The James Webb Space Telescope is the world's most powerful observatory. But in 2029, it gets a partner
Sandeep K S
Feb 16
1 min read
JWST and Ariel combine efforts to explore the universe, with JWST acting as a high-precision sniper for detailed analyses, and Ariel performing large-scale surveys to track planetary trends and manage brightness in bright stars. Together, they create a comprehensive infrared spectral picture at the L2 Lagrange Point.
Astrophysicists have completed ASTRID, the largest cosmological hydrodynamic simulation ever run, tracing the universe from the cosmic dawn ($z=99$) down to the present day ($z=0$). By resolving 166 billion particles across 815 million light-years, ASTRID unveils how supermassive black holes co-evolve with galaxies and sculpt the cosmic web.
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.
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