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‘Cosmic Cannibals’ expel jets into space at 40% speed of light

For the first time, astronomers have measured the speed of fast-moving jets in space, crucial to star formation and the distribution of elements needed for life.

Wed 27 Mar 2024, 16:10 | Tags: Physics, Astrophysics, research, Space, astronomy, Sciences

Astrophysicists unveil new phenomenon challenging textbook definition of white dwarf stars

Scientists have revealed why some white dwarfs mysteriously stop cooling – changing ideas on just how old stars really are, and what happens to them when they die.

Wed 06 Mar 2024, 16:23 | Tags: Physics, Astrophysics, research, Space, Stars, astronomy, Sciences

Why do we need leap years? Astrophysicists explain this month’s extra date

Astrophysicists at The University of Warwick are explaining the science behind leap years, ahead of this month’s extra date.

Wed 28 Feb 2024, 12:00 | Tags: Physics, Astrophysics, Space, astronomy, Sciences

Asteroid making its closest approach to Earth this weekend

An asteroid the size of a school bus will making its closest approach to Earth this weekend.

Fri 02 Feb 2024, 14:51 | Tags: Physics, Astrophysics, research, Space, astronomy

New search finds 85 exoplanet candidates – as cool as planets in our own Solar System

Astronomers have discovered 85 possible planets outside of our solar system, with temperatures closer to those of our own Solar System planets, potentially cool enough to sustain life.

Wed 24 Jan 2024, 09:57 | Tags: Physics, Astrophysics, research, Space, astronomy, Sciences

Astronomers make rare exoplanet discovery – and a giant leap in detecting Earth-like bodies

Astronomers have made the rare discovery of a small, cold exoplanet and its massive outer companion – shedding light on the formation of planets like Earth.

Thu 11 Jan 2024, 09:35 | Tags: Physics, Astrophysics, research, Space, Stars, astronomy, Sciences

What fireworks can teach us about the sky at night

With New Years Eve on the horizon, scientists reveal just why fireworks are differently coloured and what this can teach us about stars in space.

Elements commonly found in salts are used to make the colours in fireworks. The colours are caused when the elements are heated, causing them to release light in different colours, from bright blues to deep reds.

Sun 31 Dec 2023, 09:00 | Tags: Chemistry, Space, Stars, astronomy

First JWST observations of a ‘Kilonova’ merger of two stars

For the first time, the JWST has observed the rare merger of two dense neutron stars (known as a kilonova) – in a spiral galaxy a billion light years away.

Wed 25 Oct 2023, 16:13 | Tags: Physics, Astrophysics, research, Space, astronomy, Sciences

Satellite swarm to provide ‘missing link’ between space weather and space debris

The European Space Agency (ESA) has funded a new mission concept involving a “swarm” of satellites to address the growing threat of space debris. The news comes as just this week the US government issued its first ever fine to a company for leaving space junk orbiting the Earth.

Thu 05 Oct 2023, 13:44 | Tags: Physics, Astrophysics, research, Space, astronomy, Sciences

The fourth state of matter: How Sun's plasma could help answer humanity's challenges

Scientists are studying plasma in the Sun’s atmosphere, to help address some of humanity’s greatest challenges – from harnessing an endless source of green energy to building knowledge of the Earth’s climate.


Two-faced star exposed in first for astronomy

An unusual white dwarf star is made of hydrogen on one side and helium on the other.

Wed 19 Jul 2023, 16:25 | Tags: Physics, Astrophysics, research, Space, astronomy, Sciences

Play ‘spot the difference’ to help scientists identify cosmic explosions

Members of the public are invited to take part in a brand new citizen science project to identify cosmic explosions in real-time.

Wed 19 Jul 2023, 09:32 | Tags: Physics, Astrophysics, research, Space, astronomy, Sciences

‘Sandwich’ discovery offers new explanation for planet formation

Scientists have made a new discovery on how small planets might form.

Mon 03 Jul 2023, 10:22 | Tags: Physics, Astrophysics, research, astronomy, planet

Mysterious planet that should have been engulfed and destroyed by its star baffles scientists

A giant planet has escaped engulfment by its host star, to the surprise of scientists around the world.

Wed 28 Jun 2023, 16:27 | Tags: Physics, Astrophysics, research, Space, astronomy

Space tech to shrink as the limits of quantum physics are tested on Earth and beyond

A UK-wide consortium is developing technologies to use nanoparticles as state-of-the-art sensors on small, shoebox-sized satellites known as CubeSats.

Thu 22 Jun 2023, 10:42 | Tags: Physics, Astrophysics, Space, astronomy

Discovery of white dwarf pulsar sheds light on star evolution

The discovery of a rare type of white dwarf star system provides new understanding into stellar evolution.

Thu 15 Jun 2023, 16:03 | Tags: Physics, Astrophysics, research, astronomy

Using photosynthesis for Martian occupation – while making space travel more sustainable

Researchers are working on sustainable technology to harvest solar power in space – which could supplement life support systems on the Moon and Mars.


Unseen newborn planets are stirring up dust around a young star

The young star TW Hydrae is playing "shadow puppets" with scientists observing it with NASA's Hubble Space Telescope.

Thu 04 May 2023, 15:06 | Tags: Physics, Astrophysics, research, Space, astronomy

Clearing the skies for Santa this Christmas: The researchers tackling junk in space

As scores of children prepare to look to the skies this Christmas Eve, they will be relieved to know scientists are helping to clear a path for Santa in space.


New research into atmospheric make-up of distant planet sheds light on its origins

New observations from the JWST show a molecular and chemical portrait of a distant planet, mapping its formation history.

Tue 22 Nov 2022, 16:05 | Tags: Physics, Astrophysics, research, astronomy