Tag Archives: Astrophysics

A Lab Plasma Rotates and Produces Jets

Posted on May 12, 2023 by rberkowitz

A spinning plasma ring mimics the rotating structure surrounding a black hole. Continue reading →

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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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Massive Star Formation DisplaysSelf-Control

Posted on January 19, 2023 by rberkowitz

New observations of a stellar nursery highlight a self-regulation mechanism that appears to resolve discrepancies between simulated and observed efficiencies of star formation. Continue reading →

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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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Webb Telescope Searches for Exoplanet Atmospheres

Posted on October 4, 2022 by rberkowitz

The recent detection of CO2 around a distant Jupiter-like planet spurs
optimism for detecting atmospheric gases around Earth-like planets
orbiting faraway stars. Continue reading →

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Early JWST targets set the stage for the next decade of observations

Posted on June 8, 2022 by rberkowitz

Data gathered by the telescope in its first five months of science will show what it’s capable of while enabling insight into ancient galaxies, newborn planets, and more. Continue reading →

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High Expectations for Black Hole Simulations

Posted on February 11, 2022 by rberkowitz

Andrew Chael’s simulations identify black hole features that he hopes could be spotted by the next-generation Event Horizon Telescope. Continue reading →

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Galactic Debris as a Dark Matter Identifier

Posted on February 9, 2022 by rberkowitz

Dynamic maps of 12 stellar streams trace paths that are determined by the distribution of mass in the Milky Way. Continue reading →

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Blowin’ in the Galactic Wind

Posted on February 3, 2022 by rberkowitz

Nuclear winds expel cold molecular hydrogen gas from the Galactic Center, providing new clues to how star-forming material circulates through the Galaxy. Continue reading →

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