New images reveal the violent and beautiful mechanics of star formation and death.
Sandeep K S
Jan 19
1 min read
In a stunning cosmic vista, vibrant jets of ionized gas emanate from a newly forming star, illuminating the surrounding space with colorful hues. Credit: NASA, ESA, and B. Reipurth (Planetary Science Institute); Processing: Gladys Kober (NASA/Catholic University of America)
A vivid artist's concept illustrating a smaller white dwarf star pulling material from a larger star into an accretion disk, with dynamic colors representing the energy and movement of the process. Scientists are using NASA’s IXPE to study the polarization of X-rays emitted by such systems. Credit: MIT/Jose-Luis Olivares.
This stunning image captures the ethereal beauty of the reflection nebula NGC 1333, located about 1,000 light-years away in the constellation Perseus. The nebula's bluish hues are illuminated by the young stars embedded within the dense clouds of gas and dust, showcasing a vibrant stellar nursery where new stars are born.
Scientists have uncovered the first robust evidence of a black hole and neutron star crashing together while orbiting in an oval path, challenging long-standing assumptions about cosmic pair formation.
Most neutron star-black hole pairs are expected to adopt circular orbits long before merging, their orbits slowly rounded out by the constant emission of gravitational waves over millions of years.
Far from the warmth of any star, moons orbiting rogue gas giants might harbor oceans of liquid water—and potentially complex life—for billions of years.
Liquid water is considered essential for life. Surprisingly, however, stable conditions that are conducive to life could exist far from any sun.
Look up on a clear night and you'll see the streaks of our modern satellite networks. What you don't see is the growing fallout for the atmosphere that keeps us alive.
A wave of satellite launches and reentries is changing the chemistry and physics of the middle and upper atmosphere. Studies warn of ozone depletion, stratospheric heating, and new metal aerosols from burning spacecraft.
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