Astronomy

Twin black hole mergers test Einstein's general relativity

Two black hole collisions detected in late 2024 have provided unprecedented tests of Einstein's general theory of relativity. The events, captured by the LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA Collaboration, revealed unusual spins and possible second-generation black holes. These detections confirm theoretical predictions with high precision and probe for new particles.

Virtual telescope uncovers jet in galaxy OJ 287

An international team of astronomers has captured the most detailed image yet of the core of the distant galaxy OJ 287, revealing a sharply curved plasma jet. The observation, made using a virtual telescope spanning multiple Earth diameters, supports the presence of two merging supermassive black holes at its heart. This breakthrough provides new insights into the extreme energies and structures around such cosmic phenomena.

Astronomers uncover gas bridge between two dwarf galaxies

Scientists at the University of Western Australia's ICRAR node have discovered a massive bridge of neutral hydrogen gas connecting the dwarf galaxies NGC 4532 and DDO 137. This structure spans 185,000 light-years and is located 53 million light-years from Earth. The finding, part of the WALLABY survey, reveals how interactions with the Virgo cluster strip gas from galaxies.

AI software fixes James Webb telescope's image distortions

Two PhD students from the University of Sydney have developed innovative software to correct blurring in images from NASA's James Webb Space Telescope. Their tool, AMIGO, restores the telescope's sharp vision using AI without requiring a space mission. This breakthrough enhances observations of distant celestial objects.

Astronomers watch new rings form around distant Chiron

October 20, 2025 Theo Klein

For the first time, astronomers are observing a ring system forming in real time around the comet-like object Chiron. This distant body, orbiting between Saturn and Uranus, shows changing rings with each observation. The discovery could reveal how such systems develop in the outer solar system.

Astronomers begin study of eccentric warm Jupiters

A three-year research project funded by the National Science Foundation is underway to uncover the origins of eccentric warm Jupiters, massive gas giants with elongated orbits around their stars. Led by an astronomer at Northern Arizona University, the study aims to explain why these planets align precisely with their stars' equators despite their unusual paths. The findings could reshape understanding of planet formation, including our own solar system.

Astronomers propose detecting gravitational wave beats via pulsars

Researchers at Hirosaki University have suggested a method to identify the source of ultra-low-frequency gravitational waves by looking for 'beat' patterns in pulsar signals. This approach could distinguish between waves from cosmic inflation and those from supermassive black hole binaries. The proposal builds on 2023 evidence from pulsar timing arrays that falls short of full confirmation.

Tiny nearby galaxy hosts massive black hole

October 29, 2025 Theo Klein

A small satellite galaxy of the Milky Way, known as Segue 1, contains a supermassive black hole far larger than expected for its size. This discovery challenges long-held assumptions that such dwarf galaxies are primarily held together by dark matter. Researchers used computer models to reveal the black hole's presence at the galaxy's center.

Interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS produces water emissions from surface

The interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS, only the third such object detected, is spewing water in the form of hydroxyl emissions. Researchers using NASA's Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory have confirmed water on its surface. This suggests a structure differing from solar system comets.

Astronomers discover Earth's seventh quasi-lunar moon

Earth has gained its seventh confirmed quasi-lunar moon, a small asteroid named 2025 PN7. This Apollo-type object was detected in August by the Pan-STARRS 1 telescope in Hawaii. The discovery highlights ongoing astronomical efforts to track near-Earth objects.

JWST uncovers chaotic early galaxies in young universe

Astronomers using the James Webb Space Telescope have found that the universe's first galaxies were turbulent and disorderly, far from the stable structures seen today. Led by University of Cambridge researchers, the study examined over 250 galaxies from when the universe was 800 million to 1.5 billion years old. These findings challenge prior views and show a transition from cosmic chaos to ordered formation.

James Webb telescope detects carbon-rich disk around young exoplanet

NASA's James Webb Space Telescope has observed a carbon-rich disk surrounding the exoplanet CT Cha b, 625 light-years from Earth, potentially serving as a moon factory. The disk, separate from the star's own disk, offers insights into early planet and moon formation. The young star system is just 2 million years old.