Astronomers

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  Astronomers Spot Hundreds of Hidden Supermassive Black Holes Using Infrared

  Hundreds of hidden supermassive black holes have been identified using infrared observations, offering fresh insights into their role in galaxy formation. Researchers relied on data from NASA's Infrared Astronomical Satellite (IRAS) and the Nuclear Spectroscopic Telescope Array (NuSTAR) to detect emissions from black holes obscured by thick clouds ...

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  Astronomers Observe Black Hole Reactivate, Emitting Jets of Plasma

  A supermassive black hole at the center of galaxy 1ES 1927+654 has been observed reactivating after a quiet period. Jets of hot gas were released from both sides of the black hole, surprising astronomers. Researchers speculate that a white dwarf star in close orbit may be interacting with the black hole, providing key insights into cosmic behavior....

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  James Webb Space Telescope Detects Supernova From 11.4 Billion Years Ago

  Astronomers using the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) have identified AT 2023adsv, a supernova that occurred 11.4 billion years ago. This stellar explosion, from a star 20 times the size of the Sun, offers a glimpse into the early universe's unique stellar evolution. Part of the JWST Advanced Deep Extragalactic Survey, the event highlights how th...

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  Hidden Supermassive Black Holes Found Behind Gas and Dust Across the Universe

  Supermassive black holes, which feed on surrounding material, may be more common than earlier believed. Researchers suggest that nearly 30%-50% of these black holes could be concealed behind dense gas and dust, making them invisible to standard telescopes. The study, based on infrared observations, sheds light on how these entities influence star f...

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  Astronomers Discover Unusual X-Ray Oscillations From a Black Hole 100 Million Light-Years Away

  A supermassive black hole 100 million light-years away is showing an unprecedented increase in X-ray oscillations, starting from 18-minute intervals and accelerating to 7 minutes in just two years. Astronomers believe a white dwarf, orbiting perilously close to the event horizon, is causing these flashes. The findings offer a glimpse into black hol...

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  Astronomers Discover Water and Carbon Dioxide in WASP-166 b's Atmosphere

  Astronomers have detected water and carbon dioxide in the atmosphere of WASP-166 b, a hot super-Neptune exoplanet. Using data from the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), the findings also noted ammonia in smaller quantities. WASP-166 b, located 368 light-years away, is a massive planet that orbits its star every 5.44 days, with a temperature of 1,2...

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  Amateur Astronomer Discovers Unexpected Composition of Jupiter’s Clouds

  Recent observations by an amateur astronomer reveal that Jupiter’s clouds may not consist of ammonia ice as previously assumed. Using a technique called band-depth analysis, Steve Hill mapped ammonia concentrations in the planet’s atmosphere, finding reflective layers deeper than expected. These findings suggest the clouds may be composed of am...

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  Seven Planets To Align During Rare Celestial Event. When And How To Watch

  While the grand spectacle takes place next month, six of the seven planets will appear in the sky at once in a large alignment, starting January 21.

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  Japan's Wooden Satellite LignoSat Launched: Everything You Need to Know

  Japan has launched LignoSat, the world’s first wooden satellite, into orbit, marking a step toward sustainable space technology. Developed by JAXA, the satellite is crafted from honoki magnolia wood, chosen for its durability and resistance to environmental stress. Sensors onboard will monitor temperature, radiation, and physical strain to assess...

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  Lunar Occultation of Mars on January 13, 2025: A Rare Astronomical Event

  On January 13, 2025, Mars will disappear behind the Moon in a rare lunar occultation, coinciding with Mars’ opposition. This event will be visible across the United States, parts of Canada, Mexico, and Western Africa, making it a unique opportunity for stargazers. Mars will shine brightest during this event, offering a chance to view its features...

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  Wolf Moon on January 13, 2025: Explore What to Expect in the Sky

  The Wolf Moon, peaking on January 13, 2025, is set to illuminate the night sky with its impressive full moon. This article covers the significance of this moon phase, along with key astronomical events throughout January, such as meteor showers, planetary alignments, and the visibility of Mars and Venus. Whether you're an experienced skywatcher or ...

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  Supernova Remnant G278.94+1.35 is Closer to Earth, Claims New Study

  Astronomers discovered that the supernova remnant G278.94+1.35 is located just 3,300 light years away, much closer than previously believed. Initially thought to span over 500 light years, it is now estimated to measure around 189 by 182 light years. Named "Diprotodon" after Australia’s extinct giant marsupial, this structure remains in an expand...

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  Rubin Observatory’s 2025 Debut Could Unveil Hidden Dark Comets in Space

  The Vera Rubin Observatory, set to begin operations in 2025, is expected to revolutionise the study of dark comets. These elusive objects, which lack visible tails but exhibit non-gravitational acceleration, have already been identified in our solar system, but their true numbers remain unknown. The observatory's advanced technology, including a po...

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  Ammonium Hydrosulfide Identified as Primary Component of Jupiter’s Clouds, Not Ammonia

  Jupiter’s clouds, long believed to be made of ammonia ice, are now confirmed to consist primarily of ammonium hydrosulfide combined with photochemical materials. This groundbreaking discovery, achieved through collaboration between amateur and professional astronomers, has redefined our understanding of the planet's atmosphere. Using innovative m...

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  Is the Wheel of Ghosts an Ancient Observatory? New Study Suggests Otherwise

  The ancient Rujm el-Hiri site, known as the "Wheel of Ghosts," has long been thought to serve as an astronomical observatory. However, a recent study published in Remote Sensing raises questions about this theory, suggesting that geodynamic changes over millions of years have altered its alignment. Researchers from Tel Aviv University and Ben-Gurio...