The glorious, billowing Southern Ring Nebula is the cocoon of a dying star, and it has a secret. Scientists have found that this nebula has a double ring structure that shows not one, but possibly three stars at its heart. The Southern Ring Nebula, also designated NGC 3132, is a planetary nebula located about 2,000 … Read more
It is logical that stars formed from the same cloud of material have the same metallicity. This fact underpins some avenues of astronomical research, such as the search for the brothers of the Sun. But for some binary stars, that’s not always true. Their composition can be different despite forming from the same reservoir of … Read more
Edward Dwight is going to space, finally. In the coming weeks, as conditions permit, Mr. Dwight is part of a six-person crew that will head beyond Earth’s orbit on the latest mission of Blue Origin, the space company founded by Jeff Bezos. Blue Origins’ seventh human flight will carry a wide variety of adventurers, including … Read more
It was called a joint mission of Chinese and European X-ray telescopes Einstein probe is successfully viewing the universe in widescreen, with a telescope design that mimics the eyes of lobsters. Einstein probe, which released on January 9 aboard a Chinese Long Range rocket, currently undergoing testing and calibration of its instruments as it orbits … Read more
WASHINGTON The Space Force is looking to an innovative in-orbit refueling technology, but there’s a key question: Is it worth the cost, especially as the military considers a shift to cheaper, single-use satellites use? The jury is still out on the value proposition, Chief of Space Operations Gen. Chance Saltzman said at an April 30 … Read more
The Atacama Observatory of the University of Tokyo (TAO) at the top of Cerro Chajnantor. Credit: TAO 2024 Project How do planets form? How do galaxies evolve? And finally, how did the universe begin? A unique astronomical observatory that researchers hope will unravel some of the biggest mysteries out there is set to open on … Read more