white dwarf completely changes from one side to the other,” stated Dr Ilaria Caiazzo, who is an astrophysicist at Caltech who led the research. “When I show the observations to people, they are blown away," he added.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/james-webb-spots-three-candidates-suspected-to-be-fabled-dark-stars-615987">James Webb spots three candidates suspected to be fabled 'dark stars'</a>

The dwarf star is more than 1,000 light-years away in the Cygnus constellation. It has been nicknamed Janus, inspired by the two-faced Roman god of transition. The star's formal scientific name is ZTF J203349.8+322901.1. 
 
Initially, it was discovered using the Zwicky Transient Facility (ZTF), which is an instrument that scans the night skies from Caltech’s Palomar Observatory near San Diego.

<h2>Dwarf star spinning on its axis every 15 minutes</h2>

Caiazzo was looking for white dwarfs and they spotted one candidate because of its rapidly changing brightness. The observatory's further observations revealed that Janus has been rotating on its axis every 15 minutes. 
 
Spectrometry measurements, which provide a star's chemical fingerprints, showed that hydrogen is entirely filled on one side of the object and the other side is filled entirely with helium. 
 
If seen from close, the two sides of the star will appear bluish in colour and have a similar brightness, however, the helium side is likely to have a grainy, patchwork appearance similar to that of our sun, while the star's hydrogen side appears smooth. 
 
It is difficult to explain the two-faced nature of the star as swirling gas makes up its exterior. “It’s hard for anything to be separated,” stated Caiazzo. The scientists feel that Janus can be undergoing a rare transition which has been predicted to occur because of white dwarf evolution.

WATCH |&nbsp;India &amp; US will undertake joint mission to international space station in 2024

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“Not all but some white dwarfs transition from being hydrogen- to helium-dominated on their surface. We might have possibly caught one such white dwarf in the act,” Caiazzo said. In that case, the scientists feel that the transition must be occurring in a lopsided way because of an asymmetric magnetic field. 
 
“If the magnetic field is stronger on one side, it could be limiting convection (bubbling in the helium layer). “On the other side, convection could be winning out and so the hydrogen layer has been lost,” Caiazzo said. 
 
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A two-faced star has been discovered by astronomers and its bizarre appearance has left them baffled. On one side, the white dwarf appears to have been composed mostly of hydrogen and helium appears to have filled the other side.

A two-faced star has been discovered by astronomers and its bizarre appearance has left them baffled. On one side, the white dwarf appears to have been composed mostly of hydrogen and helium appears to have filled the other side. For the first time, a lone star has been discovered by astronomers that appears to have developed two contrasting faces spontaneously. “The surface of the white dwarf completely changes from one side to the other,” stated Dr Ilaria Caiazzo, who is an astrophysicist at Caltech who led the research. “When I show the observations to people, they are blown away," he added. ALSO READ | James Webb spots three candidates suspected to be fabled 'dark stars' The dwarf star is more than 1,000 light-years away in the Cygnus constellation. It has been nicknamed Janus, inspired by the two-faced Roman god of transition. The star's formal scientific name is ZTF J203349.8+322901.1. Initially, it was discovered using the Zwicky Transient Facility (ZTF), which is an instrument that scans the night skies from Caltech’s Palomar Observatory near San Diego. Dwarf star spinning on its axis every 15 minutes Caiazzo was looking for white dwarfs and they spotted one candidate because of its rapidly changing brightness. The observatory's further observations revealed that Janus has been rotating on its axis every 15 minutes. Spectrometry measurements, which provide a star's chemical fingerprints, showed that hydrogen is entirely filled on one side of the object and the other side is filled entirely with helium. If seen from close, the two sides of the star will appear bluish in colour and have a similar brightness, however, the helium side is likely to have a grainy, patchwork appearance similar to that of our sun, while the star's hydrogen side appears smooth. It is difficult to explain the two-faced nature of the star as swirling gas makes up its exterior. “It’s hard for anything to be separated,” stated Caiazzo. The scientists feel that Janus can be undergoing a rare transition which has been predicted to occur because of white dwarf evolution. WATCH | India & US will undertake joint mission to international space station in 2024 “Not all but some white dwarfs transition from being hydrogen- to helium-dominated on their surface. We might have possibly caught one such white dwarf in the act,” Caiazzo said. In that case, the scientists feel that the transition must be occurring in a lopsided way because of an asymmetric magnetic field. “If the magnetic field is stronger on one side, it could be limiting convection (bubbling in the helium layer). “On the other side, convection could be winning out and so the hydrogen layer has been lost,” Caiazzo said. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Astronomers discover two-faced white dwarf star with helium and hydrogen on two sides

Astronomers watched in awe as a supermassive blackhole began to consume its surrounding matter, emerging as a standout transient "switching on" event about 10 billion light-years away from earth.

Transients refer to celestial events or entities that undergo rapid changes in terms of the intensity of light.&nbsp; 
The particular phenomenon generated by this voracious black hole, named J221951, ranks among the most dazzling transients ever documented, according to a Space.com story.&nbsp;

The location of the black hole aligns with the center of a previously observed galaxy, precisely where a supermassive black hole would typically reside.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/images-of-black-hole-shows-fast-moving-jet-leaving-from-edge-586567">Images of black hole show fast-moving jet leaving from edge</a>

However, astronomers are yet to ascertain the precise cause behind the transient event observed in J221951.

"Our understanding of the different things that supermassive black holes can do has greatly expanded in recent years, with discoveries of stars being torn apart and accreting black holes with hugely variable luminosities," team member and University of Belfast astronomer Matt Nicholl, said in a statement. "J221951 is one of the most extreme examples yet of a black hole taking us by surprise."

Also watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Scientists reveal the sound of a super massive black hole

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Presently, the nature of the material being devoured by the supermassive black hole remains unknown.&nbsp;

However, reports say that it is possible that J221951 represents a star that has ventured too close to the black hole, ultimately being torn apart by the immense gravitational forces in a process known as spaghettification.

The spaghettification of a star is not the sole mechanism that could account for the luminous transient event associated with the black hole in question.&nbsp;

Another possibility of such an event is that J221951 stems from the nucleus at the core of a galaxy transitioning from a dormant to an active state.

"Continued monitoring of J221951 to work out the total energy release might allow us to work out whether this is a tidal disruption of a star by a fast-spinning black hole or a new kind of AGN switch on," Nicholl added, while referring to Active galactic nuclei (AGNs) – the bright areas at the heart of galaxies that blast out enough light to drown out the combined light of every star in the rest of that galaxy.&nbsp;

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Astronomers watched in awe as a supermassive blackhole began to consume its surrounding matter, emerging as a standout transient "switching on" event about 10 billion light-years away from earth.

Astronomers watched in awe as a supermassive blackhole began to consume its surrounding matter, emerging as a standout transient "switching on" event about 10 billion light-years away from earth. Transients refer to celestial events or entities that undergo rapid changes in terms of the intensity of light. The particular phenomenon generated by this voracious black hole, named J221951, ranks among the most dazzling transients ever documented, according to a Space.com story. The location of the black hole aligns with the center of a previously observed galaxy, precisely where a supermassive black hole would typically reside. Also read | Images of black hole show fast-moving jet leaving from edge However, astronomers are yet to ascertain the precise cause behind the transient event observed in J221951. "Our understanding of the different things that supermassive black holes can do has greatly expanded in recent years, with discoveries of stars being torn apart and accreting black holes with hugely variable luminosities," team member and University of Belfast astronomer Matt Nicholl, said in a statement. "J221951 is one of the most extreme examples yet of a black hole taking us by surprise." Also watch | Gravitas: Scientists reveal the sound of a super massive black hole × Presently, the nature of the material being devoured by the supermassive black hole remains unknown. However, reports say that it is possible that J221951 represents a star that has ventured too close to the black hole, ultimately being torn apart by the immense gravitational forces in a process known as spaghettification. The spaghettification of a star is not the sole mechanism that could account for the luminous transient event associated with the black hole in question. Another possibility of such an event is that J221951 stems from the nucleus at the core of a galaxy transitioning from a dormant to an active state. "Continued monitoring of J221951 to work out the total energy release might allow us to work out whether this is a tidal disruption of a star by a fast-spinning black hole or a new kind of AGN switch on," Nicholl added, while referring to Active galactic nuclei (AGNs) – the bright areas at the heart of galaxies that blast out enough light to drown out the combined light of every star in the rest of that galaxy. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Blackhole caught gobbling up celestial matter leaving astronomers in awe

Astronomers have shared a photo of a star collapsing on itself, called a supernova, in the Pinwheel Galaxy, about 21 million light-years away from Earth.

The cosmic event was witnessed through the Gemini North telescope atop Mauna Kea in Hawaii by Japanese astronomer Koichi Itagaki on May 19.

The supernova, named SN 2023ixf, is said to be the closest one seen in five years.

In the photo shared by the astronomer, the supernova can be seen shining brightly in a blueish point of light on the far left on one of the spiral arms of Pinwheel Galaxy, which is also known as Messier 101 or M101.

The Pinwheel Galaxy is in the direction of the Ursa Major constellation. It faces Earth head-on and showcases its stunning spiral structure and nearly one&nbsp;trillion stars.

"This is the closest supernova to be discovered within the last five years and the second supernova to occur in Messier 101 within the past 15 years, following a Type I supernova observed in 2011," the National Science Foundation's NOIRLab, which runs big telescopes across the US and elsewhere, including the Gemini North, said in a statement.

According to NOIRLab, the SN 2023ixf is a Type II supernova, which are common in the arms of spiral galaxies.

<h2>Valuable data for scientists</h2>

It said that such stellar explosions occur when stars some eight to 50 times more massive than our sun run out of fuel, collapse inward and finally explode in incredible bursts of energy.

“In just 10 seconds, a Type II&nbsp;supernova&nbsp;can release as much energy as our sun will throughout its entire lifetime,” NOIRLab observes.

The analysis of the supernova is expected to provide valuable data about these cosmic light shows.

"Over the coming months, Gemini North will allow astronomers to study how the light from the supernova fades and how its spectrum evolves over time, helping astronomers better understand the physics of such explosions," it said in a statement.

The new image taken of the supernova’s aftermath by the Gemini North telescope in Hawaii marks the observatory’s comeback to scientific observations after a seven-month hiatus.

The telescope’s primary mirror was damaged in October&nbsp;while it was being moved, sustaining a chipped edge. The primary mirror has since been refurbished, given a new layer of protective coating and reinstalled, allowing the telescope to resume its search of the night sky for cosmic phenomena.

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Astronomers have shared a photo of a star collapsing on itself, called a supernova, in the Pinwheel Galaxy, about 21 million light-years away from Earth. The cosmic event was witnessed through the Gemini North telescope atop Mauna Kea in Hawaii by Japanese astronomer Koichi Itagaki on May 19.

Astronomers have shared a photo of a star collapsing on itself, called a supernova, in the Pinwheel Galaxy, about 21 million light-years away from Earth. The cosmic event was witnessed through the Gemini North telescope atop Mauna Kea in Hawaii by Japanese astronomer Koichi Itagaki on May 19. The supernova, named SN 2023ixf, is said to be the closest one seen in five years. In the photo shared by the astronomer, the supernova can be seen shining brightly in a blueish point of light on the far left on one of the spiral arms of Pinwheel Galaxy, which is also known as Messier 101 or M101. The Pinwheel Galaxy is in the direction of the Ursa Major constellation. It faces Earth head-on and showcases its stunning spiral structure and nearly one trillion stars. "This is the closest supernova to be discovered within the last five years and the second supernova to occur in Messier 101 within the past 15 years, following a Type I supernova observed in 2011," the National Science Foundation's NOIRLab, which runs big telescopes across the US and elsewhere, including the Gemini North, said in a statement. According to NOIRLab, the SN 2023ixf is a Type II supernova, which are common in the arms of spiral galaxies. Valuable data for scientists It said that such stellar explosions occur when stars some eight to 50 times more massive than our sun run out of fuel, collapse inward and finally explode in incredible bursts of energy. “In just 10 seconds, a Type II supernova can release as much energy as our sun will throughout its entire lifetime,” NOIRLab observes. The analysis of the supernova is expected to provide valuable data about these cosmic light shows. "Over the coming months, Gemini North will allow astronomers to study how the light from the supernova fades and how its spectrum evolves over time, helping astronomers better understand the physics of such explosions," it said in a statement. The new image taken of the supernova’s aftermath by the Gemini North telescope in Hawaii marks the observatory’s comeback to scientific observations after a seven-month hiatus. The telescope’s primary mirror was damaged in October while it was being moved, sustaining a chipped edge. The primary mirror has since been refurbished, given a new layer of protective coating and reinstalled, allowing the telescope to resume its search of the night sky for cosmic phenomena. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Astronomers share photo of new supernova shining brightly in Pinwheel Galaxy

A supermassive black hole was found by astronomers at the heart of an ancient galaxy which is five times bigger than the expected size, on the basis of the number of stars it contains. 
 
The immense black hole was spotted by researchers in a galaxy called GS-9209, which lies 25 billion light-years away from Earth, making it one of the farthest to have been discovered and recorded. 
 
The team of astronomers at Edinburgh University, with the use of the James Webb space telescope (JWST), observed the galaxy and revealed fresh information about its history and composition. 
 
Dr Adam Carnall, who headed the team, said that the telescope, which is the most powerful ever built, helped them see how galaxies were growing more “larger and earlier” than what astronomers expected in the universe's first billion years.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/extraordinary-event-astronomers-witness-largest-cosmic-explosion-in-space-591670">'Extraordinary event': Astronomers witness largest cosmic explosion in space</a>

“This work gives us our first really detailed look at the properties of these early galaxies, charting in detail the history of GS-9209, which managed to form as many stars as our own Milky Way in just 800mn years after the big bang,” he stated. 
 
Carnall added the “very massive black hole” spotted at the centre of GS-9209 was a “big surprise” that appeared to be supporting the theory that such enormous black holes stopped the formation of stars in early galaxies. 
 
“The evidence we see for the supermassive black hole was really unexpected,” Carnall said. “This is the kind of detail we’d never have been able to see without JWST,” he added.

<h2>GS-9209 galaxy is&nbsp;one-tenth of Milky Way in size</h2>

Edinburgh's former PhD student and now a professor of observational cosmology at the University of Groningen in the Netherlands, Karina Caputi, had discovered the GS-9209 galaxy in 2004. 
 
While GS-9209 contains around as many stars as are present in our home galaxy along with a combined mass which is equivalent to 40 billion suns, the galaxy's size is only one-tenth of the Milky Way.

WATCH |&nbsp;How our sun will swallow the earth

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The galaxy is one of the earliest known examples of the ones that have stopped forming stars, stated the researchers. 
 
“The fact (that the black hole) is so massive, means it must have been very active in the past, with lots of gas falling in, which would have shone extremely brightly as a quasar,” said Carnall said. “All that energy spewing out from the black hole in the centre of the galaxy would have seriously disrupted the whole galaxy, stopping gas from collapsing to form new stars,” he added.

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A supermassive black hole was found by astronomers at the heart of an ancient galaxy which is five times bigger than the expected size, on the basis of the number of stars it contains.

A supermassive black hole was found by astronomers at the heart of an ancient galaxy which is five times bigger than the expected size, on the basis of the number of stars it contains. The immense black hole was spotted by researchers in a galaxy called GS-9209, which lies 25 billion light-years away from Earth, making it one of the farthest to have been discovered and recorded. The team of astronomers at Edinburgh University, with the use of the James Webb space telescope (JWST), observed the galaxy and revealed fresh information about its history and composition. Dr Adam Carnall, who headed the team, said that the telescope, which is the most powerful ever built, helped them see how galaxies were growing more “larger and earlier” than what astronomers expected in the universe's first billion years. ALSO READ | 'Extraordinary event': Astronomers witness largest cosmic explosion in space “This work gives us our first really detailed look at the properties of these early galaxies, charting in detail the history of GS-9209, which managed to form as many stars as our own Milky Way in just 800mn years after the big bang,” he stated. Carnall added the “very massive black hole” spotted at the centre of GS-9209 was a “big surprise” that appeared to be supporting the theory that such enormous black holes stopped the formation of stars in early galaxies. “The evidence we see for the supermassive black hole was really unexpected,” Carnall said. “This is the kind of detail we’d never have been able to see without JWST,” he added. GS-9209 galaxy is one-tenth of Milky Way in size Edinburgh's former PhD student and now a professor of observational cosmology at the University of Groningen in the Netherlands, Karina Caputi, had discovered the GS-9209 galaxy in 2004. While GS-9209 contains around as many stars as are present in our home galaxy along with a combined mass which is equivalent to 40 billion suns, the galaxy's size is only one-tenth of the Milky Way. WATCH | How our sun will swallow the earth The galaxy is one of the earliest known examples of the ones that have stopped forming stars, stated the researchers. “The fact (that the black hole) is so massive, means it must have been very active in the past, with lots of gas falling in, which would have shone extremely brightly as a quasar,” said Carnall said. “All that energy spewing out from the black hole in the centre of the galaxy would have seriously disrupted the whole galaxy, stopping gas from collapsing to form new stars,” he added. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Astronomers discover supermassive black hole at the heart of ancient galaxy

Scientists for the first time, witnessed a star gulping down a whole planet, giving them a glimpse of how the Earth may reach its end after billions of years when the sun runs out of fuel.&nbsp;

Astronomers reported that they observed what appeared to them a gas giant, which was bigger than Jupiter, getting eaten by its own star. The star, similar to the sun, was seen puffing up with old age for eons and eventually, its size swelled so big that it ended up engulfing the close-orbiting planet.

The act of a star gobbling up its own planet appeared to be a gloomy preview of how the Earth would end when the sun turns into a red giant and eats up the initial four inner planets.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/a-massive-tornado-on-the-sun-the-height-of-14-earths-caught-on-camera-574514">A massive 'tornado' on the sun, the height of 14 Earths, caught on camera</a>

"If it's any consolation, this will happen in about 5 billion years," said Harvard-Smithsonian Centre for Astrophysics' co-author Morgan MacLeod.

The galactic feast took place between 10,000 and 15,000 years ago close to the Aquila constellation after the star completed its 10 billion years. After the planet went down the stellar hatch, a swift hot outburst of light took place and a long-lasting stream of dust was seen which shined brightly in cold infrared energy, the researchers stated.&nbsp;

The researchers have earlier seen signs of stars nibbling at planets and decoded the aftermath of gobbling, however, it was the first time they saw the act of swallowing, as per the study which appeared in the journal Nature.

The luminous outburst was spotted by Massachusetts Institute of Technology researcher Kishalay De while reviewing sky scans which were captured by the California Institute of Technology's Palomar Observatory. Data crunching and additional observations were needed to unravel the mystery which revealed that the star, instead of eating up its companion star, gobbled up its planet.

WATCH | China is making a 'mini sun' as global fusion race heats up | World News | WION

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The discoveries made are "very plausible," stated Carole Haswell, an astrophysicist at Britain's Open University. Haswell had headed a team in 2010 which used the Hubble Space Telescope to spot the star WASP-12 which was eating its planet.

"This is a different sort of eating. This star gobbled a whole planet in one gulp. In contrast, WASP-12 b and the other hot Jupiters we have previously studied are being delicately licked and nibbled," Haswell said.&nbsp;

Now that the researchers have figured out what they need to look out for, they will try finding more cosmic gulps. The researchers feel that thousands of planets may suffer a similar fate, and something similar may occur in our solar system.&nbsp;

"All that we see around us, all the stuff that we've built around us, this will all be gone in a flash," said De.&nbsp; 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

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Scientists for the first time, witnessed a star gulping down a whole planet, giving them a glimpse of how the Earth may reach its end after billions of years when the sun runs out of fuel.

Scientists for the first time, witnessed a star gulping down a whole planet, giving them a glimpse of how the Earth may reach its end after billions of years when the sun runs out of fuel. Astronomers reported that they observed what appeared to them a gas giant, which was bigger than Jupiter, getting eaten by its own star. The star, similar to the sun, was seen puffing up with old age for eons and eventually, its size swelled so big that it ended up engulfing the close-orbiting planet. The act of a star gobbling up its own planet appeared to be a gloomy preview of how the Earth would end when the sun turns into a red giant and eats up the initial four inner planets. ALSO READ | A massive 'tornado' on the sun, the height of 14 Earths, caught on camera "If it's any consolation, this will happen in about 5 billion years," said Harvard-Smithsonian Centre for Astrophysics' co-author Morgan MacLeod. The galactic feast took place between 10,000 and 15,000 years ago close to the Aquila constellation after the star completed its 10 billion years. After the planet went down the stellar hatch, a swift hot outburst of light took place and a long-lasting stream of dust was seen which shined brightly in cold infrared energy, the researchers stated. The researchers have earlier seen signs of stars nibbling at planets and decoded the aftermath of gobbling, however, it was the first time they saw the act of swallowing, as per the study which appeared in the journal Nature. The luminous outburst was spotted by Massachusetts Institute of Technology researcher Kishalay De while reviewing sky scans which were captured by the California Institute of Technology's Palomar Observatory. Data crunching and additional observations were needed to unravel the mystery which revealed that the star, instead of eating up its companion star, gobbled up its planet. WATCH | China is making a 'mini sun' as global fusion race heats up | World News | WION The discoveries made are "very plausible," stated Carole Haswell, an astrophysicist at Britain's Open University. Haswell had headed a team in 2010 which used the Hubble Space Telescope to spot the star WASP-12 which was eating its planet. "This is a different sort of eating. This star gobbled a whole planet in one gulp. In contrast, WASP-12 b and the other hot Jupiters we have previously studied are being delicately licked and nibbled," Haswell said. Now that the researchers have figured out what they need to look out for, they will try finding more cosmic gulps. The researchers feel that thousands of planets may suffer a similar fate, and something similar may occur in our solar system. "All that we see around us, all the stuff that we've built around us, this will all be gone in a flash," said De. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Sun-like star swallows entire planet, gives glimpse of Earth’s fate to astronomers

The existence of human life on Earth is under siege by a new terrifying threat. Astronomers have confirmed a new danger to the Earth. Beyond the control of humans, this threat is likely to reach us from deep space. Astronomers using the Chandra X-ray Observatory and other telescopes have identified a dangerous phase. X-rays which are generated by the explosion of stars can affect life on planets 100 light-years away. This also includes our planet, Earth.

Will exploding stars trigger an extinction-level event on Earth?

&nbsp;A new threat to life on the planet Earth has been identified by astronomers that may reach from deep space and will be beyond the control of humans.&nbsp;

The Chandra X-ray Observatory as well as other telescopes were used by astronomers to identify the phase when the &nbsp;X-rays which are generated by the explosion of stars can actually affect life on planets which are 100 light-years away, including Earth. According to a new study, exploded stars have become more dangerous for the planets compared to the threat they carried with them before.

The scientists identified the threat in the blast wave which is generated from the explosion of stars that produce the X-rays in large amounts which reaches planets like Earth in months or years after the explosion occurs and are likely to last for decades.&nbsp;

&nbsp;"Such intense exposure may trigger an extinction event on the planet," &nbsp;said the astronomers in a press release.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/dramatic-exit-james-webb-captures-image-of-cataclysmic-star-explosion-581607">Dramatic exit! James Webb captures image of cataclysmic star explosion</a>

“If a torrent of X-rays sweeps over a nearby planet, the radiation would severely alter the planet's atmospheric chemistry. For an Earth-like planet, this process could wipe out a significant portion of ozone, which ultimately protects life from the dangerous ultraviolet radiation of its host star,” said Ian Brunton of the University of Illinois, in a statement. Brunton led the study that culminated with the detection of a new threat which may lead to the extinction of humans from Earth.&nbsp;

Around 31 supernovae and their aftermath in deep space were observed by astronomers to reveal that lethal doses of radiation will reach the planet which is located around 160 light-years away. The telescopes on supernova 1979C, SN 1987A, SN 2010jl, and SN 1994I were targeted by the team.&nbsp;

Researchers stated that after years of exposure to lethal X-rays from the supernova's explosion and ultraviolet radiation's impact from a planet’s host star, a huge amount of nitrogen dioxide is produced which leads to brown haze in the atmosphere.

WATCH | Supernova, the largest explosion, takes place in space

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“The Earth is not in any danger from an event like this now, because there are no potential supernovae within the X-ray danger zone. However, it may be the case that such events played a role in Earth's past,” stated co-author Connor O’Mahoney.&nbsp;

Earlier, a research had concluded that supernovae had occurred close to Earth, which was around 65 and 500 light-years away, however, it still slammed into the planet.

“Further research on X-rays from supernovae is valuable not just for understanding the life cycle of stars, but also has implications for fields like astrobiology, palaeontology, and the earth and planetary sciences,” stated co-author Brian Fields of the University of Illinois.&nbsp;

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A new threat to life on the planet Earth has been identified by astronomers that may reach from deep space and will be beyond the control of humans. The Chandra X-ray Observatory as well as other telescopes were used by astronomers to identify the phase when the X-rays which are generated by the explosion of stars can actually affect life on planets which are 100 light-years away, including Earth.

A new threat to life on the planet Earth has been identified by astronomers that may reach from deep space and will be beyond the control of humans. The Chandra X-ray Observatory as well as other telescopes were used by astronomers to identify the phase when the X-rays which are generated by the explosion of stars can actually affect life on planets which are 100 light-years away, including Earth. According to a new study, exploded stars have become more dangerous for the planets compared to the threat they carried with them before. The scientists identified the threat in the blast wave which is generated from the explosion of stars that produce the X-rays in large amounts which reaches planets like Earth in months or years after the explosion occurs and are likely to last for decades. "Such intense exposure may trigger an extinction event on the planet," said the astronomers in a press release. ALSO READ | Dramatic exit! James Webb captures image of cataclysmic star explosion “If a torrent of X-rays sweeps over a nearby planet, the radiation would severely alter the planet's atmospheric chemistry. For an Earth-like planet, this process could wipe out a significant portion of ozone, which ultimately protects life from the dangerous ultraviolet radiation of its host star,” said Ian Brunton of the University of Illinois, in a statement. Brunton led the study that culminated with the detection of a new threat which may lead to the extinction of humans from Earth. Around 31 supernovae and their aftermath in deep space were observed by astronomers to reveal that lethal doses of radiation will reach the planet which is located around 160 light-years away. The telescopes on supernova 1979C, SN 1987A, SN 2010jl, and SN 1994I were targeted by the team. Researchers stated that after years of exposure to lethal X-rays from the supernova's explosion and ultraviolet radiation's impact from a planet’s host star, a huge amount of nitrogen dioxide is produced which leads to brown haze in the atmosphere. WATCH | Supernova, the largest explosion, takes place in space “The Earth is not in any danger from an event like this now, because there are no potential supernovae within the X-ray danger zone. However, it may be the case that such events played a role in Earth's past,” stated co-author Connor O’Mahoney. Earlier, a research had concluded that supernovae had occurred close to Earth, which was around 65 and 500 light-years away, however, it still slammed into the planet. “Further research on X-rays from supernovae is valuable not just for understanding the life cycle of stars, but also has implications for fields like astrobiology, palaeontology, and the earth and planetary sciences,” stated co-author Brian Fields of the University of Illinois. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

A doomsday in offing? Astronomers detect new threat to life on Earth which may lead to extinction-level event

Astronomers have discovered repeating radio signals from an Earth-like exoplanet as well as from the star that it is orbiting situated at a distance of 12 light-years from Earth, which they believe hints at the existence of life on the exoplanet.

As per the astronomers, the radio signals suggest that the Earth-sized exoplanet may have an atmosphere and a magnetic field.

Along with pointing needles of the compass in the north direction, the magnetic field of the Earth deflects high energy plasma and particles, regularly blasted out of the sun, and helps preserve its atmosphere and sustain life on the Earth.

Hence, the astronomers indicated that the possibility of the existence of a magnetic field on the Earth-like exoplanet, called YZ Ceti b, probably hints at the habitability of life on that planet. &nbsp;&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/aliens-on-distant-exoplanets-scientists-say-terminator-zones-could-harbour-life-573183">Aliens on distant exoplanets? Scientists say ‘terminator zones’ could harbour life</a>

Astronomers Jackie Villadsen and Sebastian Pineda from Bucknell University (US) and University of Colorado (US), respectively, detected a repetitive radio signal emanating from star YZ Ceti with the use of Karl GJansky Very Large Array, which is a radio telescope operated by the National Radio Astronomy Observatory of US National Science Foundation, PTI reported.&nbsp; &nbsp;

The findings of astronomers have been published in the journal Nature Astronomy. "Whether a planet survives with an atmosphere or not can depend on whether the planet has a strong magnetic field or not," Pineda explained.&nbsp;

The radio signal was first isolated by Villadsen while she poured over data at her home on a weekend. "We saw the initial burst and it looked beautiful," Pineda said.&nbsp;

"When we saw it again, it was very indicative that, OK, maybe we really have something here,” he added. The interactions between the planet’s magnetic field and the star it orbits have led to the rise of the stellar radio waves detected by astronomers, they detected.&nbsp;

WATCH | Aliens on distant Exoplanets?; Code used for recommending tweets will be public | Trending on WION

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However, they stated that for detecting such waves over long distances, the waves need to be very strong. The official further stated that they were in search of a method to witness these invisible magnetic fields of such tiny, distant Earth-sized planets.&nbsp;

Previously, astronomers have detected magnetic fields on massive Jupiter-sized exoplanets. "If the planet has a magnetic field and it ploughs through enough star stuff, it will cause the star to emit bright radio waves," the researchers concluded.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Astronomers have discovered repeating radio signals from an Earth-like exoplanet as well as from the star that it is orbiting situated at a distance of 12 light-years from Earth, which they believe hints at the existence of life on the exoplanet.

Astronomers have discovered repeating radio signals from an Earth-like exoplanet as well as from the star that it is orbiting situated at a distance of 12 light-years from Earth, which they believe hints at the existence of life on the exoplanet. As per the astronomers, the radio signals suggest that the Earth-sized exoplanet may have an atmosphere and a magnetic field. Along with pointing needles of the compass in the north direction, the magnetic field of the Earth deflects high energy plasma and particles, regularly blasted out of the sun, and helps preserve its atmosphere and sustain life on the Earth. Hence, the astronomers indicated that the possibility of the existence of a magnetic field on the Earth-like exoplanet, called YZ Ceti b, probably hints at the habitability of life on that planet. ALSO READ | Aliens on distant exoplanets? Scientists say ‘terminator zones’ could harbour life Astronomers Jackie Villadsen and Sebastian Pineda from Bucknell University (US) and University of Colorado (US), respectively, detected a repetitive radio signal emanating from star YZ Ceti with the use of Karl GJansky Very Large Array, which is a radio telescope operated by the National Radio Astronomy Observatory of US National Science Foundation, PTI reported. The findings of astronomers have been published in the journal Nature Astronomy. "Whether a planet survives with an atmosphere or not can depend on whether the planet has a strong magnetic field or not," Pineda explained. The radio signal was first isolated by Villadsen while she poured over data at her home on a weekend. "We saw the initial burst and it looked beautiful," Pineda said. "When we saw it again, it was very indicative that, OK, maybe we really have something here,” he added. The interactions between the planet’s magnetic field and the star it orbits have led to the rise of the stellar radio waves detected by astronomers, they detected. WATCH | Aliens on distant Exoplanets?; Code used for recommending tweets will be public | Trending on WION However, they stated that for detecting such waves over long distances, the waves need to be very strong. The official further stated that they were in search of a method to witness these invisible magnetic fields of such tiny, distant Earth-sized planets. Previously, astronomers have detected magnetic fields on massive Jupiter-sized exoplanets. "If the planet has a magnetic field and it ploughs through enough star stuff, it will cause the star to emit bright radio waves," the researchers concluded. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Radio signals from alien planet hint at existence of life, astronomers say

James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has been sending a flood of information and images since it became operational last year. We had good ol' Hubble Space Telescope faithfully revolving around Earth of course. But thanks to JWST and all the cutting-edge tech it packs within it, we are crossing new frontiers.&nbsp;

JWST has done it again! It has found four most distant galaxies ever observed. One of them was formed just 320 million years after The Big Bang. This number may look huge but on cosmic scale, it's small enough in order to be just two per cent of current age of the Universe.&nbsp;

By the time light from the most distant galaxies reaches Earth, it has been stretched by the expansion of the universe and shifted to the infrared region of the light spectrum.&nbsp;

The Webb telescope's NIRCam instrument has an unprecedented ability to detect this infrared light, allowing it to quickly spot a range of never-before-seen galaxies -- some of which could reshape astronomers' understanding of the early universe.

In two studies published in the Nature Astronomy journal, astronomers revealed they have "unambiguously detected" the four most distant galaxies ever observed.

Stephane Charlot, a researcher at the Astrophysics Institute of Paris and co-author of the two new studies, told AFP that the farthest galaxy -- called JADES-GS-z13-0 -- formed 320 million years after the Big Bang.

That is the greatest distance ever observed by astronomers, he said.

The Webb telescope also confirmed the existence of JADES-GS-z10-0, which dates from 450 million years after the Big Bang and had previously been spotted by the Hubble Space Telescope.

All four galaxies are "very low in mass," weighing roughly a hundred million solar masses, Charlot said. The Milky Way, in comparison, weighs 1.5 trillion solar masses by some estimations.

But the galaxies are "very active in star formation in proportion to their mass," Charlot said.

(With inputs from agencies)

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James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has been sending a flood of information and images since it became operational last year. We had good ol' Hubble Space Telescope faithfully revolving around Earth of course.

James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has been sending a flood of information and images since it became operational last year. We had good ol' Hubble Space Telescope faithfully revolving around Earth of course. But thanks to JWST and all the cutting-edge tech it packs within it, we are crossing new frontiers. JWST has done it again! It has found four most distant galaxies ever observed. One of them was formed just 320 million years after The Big Bang. This number may look huge but on cosmic scale, it's small enough in order to be just two per cent of current age of the Universe. By the time light from the most distant galaxies reaches Earth, it has been stretched by the expansion of the universe and shifted to the infrared region of the light spectrum. The Webb telescope's NIRCam instrument has an unprecedented ability to detect this infrared light, allowing it to quickly spot a range of never-before-seen galaxies -- some of which could reshape astronomers' understanding of the early universe. In two studies published in the Nature Astronomy journal, astronomers revealed they have "unambiguously detected" the four most distant galaxies ever observed. Stephane Charlot, a researcher at the Astrophysics Institute of Paris and co-author of the two new studies, told AFP that the farthest galaxy -- called JADES-GS-z13-0 -- formed 320 million years after the Big Bang. That is the greatest distance ever observed by astronomers, he said. The Webb telescope also confirmed the existence of JADES-GS-z10-0, which dates from 450 million years after the Big Bang and had previously been spotted by the Hubble Space Telescope. All four galaxies are "very low in mass," weighing roughly a hundred million solar masses, Charlot said. The Milky Way, in comparison, weighs 1.5 trillion solar masses by some estimations. But the galaxies are "very active in star formation in proportion to their mass," Charlot said. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

James Webb telescope clicks four most distant galaxies ever seen by astronomers

Imagine hot, boiling plasma rising into the sky, going as tall as the size of 14 Earths put together and then falling back, with each blog the size of our Earth! This is what recently happened on the sun, sending astronomers, even amateurs, and astrophotographers scurrying to witness the awe-striking occurrence.

A massive `tornado` seen on the sun | Trending on WION

In a new discovery, astronomers spotted 12 new moons around Jupiter, as the total count of the number of its satellites reached a record-breaking 92.&nbsp;With this, Jupiter became the planet with the highest number of moons in our solar system. Saturn, which was till now the planet with the highest number of 83 moons, now stands in second place.

The moons of Jupiter were recently added to the list maintained by the International Astronomical Union’s Minor Planet Centre, said Carnegie Institution's Scott Sheppard, who was part of the team.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-find-earth-like-exoplanet-in-habitable-zone-around-its-star-558568">Scientists find Earth-like exoplanet in a habitable zone around its star</a>

The moons were discovered using telescopes in Hawaii and Chile in 2021 and 2022, and the astronomers confirmed their orbits in the follow-up observations.

Sheppard said that the newly-discovered moons range in size from 0.6 miles to 2 miles (1 kilometre to 3 kilometres).

"I hope we can image one of these outer moons close-up in the near future to better determine their origins," he stated in an email sent on Friday.

A spacecraft will be sent by the European Space Agency to Jupiter in April to investigate the planet and study some of its biggest and icy moons.

The Europa Clipper will be launched by NASA next year to explore Jupiter's one moon, which is said to harbour an ocean underneath its frozen crust.

Sheppard, who had a few years ago discovered several moons around Saturn, and had participated in discoveries of Jupiter's 70 moons so far, hopes to keep adding to the lunar tally of the two gas giants.

WATCH |&nbsp;WION Climate Tracker: Can nuclear fusion save our planet?

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Sheppard said that Jupiter and Saturn have many&nbsp;small moons which are said to be fragments of the bigger moons which once existed and eventually collided with each other or with asteroids or comets.

The same scenario applies to Neptune and Uranus, however, they are so distant that moon-spotting becomes even harder.

Uranus has till now 27 confirmed moons, Neptune has 14, Mars has two and Earth has one. Venus and Mercury do not have any satellites.

The newly-found moons of Jupiter are yet to be named. Sheppard said that only some of the moons are big enough, at least 1 mile (1.5 kilometres) or so, to be given a name.

(With inputs from agencies)

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In a new discovery, astronomers spotted 12 new moons around Jupiter, as the total count of the number of its satellites reached a record-breaking 92. With this, Jupiter became the planet with the highest number of moons in our solar system.

In a new discovery, astronomers spotted 12 new moons around Jupiter, as the total count of the number of its satellites reached a record-breaking 92. With this, Jupiter became the planet with the highest number of moons in our solar system. Saturn, which was till now the planet with the highest number of 83 moons, now stands in second place. The moons of Jupiter were recently added to the list maintained by the International Astronomical Union’s Minor Planet Centre, said Carnegie Institution's Scott Sheppard, who was part of the team. ALSO READ | Scientists find Earth-like exoplanet in a habitable zone around its star The moons were discovered using telescopes in Hawaii and Chile in 2021 and 2022, and the astronomers confirmed their orbits in the follow-up observations. Sheppard said that the newly-discovered moons range in size from 0.6 miles to 2 miles (1 kilometre to 3 kilometres). "I hope we can image one of these outer moons close-up in the near future to better determine their origins," he stated in an email sent on Friday. A spacecraft will be sent by the European Space Agency to Jupiter in April to investigate the planet and study some of its biggest and icy moons. The Europa Clipper will be launched by NASA next year to explore Jupiter's one moon, which is said to harbour an ocean underneath its frozen crust. Sheppard, who had a few years ago discovered several moons around Saturn, and had participated in discoveries of Jupiter's 70 moons so far, hopes to keep adding to the lunar tally of the two gas giants. WATCH | WION Climate Tracker: Can nuclear fusion save our planet? Sheppard said that Jupiter and Saturn have many small moons which are said to be fragments of the bigger moons which once existed and eventually collided with each other or with asteroids or comets. The same scenario applies to Neptune and Uranus, however, they are so distant that moon-spotting becomes even harder. Uranus has till now 27 confirmed moons, Neptune has 14, Mars has two and Earth has one. Venus and Mercury do not have any satellites. The newly-found moons of Jupiter are yet to be named. Sheppard said that only some of the moons are big enough, at least 1 mile (1.5 kilometres) or so, to be given a name. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Astronomers spot 12 new moons of Jupiter, taking total to 92, surpassing Saturn in lunar tally

The brightest flash of light ever seen has been witnessed from an event that occurred 2.4 billion light years from Earth. Astronomers believe the event was likely triggered by the formation of a black hole. The burst of gamma-rays was first detected by orbiting telescopes on October 9, and its afterglow is still being watched by scientists across the world.

The gamma-ray burst lasted hundreds of seconds and astrophysicist Brendan O'Connor told AFP that such occurrences are thought to be caused by dying massive stars, greater than 30 times bigger than our Sun.

The star explodes in a supernova, collapses into a black hole, then matter forms in a disk around the black hole, falls inside, and is spewed out in a jet of energy that travels at 99.99 per cent the speed of light.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/this-cosmic-burp-is-making-scientists-scratch-their-heads-525553">This 'cosmic burp' is making scientists scratch their heads</a>

The source of origin was from the constellation Sagitta and the flash of light travelled an estimated 1.9 billion years to reach Earth. This is actually less than the current distance of the starting point since the universe is expanding. It is like watching a 1.9 billion-year-old recording of those events unfold before us.

The photons released by the blast carried a record 18 teraelectronvolts of energy (18 with 12 zeros behind it), and impacted long wave radio communications in Earth's ionosphere.

"It's really breaking records, both in the amount of photons, and the energy of the photons that are reaching us," said O'Connor.

"Something this bright, this nearby, is really a once-in-a-century event," he added.

Gamma-ray research started in the 1960s and astronomers happened to stumble upon it by chance. US satellites were trying to detect whether the Soviet Union was detonating bombs in space, but in fact ended up finding such bursts originating from outside the Milky Way.&nbsp;

"Gamma-ray bursts in general release the same amount of energy that our Sun produces over its entire lifetime in the span of a few seconds, and this event is the brightest gamma ray burst," said O'Connor.

This gamma-ray burst, known as GRB 221009A, was first spotted by telescopes including NASA's Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope, Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory, and Wind spacecraft on Sunday morning Eastern time.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

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The brightest flash of light ever seen has been witnessed from an event that occurred 2.4 billion light years from Earth. Astronomers believe the event was likely triggered by the formation of a black hole.

The brightest flash of light ever seen has been witnessed from an event that occurred 2.4 billion light years from Earth. Astronomers believe the event was likely triggered by the formation of a black hole. The burst of gamma-rays was first detected by orbiting telescopes on October 9, and its afterglow is still being watched by scientists across the world. The gamma-ray burst lasted hundreds of seconds and astrophysicist Brendan O'Connor told AFP that such occurrences are thought to be caused by dying massive stars, greater than 30 times bigger than our Sun. The star explodes in a supernova, collapses into a black hole, then matter forms in a disk around the black hole, falls inside, and is spewed out in a jet of energy that travels at 99.99 per cent the speed of light. Also Read | This 'cosmic burp' is making scientists scratch their heads The source of origin was from the constellation Sagitta and the flash of light travelled an estimated 1.9 billion years to reach Earth. This is actually less than the current distance of the starting point since the universe is expanding. It is like watching a 1.9 billion-year-old recording of those events unfold before us. The photons released by the blast carried a record 18 teraelectronvolts of energy (18 with 12 zeros behind it), and impacted long wave radio communications in Earth's ionosphere. "It's really breaking records, both in the amount of photons, and the energy of the photons that are reaching us," said O'Connor. "Something this bright, this nearby, is really a once-in-a-century event," he added. Gamma-ray research started in the 1960s and astronomers happened to stumble upon it by chance. US satellites were trying to detect whether the Soviet Union was detonating bombs in space, but in fact ended up finding such bursts originating from outside the Milky Way. "Gamma-ray bursts in general release the same amount of energy that our Sun produces over its entire lifetime in the span of a few seconds, and this event is the brightest gamma ray burst," said O'Connor. This gamma-ray burst, known as GRB 221009A, was first spotted by telescopes including NASA's Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope, Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory, and Wind spacecraft on Sunday morning Eastern time. (With inputs from agencies)

Brightest flash of light, believed to be from birth of a black hole, enchants astronomers

A mysterious strobe of lights that was spotted in 1995 sparking UFO rumours turned to be that of celestial bodies, astronomers have claimed.

The 1995 eerie incident happened when two American pilots flying the American West flight 564 from Dallas, Texas, to Las Vegas claimed to have a close encounter with a 'UFO'.

However, latest reports suggested that it might not be the case as was previously believed.

Captain Eugene Tollefson and his co-pilot John Waller were cruising at an altitude, with a full cabin of passengers, when a flight attendant saw something odd in the sky.

Although there was no interaction between the plane and the UFO, the crew reported seeing strange lights in the distance among clouds, reports Daily Express.

Waller then contacted Air Traffic Control in Albuquerque, New Mexico, to report the object.

A transcript of the exchange can be heard where Waller was saying, “Off to our three o’clock, got some strobes out there. Could you tell us what it is?”

When promoted about what he saw, Waller said: “There’s a strobe and starts… um, going on counter-clockwise, and uh… the length is unbelievable.”

After failing to detect the mysterious aircraft on radar systems, the Air Traffic Control called the pilots back, saying, “Cactus 564… we checked with Cannon and they don't have any, uh,&nbsp;weather balloons or anything up tonight.&nbsp;Nobody upfront knows any idea about that. Do you still see it?”

They replied: “Negative… back where we initially spotted it was between the weather and us and when there's lightning you could see a dark object… and, uh, it was pretty eerie looking.”&nbsp;

The odd incident had astronomers befuddled who then tried to analyse the situation.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sounds-bizarre-but-this-woman-is-seriously-scared-of-aliens-after-nine-ufo-sightings-474361">Sounds BIZARRE but this woman is seriously scared of aliens after 'nine UFO sightings'</a>

in the 2015 Smithsonian Channel documentary ‘UFOs Declassified: Pilot Eyewitness’.a lead astronomer at the SETI Institute, Seth Shostak, said: "The kinds of things that can fool even, I think, trained pilots are, for example, bright planets."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasas-rover-found-alien-doorway-on-mars-find-out-truth-478650">NASA’s rover found alien doorway on Mars? Find out truth</a>

He explained that it could have been "celestial bodies" that played a part in America West flight 564's bizarre experience.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Decoding UFOs: What do we know about ‘flying saucers’?

<iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/decoding-ufos-what-do-we-know-about-flying-saucers-476318/embed" width="560"></iframe>

(With inputs from agencies)

A mysterious strobe of lights that was spotted in 1995 sparking UFO rumours turned to be that of celestial bodies, astronomers have claimed. The 1995 eerie incident happened when two American pilots flying the American West flight 564 from Dallas, Texas, to Las Vegas claimed to have a close encounter with a 'UFO'.

A mysterious strobe of lights that was spotted in 1995 sparking UFO rumours turned to be that of celestial bodies, astronomers have claimed. The 1995 eerie incident happened when two American pilots flying the American West flight 564 from Dallas, Texas, to Las Vegas claimed to have a close encounter with a 'UFO'. However, latest reports suggested that it might not be the case as was previously believed. Captain Eugene Tollefson and his co-pilot John Waller were cruising at an altitude, with a full cabin of passengers, when a flight attendant saw something odd in the sky. Although there was no interaction between the plane and the UFO, the crew reported seeing strange lights in the distance among clouds, reports Daily Express. Waller then contacted Air Traffic Control in Albuquerque, New Mexico, to report the object. A transcript of the exchange can be heard where Waller was saying, “Off to our three o’clock, got some strobes out there. Could you tell us what it is?” When promoted about what he saw, Waller said: “There’s a strobe and starts… um, going on counter-clockwise, and uh… the length is unbelievable.” After failing to detect the mysterious aircraft on radar systems, the Air Traffic Control called the pilots back, saying, “Cactus 564… we checked with Cannon and they don't have any, uh, weather balloons or anything up tonight. Nobody upfront knows any idea about that. Do you still see it?” They replied: “Negative… back where we initially spotted it was between the weather and us and when there's lightning you could see a dark object… and, uh, it was pretty eerie looking.” The odd incident had astronomers befuddled who then tried to analyse the situation. Also read | Sounds BIZARRE but this woman is seriously scared of aliens after 'nine UFO sightings' in the 2015 Smithsonian Channel documentary ‘UFOs Declassified: Pilot Eyewitness’.a lead astronomer at the SETI Institute, Seth Shostak, said: "The kinds of things that can fool even, I think, trained pilots are, for example, bright planets." Also read | NASA’s rover found alien doorway on Mars? Find out truth He explained that it could have been "celestial bodies" that played a part in America West flight 564's bizarre experience. Watch | Decoding UFOs: What do we know about ‘flying saucers’? (With inputs from agencies)

1995 UFO sighting in US was actually of celestial bodies, claim astronomers

Are we alone in this vast cosmos? if not, then how and when would we contact an extraterrestrial being. Given the vastness of the universe, there is little doubt that there are indeed other intelligent life forms out there but perhaps they also might be asking the same questions how to contact other civilizations.

Reaching out to the aliens: Astronomers to relay message in space

In Pics: NASA shares amazing pictures of 22 black holes in Milky way

In space, a powerful radiowave laser has been found by astronomers. This one-of-a-kind laser is known as megamaser. &nbsp;

It has been observed at around 5 billion light-years away from Earth, which is the most distant ever. &nbsp;

To reach Earth, the light from this laser has travelled 36 thousand billion billion miles (58 thousand billion billion kilometers). &nbsp;

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The megamaser was observed by a team of international astronomers with the help of the South African Radio Astronomy Observatory's MeerKAT or Karoo Array telescope. &nbsp;

What is a megamaser? &nbsp;

Marcin Glowacki, who was the leader of the team and research associate at Curtin University node of the International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research in Australia, said, megamasers get created when two galaxies collide with each other. &nbsp; &nbsp;

In a statement, Glowacki said, "When galaxies collide, the gas they contain becomes extremely dense and can trigger concentrated beams of light to shoot out." &nbsp;&nbsp;

In a nutshell, a megamaser is actually a super-powerful laser, which is&nbsp;made of microwave light, said media reports.

Named Nkalakatha &nbsp;

MeerKAT observed this light or hydroxyl megamaser, for the first time, Glowacki added. &nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Long-lasting effects of Global Warming: Atmospheric rivers destabilising ice shelves

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Hydroxl, which is a chemical group, contains one hydrogen atom and one oxygen atom. It can be found when galaxies merge. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The laser has also been named Nkalakatha by the research team. It means "big boss" in isiZulu, a language of the Zulus in South Africa. &nbsp;

"It's impressive that, with just a single night of observations, we've already found a record-breaking megamaser. It shows just how good the telescope is," Glowacki added. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

In space, a powerful radiowave laser has been found by astronomers. This one-of-a-kind laser is known as megamaser. It has been observed at around 5 billion light-years away from Earth, which is the most distant ever.

In space, a powerful radiowave laser has been found by astronomers. This one-of-a-kind laser is known as megamaser. It has been observed at around 5 billion light-years away from Earth, which is the most distant ever. To reach Earth, the light from this laser has travelled 36 thousand billion billion miles (58 thousand billion billion kilometers). Also Read: Freeze koala sperm to protect endangered species from extinction, scientists suggest The megamaser was observed by a team of international astronomers with the help of the South African Radio Astronomy Observatory's MeerKAT or Karoo Array telescope. What is a megamaser? Marcin Glowacki, who was the leader of the team and research associate at Curtin University node of the International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research in Australia, said, megamasers get created when two galaxies collide with each other. In a statement, Glowacki said, "When galaxies collide, the gas they contain becomes extremely dense and can trigger concentrated beams of light to shoot out." In a nutshell, a megamaser is actually a super-powerful laser, which is made of microwave light, said media reports. Named Nkalakatha MeerKAT observed this light or hydroxyl megamaser, for the first time, Glowacki added. Watch: Long-lasting effects of Global Warming: Atmospheric rivers destabilising ice shelves × Hydroxl, which is a chemical group, contains one hydrogen atom and one oxygen atom. It can be found when galaxies merge. The laser has also been named Nkalakatha by the research team. It means "big boss" in isiZulu, a language of the Zulus in South Africa. "It's impressive that, with just a single night of observations, we've already found a record-breaking megamaser. It shows just how good the telescope is," Glowacki added. (With inputs from agencies)

What is megamaser found in space by astronomers?

For the first time, astronomers were able to witness the explosive end of a giant star as it happened. &nbsp;

The first real-time look at the death of a red supergiant star was facilitated by ground-based telescopes. &nbsp;

The star, which is located in the NGC 5731 galaxy about 120 million light-years away from Earth, was 10 times bigger than Sun before it burst out. &nbsp;

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Before the stars die out, some witness violent eruptions or release huge amount of gas. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The study, giving details about the findings over the death of the star, were published in The Astrophysical Journal on Thursday. &nbsp;

The events, such as the death of a star, can be listed in one of the most dramatic and violent happenings in space. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/whats-that-mysterious-ring-of-teeth-mark-this-rare-mark-on-a-giant-great-white-shark-baffles-experts-442721" hreflang="en">What's that mysterious ring of teeth mark? This rare mark on a giant great white shark baffles experts</a>

In a statement, lead study author Wynn Jacobson-Galán, a National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellow at University of California, Berkeley, said, "This is a breakthrough in our understanding of what massive stars do moments before they die." &nbsp;&nbsp;

"Direct detection of pre-supernova activity in a red supergiant star has never been observed before in an ordinary type II supernova. For the first time, we watched a red supergiant star explode," the author added. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

For the first time, astronomers were able to witness the explosive end of a giant star as it happened. The first real-time look at the death of a red supergiant star was facilitated by ground-based telescopes.

For the first time, astronomers were able to witness the explosive end of a giant star as it happened. The first real-time look at the death of a red supergiant star was facilitated by ground-based telescopes. The star, which is located in the NGC 5731 galaxy about 120 million light-years away from Earth, was 10 times bigger than Sun before it burst out. Also Read: 'Mystery of long COVID-19 is solved! This scientist believes so Before the stars die out, some witness violent eruptions or release huge amount of gas. The study, giving details about the findings over the death of the star, were published in The Astrophysical Journal on Thursday. The events, such as the death of a star, can be listed in one of the most dramatic and violent happenings in space. Also Read: What's that mysterious ring of teeth mark? This rare mark on a giant great white shark baffles experts In a statement, lead study author Wynn Jacobson-Galán, a National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellow at University of California, Berkeley, said, "This is a breakthrough in our understanding of what massive stars do moments before they die." "Direct detection of pre-supernova activity in a red supergiant star has never been observed before in an ordinary type II supernova. For the first time, we watched a red supergiant star explode," the author added. (With inputs from agencies)

In a first, astronomers watch a dying star explode in real time

In a study, an international team of astronomers researched over a group of six early galaxies with the help of Atacama Large Millimeter or submillimeter Array (ALMA) and the Hubble Space Telescope. The findings of the study were published recently in ‘Nature’. &nbsp;

These galaxies were known to be "quenched" with little or no star formation. These galaxies had formed within the first few billion years after the Big Bang. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Earlier, the astronomers believed that something intervened to stop star formation in the otherwise rich galaxies as they had enormous supplies of cold hydrogen gas, which is the fuel needed to continue star formation.

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Kate Whitaker, lead author of the study and assistant professor of astronomy at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, said, "The most massive galaxies in the universe lived fast and furious, creating their stars in a remarkably short amount of time. Gas, the fuel of star formation, should be plentiful at these early times in the universe." &nbsp;&nbsp;

"We originally believed that these quenched galaxies hit the brakes just a few billion years after the Big Bang. In our new research, we've concluded that early galaxies didn't actually put the brakes on, but rather, they were running on empty," added Whitaker.

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Usually, these galaxies are so distant that they're impossible to resolve, but the team used a trick. They used gravitational lensing around nearby galaxies to amplify the images of the galaxies. &nbsp;

Contrary to expectations, the team found that there was no sudden drop in the ability for the galaxies to turn cold gas into stars. Rather, the stars didn’t have the cold gas. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

In a study, an international team of astronomers researched over a group of six early galaxies with the help of Atacama Large Millimeter or submillimeter Array (ALMA) and the Hubble Space Telescope.

In a study, an international team of astronomers researched over a group of six early galaxies with the help of Atacama Large Millimeter or submillimeter Array (ALMA) and the Hubble Space Telescope. The findings of the study were published recently in ‘Nature’. These galaxies were known to be "quenched" with little or no star formation. These galaxies had formed within the first few billion years after the Big Bang. Earlier, the astronomers believed that something intervened to stop star formation in the otherwise rich galaxies as they had enormous supplies of cold hydrogen gas, which is the fuel needed to continue star formation. Also Read: Hot, liquid iron rains on this planet and temperature can hit 2k mark Kate Whitaker, lead author of the study and assistant professor of astronomy at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, said, "The most massive galaxies in the universe lived fast and furious, creating their stars in a remarkably short amount of time. Gas, the fuel of star formation, should be plentiful at these early times in the universe." "We originally believed that these quenched galaxies hit the brakes just a few billion years after the Big Bang. In our new research, we've concluded that early galaxies didn't actually put the brakes on, but rather, they were running on empty," added Whitaker. Also Read | Space rocks bounced off Earth before collision with Venus: Study Usually, these galaxies are so distant that they're impossible to resolve, but the team used a trick. They used gravitational lensing around nearby galaxies to amplify the images of the galaxies. Contrary to expectations, the team found that there was no sudden drop in the ability for the galaxies to turn cold gas into stars. Rather, the stars didn’t have the cold gas. (With inputs from agencies)

Astronomers unearth secret of no star formation in some early galaxies

For the first time, astronomers led by Dan Wilkins of Stanford University witnessed flares of X-ray radiation originating from behind a black hole.

The X-ray flares reflected off the gas going into the black hole, and the telescopes picked up fainter lights as the flares faded.

According to theory, these luminous echoes were consistent with X-rays reflected from behind the black hole – but even a basic understanding of black holes tells us that is a strange place for light to come from.

The corona was being studied by the researchers, but telescopes picked up unexpected "luminous echoes."

Smaller, later, and of a different colour than the dazzling flares, these further flashes appeared.&nbsp;

The discovery backs up Albert Einstein's general theory of relativity.

The gravitational pull of black holes bends light rays around themselves, allowing scientists to see what lies behind them for the first time.&nbsp;

“Fifty years ago, when astrophysicists began to speculate how the magnetic field might behave close to a black hole, they had no idea that one day we might have the techniques to observe this directly and see Einstein's general theory of relativity in action,” said Roger Blandford, a co-author of the study published in Nature.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

For the first time, astronomers led by Dan Wilkins of Stanford University witnessed flares of X-ray radiation originating from behind a black hole. The X-ray flares reflected off the gas going into the black hole, and the telescopes picked up fainter lights as the flares faded.

For the first time, astronomers led by Dan Wilkins of Stanford University witnessed flares of X-ray radiation originating from behind a black hole. The X-ray flares reflected off the gas going into the black hole, and the telescopes picked up fainter lights as the flares faded. According to theory, these luminous echoes were consistent with X-rays reflected from behind the black hole – but even a basic understanding of black holes tells us that is a strange place for light to come from. The corona was being studied by the researchers, but telescopes picked up unexpected "luminous echoes." Smaller, later, and of a different colour than the dazzling flares, these further flashes appeared. The discovery backs up Albert Einstein's general theory of relativity. The gravitational pull of black holes bends light rays around themselves, allowing scientists to see what lies behind them for the first time. “Fifty years ago, when astrophysicists began to speculate how the magnetic field might behave close to a black hole, they had no idea that one day we might have the techniques to observe this directly and see Einstein's general theory of relativity in action,” said Roger Blandford, a co-author of the study published in Nature. (With inputs from agencies)

Astronomers detect light behind black hole for the first time 

A string of lights that lobbed across the night sky in parts of the US on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday had some people wondering if a fleet of UFOs was coming, but it had others, mostly amateur stargazers and professional astronomers, lamenting the industrialisation of space.&nbsp;

The train of lights was actually a series of relatively low-flying satellites launched by Elon Musk's SpaceX as part of its Starlink internet service earlier this week. Callers swamped TV stations from Texas to Wisconsin reporting the lights and musing about UFOs.&nbsp;

An email to a spokesman for SpaceX was not returned on Saturday, but astronomy experts said the number of lights in quick succession and their distance from Earth made them easily identifiable as Starlink satellites for those, who are used to seeing them. &nbsp;

"The way you can tell they are Starlink satellites is they are like a string of pearls, these lights travelling in the same basic orbit, one right after the other," said Dr Richard Fienberg, press officer for the American Astronomical Society.&nbsp;

Fienberg said the satellites that are being launched in large groups called constellations string together when they orbit, especially right after launching. The strings get smaller as time goes on.&nbsp;

This month, SpaceX has already launched dozens of satellites. It is all part of a plan to bridge the digital divide and bring internet access to underserved areas of the world, with SpaceX tentatively scheduled to launch another 120 satellites later in the month. Overall, the company has sent about 1,500 satellites into orbit and has asked for permission to launch thousands more.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

A string of lights that lobbed across the night sky in parts of the US on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday had some people wondering if a fleet of UFOs was coming, but it had others, mostly amateur stargazers and professional astronomers, lamenting the industrialisation of space.

A string of lights that lobbed across the night sky in parts of the US on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday had some people wondering if a fleet of UFOs was coming, but it had others, mostly amateur stargazers and professional astronomers, lamenting the industrialisation of space. The train of lights was actually a series of relatively low-flying satellites launched by Elon Musk's SpaceX as part of its Starlink internet service earlier this week. Callers swamped TV stations from Texas to Wisconsin reporting the lights and musing about UFOs. An email to a spokesman for SpaceX was not returned on Saturday, but astronomy experts said the number of lights in quick succession and their distance from Earth made them easily identifiable as Starlink satellites for those, who are used to seeing them. "The way you can tell they are Starlink satellites is they are like a string of pearls, these lights travelling in the same basic orbit, one right after the other," said Dr Richard Fienberg, press officer for the American Astronomical Society. Fienberg said the satellites that are being launched in large groups called constellations string together when they orbit, especially right after launching. The strings get smaller as time goes on. This month, SpaceX has already launched dozens of satellites. It is all part of a plan to bridge the digital divide and bring internet access to underserved areas of the world, with SpaceX tentatively scheduled to launch another 120 satellites later in the month. Overall, the company has sent about 1,500 satellites into orbit and has asked for permission to launch thousands more. (With inputs from agencies)

String of satellites baffles residents, bugs astronomers 

Astronomers of European Space Agency Gaia have unveiled the most precise 3D map yet of the Milky Way, an achievement that sheds lights on the workings of the galaxy and how the universe is expanded.

Astronomers unveil most precise 3D map of the Milky Way

A group of astronomers detected a giant planet revolving around a small cool star. The rare discovery is about 35 light-years away from Earth.&nbsp;

According to the reports, the giant planet looked like Saturn and was detected by a 'wobble' in star's motion.&nbsp;

The 'wobble' is caused due to the gravitational pull of the planet.

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Radio Telescopes Find Extrasolar Planet Around Main-Sequence Star <a href="https://t.co/aN8066I5WK">https://t.co/aN8066I5WK</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/astronomy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#astronomy</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/telescope?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#telescope</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/exoplanet?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#exoplanet</a> <a href="https://t.co/Un7Y8lIbDb">pic.twitter.com/Un7Y8lIbDb</a>
— SpaceRef (@SpaceRef) <a href="https://twitter.com/SpaceRef/status/1291086160928923649?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 5, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The report published in SpaceRef said that this was the first time that the technique was successfully employed with observations obtained from a radio telescope. The technique is usually used for detecting Jupiter-like planets in orbits distant from the star. &nbsp;

The astronomers have named the giant planet as TVLM 513b. It has the mass similar to Saturn and its orbit is similar to that of Mercury.&nbsp;

It is rare to detect an extrasolar planet orbiting around small stars and the astronomers discovered TVLM 513b &nbsp;using the continent-wide Very Long Baseline Array (VLBA).&nbsp;

A group of astronomers detected a giant planet revolving around a small cool star. The rare discovery is about 35 light-years away from Earth. According to the reports, the giant planet looked like Saturn and was detected by a 'wobble' in star's motion.

A group of astronomers detected a giant planet revolving around a small cool star. The rare discovery is about 35 light-years away from Earth. According to the reports, the giant planet looked like Saturn and was detected by a 'wobble' in star's motion. The 'wobble' is caused due to the gravitational pull of the planet. Radio Telescopes Find Extrasolar Planet Around Main-Sequence Star https://t.co/aN8066I5WK #astronomy #telescope #exoplanet pic.twitter.com/Un7Y8lIbDb — SpaceRef (@SpaceRef) August 5, 2020 × The report published in SpaceRef said that this was the first time that the technique was successfully employed with observations obtained from a radio telescope. The technique is usually used for detecting Jupiter-like planets in orbits distant from the star. The astronomers have named the giant planet as TVLM 513b. It has the mass similar to Saturn and its orbit is similar to that of Mercury. It is rare to detect an extrasolar planet orbiting around small stars and the astronomers discovered TVLM 513b using the continent-wide Very Long Baseline Array (VLBA).

In a rare event, astronomers discover Saturn-like planet orbiting small cool star

Astronomers have discovered a "space butterfly" coloured with brilliant blues and clouds of purple and red thousands of light years away.

The space phenomenon, named for its resemblance to a butterfly, is actually a planetary nebula -- a giant cloud of gas that forms around an ancient star that hasn't yet exploded.&nbsp;

The European Space Observatory's (ESO) aptly named Very Large Telescope, recently captured a vibrant image of the interstellar object.

It's known as NGC 2899 (NGC stands for New General Catalogue, which lists nebulae and other astral bodies like this one). It's located somewhere between 3,000 and 6,500 light years away from Earth in the constellation Vela, which is visible in the Southern Hemisphere.

This planetary nebula isn't long for this universe. Ultraviolet radiation lights up the shells of gas surrounding the star and causes them to shine quite brightly.

The Very Large Telescope that captured the image is the "world's most advanced optical instrument," according to the ESO. 
&nbsp;

Astronomers have discovered a "space butterfly" coloured with brilliant blues and clouds of purple and red thousands of light years away. The space phenomenon, named for its resemblance to a butterfly, is actually a planetary nebula -- a giant cloud of gas that forms around an ancient star that hasn't yet exploded.

Astronomers have discovered a "space butterfly" coloured with brilliant blues and clouds of purple and red thousands of light years away. The space phenomenon, named for its resemblance to a butterfly, is actually a planetary nebula -- a giant cloud of gas that forms around an ancient star that hasn't yet exploded. The European Space Observatory's (ESO) aptly named Very Large Telescope, recently captured a vibrant image of the interstellar object. It's known as NGC 2899 (NGC stands for New General Catalogue, which lists nebulae and other astral bodies like this one). It's located somewhere between 3,000 and 6,500 light years away from Earth in the constellation Vela, which is visible in the Southern Hemisphere. This planetary nebula isn't long for this universe. Ultraviolet radiation lights up the shells of gas surrounding the star and causes them to shine quite brightly. The Very Large Telescope that captured the image is the "world's most advanced optical instrument," according to the ESO.

Astronomers capture 'space butterfly' from thousands of light years away

Astronomers have discovered two super-Earth exoplanets orbiting a star 11 light-years away from Earth, according to a new study published in the journal Science.

The planets can&nbsp;be among the best opportunities for finding life outside of our&nbsp;solar system and shed light on the&nbsp;potential of a third planet orbiting a bit further away from the star.

A team of astronomers working on the&nbsp;Red Dots project, which is attempting to find terrestrial exoplanets closest to our sun, observed the star using the European Southern Observatory in Chile.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-a-first-water-found-on-earth-like-planet-beyond-our-solar-system-249176">In a first, water found on earth-like planet beyond our solar system</a>

The researchers believe the proximity of this planetary system just 11 light-years away will enable it to be studied more in the future.

The system orbits around the star&nbsp;Gliese 887, which&nbsp;is a small, dim red dwarf star about half the mass of our sun. and the brightest red dwarf in the sky.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/opinion-what-are-nasas-exo-planets-26807">What are NASA's exo-planets</a>

Super-Earths like the newly found planets have a higher mass than the Earth but are much smaller than the ice giants of our solar system, Uranus and Neptune.&nbsp;And both of them are close to the habitable zone of the star, a place where terrestrial planets can support liquid water on their surfaces.

RedDots astronomers who are looking for planets around red dwarfs,&nbsp;were able to infer the planets around the star by using a technique called "Doppler wobble", which lets them watch for the tiny movements of the star that are caused by the gravitational pull of the planets around them.

They found that the star appeared to be orbited by planets that have orbits that would give them years of just 9.3 and 21.8 days on Earth. That suggests the planets are moving very quickly around their star, faster even than Mercury.

Astronomers have discovered two super-Earth exoplanets orbiting a star 11 light-years away from Earth, according to a new study published in the journal Science.

Astronomers have discovered two super-Earth exoplanets orbiting a star 11 light-years away from Earth, according to a new study published in the journal Science. The planets can be among the best opportunities for finding life outside of our solar system and shed light on the potential of a third planet orbiting a bit further away from the star. A team of astronomers working on the Red Dots project, which is attempting to find terrestrial exoplanets closest to our sun, observed the star using the European Southern Observatory in Chile. Also see: In a first, water found on earth-like planet beyond our solar system The researchers believe the proximity of this planetary system just 11 light-years away will enable it to be studied more in the future. The system orbits around the star Gliese 887, which is a small, dim red dwarf star about half the mass of our sun. and the brightest red dwarf in the sky. Also read: What are NASA's exo-planets Super-Earths like the newly found planets have a higher mass than the Earth but are much smaller than the ice giants of our solar system, Uranus and Neptune. And both of them are close to the habitable zone of the star, a place where terrestrial planets can support liquid water on their surfaces. RedDots astronomers who are looking for planets around red dwarfs, were able to infer the planets around the star by using a technique called "Doppler wobble", which lets them watch for the tiny movements of the star that are caused by the gravitational pull of the planets around them. They found that the star appeared to be orbited by planets that have orbits that would give them years of just 9.3 and 21.8 days on Earth. That suggests the planets are moving very quickly around their star, faster even than Mercury.

Astronomers discover two super-Earths orbitting a star 11 light-years away

Astronomers have spotted a massive disk galaxy, that formed 12.5 billion years ago when our 13.8 billion-year-old universe was only a tenth of its current age.

According to the information provided by the astronomers, the galaxy’s disk has a mass of 70 billion times that of our sun. It’s also rotating at 170 miles per second, which is similar to our Milky Way galaxy.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ALMA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ALMA</a> discovers massive, rotating disk in the early Universe challenging established models of galaxy formation🌌 
 
Known in certain circles as J081740.86+135138.2 (after its sky coordinates), <a href="https://twitter.com/almaobs?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@almaobs</a> saw this galaxy spinning at 272 kilometers per second.<a href="https://t.co/KcDc1HufXd">https://t.co/KcDc1HufXd</a> <a href="https://t.co/FXAQMEOfu2">pic.twitter.com/FXAQMEOfu2</a>
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This newly found galaxy is named “Wolfe Galaxy” after astronomer Arthur M Wolfe, the report said, and it’s the most distant, rotating disk galaxy we’ve ever observed.

The report said researchers believe the galaxy “formed and grew” via a method astronomers call “cold-mode accretion.”&nbsp;

That means that gas, much cooler than normal, was drawn into the galaxy and allowed for quicker formation of the disk.

It said the star formation in the Wolf Disk is “at least 10 times higher than in our own galaxy,” making it “one of the most productive galaxies in the early universe.”

This discovery is challenging how astronomers think about galaxy formation in the early universe. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Astronomers have spotted a massive disk galaxy, that formed 12.5 billion years ago when our 13.8 billion-year-old universe was only a tenth of its current age. According to the information provided by the astronomers, the galaxy’s disk has a mass of 70 billion times that of our sun.

Astronomers have spotted a massive disk galaxy, that formed 12.5 billion years ago when our 13.8 billion-year-old universe was only a tenth of its current age. According to the information provided by the astronomers, the galaxy’s disk has a mass of 70 billion times that of our sun. It’s also rotating at 170 miles per second, which is similar to our Milky Way galaxy. #ALMA discovers massive, rotating disk in the early Universe challenging established models of galaxy formation🌌 Known in certain circles as J081740.86+135138.2 (after its sky coordinates), @almaobs saw this galaxy spinning at 272 kilometers per second.https://t.co/KcDc1HufXd pic.twitter.com/FXAQMEOfu2 — NRAO (@TheNRAO) May 20, 2020 × This newly found galaxy is named “Wolfe Galaxy” after astronomer Arthur M Wolfe, the report said, and it’s the most distant, rotating disk galaxy we’ve ever observed. The report said researchers believe the galaxy “formed and grew” via a method astronomers call “cold-mode accretion.” That means that gas, much cooler than normal, was drawn into the galaxy and allowed for quicker formation of the disk. It said the star formation in the Wolf Disk is “at least 10 times higher than in our own galaxy,” making it “one of the most productive galaxies in the early universe.” This discovery is challenging how astronomers think about galaxy formation in the early universe. (With inputs from agencies)

'Wolfe disk': Astronomers discover ancient galaxy similar to the Milky Way

Scientists studying a distant galaxy cluster have discovered the biggest explosion seen in the Universe since the Big Bang.&nbsp;

The blast came from a supermassive black hole at the centre of a galaxy hundreds of millions of light-years away.&nbsp;

Researchers reported their findings in The Astrophysical Journal.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hubble-space-telescope-set-to-peer-at-earliest-galaxies-nasa-165963">Hubble Space Telescope set to peer at earliest galaxies: NASA</a>

It released five times more energy than MS 0135+74, once known as the largest and most powerful explosion.

The current explosion occurred in the Ophiuchus galaxy cluster, about 390 million light-years from Earth.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/first-black-hole-photo-confirms-einsteins-theory-of-relativity-209527">First black hole photo confirms Einstein’s theory of relativity</a>

It was so powerful it punched a cavity in the cluster plasma, the super-hot gas surrounding the black hole.

Lead author of the study Dr Simona Giacintucci, from the Naval Research Laboratory in the United States, said the blast was similar to the 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens, which ripped the top off the mountain.

"The difference is that you could fit 15 Milky Way galaxies in a row into the crater this eruption punched into the cluster's hot gas," she said. 
Astronomers made the observation using ground and space-based telescopes, including NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory, the European Space Agency's XMM-Newton X-ray space observatory, Australia's Murchison Widefield Array and the Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope in India.

Scientists studying a distant galaxy cluster have discovered the biggest explosion seen in the Universe since the Big Bang. The blast came from a supermassive black hole at the centre of a galaxy hundreds of millions of light-years away.

Scientists studying a distant galaxy cluster have discovered the biggest explosion seen in the Universe since the Big Bang. The blast came from a supermassive black hole at the centre of a galaxy hundreds of millions of light-years away. Researchers reported their findings in The Astrophysical Journal. Also read: Hubble Space Telescope set to peer at earliest galaxies: NASA It released five times more energy than MS 0135+74, once known as the largest and most powerful explosion. The current explosion occurred in the Ophiuchus galaxy cluster, about 390 million light-years from Earth. Also read: First black hole photo confirms Einstein’s theory of relativity It was so powerful it punched a cavity in the cluster plasma, the super-hot gas surrounding the black hole. Lead author of the study Dr Simona Giacintucci, from the Naval Research Laboratory in the United States, said the blast was similar to the 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens, which ripped the top off the mountain. "The difference is that you could fit 15 Milky Way galaxies in a row into the crater this eruption punched into the cluster's hot gas," she said. Astronomers made the observation using ground and space-based telescopes, including NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory, the European Space Agency's XMM-Newton X-ray space observatory, Australia's Murchison Widefield Array and the Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope in India.

Biggest explosion in universe's history detected by telescopes

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A giant asteroid just whizzed past Earth, and no one had a clue!

Total lunar eclipse woos sky watchers

Stupefied astronomers on Wednesday unveiled the first and only known galaxy without dark matter, the invisible and poorly-understood substance thought to make up a quarter of the Universe.

The discovery could revise or even upend theories of how galaxies are formed, they reported in the journal Nature.

"This is really bizarre," said co-author Roberto Abraham, an astronomer at the University of Toronto.&nbsp

"For a galaxy this size, it should have 30 times as much dark matter as regular matter," he told AFP by phone. "What we found is that there is no dark matter at all."&nbsp

"That shouldn't be possible," he added.&nbsp

There are 200 billion observable galaxies, perhaps more, astronomers estimate.

Some 65 million light-years from Earth, NGC1052-DF2 -- "DF2" for short -- is about the same size as our Milky Way, but has 100 to 1,000 times fewer stars.

Dark matter's existence is inferred from the motion of objects affected by its gravitational pull.

"It is conventionally believed to be an integral part of all galaxies, the glue that holds them together and the underlying scaffolding on which they are built," said co-author Allison Merritt from the Max Planck Institute for Astronomy, in Germany.

One surprise after another

So-called ordinary matter -- including stars, gases, dust, planets and everything on them -- accounts for only five percent of all content in the Universe.&nbsp

Dark matter and dark energy comprise the rest, and scientists have yet to directly observe either.

The discovery was made with a new kind of telescope developed by Abraham and lead author Pieter van Dokkum of Yale University.

Unlike mirror-based devices, the mobile Dragonfly Telescope Array is composed entirely of nano-coated lenses, 48 in all.

"Conventional telescopes are good at finding small, faint objects. Ours is really good at finding large ones," said Abraham.&nbsp

Indeed, over the last few years Dokkum and Abraham have used it to uncover a whole new category of sparsely populated "ultra diffuse galaxies" -- and sparked a cottage industry as astronomers struggle to explain their strange properties.

"Everything about them is a surprise, starting with the very fact they exist," Abraham said.

Up to now, the analysis of galaxies has shown a fairly tight ratio of dark to ordinary matter. But this new class "is breaking all the rules," he said.

The first anomalies discovered were galaxies almost entirely composed of dark matter. That was odd enough.

But the real shocker was DF2, which has virtually none at all.

An 'OMG' moment

DF2 was first identified by Russian astronomers conducting a photographic survey, but it's uniqueness didn't come to light until later.

Dokkum's team used the Keck telescopes in Hawaii to track the motion of several star clusters -- each with about 100,000 stars -- within the galaxy.

The clusters, they found, travelled at the same speed as the galaxy, itself moving through the Universe. Had there been dark matter, the clusters would be moving slower or faster.

Abrahams recalls seeing the graphic plot showing the motion of DF2's constellations for the first time, and wondering if something was amiss.

"We asked ourselves where we had screwed up if the measurements were wrong," he said.

"Then I suddenly realised the implications. That's as close to an 'Oh My God' moment as I got."

A galaxy entirely bereft of dark matter raises vexing questions that, so far, have stumped astronomers.

"It challenges the standard ideas of how we think galaxies work," said Dokkum.

Figuring out how something as big as a galaxy is held together without dark matter will be difficult, but understanding how it formed in the first place will be even harder, he said.

Whatever the explanation, a galaxy with no dark matter poses an ironic challenge to astronomers who question the very existence of the substances, according to the study.

Dark matter's existence is inferred from the motion of objects affected by its gravitational pull.

Stupefied astronomers on Wednesday unveiled the first and only known galaxy without dark matter, the invisible and poorly-understood substance thought to make up a quarter of the Universe. The discovery could revise or even upend theories of how galaxies are formed, they reported in the journal Nature. "This is really bizarre," said co-author Roberto Abraham, an astronomer at the University of Toronto. "For a galaxy this size, it should have 30 times as much dark matter as regular matter," he told AFP by phone. "What we found is that there is no dark matter at all." "That shouldn't be possible," he added. There are 200 billion observable galaxies, perhaps more, astronomers estimate. Some 65 million light-years from Earth, NGC1052-DF2 -- "DF2" for short -- is about the same size as our Milky Way, but has 100 to 1,000 times fewer stars. Dark matter's existence is inferred from the motion of objects affected by its gravitational pull. "It is conventionally believed to be an integral part of all galaxies, the glue that holds them together and the underlying scaffolding on which they are built," said co-author Allison Merritt from the Max Planck Institute for Astronomy, in Germany. One surprise after another So-called ordinary matter -- including stars, gases, dust, planets and everything on them -- accounts for only five percent of all content in the Universe. Dark matter and dark energy comprise the rest, and scientists have yet to directly observe either. The discovery was made with a new kind of telescope developed by Abraham and lead author Pieter van Dokkum of Yale University. Unlike mirror-based devices, the mobile Dragonfly Telescope Array is composed entirely of nano-coated lenses, 48 in all. "Conventional telescopes are good at finding small, faint objects. Ours is really good at finding large ones," said Abraham. Indeed, over the last few years Dokkum and Abraham have used it to uncover a whole new category of sparsely populated "ultra diffuse galaxies" -- and sparked a cottage industry as astronomers struggle to explain their strange properties. "Everything about them is a surprise, starting with the very fact they exist," Abraham said. Up to now, the analysis of galaxies has shown a fairly tight ratio of dark to ordinary matter. But this new class "is breaking all the rules," he said. The first anomalies discovered were galaxies almost entirely composed of dark matter. That was odd enough. But the real shocker was DF2, which has virtually none at all. An 'OMG' moment DF2 was first identified by Russian astronomers conducting a photographic survey, but it's uniqueness didn't come to light until later. Dokkum's team used the Keck telescopes in Hawaii to track the motion of several star clusters -- each with about 100,000 stars -- within the galaxy. The clusters, they found, travelled at the same speed as the galaxy, itself moving through the Universe. Had there been dark matter, the clusters would be moving slower or faster. Abrahams recalls seeing the graphic plot showing the motion of DF2's constellations for the first time, and wondering if something was amiss. "We asked ourselves where we had screwed up if the measurements were wrong," he said. "Then I suddenly realised the implications. That's as close to an 'Oh My God' moment as I got." A galaxy entirely bereft of dark matter raises vexing questions that, so far, have stumped astronomers. "It challenges the standard ideas of how we think galaxies work," said Dokkum. Figuring out how something as big as a galaxy is held together without dark matter will be difficult, but understanding how it formed in the first place will be even harder, he said. Whatever the explanation, a galaxy with no dark matter poses an ironic challenge to astronomers who question the very existence of the substances, according to the study.

Astronomers find the 'impossible': A galaxy without dark matter

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Astronomers have found a nearby solar system with seven Earth-sized planets, three of which circle their parent star at the right distance for liquid surface water (WION)
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Astronomers have found a nearby solar system with seven Earth-sized planets, three of which circle their parent star at the right distance for liquid surface water, bolstering the prospect of discovering extraterrestrial life, research published on Wednesday showed.

The star, known as TRAPPIST-1, is a small, dim celestial body in the constellation Aquarius. It is located about 40 light years away from Earth, close by astronomical standards, but about 44 million years away at the average cruising speed of a commercial passenger jet.

Researchers said the proximity of the system, combined with the proportionally large size of its planets compared to the small star, make it a good target for follow-up studies. They hope to scan the planets&#39; atmospheres for possible chemical fingerprints of life.

&quot;The discovery gives us a hint that finding a second Earth is not just a matter of if, but when,&rdquo; NASA chief scientist Thomas Zurbuchen said at a news conference on Wednesday.

The discovery, published in this week&#39;s issue of the journal Nature, builds on previous research showing three planets circling TRAPPIST-1. They are among more than 3,500 planets discovered beyond the solar system, or exoplanets.

&quot;This is the first time that so many Earth-sized planets are found around the same star,&quot; lead researcher Michael Gillon, with the University of Liege in Belgium, told reporters.

Researchers have focused on finding Earth-sized rocky planets with the right temperatures so that water, if any exists, would be liquid, a condition believed to be necessary for life.

&quot;I think that we&#39;ve made a crucial step towards finding if there is life out there,&quot; University of Cambridge astronomer Amaury Triaud said on a conference call with media on Tuesday.

The diameter of TRAPPIST-1 is about 8 per cent of the sun&#39;s size. That makes its Earth-sized planets appear large as they parade past.

From the vantage point of telescopes on Earth, the planets&#39; motions regularly block out bits of the star&#39;s light. Scientists determined the system&#39;s architecture by studying these dips. &quot;The data is really clear and unambiguous,&quot; Triaud wrote in an email to Reuters.

Because TRAPPIST-1 is so small and cool, its so-called &quot;habitable zone&quot; is very close to the star. Three planets are properly positioned for liquid water, Gillon said.

&quot;They form a very compact system,&quot; Gillon told reporters on Tuesday. &quot;They could have some liquid water and maybe life.&quot;

Even if the planets do not have life now, it could evolve. TRAPPIST-1 is at least 500 million years old, but has an estimated lifespan of 10 trillion years. The sun, by comparison, is about halfway through its estimated 10-billion-year life.

In a few billion years, when the sun has run out of fuel and the solar system has ceased to exist, TRAPPIST-1 will still be an infant star, astronomer Ignas Snellen, with the Netherlands&#39; Leiden Observatory, wrote in a related essay in Nature.

&quot;It burns hydrogen so slowly that it will live for another 10 trillion years,&quot; he wrote, &quot;which is arguably enough time for life to evolve.&quot;

(Reuters)

The star, TRAPPIST-1, is a small, dim celestial body in the constellation Aquarius. It is located only about 40 light years away from Earth

Astronomers have found a nearby solar system with seven Earth-sized planets, three of which circle their parent star at the right distance for liquid surface water (WION) × Astronomers have found a nearby solar system with seven Earth-sized planets, three of which circle their parent star at the right distance for liquid surface water, bolstering the prospect of discovering extraterrestrial life, research published on Wednesday showed. The star, known as TRAPPIST-1, is a small, dim celestial body in the constellation Aquarius. It is located about 40 light years away from Earth, close by astronomical standards, but about 44 million years away at the average cruising speed of a commercial passenger jet. Researchers said the proximity of the system, combined with the proportionally large size of its planets compared to the small star, make it a good target for follow-up studies. They hope to scan the planets' atmospheres for possible chemical fingerprints of life. "The discovery gives us a hint that finding a second Earth is not just a matter of if, but when,” NASA chief scientist Thomas Zurbuchen said at a news conference on Wednesday. The discovery, published in this week's issue of the journal Nature, builds on previous research showing three planets circling TRAPPIST-1. They are among more than 3,500 planets discovered beyond the solar system, or exoplanets. "This is the first time that so many Earth-sized planets are found around the same star," lead researcher Michael Gillon, with the University of Liege in Belgium, told reporters. Researchers have focused on finding Earth-sized rocky planets with the right temperatures so that water, if any exists, would be liquid, a condition believed to be necessary for life. "I think that we've made a crucial step towards finding if there is life out there," University of Cambridge astronomer Amaury Triaud said on a conference call with media on Tuesday. The diameter of TRAPPIST-1 is about 8 per cent of the sun's size. That makes its Earth-sized planets appear large as they parade past. From the vantage point of telescopes on Earth, the planets' motions regularly block out bits of the star's light. Scientists determined the system's architecture by studying these dips. "The data is really clear and unambiguous," Triaud wrote in an email to Reuters. Because TRAPPIST-1 is so small and cool, its so-called "habitable zone" is very close to the star. Three planets are properly positioned for liquid water, Gillon said. "They form a very compact system," Gillon told reporters on Tuesday. "They could have some liquid water and maybe life." Even if the planets do not have life now, it could evolve. TRAPPIST-1 is at least 500 million years old, but has an estimated lifespan of 10 trillion years. The sun, by comparison, is about halfway through its estimated 10-billion-year life. In a few billion years, when the sun has run out of fuel and the solar system has ceased to exist, TRAPPIST-1 will still be an infant star, astronomer Ignas Snellen, with the Netherlands' Leiden Observatory, wrote in a related essay in Nature. "It burns hydrogen so slowly that it will live for another 10 trillion years," he wrote, "which is arguably enough time for life to evolve." (Reuters)

NASA finds 7 Earth-size planets where life is possible

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