Antarctic ice reveals earth passing through supernova debris

May 14, 2026

Reported by AI

Scientists have detected traces of iron-60 in Antarctic ice up to 80,000 years old, showing that the solar system is moving through material from an ancient stellar explosion. The findings come from a study published in Physical Review Letters and point to the Local Interstellar Cloud as the source of the radioactive isotope.

An international team from the Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf led the analysis of ice cores collected through the European EPICA project. The samples, formed between 40,000 and 80,000 years ago, contained lower levels of iron-60 than more recent measurements. This isotope forms only in supernova explosions and had previously been found in younger snow and sediments, leaving its origin unclear until now.

Physicists link extreme neutrino to exploding primordial black hole

Physicists at the University of Massachusetts Amherst propose that a record-breaking neutrino detected in 2023 originated from the explosion of a primordial black hole carrying a 'dark charge.' The particle's energy, 100,000 times greater than that produced by the Large Hadron Collider, puzzled scientists since only the KM3NeT experiment recorded it. Their model, published in Physical Review Letters, could also hint at the nature of dark matter.

Antarctic meltwater provides less iron than previously thought

February 28, 2026 Reported by AI

New research from Rutgers University reveals that meltwater from Antarctic ice shelves contributes far less iron to surrounding ocean waters than scientists had assumed. Instead, most iron originates from deep ocean water and continental sediments. The findings challenge expectations about iron fertilization and its role in carbon absorption.

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Astronomers detect possible first 'dirty fireball' from dying star

Astronomers using China's Einstein Probe telescope have observed a powerful X-ray flash that matches the predicted signature of a 'dirty fireball,' a theorized explosion from a dying massive star. The event, labeled EP241113a, originated from a galaxy about 9 billion light years away. This detection could reveal new details about how massive stars end their lives.

Scientists create cosmic clock from zircon crystals to study ancient landscapes

March 13, 2026 Reported by AI

Researchers at Curtin University have developed a technique using krypton gas in microscopic zircon crystals to track the history of Earth's landscapes over millions of years. The method, which relies on cosmic rays striking surface minerals, reveals how erosion and sediment movement have shaped terrains in response to climate and tectonic changes. This approach could also aid in locating mineral deposits in Australia.

Hubble telescope captures fresh breakup of comet C/2025 K1

Astronomers using the Hubble Space Telescope observed comet C/2025 K1 (ATLAS) shortly after it split into four fragments, thanks to a lucky scheduling change. The high-resolution images provide unprecedented detail on the event. Researchers noted an unexpected delay in the comet's brightening after the breakup.

May 14, 2026 11:51