Tag Archives: Astronomy

How Magnetic Fields Control Galactic Growth

Posted on March 22, 2023 by rberkowitz

Our galaxy’s enormous scaffolding is shaped by complex magnetic fields. Read more in Scientific American…

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Dark Matter Could Cause Excess Optical Background

Posted on November 30, 2022 by rberkowitz

Axions that decay into photons could account for visible light that exceeds what’s expected to come from all known galaxies. Continue reading →

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First observations test JWST capabilities

Posted on November 17, 2022 by rberkowitz

Although the telescope’s early science results have exceeded expectations, even the most seasoned observers must use caution until calibrations are complete. Read more in Physics Today…

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New telescopes seek the cosmic dark ages

Posted on September 1, 2022 by rberkowitz

Radio astronomers look to far-flung locations to detect low-frequency signals that emanate from the ancient universe. Continue reading →

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Dark-sky advocates confront threats from above and below

Posted on February 9, 2022 by rberkowitz

Astronomers are working to reduce the impact on the night sky of artificial lighting and swarms of shiny satellites. Continue reading →

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Dual-anonymous peer review gains traction

Posted on December 16, 2021 by rberkowitz

NASA and other agencies worldwide are adopting the anonymized process for awarding grants and instrument time after seeing its success for the Hub Continue reading →

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A galactic fast radio burst finally reveals its origin

Posted on January 1, 2021 by rberkowitz

Observations at multiple wavelengths provide compelling evidence that the first example of a fast radio burst detected in our galaxy came from a magnetized neutron star. Continue reading →

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A fast radio burst finally reveals its origins

Posted on December 8, 2020 by rberkowitz

Observations at multiple wavelengths provide compelling evidence that the first burst detected in our galaxy came from a magnetized neutron star. Continue reading →

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Nobel Prize in Physics honors the discovery of a supermassive compact object at the heart of the Milky Way

Posted on December 1, 2020 by rberkowitz

By tracking the orbits of stars close to the galactic center, Reinhard Genzel and Andrea Ghez ruled out all possibilities besides a black hole. Continue reading →

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Phosphine detection highlights unknowns of Venus’s atmosphere

Posted on October 2, 2020 by rberkowitz

Modeling, lab work, and perhaps a mission to the planet will be required to understand the chemical reactions that take place within Venus’s hot, dense, oxidizing cloud layers. Read more in Physics Today…

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