The formation of planets is a profound and intricate process occurring within swirling disks of gas and dust that envelop young stars. This primordial dance of matter not only forms planets but also tells us about the early stages of planetary systems, including our own. Among the stars and their surrounding materials, astronomers have turned
Space
The vastness of our universe is filled with phenomena that often challenge our understanding of physics and astrophysics. One of the latest revelations centers around a potential supermassive black hole residing in the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC), a dwarf galaxy orbiting the Milky Way. Astrophysicist Jiwon Jesse Han and his team have proposed that this
In the vast and mysterious realms of space, scientists have recently unearthed evidence of a nearby exoplanet that may harbor conditions conducive to life. This newfound exoplanet, designated HD 20794 d, is an intriguing prospect located merely 20 light-years from our own Solar System. With a mass nearly six times greater than Earth’s, this celestial
On February 13, 2023, researchers achieved a significant milestone in the field of astrophysics when they detected an extraordinarily energetic neutrino emitted from the depths of space. This particle, recorded by an underwater detector stationed off the Sicilian coast, boasted an unprecedented energy level of 220 petaelectronvolts (PeV). For context, this energy surpasses the previous
NASA has announced that two American astronauts who have been stationed aboard the International Space Station (ISS) since June may be returning to Earth earlier than anticipated, marking a notable adjustment in their planned schedule. Veteran astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams initially intended to conduct an eight-day mission in low Earth orbit. However, their
The exploration of our Solar System often uncovers fascinating enigmas, particularly when it comes to the moons orbiting the gas giants. Among these celestial bodies, Ariel, one of Uranus’s intriguing moons, offers a glimpse into a world that may harbor secrets beneath its icy surface. With the potential of liquid oceans lying hidden below thick
Dark matter is one of the most enigmatic components of our universe, constituting about 27% of its total energy density. Despite this significant presence, scientists have yet to identify what it is. The prevalent theories suggest it does not emit light or interact with baryonic matter via electromagnetic forces, making it practically invisible and detectable
In late December 2024, a significant cosmic discovery was unveiled when astronomers identified an asteroid designated as 2024 YR4. This designation stems from its discovery within the latter half of December, specifically being the 117th asteroid cataloged in that timeframe. The naming conventions in astronomy can often seem arbitrary, but they serve a vital purpose
On April 8, 2024, astronomers encountered a cosmic riddle that defied existing classifications of astronomical phenomena. Initially detected by the Einstein Probe—a sophisticated X-ray space telescope—this mystery event has since been designated as EP240408a. While at first it seemed to fit the profile of a conventional gamma-ray burst—a category of explosive celestial events known for
Asteroid 2024 YR4 has drawn the attention of the international cosmic community, as it races through our solar system with a concerning 1 in 83 chance of colliding with Earth by December 22, 2032. Discovered by the Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS) in late December 2024 from a facility in Río Hurtado, Chile, this
In May 2024, Earth experienced an extraordinary solar storm that sent shockwaves through its magnetic field and affected environments far beyond the atmosphere. This solar event was not merely a collection of dazzling auroras dancing across the polar skies; it fundamentally altered the dynamics of Earth’s radiation belts — a development that took the scientific
The notion that human activities on Earth could affect temperatures on the Moon emerged during the unprecedented lockdowns of 2020, instigated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Researchers posited that the substantial reductions in carbon emissions during this period led to a noteworthy decline in the heat radiation that our planet emits – radiation that the Moon