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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
‘Sandwich’ discovery offers new explanation for planet formation
Scientists have made a new discovery on how small planets might form.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.