The dawn of a new era in satellite technology has commenced with the launch of LignoSat, the world’s first wooden satellite. On a recent Tuesday, Japanese researchers from Kyoto University celebrated this landmark event as their innovative creation was propelled into orbit aboard a SpaceX rocket. This mission is part of a key resupply operation
Space
In the vast expanse of the universe, a remarkable binary star system, known as 4U 1820-30, is captivating astronomers and astrophysicists alike with its extraordinary behavior. Located approximately 27,400 light-years from Earth in the constellation of Sagittarius, this system consists of a neutron star and a white dwarf star engaging in a fast-paced celestial dance.
In the grand narrative of our Solar System, the early years were marked by chaos and violence. As the planets formed, they were subjected to relentless bombardment by asteroids and comets, leading to a violent landscape shaped by colossal impacts. Mercury, Mars, and our Moon bear the scars of these historic collisions, showcasing craters that
In a groundbreaking discovery, astronomers have unveiled a remarkable supermassive black hole in a galaxy named LID-568, existing just 1.5 billion years after the Big Bang. This black hole stands out as one of the most voracious we have ever observed, consuming material at an astonishing rate exceeding the Eddington limit by over forty times.
Working for a pioneering aerospace company is often romanticized in popular culture; however, the early days of SpaceX proved to be far tumultuous and gritty than glamourous. Eric Berger’s firsthand accounts and insights from former and current SpaceX employees unveil a raw and rigorous environment that defined the company during its fledgling years. The spirit
For decades, astronomers have focused their attention on the tumultuous beasts that are supermassive black holes, particularly in quasars located at the edges of the observable universe, to understand the origins of the highest-energy gamma rays. However, the recent findings regarding V4641 Sagittarii challenge this established narrative. Located a mere 20,000 light-years away from Earth,
When Friedrich Nietzsche asserted in 1886 that “if you gaze for long into an abyss, the abyss gazes also into you,” he likely did not foresee the profound ways in which this philosophical introspection would morph into an astronomical metaphor. Fast forward nearly 140 years, and we find ourselves staring into the vastness of space,
In Norse mythology, Ragnarök signifies the twilight of the gods — a cataclysmic event that heralds the end of the world as we know it. Central to this tale is the legendary wolf Sköll, who is prophesied to consume the Sun in a celestial snare. This striking imagery of darkness overwhelming light serves as a
NASA has taken a bold leap forward in its quest to uncover extraterrestrial life with the recent launch of the Europa Clipper mission. Set in motion aboard a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket, this mission aims to explore Europa, one of Jupiter’s most fascinating moons. Unlike previous explorations, which focused largely on Mars and other terrestrial
This week, stargazers across the globe are treated to a remarkable cosmic display as the biggest and brightest supermoon of the year makes its appearance. Described by NASA as a full moon that occurs comparatively close to Earth, this extraordinary sight promises to captivate viewers from various locales. Visible from urban settings to remote areas,
The center of the Milky Way galaxy presents itself as an epicenter of cosmic activity, standing in stark contrast to the seemingly serene understanding we might have about black holes. While it’s true that the supermassive black hole, Sagittarius A*, is relatively stable in nature, the cosmic environment surrounding it is anything but calm. This
In an ambitious endeavor to bridge the gap between humanity and the cosmos, the European Space Agency (ESA) launched a unique multidisciplinary initiative in May 2023. The Exomars Trace Gas Orbiter (TGO), which was set to orbit Mars, sent a transmission back to Earth. This was not just any ordinary comms signal; it was designed