Astrophysics
Scientists uncover cause of rapid solar rain during flares
Researchers at the University of Hawaiʻi Institute for Astronomy have solved the mystery of why solar rain forms so quickly during solar flares. Their work reveals that changing elemental abundances, like iron, enable the rapid cooling of plasma in the Sun's corona. This breakthrough could enhance predictions of space weather impacts on Earth.
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.
Discovery challenges chemistry rules on Saturn's moon Titan
Researchers from NASA and Chalmers University have found that polar and nonpolar substances can mix on Titan's surface, defying the 'like dissolves like' principle. This occurs under the moon's extreme cold, where hydrogen cyanide forms stable crystals with methane and ethane. The finding could reshape understanding of Titan's geology and prebiotic chemistry.
Black holes may explain 60-year cosmic rays mystery
Scientists at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology propose that winds from supermassive black holes could accelerate ultra-high-energy cosmic rays, solving a puzzle dating back to 1962. These particles, mostly atomic nuclei, reach energies up to 10^20 electron volts. The hypothesis suggests these winds, moving at half the speed of light, fling particles across the cosmos.
JWST Discovers Water-Poor Disk
The James Webb Space Telescope observed a planet-forming disk with unexpectedly low water and high CO2 content, challenging existing models.
Researchers develop room-temperature quantum sensor for gravitational waves
Scientists at MIT have created a quantum sensor capable of detecting gravitational waves at room temperature, potentially transforming astrophysics research. The device, detailed in a new Nature study, uses defects in diamonds to measure minute gravitational changes. This breakthrough could enable more accessible detection of cosmic events like black hole mergers.
Researchers uncover new insights into dark matter properties
A team of astrophysicists has identified potential new characteristics of dark matter through advanced simulations. The findings, detailed in a recent study, suggest dark matter may interact more strongly with ordinary matter than previously thought. This could reshape our understanding of the universe's composition.
Scientists develop new AI method for dark matter detection
Researchers have introduced an innovative artificial intelligence approach to identify dark matter particles, using data from existing telescopes. This breakthrough could enhance our understanding of the universe's invisible components. The findings were detailed in a study published on September 29, 2025.
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.
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.