Space Exploration

Rogue black hole produces fastest radio signals outside galaxy center

Astronomers have observed a black hole tearing apart a star far from its galaxy's center, producing the fastest-changing radio signals ever recorded from such an event. Named AT 2024tvd, this tidal disruption event reveals supermassive black holes can exist and remain active in unexpected locations. The discovery, led by an international team, suggests complex, delayed energy releases from black holes.

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.

Dark matter may leave subtle color traces in passing light

Researchers at the University of York suggest that dark matter could subtly tint light red or blue as it passes through, challenging the idea that it is completely invisible. This indirect interaction might allow detection using next-generation telescopes. The finding could simplify the search for the mysterious substance that dominates the universe.

CO2 ice blocks carve mysterious gullies on Mars

Scientists have uncovered how blocks of frozen carbon dioxide dig eerie channels into Martian dunes through explosive sublimation. Lab experiments replicating Martian conditions revealed the process, matching observed features on the Red Planet. The discovery explains a long-standing geological puzzle without needing water or life.

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.

3D images confirm ancient asteroid crater beneath Atlantic

Researchers have unveiled high-resolution 3D images of the Nadir Crater, a 9 km-wide impact site hidden 300 meters below the Atlantic seafloor. Formed 66 million years ago by an asteroid strike, the crater coincides with the dinosaur-extinction event linked to the Chicxulub impact. The data reveals details of the immediate aftermath, including massive tsunamis and liquefied sediments.

Japan's HTV-X cargo ship captured by space station

October 29, 2025 Theo Klein

Japan's upgraded HTV-X cargo spacecraft was successfully captured by the International Space Station's robotic arm on Wednesday, soaring 260 miles over the South Atlantic Ocean. Japanese astronaut Kimiya Yui announced the capture, hailing it as a historic event for Japan's space program. The mission delivers supplies and experiments, representing a new era for the nation's contributions to the ISS.

NASA acting administrator expands lunar lander competition

October 20, 2025 Theo Klein

NASA's acting administrator Sean Duffy announced plans to broaden the competition for developing a human lunar lander, citing delays by SpaceX and the need to beat China to the Moon. The move acknowledges that the agency's 2027 crewed landing target is unachievable. Duffy's statements came during television appearances aimed at securing his leadership role.

Scientists create laptop tool to simulate universe structure

Researchers at the University of Waterloo have developed Effort.jl, a new tool that allows scientists to simulate the universe's large-scale structure using just a laptop. This innovation reduces computation time from days on supercomputers to hours, enabling faster analysis of vast cosmic datasets. The tool emulates complex models like the Effective Field Theory of Large-Scale Structure (EFTofLSS).

NASA acting administrator critiques SpaceX moon lander delay

NASA's acting administrator Sean Duffy has publicly questioned SpaceX's progress on a lunar lander, signaling potential changes to the agency's moon landing plans. In two television appearances on Monday morning, Duffy highlighted delays and openness to alternatives. This comes amid efforts to return humans to the moon.

Scientists detect torsional Alfvén waves in sun's corona

Researchers have captured the first direct evidence of small-scale torsional Alfvén waves in the Sun's corona, potentially explaining its extreme heat. Using the Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope in Hawaii, the team observed these magnetic waves twisting through the solar atmosphere. The discovery, published on October 24 in Nature Astronomy, validates theories dating back to the 1940s.

Scientists uncover ozone rise in Mars' polar vortex

Researchers have observed a dramatic buildup of ozone inside Mars' north polar vortex, where extreme cold and darkness freeze out water vapor. This phenomenon, detected using data from ESA and NASA orbiters, offers insights into the planet's ancient atmospheric chemistry and potential habitability. The findings were presented at a joint meeting in Helsinki.