MAVEN Discovers Unique Atmospheric Influences on Mars: Insights into the Red Planet’s Climate

Posted on May 19, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Exciting new findings from NASA’s Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution (MAVEN) spacecraft indicate that the Zwan-Wolf effect—where charged particles are expelled through magnetic structures known as flux tubes—is also influencing Mars’ upper atmosphere. This phenomenon was previously believed to be exclusive to Earth’s magnetosphere.

An artistic rendering of the Zwan-Wolf effect on Mars observed by NASA’s MAVEN mission. Image credit: LASP/CU Boulder.

“While analyzing MAVEN data, we discovered a remarkable change,” said Dr. Christopher Fowler, a researcher at West Virginia University.

“We never anticipated this effect because it had not been documented in any planet’s atmosphere before.”

The Zwan-Wolf effect was first identified in 1976 and had only been recorded within planetary magnetospheres until now.

In contrast to Earth, Mars lacks a global magnetic field, which significantly impacts how it interacts with solar wind and space weather.

The MAVEN spacecraft detected the Zwan-Wolf effect within Mars’ ionosphere—less than 200 km above the surface—where a notable number of charged particles reside.

Mars has an induced magnetosphere, produced by solar wind interacting with its ionosphere, but this field’s size and form can vary dramatically due to large solar wind and space weather events.

This variability is what Dr. Fowler and his team observed in MAVEN data during a massive solar storm on Mars.

The team suspects that the Zwan-Wolf effect could be constantly occurring in Mars’ ionosphere but at levels undetectable by MAVEN’s instruments.

Currently, space weather phenomena appear to have intensified, allowing researchers to observe it in their findings.

Initially, the authors noticed intriguing fluctuations in the magnetic field as the spacecraft traversed the Martian atmosphere.

To clarify these observations, they conducted a more detailed analysis using multiple MAVEN instruments, including charged particle measurement capabilities in the ionosphere.

Further analysis revealed additional fascinating features within the data.

After eliminating other possibilities, they identified the Zwan-Wolf effect as the reason for the observations.

“No one anticipated this effect in the atmosphere,” Dr. Fowler remarked.

“This discovery is thrilling; it introduces complexities in physics that remain unexplored and sheds light on new ways solar and space weather can influence Mars’ atmospheric dynamics.”

“Understanding the Zwan-Wolf effect on Mars enhances our knowledge of space weather’s impact and offers fresh insights into similar phenomena on non-magnetic celestial bodies like Venus and Saturn’s moon Titan.”

“These observations underscore the need to comprehend how large-scale space weather fluctuations can lead to environmental changes on Mars, potentially affecting assets both on the planet and in its vicinity.”

“Understanding space weather’s interactions with Mars is vital,” stated Dr. Shannon Currie, a researcher at the University of Colorado Boulder’s Institute for Atmospheric and Space Physics and MAVEN’s principal investigator.

“The MAVEN team continues to analyze our dataset for new discoveries and connections between our Sun and Mars.”

For a detailed look at this research, see the study published in this week’s edition of Nature Communications.

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C.M. Fowler et al. 2026. The Zwan-Wolf effect is detected in the ionosphere of Mars. Nat Commun, 17, 4224; doi: 10.1038/s41467-026-72251-9

Source: www.sci.news

New Study Discovers Three Unique Subspecies of Rare New Zealand Penguins

Posted on May 13, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

For decades, scientists have studied the yellow-eyed penguin (Megadyptes antipodes). Previously thought to consist of two large populations, new genomic research has unveiled three distinct lineages of this endangered species that have been isolated for thousands of years, well before humans arrived in New Zealand (Aotearoa).

Geographical distribution of yellow-eyed penguins. Image credit: Guhlin et al., doi: 10.1038/s41559-026-03062-w.

In 1841, Jacques-Bernard Ombron and Honoré Jaquinot first described the yellow-eyed penguin as an endangered species endemic to New Zealand.

The indigenous Maori people of New Zealand consider these penguins taonga (cherished things) and refer to them as huiho or takaraka.

Since 2019, respiratory distress syndrome has affected chicks in mainland New Zealand, significantly reducing the number of breeding pairs to under 115.

“As one of the world’s rarest penguin species, the yellow-eyed penguin is an essential indicator of ecosystem health. Its population trends mirror broader ecological changes,” stated Professor Gemma Geoghegan from the University of Otago.

“Conserving yellow-eyed penguins is vital for biodiversity and the health of coastal ecosystems.”

“They also play a crucial role in local wildlife tourism, significantly contributing to the economy.”

“Their decline indicates a biodiversity crisis, leading to cultural and economic losses.”

In a recent study, Professor Geoghegan and collaborators sequenced the complete genomes of 249 yellow-eyed penguins from mainland New Zealand (Northern Ranges), the sub-Antarctic Enderby (Auckland Islands), and the Campbell Islands (Southern Ranges).

Rather than observing two simple population structures, the researchers were surprised to discover three genetically distinct groups with minimal interbreeding.

These findings suggest that each group warrants formal recognition as a separate subspecies due to significant genetic variations.

“In this study, we utilized population genomics to explore the evolutionary history and disease susceptibility of the endangered yellow-eyed penguin,” said Professor Geoghegan.

“Supported by Genomics Aotearoa, we generated comprehensive genomic data from these 249 penguins, enabling us to understand the reasons behind the severe respiratory disease affecting mainland chicks.”

Unexpectedly, we found that the yellow-eyed penguin consists of three distinct subspecies, showing no evidence of migration among them.

Our analysis indicates these populations have been separated for thousands of years, much earlier than previously believed.

This means the endangered northern population is not merely a recent offshoot of the southern lineage, but rather a unique evolutionary group.

We have identified potential genes related to immune function and respiratory biology, which may contribute to the northern populations’ vulnerability to respiratory distress syndrome.

“These findings shed light on the role of host genetics in wildlife diseases and have significant implications for conservation management.”

After discussions with Ngāi Tahu, the species’ kaitiaki (guardians), the authors suggest new subspecies names based on Māori geography: Megadyptes antipodes Murihiku (Hoiho Murihiku) for the northern residents, Megadyptes antipodes Motu Maha (Hoiho Motu Maha) for Enderby Island in the Auckland Islands, and Megadyptes antipodes Motu Ifupuku (Hoiho Motu Ifupuku) for Campbell Island.

“Collaborating with Ngāi Tahu, the Kaitiaki of Hoiho, we aim for this research to support urgent conservation efforts for each subspecies, particularly the declining northern lineage with fewer than 115 breeding pairs,” stated Professor Geoghegan.

The team’s research paper is published in the journal Nature Ecology and Evolution.

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J. Gurin et al. Population genomics of yellow-eyed penguins reveals subspecies divergence and candidate genes associated with respiratory distress syndrome. Nat Ecol Evol, published online May 12, 2026. doi: 10.1038/s41559-026-03062-w

Source: www.sci.news

Juno Discovers Rare Close-Up of Jupiter’s Shadow Moon Thebes

Posted on May 7, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

NASA’s Juno spacecraft has unveiled a stunning, new view of the irregular moon Thebes during a flyby on May 1, 2026, showcasing a battered world from just 5,000 kilometers away.

Thebes moon captured by Juno during a flyby on May 1, 2026. Image credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech.

Thebes is a small, irregularly shaped moon of Jupiter, measuring approximately 116 x 98 x 84 km, with an average radius of about 49 km.

It ranks as the second largest of Jupiter’s inner moons and the seventh largest among all moons in the Jupiter system.

Discovered by astronomer Stephen Synnott in 1979 using images from NASA’s Voyager 1 spacecraft, Thebes orbits Jupiter at an average distance of about 221,900 km, well within the orbit of Io, the innermost Galilean moon of Jupiter. The moon completes one orbit in roughly 16.1 hours.

Like many of Jupiter’s inner moons, Thebes is tidally locked, so the same side always faces Jupiter.

Thebes features a heavily cratered surface with a dark reddish hue, and its most notable characteristic is the large impact crater Zethos, named after the mythical twins of Thebes.

Moreover, Thebes is a crucial contributor to the Spiraea rings, one of the faint outer rings of Jupiter’s ring system. Impacts from micrometeorites eject dust from its surface, forming a diffuse ring along Thebes’ orbit.

“Thebes is located at the outer edge of Jupiter’s faint ring system and is believed to play a significant role in the formation of Jupiter’s ‘Similarian’ rings through dust ejection,” stated NASA scientists.

The latest imagery of Thebes was acquired by the Stellar Reference Unit (SRU) aboard the Juno spacecraft, captured from a distance of about 5,000 km.

“Though the SRU’s primary purpose is navigating the starry sky, its exceptional sensitivity under low-light conditions also makes it a highly effective secondary scientific instrument,” the researchers noted.

“The SRU has previously been instrumental in discovering ‘shallow lightning’ in Jupiter’s atmosphere and imaging Jupiter’s intricate ring system.”

Source: www.sci.news

ALMA Discovers Interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS Originated in a Frigid Planetary System

Posted on April 28, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Water consists of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom, represented as H₂O. However, in a standard water molecule, those hydrogen atoms contain only a single proton. In contrast, cometary water features a significant proportion of deuterium (D), a form of hydrogen combining a standard proton with a neutron. This deuterated water, such as that found in the interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS, presents evidence of remarkably different environmental conditions from billions of years ago, akin to the half-heavy water (HDO) identified in comets within our solar system.

This image from the Subaru Telescope shows the interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS. Image provided by: National Astronomical Observatory of Japan

Water is an essential molecule pivotal to life and various astrophysical processes.

From an astrobiological standpoint, water serves as a crucial solvent facilitating the emergence of life on Earth, and it is tracked across the universe as a potential indicator of habitable environments beyond our solar system.

During the formation of stars and planets, water in its gaseous phase acts as an efficient coolant, assisting the collapse of molecular clouds and the birth of stars.

In frozen conditions, water coats dust particles, enhancing their adhesion and accelerating planetary core growth.

Water has been identified in both gaseous and icy forms throughout our galaxy and beyond, even in high-redshift galaxies.

These discoveries encompass the entire solar system, including molecular clouds, protostellar systems, prestellar nuclei, protoplanetary disks, comets, meteorites, active asteroids, planets, and moons.

Current research endeavors aim to link water pathways across these varied environments, aiming to unravel the origins and evolution of water in planetary system formation.

The deuterium-to-hydrogen (D/H) ratio in water acts as a potent chemical tracer, informing where the water was formed, the physical conditions during its creation, and its subsequent treatment.

“Recent observations from the Atacama Large Millimeter/Submillimeter Array (ALMA) indicate that the conditions that led to the formation of our Solar System differ significantly from those that shaped planetary systems in other regions of the Galaxy,” explained Dr. Luis E. Salazar Manzano, a student at the University of Michigan.

“Most instruments can’t survey the sun, but radio telescopes like ALMA can,” Dr. Teresa Paneque Carreño from the University of Michigan added. “We successfully observed the comet just as it passed behind the Sun, shortly after its perihelion.”

“This provides us with constraints on these molecules that other instruments cannot match.”

ALMA’s measurements of the D/H ratio in water from 3I/ATLAS indicate values over 30 times higher than those observed in comets formed within our solar system, and more than 40 times the levels found in Earth’s oceans.

“We’ve established that the gas cloud that birthed the star associated with 3I/ATLAS and the other planets in its system originated under distinct, frigid conditions, contrasting sharply with the environment that formed our solar system and local comets,” Salazar Manzano revealed.

This finding offers a unique fundamental insight, unlike other more complex molecular studies in interstellar comets, as the deuterium-to-hydrogen proportions were determined during the Big Bang.

“The chemical processes leading to deuterium water enrichment are highly temperature-sensitive, typically requiring environments below about 30 K (equivalent to -243 degrees Celsius or -406 degrees Fahrenheit),” Salazar Manzano stated.

The D/H ratio of water in this comet was enriched compared to the Big Bang baseline while it formed and was preserved during its interstellar journey.

This interstellar comet likely formed under very specific radiation conditions in a far colder environment than the history of our solar system before being ejected into interstellar space.

“Each interstellar comet carries fragments of its history and ‘fossils’ from diverse locations,” expressed Dr. Paneque Carreño.

“While the exact formation site remains elusive, instruments like ALMA enable us to begin comprehending the conditions there and drawing comparisons to our solar system.”

The research team’s results were published on April 23rd in the journal Nature Astronomy.

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LE Salazar Manzano et al. 3I/ATLAS water D/H as a probe of another planetary system’s formation status. Nat Astron published online on April 23, 2026. doi: 10.1038/s41550-026-02850-5

Source: www.sci.news

AI Discovers Flaws in Groundbreaking Physics Paper for the First Time

Posted on March 26, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Machines Help Discover Mathematical Errors

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Machines can help spot mathematical errors — Machines Help Discover Mathematical Errors

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A revolutionary computer language has discovered a significant error in a widely cited physics paper for the first time. Researchers highlighted the groundbreaking analysis, raising concerns about the prevalence of errors in academic literature. “How many more publications contain mistakes?” they pondered.

Advanced software is increasingly utilized to help mathematicians validate proofs for accuracy and logical consistency through a method known as formalization. This technique has been suggested as a potential solution to longstanding mathematical conundrums, including Shinichi Mochizuki’s extensive proof of the ABC conjecture.

Recently, Joseph Tooby-Smith from the University of Bath aimed a formalization language called Lean at the realm of physics. In his analysis of a 2006 study on the stability of the two Higgs doublet model (2HDM), which has been extensively referenced, he uncovered an error discrediting the theorem.

Formalizing theorems can act as foundational elements for crafting more intricate mathematical proofs. Tooby-Smith noted that his project was intended to be a simple addition to a comprehensive initiative known as PhysLib, inspired by the established MathsLib database. “We’re not setting out to disprove theories; we aim to create results that everyone can utilize,” he explained.

This error pertained to a claim made by the original author suggesting that a specific condition C would reliably resolve the problem. Yet, Tooby-Smith demonstrated that an alternative condition C fails to yield a stable solution.

While Tooby-Smith acknowledged the serious implications of the discovered error for the paper’s credibility, he indicated it’s improbable that it would significantly impact subsequent studies that referenced it. Nonetheless, he expressed concern over potential similar errors in numerous physics papers, emphasizing the need for formalization to become standard practice in research presentations.

According to Tooby-Smith, physicists often provide less detailed explanations of their theories than mathematicians, which can lead to overlooked errors. “Many physicists are less focused on the fine details; thus, mistakes are more likely to slip through,” he remarked.

Kevin Buzzard, a professor at Imperial College London, affirmed the transformative power of formalization in mathematics and encouraged similar treatment in theoretical physics. “We experimented with this style of mathematics, and it yielded fascinating results,” he stated.

The real advantage of formalization lies in the vast collection of previously formalized theorems, enabling mathematicians to efficiently build upon them and train AI models for quicker theorem formalization. However, gathering the extensive sample data needed for physics might be a considerable challenge.

“Ideally, we would amass a million lines of physics data, but achieving this could be labor-intensive. Initially, the machines may struggle, requiring human intervention, but eventually, automation will prevail,” Buzzard emphasized.

The author of the original physics paper has not yet responded to requests for comments from New Scientist. However, Tooby-Smith reported that he notified them of his findings, received their acknowledgment, and was told that an erratum would be forthcoming.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Webb Telescope Discovers Progenitor Star of NGC 1637 Supernova

Posted on February 24, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Astronomers utilizing the NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope have made a groundbreaking discovery: they have identified a nearby supernova, specifically a red supergiant star, that was obscured by a thick layer of dust and remained invisible to prior observatories.

This striking image combines observations from both the James Webb Space Telescope and Hubble, focusing on spiral galaxy NGC 1637. It captures the evolutionary stages of the red supergiant star and reveals its transformation following the supernova event SN 2025pht. Image credit: NASA/ESA/CSA/STScI/C. Kilpatrick, Northwestern/A. Suresh, Northwestern/J. DePasquale, STScI.

The supernova event, designated SN 2025pht, was first identified in NGC 1637 on June 29, 2025.

In response, astronomers dedicated substantial resources to investigating this supernova.

However, Northwestern University’s astronomer Charlie Kilpatrick and his team chose to explore archival data, analyzing pre-supernova images to determine which star exploded.

A 2024 image of NGC 1637 captured with Webb’s MIRI (Mid-Infrared Instrument) and NIRCam (Near-Infrared Camera) highlights a distinct red supergiant star positioned precisely where SN 2025pht is currently visible.

“We anticipated this moment, hoping for a supernova to occur in a galaxy that Webb was already monitoring,” stated Dr. Kilpatrick.

“By integrating the Hubble and Webb datasets, we unveiled the star’s complete characteristics for the first time.”

“This red supergiant represents the dustiest star we have ever observed transitioning into a supernova,” noted Aswin Suresh, a graduate student at Northwestern University.

This dust anomaly may help solve a persistent mystery in astronomy: the absence of certain red supergiant stars.

Astronomers expect that the most massive stars should explode as the brightest supernovae, making their identification in pre-explosion images straightforward. However, this has not been the case.

One possible explanation is that these massive, aging stars are often heavily surrounded by dust, rendering their light invisible.

Observations from Webb regarding SN 2025pht seem to support this hypothesis.

“I have advocated for this interpretation, but I didn’t expect the outcome to be as pronounced as in the case of SN 2025pht,” commented Dr. Kilpatrick.

“This might clarify the absence of these heavier supergiant stars, as they tend to be engulfed in more dust.”

The team also discovered that the dust enveloping the star is likely rich in carbon—an unexpected finding, as silicate-rich dust is typically anticipated in these environments.

They speculate that this carbon may have been released from the star’s core shortly before the explosion.

“Mid-infrared observations were crucial in identifying the specific type of dust present,” Suresh added.

For more in-depth details on this discovery, view the team’s research paper published in October 2025 in the Astrophysics Journal Letter.

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Charles D. Kilpatrick et al. 2025. Type II SN 2025pht of NGC 1637: Detection of a red supergiant star with carbon-rich circumstellar dust, marking the first acknowledgment of a supernova progenitor star via JWST. APJL 992, L10; doi: 10.3847/2041-8213/ae04de

Source: www.sci.news

Webb Discovers Surprising Hydrocarbon Abundance in Mysterious Core of Nearby Luminous Galaxy

Posted on February 8, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Astronomers utilizing the NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope have identified an extraordinary presence of small gas-phase hydrocarbons—such as benzene, triacetylene, diacetylene, acetylene, methane, and methyl radicals—within the concealed core of the ultra-bright infrared galaxy IRAS 07251-0248.

Hydrocarbons are influential in shaping the chemistry of the interstellar medium. However, definite observational constraints on their enrichment and relationship with carbonaceous particles and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons remain elusive. García Bernete et al. report Webb infrared observations of the Local Ultraluminous Infrared Galaxy (ULIRG) IRAS 07251-0248, revealing extragalactic detections of small gas-phase hydrocarbons. Image credit: García-Bernete et al., doi: 10.1038/s41550-025-02750-0.

The core of IRAS 07251-0248 (also known as 2MASS J07273756-0254540) is obscured by significant amounts of gas and dust.

This dense material absorbs most radiation emitted by the central supermassive black hole, complicating studies with traditional telescopes.

However, the infrared spectrum can penetrate this dust, providing unique insights about these regions and illuminating vital chemical processes in this heavily obscured core.

Dr. Ismael García Bernete and his team employed spectroscopic observations using Webb’s NIRSpec and MIRI instruments, covering wavelengths from 3 to 28 microns.

These observations reveal chemical signatures of gas-phase molecules alongside signatures from ice and dust particles.

These data empowered astronomers to characterize the abundance and temperature of various chemical species within the core of this concealed galaxy.

Remarkably, they discovered an exceptionally high abundance of small organic molecules such as benzene, methane, acetylene, diacetylene, and triacetylene—the first such detections outside our Milky Way, including the methyl radical.

Additionally, substantial amounts of solid molecular materials, including carbonaceous particles and water ice, were identified.

“We uncovered unexpected chemical complexity, showcasing abundances far exceeding current theoretical models,” stated Dr. García Bernete, an astronomer at the Astrobiology Center.

“This suggests a continuous source of carbon within these galactic nuclei, fueling this rich chemical network.”

“These molecules may serve as vital building blocks for complex organic chemistry, relevant to processes that pertain to life.”

Professor Dimitra Rigopoulou from the University of Oxford remarked, “Small organic molecules may not exist in living cells, yet they could play a pivotal role in prebiotic chemistry—a crucial step toward forming amino acids and nucleotides.”

These findings were published in a recent issue of Nature Astronomy.

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I. Garcia-Bernete et al. Abundant hydrocarbons within buried galactic nuclei with evidence of processing of carbonaceous particles and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Nat Astron, published online on February 8, 2026. doi: 10.1038/s41550-025-02750-0

Source: www.sci.news

Event Horizon Telescope Discovers Potential Origin of Messier 87 Black Hole’s Jet

Posted on February 3, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Astronomers utilizing the groundbreaking Event Horizon Telescope—a global network of eight advanced radio telescopes—have pinpointed the likely origin of a massive space jet emanating from the core of Messier 87.

This Webb/NIRCam image showcases the extraordinary space jet of Messier 87. Image credits: Jan Röder, Maciek Wielgus, Joseph B. Jensen, Gagandeep S. Anand, R. Brent Tully.

Messier 87, a colossal elliptical galaxy situated approximately 53 million light-years away in the Virgo constellation, is of great scientific interest.

Also known as M87, Virgo A, and NGC 4486, this galaxy hosts a supermassive black hole, approximately 6 billion times the mass of our Sun.

This supermassive black hole generates a striking, narrow jet of particles that extends roughly 3,000 light-years into the cosmos.

To investigate such distant regions, astronomers are combining radio telescopes from around the world to create a virtual Earth-sized observatory known as the Event Horizon Telescope (EHT).

Using EHT observations of M87 conducted in 2021, researchers assessed the brightness of radio emissions at various spatial scales.

They discovered that the luminous ring surrounding the black hole does not account for all radio emissions, identifying an additional compact source approximately 0.09 light-years from the black hole that aligns with the predicted location of the jet’s base.

“By pinpointing where the jet originates and how it connects to the black hole’s shadow, we are adding significant insights into this cosmic puzzle,” stated Saurabh, a student at the Max Planck Institute for Radio Astronomy and a member of the EHT Collaboration.

“The newly collected data is currently undergoing analysis with contributions from international partners and will soon incorporate additional telescopes, improving our understanding of this area,” remarked Dr. Sebastiano von Fehrenberg, an astronomer at the Canadian Institute for Theoretical Astrophysics.

“This will provide us with a much clearer view of the jet’s launch region.”

“We’re transitioning from merely calculating the positions of these structures to aiming for direct imaging,” he added.

“The jet is postulated to be launched using the rotational energy of the black hole through electromagnetic processes, presenting a unique laboratory where general relativity and quantum electrodynamics intersect,” explained Professor Bert Lipperda, also from the Canadian Institute for Theoretical Astrophysics.

“Studying how jets are launched in proximity to a black hole’s event horizon is a crucial advancement in our comprehension of these cosmic titans.”

“The observational data will empower scientists to test theories regarding the interplay between gravity and magnetism in the universe’s most extreme environments, bringing us closer to understanding the ‘engines’ that shape entire galaxies.”

Find more details in the result published in the Journal on January 28, 2026, in Astronomy and Astrophysics.

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Saurabh et al. 2026. Investigation of the jet-based ejection from M87* with 2021 Event Horizon Telescope observations. A&A 706, A27; doi: 10.1051/0004-6361/202557022

Source: www.sci.news

Hubble Space Telescope Discovers Stunning Lenticular Galaxy NGC 7722

Posted on February 3, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Astronomers utilizing the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope have captured stunning new images of the lenticular galaxy NGC 7722.

This captivating Hubble image showcases NGC 7722, a lenticular galaxy located approximately 187 million light-years from Earth in the constellation Pegasus. Image credits: NASA / ESA / Hubble / RJ Foley, UC Santa Cruz / Dark Energy Survey / DOE / FNAL / DECam / CTIO / NOIRLab / NSF / AURA / Mehmet Yüksek.

NGC 7722, also known by its alternate names IRAS 23361+1540, LEDA 71993, and UGC 12718, was first discovered on August 12, 1864, by German astronomer Heinrich Louis d’Arest.

This intriguing lenticular galaxy is part of the NGC 7711 group, which comprises seven prominent galaxies.

“Lenticular galaxies represent a unique classification that exists between the well-known spiral and elliptical galaxies,” Hubble astronomers stated.

“These galaxies are less common as their ambiguous morphology makes it challenging to classify them definitively as spiral, elliptical, or a hybrid of both.”

“Many known lenticular galaxies, including NGC 7722, exhibit features of both spiral and elliptical types.”

“Although NGC 7722 lacks the prominent arms characteristic of spiral galaxies, it showcases a magnificent glowing halo and a bright central bulge reminiscent of elliptical galaxies,” the researchers explained.

“Unlike elliptical galaxies, NGC 7722 possesses a visible disk featuring concentric rings swirling around a luminous core.”

“One of its most remarkable attributes is the long lanes of dark red dust that elegantly curl around the outer disk and halo.”

Recent images of NGC 7722 taken with Hubble’s Wide Field Camera 3 (WFC3) bring the galaxy’s striking dust lanes into sharp focus.

“Dust bands are common among lenticular galaxies and create a stunning contrast against the smooth, luminous halo typically surrounding such galaxies,” the astronomers added.

“The distinctive dust lane of NGC 7722, like many other lenticular galaxies, is believed to result from a past merger with another galaxy.”

“While the exact formation processes of lenticular galaxies remain elusive, mergers and gravitational interactions are thought to play a critical role in altering their shapes and influencing their gaseous and dusty content.”

Source: www.sci.news

TESS Discovers Interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS: A Breakthrough in Astronomy

Posted on January 30, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Earlier this month, NASA’s TESS space telescope successfully captured the faint glow and tail of an interstellar comet, further enriching its archive with observations that may provide critical insights into this unique celestial visitor from beyond our solar system.

This 3I/ATLAS image was captured by NASA’s TESS satellite on January 15, 2026. Image credit: NASA/Daniel Muthukrishna, MIT.

The interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS was discovered on July 1, 2025, by the NASA-funded ATLAS survey telescope in Rio Hurtado, Chile.

Known as C/2025 N1 (ATLAS) and A11pl3Z, this comet originated from the Sagittarius constellation.

3I/ATLAS holds the record for the most dynamically extreme orbit of any object tracked in our solar system.

It reached its closest approach to the Sun, or perihelion, on October 30, 2025.

The comet passed within 1.4 astronomical units (approximately 210 million km) of our Sun, just crossing Mars’ orbit.

After its brief obscuration behind the Sun, it reemerged near the triple star system Zania, located in the Virgo constellation.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GoaRKhbAUms" title="Video about 3I/ATLAS Comet Observation

According to MIT astronomer Daniel Muthukrishna and his team, “The TESS spacecraft systematically scans vast areas of the sky for about a month, looking for variations in light from distant stars to identify orbiting exoplanets and new worlds beyond our solar system.”

“Additionally, this technology enables TESS to detect and monitor remote comets and asteroids,” they added.

Notably, 3I/ATLAS had been observed prior to its official discovery in May 2025. For more details, you can read the findings.

From January 15 to 22, 2026, TESS re-observed the interstellar comet during a dedicated observation period.

The comet’s brightness measured approximately 11.5 times the apparent magnitude, making it about 100 times dimmer than what the human eye can perceive.

All TESS observation data is publicly accessible at the Space Telescope Mikulski Archive.

By revisiting the TESS data, astronomers successfully identified this faint comet by stacking multiple observations to track its motion, showcasing the extraordinary capabilities of the TESS mission.

Source: www.sci.news

ALMA Discovers Superheated Gas in Distant Galaxy Protocluster

Posted on January 9, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Revolutionary findings from the Atacama Large Millimeter/Submillimeter Array (ALMA) have uncovered scorching intracluster gas in the young galaxy cluster SPT2349-56, just 1.4 billion years post-Big Bang. This groundbreaking discovery challenges existing models of galaxy cluster evolution.

Artist’s impression of the forming galaxy cluster SPT2349-56, showcasing radio jets from active galaxies within a hot intracluster atmosphere. Image credit: Lingxiao Yuan.

The SPT2349-56 galaxy cluster is located approximately 12.4 billion light-years away, providing a glimpse into the universe when it was only 1.4 billion years old, or about ten percent of its current age.

This compact protocluster hosts multiple actively growing supermassive black holes and over 30 starburst galaxies.

These starburst galaxies are forming stars at a staggering rate—1,000 times faster than the Milky Way—and are densely packed within a space only three times larger than the Milky Way itself.

“We were not prepared to discover such a hot stellar atmosphere at this early stage in the universe’s history,” remarked Dazhi Zhou, a Ph.D. candidate at the University of British Columbia.

Astronomers utilized a unique observation methodology known as thermal observation, particularly employing the Sunyaev Zeldovich (tSZ) Effect.

This approach identifies faint shadows cast by hot electrons in galaxy clusters against the faint cosmic microwave background, rather than the light emitted directly by the gas.

Previously, astronomers believed that galaxy clusters lacked the maturity required for their gas to heat up and evolve during the early cosmic era.

The discovery of hot cluster atmospheres had never been recorded within the initial 3 billion years following the Big Bang.

“SPT2349-56 reshapes our understanding,” stated Professor Scott Chapman, a researcher at Dalhousie University and the University of British Columbia.

“Our findings indicate that the cluster’s atmosphere is superheating remarkably early—just 1.4 billion years after the Big Bang—during a period when we anticipated the gas to be cooler and accumulating slowly.”

“This raises the possibility that the formation of large clusters could heat their gas much more efficiently and intensely than our current models suggest.”

The intense explosion from SPT2349-56’s supermassive black hole, identified as a bright radio galaxy, may be an efficient mechanism for superheating the surrounding gas, according to the study.

This discovery implies that energetic phenomena, such as outbursts from supermassive black holes or violent starbursts, might have played significant roles in rapidly heating the gas in early galaxy clusters within the first billion years of the universe.

This superheating may be crucial for transforming these young, cold galaxy clusters into the vast, hot galaxy clusters observed today.

Current models may require reassessment regarding our understanding of how galaxies and their environments evolve.

This finding marks the earliest direct detection of hot cluster gases, pushing the boundaries of astronomical research into these environments.

The identification of a significant reservoir of hot plasma at such an early cosmic epoch forces scientists to reconsider the sequence and pace of galaxy cluster evolution.

It also generates new inquiries about the interplay between supermassive black holes and galaxy formation in shaping the universe.

“SPT2349-56 serves as an intriguing laboratory,” Zhou commented.

“We are witnessing intense star formation, energetic supermassive black holes, and this superheated atmosphere all confined within young, dense star clusters.”

“There remains a considerable observational gap between this chaotic initial phase and the more tranquil clusters observed later in cosmic history.”

“Mapping the evolution of the universe’s atmosphere over time will be a compelling avenue for future exploration.”

For further reading, see the published results in the journal Nature dated January 5, 2026.

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Zhou D. et al. Detection of hot intracluster gas at redshift 4.3 via Sunyaev Zeldovich. Nature, published online January 5, 2026. doi: 10.1038/s41586-025-09901-3

Source: www.sci.news

NASA’s Parker Solar Probe Discovers 3I/ATLAS Comet: Key Findings and Insights

Posted on December 23, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Scientists utilized the WISPR (Wide Field Imager for Solar Exploration) instrument on NASA’s Parker Solar Probe to capture stunning images of the interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS between October 18 and November 5, 2025.

WISPR captures the interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS. Image credit: NRL / NASA / JHUAPL / Guillermo Stenborg, JHUAPL.

Discovered on July 1, 2025, by the NASA-funded ATLAS survey telescope in Rio Hurtado, Chile, 3I/ATLAS, also known as C/2025 N1 (ATLAS) and A11pl3Z, originated from the constellation Sagittarius.

This remarkable interstellar comet approached Mars on October 3 at a distance of just 0.194 AU and reached its perihelion, the closest point to the Sun, on October 30.

On December 19, 3I/ATLAS made its nearest pass to Earth, coming within 270 million kilometers (168 million miles) of our planet.

The spectacular images of 3I/ATLAS were obtained by the WISPR instrument aboard NASA’s Parker Solar Probe during a critical observation window from October 18 to November 5.

“The Parker Solar Probe captured around 10 images of the comet daily,” stated WISPR team members.

“During this observation period, the spacecraft accelerated away from the Sun following its 25th solar flyby on September 15.”

“These initial images are currently undergoing calibration and processing, revealing the comet’s movement behind the Sun from Parker’s vantage point.”

“At that time, the comet was located about 209 million kilometers (130 million miles) from the Sun, just beyond Mars’ orbit.”

“These images offer a rare opportunity to study the comet when it was too close to the Sun for ground-based observations.”

The WISPR team is diligently working to finalize the data by eliminating stray light and adjusting for varying exposure times between images, enhancing the comet’s visibility.

“The final images will significantly advance our understanding of this intriguing interstellar visitor,” researchers concluded.

Source: www.sci.news

New Research Discovers Titan Lacks an Underground Ocean

Posted on December 18, 2025 by

Data from NASA’s Cassini mission to Saturn initially suggested that Titan could possess a vast subterranean ocean of liquid water. However, when University of Washington scientist Baptiste Journeau and his team created models of a moon with an ocean, the findings did not align with the physical characteristics indicated by the data. What we likely observe instead resembles Arctic sea ice and aquifers, rather than an expansive ocean akin to those on Earth.

This composite image presents an infrared view of Titan. In this depiction, blue signifies wavelengths centered at 1.3 microns, green at 2.0 microns, and red at 5.0 microns. While visible wavelengths only reveal Titan’s hazy atmosphere, the near-infrared wavelengths enable Cassini’s vision to penetrate the haze, showcasing the moon’s surface. This perspective primarily focuses on the terrain in Titan’s hemisphere facing Saturn. Image credit: NASA / JPL-Caltech / Space Science Institute.

The Cassini mission, which commenced in 1997 and spanned nearly 20 years, yielded extensive data about Saturn and its 274 moons.

Titan is the only celestial body outside Earth known to feature liquid on its surface.

Temperatures on Titan hover around -183 degrees Celsius (-297 degrees Fahrenheit). Rather than water, liquid methane forms lakes and precipitates as rain.

As Titan orbits Saturn in an elliptical pattern, scientists noted the moon stretching or contracting based on its position relative to Saturn.

In 2008, they hypothesized that Titan must harbor a massive ocean beneath its crust to explain such notable deformation.

“The extent of deformation is influenced by Titan’s internal structure,” Journeau explains.

“When Saturn’s gravity acts on a deep ocean, it can bend the crust even more; however, if Titan is entirely frozen, the deformation would be less pronounced.”

“The deformations detected during the initial analysis of Cassini mission data might align with a global ocean scenario, but we now understand that there is more complexity involved.”

Schematic representation of Titan’s internal structure as revealed by Petricca et al.. Image credit: Petricca et al., doi: 10.1038/s41586-025-09818-x.

In this new study, Dr. Journeau and his co-authors introduce an additional layer of detail: timing.

Titan’s shape alteration lags Saturn’s peak gravitational influence by approximately 15 hours.

Similar to stirring honey with a spoon, manipulating a thick and viscous substance demands more energy compared to liquid water.

By measuring this delay, scientists were able to ascertain how much energy was required to alter Titan’s shape, facilitating inferences about its internal viscosity.

The energy loss, or dissipation, observed on Titan greatly exceeded what researchers anticipated in a global ocean framework.

“No one expected such significant energy dissipation to take place within Titan,” stated Dr. Flavio Petricca, a postdoctoral fellow at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory.

“This provided definitive evidence that Titan’s interior differs from our previous analyses.”

Consequently, the scientists proposed a model characterized by a greater presence of slush and significantly reduced quantities of liquid water.

This slush is sufficiently thick to explain the delay, yet still contains water, enabling Titan to deform under gravitational forces.

“Titan’s water layer is so dense and the pressure so great that it alters the physics of the water,” Journeau remarks.

“Water and ice behave differently compared to seawater on Earth.”

This study is published in today’s issue of Nature.

_____

F. Petricca et al. 2025. The dissipation of Titan’s powerful tidal forces prevents the formation of underground oceans. Nature 648, 556-561; doi: 10.1038/s41586-025-09818-x

Source: www.sci.news

In 2025, Humanity Discovers New Colors for the First Time

Posted on December 17, 2025 by

We perceive color using input from cone cells in the retina.

Shutterstock/Kytriel

SEI 272896748 — We perceive color using input from cone cells in the retina.

Shutterstock/Kytriel

In April, researchers announced that they developed a device that allows people to see vibrant green and blue colors previously unseen by humans. Following this revelation, numerous requests poured in from the public eager to experience these colors firsthand.

This device could potentially enable individuals with certain types of color blindness to experience typical vision, while also giving those with normal vision an opportunity to perceive a broader spectrum of colors. “Our aim is to enhance the color experience,” states Austin Rolda from the University of Waterloo in Canada.

The retina at the rear of most individuals’ eyes contains three types of cone cells identified as S, M, and L. Each of these cones detects different wavelength ranges of light, aiding the brain in forming color perceptions based on signals received from them.

The M cone cells’ sensitivity range overlaps with the other two types, meaning they typically receive combined signals from multiple cone types.

Roorda and his team employed a highly accurate laser to selectively target about 300 M cones in a small area of the retina, roughly the size of a fingernail when held at arm’s length.

When five team members tested the device, they encountered a vivid blue-green hue that exceeded anything they had seen so far, which they named “olo.” This discovery was validated through a color matching experiment that compared olo to the complete visible light spectrum.

“It was truly an incredible experience,” remarks Roorda, who has witnessed olo more frequently than anyone else due to his essential role in developing the system. “The most vibrant natural light appeared dull in comparison.”

After their findings attracted media attention, the team received numerous inquiries from various individuals, including artists, interested in seeing olo. However, Roorda explained that they were unable to fulfill these requests, as setting up the device for a new person requires several days.

Instead, they are concentrating on two ongoing experiments. The first experiment aims to determine whether the device can temporarily enable individuals with color blindness to experience typical vision. Certain color blindness types arise from having only two cone types rather than the typical three. “We manipulate the signaling from specific cones within a type to simulate the existence of a third cone type,” Roorda explains. The objective is for people’s brains to interpret these signals as colors they have never experienced before.

The researchers are also exploring whether a similar technique could allow individuals with three cone types to perceive the world as if they had four cone types, potentially expanding their color perception. Results from both studies are anticipated to be available next year, Roorda indicated.

Topic:

Neuroscience /
2025 News Review

Source: www.newscientist.com

Webb Discovers Unique Helium and Carbon-Rich Atmosphere on Exoplanet Orbiting Pulsar

Posted on December 17, 2025 by

PSR J2322-2650b, an enigmatic Jupiter-mass exoplanet orbiting the millisecond pulsar PSR J2322-2650, exhibits an unusual atmosphere primarily composed of helium and carbon, presenting a new phenomenon never observed before.

Artist’s concept of PSR J2322-2650b. Image credit: NASA/ESA/CSA/Ralf Crawford, STScI.

“This discovery was completely unexpected,” stated Dr. Peter Gao, an astronomer at the Carnegie Earth and Planetary Institute.

“After analyzing the data, our immediate reaction was, ‘What on Earth is this?’ It contradicted all our expectations.”

“This system is fascinating because we can see the planet lit by its star, yet the star itself is invisible,” explained Dr. Maya Bereznay, a candidate at Stanford University.

“This allows us to capture exceptionally clear spectra, enabling us to study the system in a much more detailed way than we typically do with other exoplanets.”

“This planet orbits a truly unique star—it’s as massive as the sun but as compact as a city,” remarked Dr. Michael Chan from the University of Chicago.

“This represents a new kind of planetary atmosphere never before observed. Instead of the typical molecules like water, methane, and carbon dioxide, we detected carbon molecules, particularly C.₃ and C₂.”

Molecular carbon is exceedingly rare; at temperatures exceeding 2,000 degrees Celsius, carbon typically bonds with other atoms in the atmosphere.

Out of around 150 planets studied both within and beyond our solar system, none have showcased detectable molecular carbon.

“Did this form as a typical planet? Certainly not, due to its starkly different composition,” Dr. Zhang stated.

“Could it have been created by stripping the outer layers of a star, like what happens in a conventional black widow system? Likely not, as nuclear processes do not yield pure carbon.”

“Envisioning how this drastically carbon-rich composition came to be is quite challenging. All known formation theories seem to be excluded.”

The authors suggest an intriguing phenomenon that might occur in such a unique atmosphere.

“As the companion star cools, the carbon and oxygen mixture within begins to crystallize,” explained Roger Romani, an astronomer at Stanford University and the Kavli Institute for Particle Astrophysics and Cosmology.

“What we observed was pure carbon crystals rising to the surface and blending with the helium.”

“Yet, there must be a mechanism to prevent the oxygen and nitrogen from mixing in. This is where the mystery deepens.”

“However, it’s intriguing not to have all the answers. I’m eager to uncover more about the peculiarities of this atmosphere. Solving these enigmas will be remarkable.”

For more information, refer to the paper published in Astrophysics Journal Letter.

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michael chan et al. 2025. The carbon-rich atmosphere of a windy pulsar planet. APJL 995, L64; doi: 10.3847/2041-8213/ae157c

Source: www.sci.news

Webb Discovers the Most Ancient Supernova Explosion Ever Recorded

Posted on December 11, 2025 by

Astronomers utilizing the NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope have identified a supernova explosion linked to gamma-ray burst event GRB 250314A at a redshift of 7.3, occurring when the universe was merely 730 million years old. The previous record-holder for supernovae was observed when the universe reached 1.8 billion years. This discovery is detailed in two papers published in the journal Astronomy and Astrophysics.

Webb identified the origin of the blinding flashes known as gamma-ray bursts. This particular gamma-ray burst exploded when the universe was merely 730 million years old. Image credit: NASA / ESA / CSA / STScI / A. Levan, IMAPP / A. Pagan, STScI.

“Only Mr. Webb has directly demonstrated that this light is from a collapsing massive star,” stated Dr. Andrew Levan, an astronomer at Radboud University and the University of Warwick, and lead author of one of the papers.

“This observation suggests that we can utilize Webb to detect individual stars from a time when the universe was just 5% of its current age.”

Whereas gamma-ray bursts typically last from seconds to minutes, supernovae rapidly brighten over several weeks before slowly dimming.

In contrast, the supernova linked to GRB 250314A took months to brighten.

Because this explosion occurred so early in the universe’s history, its light continued to evolve as the universe expanded over billions of years.

As the light stretches, the duration for events to unfold also lengthens.

Webb’s observations were intentionally made three and a half months after the closure of the GRB 250314A event, as it was expected that the supernova would be at its brightest at this time.

“Webb provided the rapid and sensitive follow-up we so desperately needed,” remarked Dr. Benjamin Schneider, an astronomer at the Marseille Institute of Astrophysics.

Gamma-ray bursts are exceedingly rare. Bursts lasting only a few seconds may originate from the collision of two neutron stars or a neutron star and a black hole.

Longer bursts, like this one, which lasted around 10 seconds, are often linked to the explosions of massive stars.

On March 14, 2025, the SVOM mission—a joint Franco-Chinese telescope launched in 2024 designed to spot fleeting events—will detect gamma-ray bursts from extremely distant sources.

Within an hour and a half, NASA’s Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory had pinpointed the X-ray source in the sky, facilitating follow-up observations to measure the distance of the web.

Eleven hours later, Nordic optical telescopes revealed the afterglow of the infrared gamma-ray burst, indicating that gamma rays may correspond to very distant objects.

Four hours later, ESO’s Very Large Telescope estimated that the object existed 730 million years after the Big Bang.

“Only a handful of gamma-ray bursts have been identified in the first billion years of the universe and merely a few in the last 50 years,” Levan noted.

“This remarkable event is exceedingly rare and thrilling.”

As this is the oldest and most distant supernova ever identified, researchers compared it to nearby modern supernovae, finding surprising similarities.

Why? Little is still understood about the early billion years of the universe.

Early stars likely lacked heavy elements, were massive, and had brief lifespans.

They also existed during the reionization era, when intergalactic gas was almost opaque to high-energy light.

“Dr. Webb has demonstrated that this supernova resembles modern supernovae very closely,” stated Professor Nial Tanvir from the University of Leicester.

“Webb’s findings indicate that this distant galaxy is akin to other galaxies of the same epoch,” commented Dr. Emeric Le Floch, an astronomer at CEA Paris-Saclay.

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AJ Levan et al. 2025. JWST reveals a supernova following a gamma-ray burst at z ≃ 7.3. A&A 704, L8; doi: 10.1051/0004-6361/202556581

B. Cordier et al. 2025. SVOM GRB 250314A at z ≃ 7.3: Exploding star in the reionization era. A&A 704, L7; doi: 10.1051/0004-6361/202556580

Source: www.sci.news

The Three-Legged Lion Discovers an Unconventional Hunting Technique

Posted on November 6, 2025 by

Jacob was fitted with a tracking collar and lost his left hind leg in a poacher’s trap.

alex burakowski

A lion that suffered the loss of a leg due to a poacher’s trap has developed a remarkable new hunting technique, surprising conservation experts.

Last year, Jacob, an 11-year-old lion residing in Uganda’s Queen Elizabeth National Park, was observed swimming 1.5km (approximately 1 mile) through a river teeming with crocodiles, making this the longest recorded swim of its kind.

Typically, injured carnivores adapt by scavenging, stealing livestock, or, if fortunate, receiving assistance from their pride. However, Jacob, who has also lost an eye after an encounter with a buffalo, has only his younger brother Tib for support.

Many researchers believed he would eventually perish after losing his left hind leg in 2020. “However, he has demonstrated incredible resilience,” notes alexander braczkowski from the Cambra Lion Monitoring Project, supported by the Volcano Safari Partnership Trust, a Ugandan NGO dedicated to conservation and community progress.

Even Braczkowski, who has been observing Jacob since 2017, was astonished by his survival. Yet, the mystery has now been unraveled through thermal drone footage, revealing that this lion has begun to mimic the behavior of a leopard.

Unable to overpower his prey as a typical lion would, Jacob now ambushes them at short distances within dense foliage, employing stealth and agility.

According to Braczkowski, Jacob also hunts species typically avoided by other lions. The nocturnal footage has shown him hunting and successfully taking down 200kg wild pigs, either solo or in cooperation with his siblings.

“Jacob’s inability to sprint limits his ability to chase down prey,” Braczkowski noted. “It’s apparent that he has shifted his diet towards specific types of pigs. This adaptation further supports his leopard-like tactics and risk-taking behavior, but it’s essential for his survival, and it’s evidently working.”

Loss of limbs from traps is a “common” issue for big cats, according to Andrew Loveridge of Panthera, a non-profit organization focused on global wild cat conservation.

Jacob and his brother Tib wearing tracking collars

alex burakowski

Adaptation is also essential, he emphasized. Craig Packer from the University of Minnesota has studied lion behavior for decades, noting, “We’ve observed similar adaptive behavior in other lion populations, all of which had the advantage of four healthy limbs.”

However, as Braczkowski observes, the lions in Queen Elizabeth Park typically target large, agile prey like antelopes and buffalo.

“Sometimes, lions exhibit leopard-like behavior, such as climbing trees,” he remarks, referencing George Schaller and his groundbreaking fieldwork on Serengeti lions in the 1960s, which provided valuable insights into predator-prey dynamics.

Even the tree-climbing lions maintain distinct hunting modalities, Schaller adds, highlighting that lions referred to as tripods (those missing limbs) usually rely on their pride for survival.

Braczkowski has tracked Jacob during his swims across the Kazinga Strait multiple times over the past two years, noting an average daily distance of 1.73 kilometers, which, while less than a healthy lion, marks a significant achievement for an injured animal, potentially driven by an insufficiency of suitable prey or the quest for a mate.

Jacob’s novel hunting strategy could become a replicable behavior that might help combat declines in lion populations facing habitat loss, climate change, and human encroachment. Consequently, Jacob holds significant “symbolic and genetic” importance, according to Braczkowski.

Schaller remarked that Jacob represents a beacon of resilience: “He’s akin to a fighter jet in the natural world.”

Conservation and rewilding of the Central Apennines: Italy

Explore Italy’s Central Apennine region for an intriguing overview of the principles and practicalities of rewilding.

Topic:

Source: www.newscientist.com

ALMA Discovers Heavy Water in Planet-Forming Disk Surrounding Distant Protostar

Posted on October 18, 2025 by

An astronomer utilizing the Atacama Large Millimeter/Submillimeter Array (ALMA) has discovered double deuterated water (D₂O), commonly known as “heavy water,” in the protoplanetary disk surrounding the protostar V883 Orionis, situated 1,300 light-years away in the Orion constellation. This finding indicates that some of the water found in comets—and even on Earth—might predate the stars themselves, offering transformative insights into the history of water in our solar system.

This artist’s impression illustrates the evolution of heavy water molecules, previously detected in giant molecular clouds, planet-forming disks, and comets, before ultimately reaching Earth. Image credit: NSF / AUI / NRAO of NSF / P. Vosteen / B. Saxton.

Investigating the primordial material from the protoplanetary disk that gave rise to our solar system suggests that water may have been transported to Earth via comet or asteroid impacts.

However, it remains uncertain whether the water ice present on these celestial objects formed primarily during the protoplanetary disk phase or if it is considerably older, originating from parent molecular clouds.

“This detection clearly demonstrates that the water found in the planet-forming disk around V883 Orionis predates the central star and must have formed during the early phases of star and planet formation,” stated Dr. Margot Rehmker, an astronomer at the University of Milan.

“This marks a significant leap in our understanding of the journey of water throughout planet formation and how this water potentially reached the solar system, including Earth, through similar mechanisms.”

The chemical fingerprinting of heavy water indicates that these molecules have withstood the turbulent processes of star and planet formation, traversing billions of kilometers through the cosmos and ending up in planetary systems like ours.

Rather than being completely destroyed and reformed within the disk, a significant portion of this water is inherited from the earliest, most frigid stages of star formation, serving as a cosmic remnant that may still exist on Earth today.

“Until now, it was uncertain whether most of the water in comets and planets was newly formed in young disks such as Orionis V883 or whether it was ‘pure’ from ancient interstellar clouds,” remarked Dr. John Tobin, an astronomer at the NSF National Radio Astronomy Observatory.

“The detection of heavy water using sensitive isotopic isomer ratios (D₂oh₂O) validates that this water is an ancient relic, forming a crucial link between clouds, disks, comets, and planets.”

“This finding is the first direct evidence that water can traverse through stars unaltered and intact, moving from clouds to the materials that constitute planetary systems.”

The team’s paper is published in this week’s edition of Nature Astronomy.

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M. Riemker et al. Primitive ice within a planet-forming disk identified by heavy water. Nat Astron published online October 15, 2025. doi: 10.1038/s41550-025-02663-y

Source: www.sci.news

Barrister Discovers AI Assistance in Hearing Preparation After Referencing ‘Hypothetical’ Case

Posted on October 16, 2025 by

A judge discovered that an immigration barrister had utilized AI for his court proceedings by referencing “completely fabricated” or “entirely irrelevant” cases.

Chaudhry Rahman was reported to have employed tools like ChatGPT in preparing for legal inquiries, as presented in court. It was revealed that Rahman not only relied on AI for his preparations but also “failed to perform necessary accuracy checks” on his work.

Superior Court Judge Mark Blundell stated that Rahman attempted to obscure his use of AI, effectively “wasting” the court’s time. Blundell indicated he might report Rahman to the Bar Standards Board. The Guardian has reached out to Rahman’s firm for a response.

This situation emerged during the case involving two Honduran sisters seeking asylum due to threats from criminal groups in their homeland. Rahman represented the sisters, aged 29 and 35, and the matter progressed to Superior Court.

Mr. Blundell dismissed Mr. Rahman’s claims, asserting: “Nothing articulated by Mr. Rahman, either verbally or in writing, indicates any legal error by the judge, and the appeal should be rejected.”

In an exceptional statement, Blundell later noted there were “significant issues” with the appeal’s grounds as presented to him.

He remarked that Rahman’s documentation referenced 12 authorities, but upon reviewing the evidence, he discovered that “some of these authorities did not exist, while others did not substantiate the legal claims made in the evidence.”

In his ruling, he enumerated 10 such instances and clarified “what Mr. Rahman claimed regarding those incidents, whether real or hypothetical.”

Mr. Blundell remarked: “Mr. Rahman appeared to lack any knowledge of the authorities cited in the appeal, which were purportedly resolved in July of this year. It was evident he did not intend to accept my views on any of the judgments submitted.”

“Certain decisions were nonexistent. Not a single decision supported the legal proposition presented in the basis.”

Mr. Blundell pointed out that Mr. Rahman’s assertion of using “various websites” for his research was thus deceptive.

Blundell asserted: “The most plausible explanation…is that the appeal grounds were drafted, wholly or partly, by generative artificial intelligence like ChatGPT.”

“I am acutely aware that one of the cases mentioned in Mr. Rahman’s appeal was recently misapplied by ChatGPT to endorse a similar argument.”

Rahman explained to the judge that the discrepancies in his rationale were “a consequence of his drafting style” and admitted there might have been some “confusion and ambiguity” in his submission.

Mr. Blundell stated: “The issue I’ve outlined is not merely a matter of drafting style. The authorities referenced in the rationale either did not exist or failed to support that rationale.”

He added: “In my opinion, it is overwhelmingly probable that Mr. Rahman employed generative artificial intelligence to formulate his grounds of appeal in this case and endeavored to conceal that from me during the hearing.”

“Even if Mr. Rahman believed, for any reason, that these cases somehow bolstered the argument he intended to present, he cannot justify the entirely fictitious citations.”

“In my view, the only plausible scenario is that Mr. Rahman heavily relied on AI generation while preparing his evidence and sought to hide that fact during discussions with me at the hearing.”

The judge’s ruling was issued in September and made public on Tuesday.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Britain Discovers Europe’s Longest Sauropod Dinosaur Footprint

Posted on October 15, 2025 by

In 2024, a remarkable discovery was made at Dewar’s Farm Quarry, located near Bicester, Oxfordshire, England, where new large sauropod dinosaur footprints were found. This year, palaeontologists from Oxford University, Birmingham University, Liverpool John Moores University, and the Oxford University Museum of Natural History uncovered approximately 200 additional footprints comprising four distinct tracks, including Europe’s longest sauropod dinosaur track.

A 166-million-year-old sauropod dinosaur footprint at Dewar’s Farm Quarry in Oxfordshire, England. Image credit: University of Birmingham.

The four newly discovered tracks at Dewar’s Farm Quarry date back to the Middle Jurassic period, approximately 166 million years ago.

These belong to sauropod dinosaurs, which are characterized as large-bodied, long-necked herbivores. Cetiosaurus.

Among these discoveries is Europe’s longest sauropod dinosaur footprint, extending roughly 220 meters from the first exposed footprint to the last.

Professor Kirsty Edgar from the University of Birmingham commented: “We were thrilled to return to the Dewar’s Farm quarry earlier this year to continue our excavation and unveil further dinosaur footprints.”

“This site in Oxfordshire boasts the largest dinosaur footprint in the UK and is likely the largest dinosaur footprint in the world that has been mapped, considering previous discoveries from the 1990s on the same surface nearby.”

Over seven days, the team faced a much drier and harder surface compared to previous years, concentrating on about 80 very large (up to 1 meter) sauropod footprints that create a remarkable trajectory running roughly north-south across the site.

In addition to the extensive sauropod track, three other shorter tracks were revealed, one of which is a continuation of a trace initially discovered in 2022.

While these findings may not be published continuously, the accumulation of data could lead to even longer orbital patterns.

Minor discoveries at the site included marine invertebrates, plant material, and a crocodile jaw.

Professor Richard Butler from the University of Birmingham stated: “Most of what we comprehend about dinosaurs is derived from their skeletons, but dinosaur footprints and deposits can offer valuable insights into how these creatures lived and the environments they inhabited over 166 million years ago.”

“A significant aspect of this latest excavation involves systematic sampling of the sediments associated with the footprints and those filling the footprints, which are currently under analysis to better understand the environment in which they were formed and how they have been preserved.”

“It is likely that additional footprint surfaces will be uncovered in the coming years, and a comprehensive explanation of their significance, new scientific findings, and potential future conservation of the site will be published soon.”

Source: www.sci.news

Cassini Discovers Organic Molecules in Newly Released Ice Grains from Enceladus’ Ocean

Posted on October 7, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Enceladus, Saturn’s moon, constantly emits ice grains and gas plumes from its subterranean seas through fissures near the Antarctic region. A research team from the University of Stuttgart and the University of Berlin Fly utilized data from NASA’s Cassini spacecraft to chemically analyze newly emitted particles originating from Enceladus’ ocean. They successfully identified intermediates of organic molecules that may have biological significance (including aliphatic and (hetero)cyclic esters/alkenes, ethers/ethyl, and tentatively, nitrogen and oxygen-containing compounds), marking the first discovery of such compounds among ice particles in extraterrestrial oceans.

Artist’s impression of NASA’s Cassini spacecraft navigating through the plumes erupting from Enceladus’ Antarctic region. These plumes resemble geysers and release a mix of water vapor, ice grains, salt, methane, and various organic molecules. Image credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech.

Enceladus has a diameter of approximately 500 km, and its surface is covered by ice shells that are about 25-30 km thick on average.

Cassini made the first revelation of a hidden ocean beneath Enceladus’ surface back in 2005.

A current emerges from a fissure near the moon’s Antarctic, sending ice grains into space.

Some ice particles, smaller than grains of sand, settle on the moon’s surface, while others escape, forming a ring that orbits Enceladus around Saturn.

“Cassini consistently detected samples from Enceladus while passing through Saturn’s E ring,” noted Nozail Kawaja, a researcher at the Free University of Berlin and the lead author of the study.

“Many organic molecules have already been identified within these ice grains, including precursors to amino acids.”

The ice grains in the ring may be hundreds of years old and could have undergone changes due to strong cosmic radiation.

Scientists aimed to analyze the recently released grains to enhance their understanding of the dynamics within Enceladus’ seas.

Fortunately, they already had the relevant data. In 2008, Cassini flew directly through the ice sprays. The released primitive particles were emitted just minutes before they interacted with the spacecraft’s Cosmic Dust Analyzer (CDA) at speeds of approximately 18 km/sec. These represented not only the most recent ice grains Cassini has detected but also the fastest.

“Ice grains encompass not just frozen water, but also other molecules containing organic matter,” Dr. Kawaja stated.

“Lower impact speeds can break the ice, leading to signals from water molecule clusters that may obscure signals from certain organic molecules.”

“However, when ice grains strike the CDA at high speeds, the water molecules do not cluster, allowing previously hidden signals to emerge.”

Years of data from previous flybys were necessary to interpret this information.

This time, the authors successfully identified the molecules contained in the freshly released ice grains.

The analysis showed that certain organic molecules known to be present in the E rings were also found in the fresh ice grains, affirming their formation within Enceladus’ seas.

Furthermore, they discovered a completely new molecule that had never before been observed in Enceladus’ ice grains.

Chemical analyses revealed that the newly detected molecular fragments consisted of aliphatic, (hetero)cyclic esters/alkenes, ethers/ethyl, and potentially nitrogen and oxygen-containing compounds.

On Earth, these same compounds participate in a series of chemical reactions that ultimately yield more complex molecules essential for life.

“Numerous pathways from the organic molecules detected in Cassini’s data to potentially biologically relevant compounds exist, enhancing the possibility of habitability on the moon,” Dr. Kawaja mentioned.

“We have more data currently under review, so we anticipate further discoveries soon.”

“The molecules we identified in the newly released materials indicate that the complex organic molecules Cassini detected within Saturn’s E ring are not merely a result of prolonged exposure to space; they are readily found within Enceladus’ ocean,” added co-author Dr. Frank Postberg, also from the Free University of Berlin.

For more details, refer to the study featured in this month’s edition of Natural Astronomy.

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N. Kawaja et al. Detection of organic compounds in newly released ice grains from the Enceladus ocean. Nat Astron Published online on October 1, 2025. doi: 10.1038/s41550-025-02655-y

Source: www.sci.news

Webb Discovers Biosignature Gas Phosphine in the Atmospheres of Ancient Brown Dwarfs

Posted on October 3, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Astronomers utilizing the NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope have identified phosphine (PH)₃ in the atmosphere of the brown dwarf Wolf 1130c, part of the triple system 1130ABC.

Schematic diagram of the Wolf 1130ABC triple system, featuring red dwarf star Wolf 1130a (left), compact white dwarf companion 1130b (center), and distant brown dwarf Wolf 1130c (right); each component scaled according to its relative size. Image credit: Adam Burgasser.

Wolf 1130ABC is located approximately 54 light years away in the constellation Cygnus.

The system is also known for LHS 482, Gliese 781, and Ross 1069b. It consists of three components: the Cool Red Star Wolf 1130a, the massive white dwarf Wolf 1130b, and the brown dwarf Wolf 1130c.

Initially discovered in 2013, Wolf 1130c orbits the closely bound systems of Wolf 1130a and Wolf 1130b on a wide trajectory.

“The astronomical initiative known as the Ancient Arcana concentrates on ancient, metal-rich brown dwarfs to enhance our understanding of atmospheric chemistry,” stated Adam Burgasser, a professor at the University of California, San Diego.

“Identifying phosphine was one of our primary objectives.”

Phosphine naturally emerges in the hydrogen-dominated atmospheres of gas giants like Jupiter and Saturn.

This has led scientists to theorize that phosphine should exist in the atmospheres of exoplanetary gas giants as well.

Nevertheless, previous Webb observations often failed to detect phosphines, pointing to an incomplete understanding of phosphorus chemistry.

“Before Webb, the expectation was that phosphine would be plentiful in planetary and brown dwarf atmospheres, according to theoretical models based on the turbulent mixing in these environments.”

Wolf 1130c is of particular interest to brown dwarf astronomers due to its lower concentration of “metals” (elements beyond hydrogen and helium) compared to the Sun.

In contrast to other brown dwarfs, the team successfully detected phosphines in the infrared spectral data collected by Webb from Wolf 1130c.

To accurately interpret their findings, researchers needed to ascertain the abundance of this gas within the atmosphere of Wolf 1130c.

“We employed a modeling approach called atmospheric recovery to quantify the molecular constituents of Wolf 1130c,” explained Dr. Irene Gonzalez from San Francisco State University.

“This technique leverages Webb’s data to validate the expected presence of various molecular gas species in the atmosphere.”

“It’s akin to reverse-engineering a delicious cookie when a chef remains committed to a recipe.”

“Typically, phosphorus may bond with other molecules, such as phosphorus trioxide,” remarked Dr. Baylor.

“In the metal-poor atmosphere of Wolf 1130c, insufficient oxygen prevents phosphorus from forming this way, allowing it to arise from phosphine-rich hydrogen.”

Alternatively, the phosphine could have been synthesized locally within the Wolf 1130ABC system, particularly from the white dwarf Wolf 1130b.

“The white dwarf represents the remnant shell of a star that has completed hydrogen fusion,” Professor Burgasser explained.

“These stars are incredibly dense and can accumulate material on their surfaces, potentially spurring runaway nuclear reactions.”

While astronomers have not observed such phenomena in the Wolf 1130ABC system in recent history, nova events usually cycle every thousands to tens of thousands of years.

This system has been recognized for just a century, and earlier invisible explosions may have contributed to a legacy of phosphorus contamination.

Gaining insights into why this particular brown dwarf exhibits a distinct signature of phosphine could shed new light on phosphorus synthesis in the Milky Way and atmospheric chemistry on exoplanets.

“If we aim to use this molecule in the quest for life in terrestrial worlds outside our solar system, understanding the atmospheric phosphine chemistry of brown dwarfs becomes crucial,” Professor Burgasser commented.

This study will be published in the journal Science.

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Adam J. Burgasser et al. Observation of unexpected phosphines in the atmosphere of the cold brown dwarf. Science. Released online on October 2, 2025. doi:10.1126/science.adu0401

Source: www.sci.news

Webb Discovers Auroras Using Free-Floating Brown Dwarfs

Posted on October 1, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Astronomers utilizing the NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope have found evidence of energy deposition in the upper atmosphere of the nearby brown dwarf SIMP J013656.5+093347.3 caused by auroras.

Artist’s impression of aurora and brown dwarf SIMP-0136. Image credit: Evert Nasedkin.

SIMP J013656.5+093347.3 (commonly referred to as SIMP-0136) is a low-mass brown dwarf located 20 light years away in the Pisces constellation, approximately 6.12 light years from Earth.

As part of the Carina-near Stellar Association, this celestial object is estimated to be around 200 million years old.

The mass of SIMP-0136 is roughly estimated to fall between 12.7 and 17.8 times that of Jupiter.

With a spectral type of T2.5 and a temperature nearing 1,100 K, it exhibits many atmospheric properties similar to those of directly imaged exoplanets, such as HR 8799B and AF Lep b.

“Our observations have illuminated the activity of the robust aurora of SIMP-0136, which warms its atmosphere, much like the auroras on Earth and the powerful auroras found on Jupiter.”

“These measurements represent some of the most precise assessments of the atmospheres of extreme objects to this date, with direct measurements of atmospheric changes occurring for the first time.”

“Furthermore, with temperatures exceeding 1,500 degrees Celsius, SIMP-0136 will display mild heat waves this summer.”

“Our specific observations indicated that we could precisely record temperature variations of less than 5 degrees Celsius.”

“These temperature fluctuations were linked to minor alterations in the chemical makeup of this free-floating planet, hinting at storms akin to the Great Red Spot on Jupiter.

Another unexpected finding was the constancy of cloud variability in SIMP-0136.

Changes in cloud coverage might typically lead to atmospheric changes, similar to the variability observed with patches of clouds and clear skies on Earth.

However, astronomers discovered that cloud coverage remains stable across the surface of SIMP-0136.

At SIMP-0136’s temperatures, these clouds are distinct from Earth’s, primarily composed of silicate grains reminiscent of beach sand.

“Different wavelengths of light are associated with various atmospheric features,” stated Dr. Nasedkin.

“Similar to observing color changes on Earth’s surface, the color variations of SIMP-0136 are driven by alterations in atmospheric properties.”

“Utilizing advanced models enables us to deduce atmospheric temperature, chemical composition, and cloud positioning.”

“This work is thrilling as it showcases that by leveraging cutting-edge modeling techniques on Webb’s advanced datasets, we can understand the processes driving global weather throughout our solar system.”

“Understanding these meteorological processes is crucial as we continue discovering and characterizing exoplanets in the future.”

“Currently, such spectroscopic variability observations are limited to isolated brown dwarfs, but large telescopes and future studies, along with the eventual establishment of a habitable world observatory, will allow us to explore the atmospheric dynamics of exoplanets ranging from gas giants like Jupiter to rocky planets.”

The team’s survey results will be published in the journal Astronomy and Astrophysics.

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E. Nasedkin et al. 2025. JWST Weather Report: Investigating temperature variations, aurora heating, and stable cloud coverage on SIMP-0136. A&A 702, A1; doi: 10.1051/0004-6361/202555370

Source: www.sci.news

Webb Discovers Intricate Structures in Saturn’s Upper Atmosphere

Posted on September 19, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Astronomers utilizing the NASA/ESA James Webb Space Telescope have identified a series of dark, bead-like star formations within Saturn’s ionosphere and stratosphere.

Detection of near-infrared emissions in Saturn’s ionosphere (left) reveals dark bead-like features embedded in bright auroras. In the stratosphere (right), below 500 km, an asymmetric star pattern extends toward the equator. Image credit: NASA/ESA/CSA/WEBB/STALLARD et al.

“This was the first opportunity for me to make such detailed near-infrared observations of Saturn’s aurora and upper atmosphere,” said the researcher.

“We anticipated seeing emissions across various levels.”

“Instead, we observed intricate patterns of beads and stars, which might be interconnected despite their considerable height separation and could relate to the iconic hexagon within Saturn’s clouds.”

“These features were entirely unforeseen and remain unexplained.”

The research team concentrated on detecting infrared emissions from charged molecular hydrogen, which plays a significant role in Saturn’s atmospheric dynamics, offering valuable insights into the chemical and physical processes at work.

Using Webb’s near-infrared spectrograph, scientists observed H³⁺ ions at an altitude of 600 km, 1,100 km above Saturn’s nominal surface, alongside lower stratospheric methane molecules.

Within the ionosphere’s electrically charged plasma, a series of dark bead-like features intermingled within bright aurora halos were detected.

These structures maintained stability for several hours but seemed to drift slowly over time.

In the stratosphere of Saturn, researchers identified asymmetric star-shaped features, dropping approximately 500 km.

This remarkable formation extended from Saturn’s North Pole down toward the equator.

Only four of the star’s six arms were visible, with two mysteriously absent, resulting in a biased pattern.

“Studying Saturn’s atmosphere has always posed challenges due to the faint emissions from that region,” remarked Professor Stallard.

“Webb’s remarkable sensitivity transforms our capacity to observe these atmospheric layers, unveiling a wholly different structural configuration than previously noted.”

The authors meticulously mapped the precise locations of features, overlaying data for the same Saturn area, discovering that the arms of the star seem to emanate from a point just above the hexagonal structure at the Stormcloud level.

This implies that the mechanisms driving the pattern could influence structures penetrating through Saturn’s atmosphere.

“We believe the dark beads arise from the intricate interactions between Saturn’s magnetosphere and its dynamic atmosphere, potentially providing new insights into the energy exchanges that fuel Saturn’s auroras,” stated Professor Stallard.

“The asymmetric star formations suggest previously unknown atmospheric processes functioning within Saturn’s stratosphere and are likely connected to the hexagonal storm pattern observed deeper in Saturn’s atmosphere.”

“Interestingly, the dark beads in the ionosphere seem to align with the arms of the strongest stars in the stratosphere, though it’s unclear whether this connection is genuine or merely coincidental.”

Both phenomena may have significant implications for our comprehension of atmospheric dynamics within the gas giant, although further investigation is needed to elucidate their underlying causes.

The team aspires for additional time to conduct follow-up observations of Saturn using Webb to explore further features.

As planets align approximately every 15 years, the structure can undergo dramatic changes as Saturn’s orientation shifts toward the Sun, moving the Northern Hemisphere into autumn.

“The necessity for follow-up Webb observations during this pivotal phase of Saturn’s seasonal transition is evident, as neither atmospheric layer can be examined using ground-based telescopes.” Paper published in the journal Geophysical Research Book.

The findings were also presented as a result this month at the EPSC-DPS2025 Joint Meeting in Helsinki, Finland.

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Tom S. Stallard et al. 2025. JWST/NIRSPEC detects the complex structures of Saturn’s ionosphere and stratosphere. Geophysical Research Book 52 (17): E2025GL116491; doi: 10.1029/2025GL116491

Tom S. Stallard et al. 2025. Transformational observations of the ionosphere of the giant planet with JWST. EPSC Abstract 18: EPSC-DPS2025-817; doi: 10.5194/epsc-dps2025-1438

Source: www.sci.news

Webb Discovers Methane Gas on the Dwarf Planet Makemake

Posted on September 9, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Astronomers utilizing the NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope have discovered evidence of gaseous methane on the remote dwarf planet Macemeiki. This finding is detailed in a paper published in the Astrophysics Journal Letter. This discovery challenges the conventional perception of Makemake as a stable, frozen entity. Following Pltune, where gas presence was confirmed, it is now only the second Transneptune object to display this characteristic.

Protopapa et al. Methane gas was detected with Makemake using Webb observations (white). A sharp radiation peak near 3.3 microns reveals methane in the gas phase on the surface of Makemake. The continuum model (CYAN) is overlaid for comparison. An observable spectrum above the continuum indicates a gas emission peak. Image credit: S. Protopapa/I. Wong/SWRI/STSCI/NASA/ESA/CSA/WEBB.

Makemake, also referred to as FY9 and (136472), was identified in 2005 by a team of astronomers at the California Institute of Technology, led by Mike Brown.

This planet of War is situated in a region beyond Neptune, home to a small solar system.

Its radius measures approximately 715 km (444 miles), making it a dimmer and slightly smaller body than Pluto.

It takes around 305 Earth years for this dwarf planet to complete one orbit around the Sun.

Previously observed stellar occultations indicated that Makemake likely lacked a significant global atmosphere, although thin atmospheres could not be completely dismissed.

Meanwhile, infrared observations suggested mysterious thermal anomalies and peculiar characteristics of its methane ice, hinting at the possibility of local hotspots and potential outgassing on its surface.

“Makemake is one of the largest and brightest icy worlds in the outer solar system, with its surface predominantly comprised of frozen methane,” stated Dr. Sylvia Protopapa, an astronomer at the Southwest Institute.

“Webb has revealed that methane is also present in the gas phase above the surface, making Makemake an even more intriguing subject of study.”

“This indicates that Makemake is not an inert remnant of the outer solar system; rather, it is a dynamic body where methane ice is actively evolving.”

The detected methane spectral emission is interpreted as solar absorbing fluorescence, which occurs when sunlight is re-emitted after being absorbed by methane molecules.

The research team posited that this could either indicate a tenuous atmosphere in equilibrium with surface ice, akin to Pluto, or more transient activities such as comet-like sublimation or cryovolcanic processes.

Both scenarios are plausible and align with current data, given the signal-to-noise ratios and limited spectral resolution.

“The inclination to connect Makemake’s various spectra with thermal anomalies is compelling, but identifying mechanisms that enable volatile activities remains essential to interpreting these observations cohesively.”

“Future Webb observations at higher spectral resolutions will aid in determining whether methane originates from thin atmospheres or outgassing processes like plumes.”

“This discovery opens up the possibility that Makemake has a very thin atmosphere supported by methane sublimation,” noted Dr. Emmanuel Lelouch, an astronomer at the Paris Observatory.

“Our best model estimates a surface pressure around 40 K (minus 233 degrees Celsius) and about 10 picobars, which is a hundred billion times less than Earth’s atmospheric pressure, indicating a dilute surface pressure about ten billion times that of Pluto.”

“If this hypothesis is validated, Makemake will join a select group of outer solar system bodies where surface mass exchanges are still actively occurring today.”

“Another scenario proposes that methane is being expelled in plume-like eruptions,” Dr. Protopapa added.

“In this case, our model indicates that methane may be released at a rate of several hundred kilograms per second, comparable to the intense water plumes seen on Enceladus, Saturn’s moon, and significantly larger than the faint steam observed on Ceres.”

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Silvia Protopapa et al. 2025. JWST detection of hydrocarbon ice and methane gas on Makemake. apjl in press; Arxiv: 2509.06772

Source: www.sci.news

Hubble Discovers Cloudy Star Clusters in the Large Magellanic Cloud

Posted on September 9, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

A stunning new image captured by the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope reveals a star cluster known as N11, located within the expansive Magellanic Cloud.

This Hubble image depicts star cluster N11. Image credits: NASA/ESA/Hubble/C. Murray/J. Maíz Apellániz.

“This scene is part of the large Magellanic Cloud, a dwarf galaxy situated approximately 160,000 light years from the constellations Dorado and Mensa,” the Hubble astronomer stated.

“With a mass equivalent to 10-20% of that of the Milky Way, the large Magellanic Cloud is the most substantial of the numerous small galaxies orbiting our galaxy.”

“These large Magellanic Clouds host various significant stellar nursery regions where gas clouds, like those portrayed in this image, converge to form new stars.”

This latest Hubble image illustrates a segment of N11, the second-largest star-forming region within the large Magellanic Cloud.

“The Tarantula Nebula, which ranks as the largest and most active star-forming region in the large Magellanic Clouds, is a frequent target for Hubble,” the astronomer noted.

“We observe bright young stars illuminating gas clouds and sculpting masses of dust using their powerful ultraviolet rays.”

“This image represents observations spaced about 20 years apart, highlighting Hubble’s enduring legacy,” they added.

“The initial observations took place between 2002 and 2003 and provided exceptional sensitivity and resolution with the new technology at the time, the Advanced Camera for Surveys.

“We directed Hubble towards the N11 Star Cluster and accomplished something unprecedented: cataloging all the stars in our young cluster, from those with 10% to 100 times the mass of the Sun.”

“The subsequent observations utilized Hubble’s latest instruments, specifically the Wide Field Camera 3.

“These new images emphasized the cluster-filled dusty clouds, offering a fresh perspective on cosmic dust.”

Source: www.sci.news

Wisconsin Boater Discovers Historic Shipwreck in Lake Michigan

Posted on September 1, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Olson noted that the wreck lies in shallow waters approximately 20 feet deep. He observed that the bottom of the hull is mostly intact, while the ship’s sides are cut and flattened like fillets.

Tamara Thomsen, a maritime archaeologist at the State Historical Preservation Office of the Historical Society, dedicated several weeks to scrutinizing newspaper clippings, archival insurance records, and a database of port registrations, which is comparable to vehicle registrations.

Thomsen and her team also undertook diving missions to identify specific characteristics of the wreck.

Based on the ship’s exterior and its general wreckage location, the Historical Society confirmed that Olson had unearthed the long-lost remains of the Frank D. Barker.

“What’s fascinating about this wreck is that it’s all there,” Thomsen remarked. “It spreads across the bottom like a puzzle piece that you can visualize and reorganize.”

The 137-foot Frank D. Barker was constructed from wood in 1867 by veteran shipbuilder Simon G. Johnson in Clayton, New York. This canaler is specially designed for operation in the Great Lakes, as Thomsen explained. It was built to navigate the Welland Canal, which includes a series of locks that permit ships to bypass Niagara Falls, in addition to a combination of natural and modified waterways.

The Frank D. Barker primarily transported grain from the ports of Milwaukee and Chicago to Lake Ontario, and on westward voyages, it typically carried coal from Lake Erie’s ports to the Midwest, fueling factories and industries.

In 1887, the Frank D. Barker sailed from Manistee, Michigan, to Escanaba, Michigan, to load a cargo of iron ore. Unfortunately, the ship’s captain and crew strayed off course due to inclement weather and fog.

Ultimately, the vessel ran aground and was stranded by blown limestone on Spider Island. Multiple attempts to salvage the ship in October 1887 and again in August, September, and October of 1888 were unsuccessful.

“They finally concluded that they couldn’t retrieve it from where it was stuck and decided to abandon the ship,” Thomsen explained.

According to the Wisconsin Historical Society, the estimated loss of the ship was around $8,000 at the time, which translates to over $250,000 today.

Rediscovering the Frank D. Barker after 138 years is a momentous occasion for Door County, but it holds personal significance for Olson as well.

After informing the state’s historic preservation office about the findings, Olson chose to delve deeper into the exploration.

“When I think about my six-year-old son snorkeling on a shipwreck for the first time,” he shared.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

Webb Discovers Dust and Organic Torus in the Butterfly Nebula

Posted on August 30, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Thanks to the NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope, astronomers have made significant progress in understanding the connection between the raw materials of rocky planets. This cosmic material—crystalline silicate dust and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons—was analyzed in the core of the remarkable bipolar planetary nebula known as the Butterfly Nebula.

Hubble and Webb/Alma images of Butterfly Nebula. Image credits: NASA/ESA/CSA/Webb/Hubble/Alma/Matsuura et al. , doi: 10.1093/mnras/staf1194.

The Butterfly Nebula, also referred to as NGC 6302, is among the most extensively studied planetary nebulae.

This nebula is situated approximately 2,417 light years away from Earth, in the constellation Scorpio.

Its distinctive butterfly shape has expanded over two light years, roughly half the distance from the Sun to Proxima Centauri.

The object exhibits extreme bipolarity, complex morphology, and features very high excitation gases, high molecular weight, and crystalline silicates.

“The planetary nebula is one of the most stunning and elusive phenomena in the cosmic landscape,” stated Mikako, an astronomer from Cardiff University, along with Matsui Ko and her colleague.

“These nebulae form when stars with masses between 0.8 and 8 times that of the Sun shed most of their mass at the end of their lifecycle.”

“The nebula phases on planets are transient, lasting only about 20,000 years.”

“Despite their name, planetary nebulae have no connection to planets. The confusion arose centuries ago, when astronomers noted that these nebulae appeared round, resembling planets.”

“Although many planetary nebulae are not round, their titles often reflect misleading names, and the Butterfly Nebula is a prime illustration of the extraordinary shapes these nebulae can assume.”

“As a bipolar nebula, the Butterfly Nebula has two lobes extending in opposite directions, forming what resembles butterfly ‘wings’,” they continued.

“The dark band of dusty gas acts as the ‘body’ of the butterfly. This band is actually a donut-shaped torus that conceals the central star of the nebula.”

“Dusty donuts may indeed contribute to the insect-like shape of the nebula by hindering gas from escaping outward from the star uniformly.”

New images from Webb’s Mid-Infrared Instrument (MIRI) offer a close-up view of the center of the Butterfly Nebula and its dusty torus, revealing its complex structure like never before.

Astronomers have detected nearly 200 spectral lines, each providing insights into the nebula’s atoms and molecules.

These lines uncover nested interconnected structures tracked by various species.

Researchers have also pinpointed the central star in the Butterfly Nebula, which heats a previously undetected dust cloud surrounding it, causing it to emit bright light at mid-infrared wavelengths.

The star boasts a temperature of 220,000 Kelvin, making it one of the hottest known central stars in the galaxy’s planetary nebulae.

This image takes viewers diving deep into the heart of the Butterfly Nebula, as seen by Webb. Image credit: NASA/ESA/CSA/WEBB/M. MATSUURA/ALMA/ESO/NAOJ/NRAO/N. HIRANO/M. ZAMANI.

“This incredible, radiant engine is responsible for the stunning brilliance of the nebula, yet its full effect is moderated by the dense band of thin gas, the torus, that surrounds it,” the author noted.

“New data from Webb reveals that the torus comprises crystalline silicates such as quartz and irregularly shaped dust particles.”

“Dust grains measure about one millionth of a meter, typical for space dust.”

“Beyond the torus, emissions from various atoms and molecules form multilayer structures.”

“Ions needing the highest energy to form cluster near the center, while those requiring less energy are positioned farther away from the central star.”

“Iron and nickel are particularly noteworthy, following jets that erupt outward from the star in opposite directions.”

In an intriguing finding, the team also identified light emitted by carbon-based molecules known as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs).

“These molecules have a flat, ring-like configuration, reminiscent of honeycomb shapes found in beehives,” said the astronomer.

“On Earth, PAHs are often present in smoke from campfires, vehicle exhausts, or burnt toast.”

“Given their location, these PAHs likely form when the winds from the central star push against the surrounding gas.”

“This discovery marks the first evidence of PAH formation in oxygen-rich planetary nebulae, offering a glimpse into the processes behind their formation.”

Survey results were published this week in the Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society.

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Mikako Matsumura et al. 2025. JWST/MIRI view of Planetary Nebula NGC 6302 – I. UV irradiated torus and hot bubbles cause PAH formation. mnras 542(2):1287-1307; doi:10.1093/mnras/staf1194

Source: www.sci.news

AI Discovers Novel Molecules with Potential Antibacterial Properties in Archaea

Posted on August 13, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Antibiotic resistance poses a significant challenge to humanity, emphasizing the urgent need for new antibiotics. While the majority of antibiotics are derived from fungi and bacteria, Archaea presents largely untapped sources for discovering new antibiotics. In a recent study, researchers at the University of Pennsylvania employed deep learning techniques to investigate paleozoans. By analyzing the proteomes of 233 archaeal species, we discovered 12,623 potential antibacterial compounds.

Torres et al. Synthesized 80 alkierins, 93% of which showed antibacterial activity in vitro against Acinetobacter baumannii, E. coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and Enterococcus spp. Image credits: Torres et al, doi: 10.1038/s41564-025-02061-0.

“Previous attempts to discover new antibiotics have mainly focused on fungi, bacteria, and animals,” stated Dr. Cesar de la Fuente, a researcher at the University of Pennsylvania.

“Historically, we have leveraged AI models to identify antibiotic candidates across various sources, from the DNA of extinct organisms to the compounds found in animal venom.”

“We are now applying these methodologies to a new dataset: hundreds of proteins from ancient microorganisms.”

“There are undoubtedly other life forms waiting to be investigated.”

In contrast to bacteria and eukaryotes (which include plants, animals, and fungi), Archaea represents a distinct branch on the evolutionary tree.

While they may resemble bacteria under a microscope, archaeal organisms differ fundamentally in their genetics, cell membranes, and biochemistry.

These unique features enable them to thrive in some of Earth’s most extreme environments, such as heated seabed vents and scalding hot springs like Yellowstone National Park.

Archaea typically flourish in isolation from other organisms, and their biology has evolved in unprecedented ways, with limited evolutionary pressure, exposure to toxic substances, and extreme temperatures.

This presents a promising, yet largely uncharted, source for novel molecular tools, including compounds that may act like antibiotics but function differently than existing treatments.

“Our interest in archaeal organisms stems from their biochemical adaptations to extreme environments,” remarked Dr. Marcelo Torres from the University of Pennsylvania.

“We hypothesized that having survived billions of years under such conditions, they might possess unique strategies to fend off microbial rivals.”

To uncover antibiotic compounds within Archaea, the researchers utilized artificial intelligence.

They adapted an upgraded version of APEX, an AI tool initially designed to identify antibiotic candidates from ancient biological sources, including proteins from long-extinct animals like woolly mammoths.

With thousands of peptides (short amino acid chains) known for their antimicrobial properties, the AI can predict the likelihood that a given amino acid sequence will exhibit similar effects.

By re-calibrating APEX 1.1 to incorporate data from thousands of additional peptides and pathogenic bacteria, the scientists established tools to forecast which peptides in Archaea might inhibit bacterial proliferation.

Upon scanning 233 archaeal species, over 12,000 potential antibiotic candidates were identified.

The authors labeled these molecular compounds, and chemical analysis indicated they differ from known antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), notably in their charge distribution.

The team subsequently selected 80 archaeal compounds for further testing against live bacteria.

“Finding new antibiotic molecules individually feels like searching for needles in a haystack,” commented Famping Wang, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Pennsylvania.

“AI accelerates the search by pinpointing the location of the needle.”

Antibiotics can function through various mechanisms. Some disrupt bacterial membranes, while others inhibit protein synthesis within the organism.

Notably, the researchers found that unlike many known AMPs that target the outer defenses of bacteria, Alcaeasen operates by disrupting internal electrical signals that are vital for cell survival.

Tests on drug-resistant bacteria revealed that 93% of the 80 alkadeins exhibited antibacterial activity against at least one bacterial strain.

The team chose three alkaiersins to evaluate in animal models.

Four days following a single dose, all three alkaiersins halted the spread of drug-resistant bacteria commonly acquired in hospitals.

One of these compounds exhibited activity on par with polymyxin B, an antibiotic often used as a last resort against drug-resistant infections.

“This study underscores the vast potential for discovering new antibiotics within Archaea,” stated Dr. De La Fuente.

“As the prevalence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria rises, exploring unconventional sources for new antibiotics is essential.”

A paper detailing the results was published today in Nature Microbiology.

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MDT Torres et al. Deep learning reveals antibiotics in the archaeal proteome. Nat Microbiol. Published online on August 12, 2025. doi:10.1038/s41564-025-02061-0

Source: www.sci.news

Curiosity Discovers Coral-Like Rocks on Mars

Posted on August 13, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

On July 24, 2025, with 4,608 Mars Days, or Sols, into the mission, NASA’s Curiosity rover captured a stunning image of a wind-shaped rock resembling coral formations in Gale Crater on Mars.

This image of Papsolok was captured on July 24, 2025, by Curiosity’s Mahli instrument. Image credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/MSSS.

One of the rocks shaped by the wind was photographed by Curiosity’s Mars Hand Lens Imager (Mahli), which is located on the end of the rover’s robotic arm.

“At the time this image was taken, it was known as Paposo, and the rock was roughly 5 cm (2 inches) from the Mahli,” a member of the Curiosity team stated.

On the same day, Curiosity observed another coral-like rock through a remote microimager, which is part of the ChemCam instrument.

This image of the wind-shaped rock was captured by Curiosity’s remote microimager on July 24, 2025. Image credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/MSSS.

“Curiosity has identified many small features like these, which originated billions of years ago when liquid water existed on Mars,” the researchers noted.

“Minerals dissolved in water permeated the rock’s cracks, eventually drying and leaving behind hardened minerals.”

“Over years of wind erosion, surrounding rocks have been worn down, resulting in these distinctive shapes.”

“This natural process is commonly observed on Earth and also results in fascinating rock forms on Mars, including those that resemble flowers.”

Curiosity Rover took this selfie on October 11, 2019, at Glen Etive, where it drilled twice. Just to the left of the rover are two drill holes labeled Glen Etive 1 (right) and Glen Etive 2 (left). Image credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/MSSS.

Launched on November 26, 2011, Curiosity is the fourth rover the United States has dispatched to Mars.

The mission, overseen by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, involves nearly 500 scientists from the US and around the world.

Curiosity is exploring a 154 km (96 miles) wide crater and collecting rock, soil, and air samples for analysis.

The car-sized rover, comparable in height to a basketball player, utilizes its 2.1 m (7 feet) long arms to place tools near selected rocks for research.

Source: www.sci.news

Research Discovers Unusual Glow Emitted by the Human Brain

Posted on August 9, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Our brains are glowing. While this phenomenon isn’t visible to the naked eye, scientists have the ability to detect faint light that permeates the skull. Recent studies indicate that this light varies based on our activities.

All living tissues generate a subtle light known as Ultraweak Photon Emissions (UPE). This emission ceases once the organism dies. The human brain, however, emits a considerable amount of this light due to its high energy consumption, accounting for around 20% of the body’s total energy.

“Ultraweak photon emissions, or UPE, are extremely faint light signals produced by all types of cells throughout the body—trillions of times weaker than the light from bulbs,” stated Dr. Nirosha Murugan, an Assistant Professor of Health Sciences at Wilfrid Laurier University in Ontario, Canada. BBC Science Focus.

“Although UPE is a weak signal, the energy expenditure of the brain generates more light than other organs,” she explained. “Consider the hundreds of billions of brain cells; each one emits a weak light signal, but together they create a measurable collective glow outside the head.”

Murugan’s research team aimed to explore whether this glow fluctuated with brain activity and if it could be utilized to assess brain functions.

To investigate, scientists equipped participants with caps containing electrical sensors to track both electrical impulses and light emitted from the brain. Twenty adults were invited to sit in a darkened room.

Participants were directed to open and close their eyes and follow simple audio instructions.

Comparisons were made between the captured electrical signals and UPEs, revealing notable correlations.

“We discovered that the optical signals detected around the head correlate with electrical activity in the brain during cognitive tasks,” Murugan noted. “These patterns of light emission from the brain are dynamic, intricate, and informative.”

The brain emitted this light in a slow, rhythmic pattern, occurring less than once per second, creating the illusion of stability throughout the two-minute tasks.

All living cells emit ultrawave light as a byproduct of chemical reactions such as energy metabolism – Credit: Sean Gladwell via Getty

Murugan indicated that measuring this brain light could offer scientists and medical professionals a novel method for brain imaging, potentially identifying conditions like epilepsy, dementia, and depression.

This light is not merely a by-product; it might also play a functional role in the brain. Murugan emphasized that examining it could “uncover hidden dimensions” of our cognitive processes.

“I hope that the possibility of detecting and interpreting light signals from the brain will inspire new questions previously deemed unfathomable,” she stated. “For instance, can UPEs permeate the skull and influence other brains within the vicinity?”

This study serves as a preliminary exploration, suggesting that plenty remains to be uncovered about our illuminating brains.

Nonetheless, Murugan expressed hope that the team’s discoveries will “ignite a new discussion regarding the significance of light in brain functionality.”

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About our experts

Dr. Nirosha Murugan is an assistant professor in the Department of Health Sciences at Wilfrid Laurier University, Ontario, Canada. She was recently appointed as Tier 2 Canada Research Chair of Biophysics at the University of Algoma in Ontario.

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Hubble Discovers Remnants of a White Dwarf Merger 130 Light Years Away

Posted on August 7, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

The White Dwarf represents the compact core that forms when stars exhaust their fuel and collapse. These remnants are the ashes of Earth-sized stars, typically about half the mass of the Sun, composed of carbon-oxygen cores surrounded by layers of helium and hydrogen. Utilizing far-ultraviolet data from the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope, astronomers have identified carbon in the atmosphere of the famously large white dwarf WD 0525+526. They also determined that the overall mass of hydrogen and helium in the star’s atmosphere was significantly lower than anticipated based on single-star evolution.

An illustration of a merger with a white dwarf sub-huge star (size without scale) that would have occurred in the past. Image credit: Snehalata Sahu/Warwick University.

WD 0525+526 is located approximately 130 light years away in the constellation Auriga.

With a mass exceeding that of our Sun by 20%, this white dwarf is classified as a super-genocide, and its formation process remains poorly understood.

Typically, such white dwarfs form from the collapse of massive stars. However, Hubble’s UV data indicates that WD 0525+526 has a hydrogen-rich atmosphere originating from its core.

“In optical light, WD 0525+526 appears to be a massive yet typical white dwarf,” remarked Sneharata Saff, an astronomer at the University of Warwick.

“However, the ultraviolet observations from Hubble allowed us to detect faint carbon signatures that optical telescopes could not observe.”

“The presence of a small amount of carbon in the atmosphere suggests that this massive white dwarf is likely the product of a merger between two stars.”

“We also believe that many similar merged remnants may pose as white dwarfs in a predominantly hydrogen atmosphere.”

“Only ultraviolet observations can reveal them to us.”

Typically, hydrogen and helium create dense, barrier-like layers around the white dwarf core, concealing carbon-rich elements.

In a stellar merger, the hydrogen and helium enveloping layers can burn away almost entirely as the stars combine.

The resulting single star possesses a very thin envelope that does not prevent carbon from surfacing, which is precisely what is observed in WD 0525+526.

“We found that the hydrogen and helium layers are around one billion times thinner than those typical of a white dwarf,” noted Antoine Bedard, an astronomer at Warwick University.

“We believe these layers were stripped away during the merger, allowing carbon to manifest on the surface.”

“However, this phenomenon is also unusual, as the carbon present is about 100,000 times less than that found on the surfaces of other merged remnants.”

“Coupled with the star’s elevated temperatures—nearly four times hotter than the Sun—the diminished carbon levels suggest that WD 0525+526 evolves at a much faster pace than previously observed.”

This discovery will aid in understanding the destiny of binary star systems, which are crucial for related phenomena such as supernova explosions.

Alongside the enigma, this significantly hotter star’s carbon migrates to the surface.

Other merged remnants later cool enough for convection to bring carbon to the surface; however, WD 0525+526 remains too hot for this process.

Instead, the author identified a subtle mixing process known as semiconvection, uniquely observed in this White Dwarf.

This mechanism permits small amounts of carbon to gradually ascend into the star’s hydrogen-rich atmosphere.

“Finding conclusive proof of individual white dwarf mergers is rare,” remarked Professor Boris Gensick from Warwick University.

“Yet, ultraviolet spectroscopy enables us to detect these signals early, while carbon remains invisible at optical wavelengths.”

“Because the Earth’s atmosphere filters out UV rays, such observations must be conducted from space—currently, only Hubble is capable of this.”

“As WD 0525+526 continues to evolve and cool, we anticipate more carbon will emerge at the surface over time.”

“For now, this ultraviolet illumination offers rare insights into the early aftermath of stellar mergers.

Survey results are published today in the journal Nature Astronomy.

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S. Saff et al. The remnants of Hot White Dwarfs revealed by ultraviolet detection of carbon. Nature Astronomy Published online on August 6th, 2025. doi:10.1038/s41550-025-02590-y

Source: www.sci.news

Hubble Discovers Dusty Clouds in the Tarantula Nebula

Posted on August 5, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

The stunning new image from the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope reveals intriguing details of the Tarantula Nebula, a dynamic region of star formation located in the Large Magellanic Cloud.

This Hubble image showcases part of the Tarantula Nebula, located about 163,000 light years away in the Dorado constellation. The colorful image is a composite of various exposures captured by Hubble’s Wide Field Camera 3 (WFC3) across ultraviolet, near-infrared, and spectral optical ranges. It is based on data collected using four different filters. Colors have been assigned by applying various hues to each monochromatic image produced by the individual filters. Image credits: NASA/ESA/Hubble/C. Murray.

The Tarantula Nebula is situated roughly 163,000 light years from the southern constellation of Dorado.

Also known as NGC 2070 or 30 Dorados, this nebula is part of the expansive Magellanic Cloud, which is one of our closest galactic neighbors.

The nebula’s brilliant glow was first observed in 1751 by French astronomer Nicolas Louis de Lacaille.

At its core lies some of the most massive stars known, with some reaching up to 200 solar masses, making this region ideal for studying how gas clouds collapse under gravitational forces to give rise to new stars.

“The Tarantula Nebula is the largest and brightest area of star formation not only within the Large Magellanic Cloud but also among the entire group of nearby galaxies that include the Milky Way,” astronomers associated with Hubble stated.

“Within the nebula are some of the most massive stars discovered, some of which are approximately 200 times the mass of our Sun.”

“The scene depicted here is located far from the nebula’s center, where the superstar cluster known as R136 resides, but is quite close to a rare star called the Wolf-Rayet Star.”

“The Wolf-Rayet star is an enormous star that has shed its outer hydrogen layers; it is extremely hot, bright, and generates a dense, powerful wind,” they elaborated.

The Tarantula Nebula is frequently observed by Hubble, and its multi-wavelength capabilities play a crucial role in capturing the intricate details of the nebula’s dusty cloud formations.

“The data used to produce this image come from an observational program known as Scylla, which is named after the multi-faceted sea monster from the Greek mythology of Ulysses,” the astronomer noted.

“The Scylla program was developed to complement another Hubble observational initiative called Ulysses (the Ultraviolet Legacy Library of Young Stars as a fundamental criterion).”

“While Ulysses focuses on giant young stars in the small Magellanic Cloud, Scylla explores the gas and dust structures surrounding these stars.”

Source: www.sci.news

Hubble Discovers More Than 100 Galaxies in Abell 209

Posted on July 8, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Abel 209 is an expansive galactic cluster situated approximately 2.8 billion light years from the constellations of Cetus.

This Hubble image illustrates Abell 209, a galactic cluster positioned approximately 2.8 billion light years away from the constellations of Cetus. The color imagery incorporates both optical and infrared data gathered by Hubble’s Advanced Camera for Survey (ACS) and Wide Field Camera 3 (WFC3). We employed 12 filters to explore various wavelengths. The colors arise from assigning distinct hues to each monochromatic image tied to separate filters. Image credits: NASA/ESA/Hubble/M. Postman/P. Kelly.

Galaxy clusters consist of thousands of galaxies representing a variety of ages, shapes, and dimensions.

Typically, their mass is around 10 billion times that of the sun.

In the past, galactic clusters were thought to be the largest structures in the universe. They typically extend across hundreds of millions of light years, encompassing numerous galactic clusters and groups, until the discovery of superclusters in the 1980s altered this perception.

Nevertheless, one aspect remains unchanged for galaxy clusters. As superclusters are not bound by gravity, galaxy clusters still hold the distinction of being the largest gravitationally bound structures in the universe.

“The galaxies within Abel 209 are spaced millions of light years apart, and the apparently vacant space in between is filled with hot, diffuse gases detectable only at X-ray wavelengths,” Hubble astronomers stated.

“An even more enigmatic inhabitant of this galactic cluster is dark matter, a type of matter that does not interact with light.”

“It’s estimated that the universe contains 5% ordinary matter, 25% dark matter, and 70% dark energy,” they added.

“Hubble’s observations, including those contributing to this image, can help address fundamental questions regarding our universe, including dark matter and the enigmas of dark energy.”

“These studies take advantage of the immense mass of galaxy clusters, which enables us to warp the fabric of space-time to produce distorted, enlarged images of background galaxies and stars through a process known as gravitational lensing.”

“While this image lacks the dramatic ring that gravitational lenses can sometimes produce, Abel 209 still reveals subtle indications of hierarchy, illustrated by a slightly curved galaxy of stripes nestled within the golden glow of the cluster.”

“Analyzing the distortions in these galaxies allows astronomers to map the distribution of mass within clusters and shed light on the clouds of dark matter that lie beneath.”

“This information, made possible by Hubble’s remarkable resolution and precision, is crucial for testing theories about how our universe has evolved.”

Source: www.sci.news

Webb Discovers Two Young Exoplanets in the YSES-1 System

Posted on June 12, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Astronomers utilizing the NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope have discovered a silicate cloud in the atmosphere of the exoplanet YSES-1C and a disk in the evasion facility surrounding the planet YSES-1B.

Artist rendering of the YSES-1 system, featuring a central sun-like star, YSES-1B with its dusty evasive disc (right), and YSES-1C’s atmospheric silicate clouds. Image credit: Ellis Bogut.

YSES-1 is a solar-type star located approximately 309 light-years away in the constellation of Masca.

Also referred to as TYC 8998-760-1 or 2mass J13251211-6456207, this star is roughly equivalent in mass to our Sun but is only 16.7 million years old.

The system comprises two planets, YSES-1B and YSES-1C.

These planets orbit their parent star at distances of 160 and 320 AU, making them more distant from their star than Jupiter and Saturn are from the Sun.

YSES-1B and C could exhibit redder hues compared to other exoplanets (or brown dwarfs), indicating distinct atmospheric properties.

While the system has been observed with various telescopes before the Webb, comprehensive observations were not achievable prior to the Webb program.

“Directly imaged exoplanets are the only types we can truly photograph,” stated Dr. Ebert Nazkin, a postdoctoral researcher at Trinity College Dublin.

“Typically, these exoplanets are younger, hotter from their formative layers, and astronomers observe this heat in the thermal infrared spectrum.”

Utilizing Webb’s spectroscopic capabilities, Dr. Nasedkin and his team obtained detailed spectra of the planets YSES-1B and YSES-1C.

These observations include the first direct detection of atmospheric silicate clouds on YSES-1C, validating prior hypotheses regarding its atmospheric structure.

These silicate clouds likely contain iron, which might contribute to rainfall on the planet.

Astronomers estimate that the cloud particles are less than 0.1 μm in size.

“Upon observing a smaller, more distant companion identified as YSES-1C, I detected a silicate cloud signature in the mid-infrared,” Dr. Nasedkin remarked.

“Composed primarily of sand-like particles, this represents the strongest silicate absorption feature documented in an exoplanet.”

“We believe this is connected to the planet’s youth. Younger planets tend to have slightly larger radii, and this expanded atmosphere enables clouds to absorb more light emitted by the planet.”

“We were able to employ detailed modeling to uncover the chemical makeup of these clouds as well as the size and shape of the cloud particles.”

The team also identified silicate disks surrounding YSES-1B, marking a rare observation of a substellar companion exoplanet.

This finding suggests that YSES-1B may be a relatively recently formed planet.

The discoveries enhance our understanding of the early stages of planetary formation and atmospheric development.

“The planets within the YSES-1 system are so widely separated that current formation theories cannot explain them. The discovery of distinct silicate clouds around YSES-1C and additional findings of small, hot, dusty materials around YSES-1B introduces further mystery and complexity regarding how planets form and evolve.”

The team’s results will be featured in the journal Nature this week.

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kkw hoch et al. Silicate cloud and evasive agent disks in the YSES-1 exoplanet system. Nature Published online on June 10th, 2025. doi:10.1038/s41586-025-09174-w

Source: www.sci.news

Webb Discovers Silicon Monoxide in the Atmosphere of Ultra-Hot Jupiter WASP-121b

Posted on June 3, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Astronomers leveraging the NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope have identified water, carbon monoxide, and methane in the atmosphere of WASP-121B, as well as in Earth’s nightside atmosphere. This marks the first detection of silicon monoxide in any planetary atmosphere, including those within our solar system and beyond.

This artistic impression illustrates the phase during which WASP-121B collects most of its gas, inferred from recent findings. Image credit: T. Muller, MPIA & HDA.

WASP-121B is approximately 1.87 times larger and 1.18 times more massive than Jupiter.

First discovered in 2016, it completes an orbit around its host star, the F6-type WASP-121 (TYC 7630-352-1), in just 1.3 days, as observed by the WASP-SOUTH SURVEY.

The WASP-121 system is situated about 881 light years away in the constellation of Puppis.

Characterized as an Ultra Hot Jupiter, WASP-121B orbits its parent star in a mere 1.3 days, being so close that the star’s gravitational pull begins to physically disrupt it.

Estimates suggest that the temperatures on the planet’s eternal daytime side exceed 3,000 degrees Celsius, while the nightside cools down to around 1,500 degrees Celsius.

“The discovery of silicon monoxide in the atmosphere of WASP-121B is revolutionary, marking the first definitive identification of this molecule in any planetary atmosphere,” stated Dr. Anjali Piette, an astronomer at the University of Birmingham.

“The composition of the nightside atmosphere of WASP-121B indicates vertical mixing: the transport of gases from deeper atmospheric layers to the peak observed in infrared light.”

“We were surprised to find methane on the nightside given the extreme temperatures of this planet.”

Measurements of carbon-to-hydrogen, oxygen-to-hydrogen, silicon-to-hydrogen, and oxygen-to-oxygen ratios in the atmosphere suggest that during its formation, WASP-121B’s atmosphere was enriched by inner rocky materials enhanced by erosion-resistant bombardment.

“They’re outstanding,” remarked Dr. Thomas Evans Soma, an astronomer at Newcastle University.

In their research, astronomers employed a method known as phase curve observation, which entails tracking a planet’s orbit around its star and analyzing variations in its brightness.

These observations reveal details about both the daytime and nighttime hemispheres, along with their chemical makeups.

“The successful detection of these elements and characterization of WASP-121B’s atmosphere with Webb showcases the telescope’s capabilities and sets a precedent for future exploratory research,” Dr. Piette remarked.

Study published today in the journal Nature Astronomy.

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TM Evans-Soma et al. Ultra-Stellar C/O ratio in the atmosphere of SIO and giant exoplanet WASP-121. Nature Astronomy Published online on June 2, 2025. doi:10.1038/s41550-025-02513-x

Source: www.sci.news

Webb Discovers Crystallized Water Ice in Debris Disks Surrounding Young Sun-Like Stars

Posted on May 15, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Water ice plays a crucial role in the formation of giant planets and can also be delivered by comets to fully developed rocky planets. Utilizing data from the Near-infrared spectrometer (NIRSPEC), which is part of the NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope, astronomers have identified crystallized ice on a dusty fragment disk surrounding HD 181327.

Artist impression of a debris disk around the sun-like star HD 181327. Image credits: NASA/ESA/CSA/STSCI/RALF CRAWFORD, STSCI.

HD 181327 is a young main sequence star located approximately 169 light years away in the constellation Pictor.

Also referred to as TYC 8765-638-1 and WISE J192258.97-543217.8, the star is about 23 million years old and roughly 30% larger than the Sun.

Astronomer Chen Zai and a team at Johns Hopkins University utilized Webb’s NIRSPEC instrument to study HD 181327.

“The HD 181327 system is highly dynamic,” Dr. Xie noted.

“There are ongoing collisions occurring within the debris disk.”

“When these icy bodies collide, they release tiny particles of dusty water ice, which are ideally sized for Webb to detect.”

Webb’s observations reveal a significant gap between the star and its surrounding debris disk, indicating a considerable area devoid of dust.

Moreover, the structure of the fragment disk is reminiscent of the Kuiper Belt within our Solar System, where we find dwarf planets, comets, and various icy and rocky bodies that may also collide.

Billions of years ago, the Kuiper Belt in our own Solar System could have resembled the HD 181327 debris disk.

“Webb clearly detected crystallized water ice not only present in the debris disk but also in places like Saturn’s rings and the icy bodies of the Kuiper Belt,” Dr. Xie stated.

The water ice is not uniformly distributed across the HD 181327 system.

The majority is found in the coldest and most distant regions from the star.

“The area beyond the debris disk contains over 20% water ice,” Dr. Xie explained.

Near the center of the debris disk, Webb detected approximately 8% water ice.

In this region, frozen water particles may form slightly faster than they are destroyed.

Closest to the star, Webb’s detection was minimal.

Ultraviolet radiation from the star can evaporate the nearby water ice deposits.

It is also possible that the interiors contain rocky bodies, referred to as planets, which are “confined” such that their frozen water remains undetectable by Webb.

“The presence of ice facilitates planetary formation,” said Dr. Xie.

“Icy materials can ultimately contribute to the delivery of resources to terrestrial planets that may form over hundreds of millions of years in such systems.”

Survey results were published in the May 14, 2025 issue of the journal Nature.

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C. Xie et al. 2025. Water ice on debris disks around HD181327. Nature 641, 608-611; doi:10.1038/s41586-025-08920-4

Source: www.sci.news

Webb discovers potential signs of life in the atmosphere of K2-18b

Posted on April 18, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Astronomers using the NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope detected chemical fingerprints of dimethyl sulfide (DMS) and/or dimethyl disulfide (DMD) in the atmosphere of the hyperexterrestrial K2-18b. On Earth, DMS and DMD are produced solely by life, primarily microorganisms such as marine phytoplankton. While unknown chemical processes may be the source of these molecules in the atmosphere of K2-18B, the results are the most powerful evidence that life may exist on planets outside of spores.

Impressions of the artists of Super Earth ExoPlanet K2-18b. Image credit: A. Smith/N. Mandhusudhan.

K2-18 is a red dwarf about 111 light years away from Leo’s constellation.

The star, also known as Epic 201912552, hosts two giant deplanets: K2-18B and K2-18C.

The K2-18B, first discovered in 2015, has a radius of 2.6 times, about 8.6 times.

The planet orbits the star every 33 days at a distance of about 0.15 Au and has an Earth Similarity Index of 0.73.

It receives 1.28 times the intensity of the Earth’s light, and its equilibrium temperature is 2 degrees Celsius (28 degrees Fahrenheit).

Previous observations of K2-18b identified methane and carbon dioxide in its atmosphere. This was the first time a carbon-based molecule was discovered in the atmosphere of an exoplanet in a habitable zone.

These results were consistent with Hycean’s global predictions. This is an exoplanet covered with habitable oceans under a hydrogen-rich atmosphere.

However, another weak signal suggested that something else could happen with the K2-18B.

Transmission spectra of K2-18B using Webb’s Miri Spectrograph. Image credit: A. Smith/N. Mandhusudhan.

“I wasn’t sure if the signal I saw last time was due to DMS, but that hint alone was so exciting that I used a different instrument to make it look different from the Webb,” said Professor Nikku Madhusudhan, an astronomer at Cambridge University.

Previous tentative DMS inferences were made using Webb’s Niriss (near-infrared imager and slitless spectrograph) and Nirspec (near-infrared spectrograph) instruments.

New independent observations used Webb’s Miri (medium-infrared instrument) in the mid-infrared (6-12 microns) range.

“This is independent evidence using different wavelength ranges of light that do not overlap with previous observations, and not with previous observations. The signal has become stronger and more clear,” Professor Madhusudhan said.

“It was incredible to see results emerge and remain consistent through extensive independent analysis and robustness testing,” added Dr. Måns Holmberg, an astronomer at the Institute of Space Telescope Science.

DMS and DMD are molecules from the same family of chemicals, and both are predicted to be biosignatures.

Although both molecules have spectral features that overlap the observed wavelength range, further observations can help distinguish between the two molecules.

However, the concentration of atmospheric DMS and DMD in K2-18B is very different from Earth, which is generally less than a billionth of a volume.

In the K2-18B, they are estimated to be thousands of times stronger.

“The outcome is exciting, but it’s important to get more data before you claim that life has been discovered in another world,” Professor Madhusdan said.

“The inference of these biosignal molecules raises deep questions about the processes that may be producing them,” says Dr. Subajit Sarkar, an astronomer at Cardiff University.

“They’re the most popular and most popular,” said Dr. Savvas Constantinou, an astronomer at the Institute of Astronomy at Cambridge University.

“It’s important that we are deeply skeptical of our own outcomes, because once again, it’s only through testing and testing that we can get to where we are confident in them. That’s how science works,” Professor Madhusudhan said.

study It was released today Astrophysics Journal Letter.

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Nick Madhusdan et al. 2025. New constraints of atmospheric DMS and DMD of K2-18B from JWST millimeters. apjl 983, L40; doi: 10.3847/2041-8213/ADC1C8

Source: www.sci.news

Webb discovers the highly elusive “Einstein Ring”

Posted on April 3, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Light from the very distant spiral galaxy was bent and expanded by the gravity of the members of the Galaxy Cluster SMACSJ0028.2-7537 to form a ring-like structure known as the Einstein ring.

This composite image combines data from Webb’s near-infrared camera (Nircam), Hubble’s Widefield Camera 3 (WFC3), and advanced cameras for survey (ACS) equipment, showing Einstein’s rings around the elliptical galaxy of the Galaxy Cluster. Image credits: NASA/ESA/CSA/Webb/G. Mahler.

Einstein RingAlso known as Einstein-Chwolson Rings or Chwolson Rings, occurs when light from very distant objects bend around a large intermediate object.

“This is possible because space-time, the fabric of the universe itself, is bent by mass, so light passing through space and time is also bent,” said Guillaume Mahler, an astronomer at the University of Ligiju and a colleague.

“This effect is too subtle to observe at a local level, but dealing with the curvature of light on a huge astronomical scale can make it clearly observable.”

“When light from one galaxy is bent around another galaxy or cluster of galaxies.”

“If the lensed and lens objects are perfectly aligned, the result is a unique Einstein ring.”

“This will appear as a complete circle or a partial circle of light around the lens object, depending on the accuracy of the alignment.”

“Objects like this are the ideal laboratory for studying how galaxies are so faintly far away.”

New images were captured by Webb’s Nircam (near infrared) instrument As part of Powerful lens and cluster evolution (slice) investigation.

“The lens galaxy at the heart of this Einstein ring is an oval galaxy that can be seen by the galaxy’s bright core, smooth, uncharacteristic body,” the astronomer said.

“This galaxy belongs to a galaxy cluster named smacsj0028.2-7537.”

“Galaxies with lenses wrapped in elliptical galaxies are spiral galaxies.”

“The image is distorted as the light travels around the galaxy in its path, but the individual star clusters and gas structures are clearly visible.”

Source: www.sci.news

Webb discovers Lyman-Alpha emissions from ancient galaxy in early universe

Posted on March 30, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

The light of Lyman Afa from Jades-GS-Z13-1 took us nearly 13.47 billion to contact us, as it dates back just 330 million years from the Big Bang.

This image shows the Jades-GS-Z13-1 (middle red dot) imaged with Webb’s near-infrared camera (Nircam) as part of the Jades program. Image credits: NASA/ESA/CSA/WEBB/STSCI/JADES COLLABORATION/BRANT ROBERTSON, UC SANTA CRUZ/BEN JOHNSON, CFA/Sandro Tacchella, Cambridge/Phill Cargile, CFA/J. Witstok, P. Jakobsen & A. Pagan, Stsci/M. Zamani, Esa & Webb.

NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope’s key scientific goal was to see more than ever before the distant past of our universe, when the first galaxy formed after the Big Bang.

This search has already led to record-breaking galaxies when observing programs such as the JWST Advanced Deep Deep Alactic Survey (Jades).

Webb’s extraordinary sensitivity to infrared also opens up a whole new path for research into when and how such galaxies were formed, and their impact on the universe of the time known as Cosmic Dawn.

Astronomers studying one of these very early galaxies have been discovered in a spectrum of light that challenges our established understanding of the early history of the universe.

The Jades-GS-Z13-1 (GS-Z13-1 for short) was discovered in images taken by Webb’s Nircam (near-infrared camera) as part of the Jades program.

Dr. Roberto Maiolino and colleagues at the University of Cambridge and London used galaxy brightness with various infrared filters to estimate the redshift that measures the distance of a galaxy from Earth, based on how light stretches along the path of a space.

NIRCAM imaging resulted in an initial redshift estimate of 12.9. In an attempt to confirm that extreme redshift, astronomers observed the galaxy using Webb’s near-infrared spectrometer (NIRSPEC) instrument.

The resulting spectrum confirmed that the redshift was 13.0. This is the equivalent of a galaxy seen just 330 million years after the Big Bang, the current 13.8 billion-year-old minority in the universe.

However, unexpected features also stood out. One is the wavelength of light of a particular distinct bright wavelength, identified as Lyman alpha radiation emitted by hydrogen atoms.

This emission was far stronger than astronomers who thought they could be possible at this early stage of space development.

“The early universe was soaked in a thick mist of neutral hydrogen,” Dr. Maiolino said.

“Most of this haze was lifted in a process called reionization, which was completed about a billion years after the Big Bang.”

“The GS-Z13-1 shows the incredibly clear and Telltail signature of the Lyman Alpha radiation, which can only be seen after the surrounding mist has been fully lifted,” he said.

“This result was completely unexpected by early galaxy formation theories, which surprised astronomers.”

“Before and during the reionization, the enormous amount of neutral hydrogen mist surrounding the galaxy blocked the ultraviolet rays of released energy, like the filtration effect of colored glass.”

“Until sufficient stars were formed and the hydrogen gas could ionize, such light, including Lyman Alpha radiation, could not escape these fledgling galaxies and reach Earth.”

“According to Lyman Alpha radiation from this galaxy has therefore had great significance in our early understanding of the universe.”

“We’ve seen a lot of people who have had a lot of trouble with the world,” said Dr. Kevin Hayneline, an astronomer at the University of Arizona.

“We could have thought that early universes were covered in dense mists that would be very difficult to find even a powerful lighthouse peering through, but here, beams of light from this galaxy penetrate the veil.”

“This fascinating emission line has a major impact on how and when the universe has been reionized.”

The source of GS-Z13-1’s Lyman Alpha radiation from this galaxy is yet to be known, but it may contain the first light from the earliest generation of stars formed in the universe.

“The large bubbles of ionized hydrogen surrounding this galaxy may have been created by the star’s unique population, much larger, hotter and brighter than the stars formed at the later epoch, and perhaps representative of the first generation of stars, said Dr. Joris Wittok, an astronomer at Cambridge and Appenhagen University.

“The powerful active galactic nucleus (AGN) driven by one of the first super-large black holes is another possibility identified by our team.”

Team’s Survey results Published in the March 26th issue of the journal Nature.

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J. Wittstock et al. 2025. We witness the onset of reionization with Lyman-α ejection in the redshift13. Nature 639, 897-901; doi:10.1038/s41586-025-08779-5

Source: www.sci.news