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Exploring the Flourishing Complexity of Colonial Life During the Cambrian Explosion

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Bryozoans, small colonial animals, were traditionally believed to have appeared millions of years after the Cambrian explosion. However, remarkable fossils discovered in 520 million-year-old rocks in China reveal that these fascinating creatures have been present since the dawn of time.

Reconstruction of the early Cambrian ocean floor showing Protomerision Gatehouse and Daingomellission Hexacritia flourishing in the shallow waters of Archaeossias Reef. Image credit: Zhifei Zhang.

“Bryozoans are small, filter-feeding, colonial invertebrates that continue to thrive in the world’s oceans today. Yet, their origins remained a mystery for decades,” noted paleontologist Dr. Timothy Topper from Northwest University and the Swedish Museum of Natural History.

“While nearly all other major animal groups emerged during the Cambrian explosion around 530 million years ago, the fossil record for bryozoans remained conspicuously absent until the Ordovician period, roughly 50 million years later.”

In a groundbreaking study, paleontologists analyzed a stunning bryozoan fossil from the early Cambrian Sennudo Formation in China.

The samples represent two species: Protomerision Gatehouse and a newly recognized taxon, Daingomellission Hexacritia.

“For too long, bryozoans have been the missing link in Cambrian paleontology,” Dr. Topper stated.

“Except for bryozoans, all other significant animal phyla have Cambrian representations. This discovery definitively closes that gap.”

Specimen of Protomerision Gatehouse excavated from the sacrolactoid layer where a membranous sac is preserved. Image credit: Song et al., doi: 10.1038/s41586-026-10590-9.

This discovery not only fills a significant gap in the fossil record but also has profound implications for our understanding of the tree of life.

Phylogenetic analysis firmly places both Protomerision Gatehouse and Daingomellission Hexacritia within the Crown Group Stenolaemata, one of the three main classes of living bryozoans.

Since these fossils represent a more advanced branch of the Bryonidae family tree, their existence suggests that the origin of the entire group might date back to the Ediacaran period, even before the Cambrian explosion.

This study also confirms that Protomerision Gatehouse is indeed a bryozoan, despite some researchers proposing it might be a sclerotid derived from green algae or another unrelated organism.

New soft tissue data, along with detailed comparisons of colony size, shape, and internal structure, refute these alternative interpretations, clearly solidifying their association with bryozoans.

Specimen of Daingomellission Hexacritia showcasing colonies and cystids from the Xiannüdong Formation. Image credit: Song et al., doi: 10.1038/s41586-026-10590-9.

“These are not merely precursors; they are complex, modular colonies,” asserts paleontologist Baopeng Song from Northwest University.

“The combination of skeletal structure and internal anatomy provides definitive evidence that these represent true bryozoans, indicating that this phylum was already diversifying during the Cambrian radiation.”

“Together, the two Chinese taxa and previously reported Cambrian material from South Australia suggest that bryozoans were not only widespread in the early Cambrian oceans but also highly sophisticated in their development.”

“The concept of colonial body planning, where genetically identical individuals known as polypids cooperate within a communal skeleton, appears to have evolved as a core innovation of the Cambrian explosion itself rather than a late development.”

The team’s paper is published in the latest edition of Nature.

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B. Song et al. The high-fidelity modular skeleton proves the Cambrian origin of bryozoans. Nature, published online on June 3, 2026. doi: 10.1038/s41586-026-10590-9

Source: www.sci.news

What’s Next for Blue Origin Following the Rocket Explosion? Key Developments to Watch

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For years, Jeff Bezos’ rocket company, Blue Origin, has operated under the radar, overshadowed by the achievements of Elon Musk’s SpaceX. Recently, however, momentum has surged, with the giant rocket New Glenn approaching a crucial launch date that promises to enhance the space industry’s capacity to deploy satellites and essential equipment into orbit.

In a significant move, NASA recently endorsed New Glenn for a larger role in the Artemis moon return program. Additionally, Amazon is set to launch 48 of its satellites into orbit, entering into direct competition with SpaceX’s Starlink internet service.

On Thursday evening, however, a test of New Glenn led to a dramatic blaze on the launch pad, raising concerns throughout the industry.

“This is a major collective setback,” stated Chad Anderson, a startup investor at Space Capital.

The explosion has derailed Blue Origin and its partners, including Amazon and NASA, just as SpaceX prepares for a highly anticipated initial public offering, potentially valuing the company at over $1.25 trillion.

Had the rocket exploded in mid-air, it might have been viewed as a common failure. However, the significant launch pad damage has raised serious questions regarding the complex hydraulic and fuel systems surrounding the aging concrete structure.

Blue Origin has yet to respond to inquiries. A government social media post labeled the incident an “extraordinary situation,” assuring that all personnel were safe. Amazon hasn’t provided immediate commentary.

Only one launch pad exists for New Glenn at Launch Complex 36, located at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. Blue Origin has invested over $1 billion to refurbish this 1960s-era facility.

Consequently, Blue Origin faces the dual challenge of identifying the cause of the explosion and repairing its launch infrastructure, which may lead to significant delays in ongoing New Glenn testing.

According to Carissa Christensen, CEO of the aerospace analysis firm Blytech, this delay will affect Blue Origin’s upward trajectory. “While this setback is disappointing, I don’t see it as the end of the line,” she commented.

Industry experts believe that Bezos will remain committed to his ambitions, as he values Blue Origin as a key component of his legacy, with a net worth exceeding $290 billion. The company’s resources are limited only by his willingness to invest.

“It’s a challenging day, but we will rebuild everything essential and return to flight,” he stated on social media. “It’s worth the effort.”

Delays at Blue Origin could impede Amazon’s plans for its Amazon Leo satellite constellation, which is set to compete directly with Starlink.

Amazon’s launch strategy heavily depends on next-gen rockets capable of deploying multiple satellites simultaneously. Notably, New Glenn can carry up to 48 Amazon satellites, while other rockets have capacities ranging from 24 to 32 satellites.

As highlighted by research firm Quilty Space, Amazon is encountering a crisis in launch capacity exacerbated by the New Glenn explosion.

“The space economy is interlinked, so if one rocket fails, everyone feels the consequences,” stated Kim Burke, Director of Government Affairs at Quilty Space.

Roughly one-third of the 3,500 satellites Amazon plans to launch were slated to ride aboard New Glenn, as per Quilty Space’s analysis. The upcoming Vulcan Centaur rocket, a collaboration between Boeing and Lockheed Martin, is also in development, but faces its own set of challenges.

If the issues lie with Blue Origin’s engines, the Vulcan Centaur, which uses the same technology, might also be at risk.

Amazon Leo aimed to catch up with Starlink, which has successfully launched over 300 satellites in just a year, compared to Starlink’s fleet of over 10,000, according to tracker data from astrophysicist Jonathan McDowell.

Amazon’s satellites have been deployed using small rockets from SpaceX, United Launch Alliance, and the French company Arianespace. The company has also secured deals with prominent clients, including Delta Air Lines and Apple, for satellite services for its devices.

“Our commercial service will embody the cutting-edge technology available today,” said Amazon CEO Andy Jassy last month.

Amazon plans to conduct three upcoming small rocket launches, including one on Friday night. Amazon Leo aims for a commercial launch this fall, with the goal of recouping the substantial investment made to develop the network.

However, the delay of New Glenn could hinder its progress.

Kenneth Chan Contributed to the report.

Source: www.nytimes.com

Blue Origin Rocket Explosion: A Significant Setback for NASA’s Lunar Mission

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The significant explosion of the Blue Origin rocket on Thursday night signifies a major setback for Jeff Bezos’s space venture and NASA, potentially delaying astronaut landings on the moon and hindering lunar base construction efforts.

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Blue Origin now faces the repercussions of losing one of its few operational New Glenn rockets, alongside the destruction of its sole functional launch pad. Prolonged investigations and repairs could delay its return to flight for months or even years.

NASA too is confronted with significant uncertainties. Blue Origin was slated to play a crucial role in NASA’s lunar return initiative, competing with SpaceX to develop a lunar lander designed to ferry astronauts from Earth orbit to the moon. Testing for these commercially developed landers was anticipated during the upcoming Artemis III mission.

Just three days prior, Blue Origin secured a substantial contract with NASA to deliver two robotic landers to the moon in a mission scheduled for later this year.

“This is a significant setback for Blue Origin,” stated Kathleen Curley, a research analyst at Georgetown University’s Center for Security and Emerging Technologies.

NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman expressed this sentiment in a post on X on Thursday, commenting that “Spaceflight is unforgiving, and developing new heavy-lift launch capabilities is extremely difficult.”

In response to media inquiries, the station directed NBC News to Isaacman’s statement.

The catastrophic event transpired around 9 p.m. ET during an engine test at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida. In a static fire test, the rocket is fueled and its engines ignited to verify onboard systems, with the booster remaining attached to the launch pad, preventing any lift-off. Officials confirmed that all personnel were accounted for, with no reported injuries.

The explosion generated a considerable fireball, engulfing Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket and devastating much of the launch pad.

The extensive damage caused to the pad was particularly shocking, stated Casey Dreier, director of space policy at the Planetary Society, a nonprofit advancing space exploration through research and advocacy.

“While rocket companies often experience explosions, incidents involving launch pads are rare,” he remarked. “Such occurrences are detrimental as they result in the destruction of both the rocket and the associated infrastructure essential for launching.” This situation poses considerable challenges.

The affected launch pad serves as the sole launch facility for Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket. Consequently, even if technical issues are promptly resolved, the absence of a functional launch pad poses further complications.

“Reconstructing the infrastructure is complex and will require substantial time,” Dreier added. “There are limitations to how quickly operations can be resumed.”

Blue Origin is currently preparing for a second launch pad at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, though this project remains in preliminary stages.

Dreier anticipates that the New Glenn rocket may not see a launch for “between six months to two years” as Blue Origin conducts a comprehensive investigation. NASA announced intentions to collaborate with Blue Origin to examine the anomaly and evaluate the impact on forthcoming missions.

On Thursday, Bezos commented on X “It is too early to determine the root cause, but we are actively working to identify it.”

“It’s a very challenging day, but we are committed to rebuilding everything necessary to return to flight,” he expressed. “It’s worth the effort.”

Source: www.nbcnews.com

Rethinking the Cambrian Explosion: Evidence of Early Brain Development Before Shells and Limbs

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A groundbreaking hypothesis suggests that the Cambrian Explosion, which marked a rapid surge in animal diversity around 500 million years ago, was primarily influenced by the early evolution of complex nervous systems rather than the development of shells and limbs.

Brain First: A schematic representation of the main points of the hypothesis. Image credit: Ariel D. Chipman, doi: 10.1002/bies.70136.

“The phase between the late Ediacaran and early Cambrian periods (approximately 550 to 520 million years ago) represents the most significant evolutionary development of animals on Earth,” stated Ariel Chipman, a professor at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.

“During this time, there was a substantial increase in animal complexity and diversity, transforming the biosphere from a realm characterized by low diversity of primarily sedentary and bottom-feeding organisms to a dynamic environment filled with various motile animals, showcasing diverse locomotor modes and occupying dynamic ecosystems with an array of feeding strategies.”

“This transformative phase is often referred to as the Cambrian Explosion.”

Instead of seeking a singular reason for the surge in animal diversity, Professor Chipman reconstructs the Cambrian period as a series of interconnected developments in which escalating ecological complexity spurred the evolution of sophisticated nervous systems, particularly the brain.

As interactions between predators and prey intensified and marine environments grew more competitive, organisms faced heightened pressures to detect, process, and respond to their surroundings.

This ecological shift enabled the evolution of intricate neural systems adept at processing increasing sensory information.

At the core of this framework lies what Professor Chipman terms the ‘Brain First Hypothesis’.

This model proposes that brain expansion and regionalization occurred early in the evolutionary timeline, significantly contributing to subsequent anatomical innovations rather than being a mere byproduct of advanced bodily structures.

Notably, the researchers indicate that the genetic mechanisms responsible for brain development were not confined to the nervous system alone.

Through a phenomenon known as co-option, these genetic toolkits were repurposed for the formation of other organ systems.

This reutilization of existing developmental pathways facilitated the emergence of more complex body plans, including specialized digestive systems, advanced sensory organs, and segmental structures.

The rise in overall biological complexity allowed certain animal groups to thrive in a broader range of ecological niches, enhancing their evolutionary success.

This trend was not uniform across all life forms; it was particularly pronounced in groups like arthropods, mollusks, annelids, and chordates—lineages known for their high structural complexity and remarkable species diversity today.

“Instead of conceptualizing a single ‘explosion’, we should consider a sequence of interlinked steps,” Professor Chipman asserts.

“As environments evolved to be more complex, animals required improved methods to process information.”

“The evolution of the brain has made this possible, paving the way for even greater diversity in body forms and lifestyles.”

“It’s crucial to note that increased complexity is not inherently superior; several organisms have thrived with simpler body designs. This highlights that evolutionary success hinges on the specific demands of an organism’s environment.”

“By refocusing from a singular dramatic event to a series of gradual changes, this study offers a fresh perspective on the origins of animal diversity.”

“Future investigations, especially in genetics and developmental biology, may verify this hypothesis and further clarify the role of the brain in shaping the trajectory of life on Earth.”

Professor Chipman’s research paper was published in April 2026 in the journal bio essay.

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Ariel D. Chipman. 2026. Throughout the Cambrian, increases in animal diversity were driven by ecologically driven brain complexity. bio essay 48 (4): e70136; doi: 10.1002/bies.70136

Source: www.sci.news

Unveiling the Mystery: The Brightest ‘Whippet’ Space Explosion Ever Discovered

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Shutterstock Asset ID: 2498498799 - Supernova Explosion at the Center of the Galaxy

“Whippet” as envisioned by New Scientist picture desk

Credit: NASA/Muratato/Shutterstock/Adobe Stock

A mysterious burst of bright light in the night sky may indicate a black hole consuming an unusually sparse star.

In 2018, astronomers detected a new kind of cosmic explosion, designated AT2018cow, or “Cow.” This unique flash reached peak brightness in only a few days, significantly faster than typical supernovae.

Initially, the origins of these explosions were unclear. Since the discovery of Cow, several more similar events have been recorded, termed fast blue light transients (FBOTs), yet their origins remain enigmatic.

Recently, Liu Jialian and his research team at Tsinghua University in China propose that the latest cosmic flash, the brightest FBOT to date, results from an exotic star over 30 times the mass of the Sun shedding its outer hydrogen layer and becoming a meal for a black hole.

Named AT 2024wpp, or “Whippet,” this outburst was identified by the Zwicky Transitional Observatory in late 2024 and quickly outshone Cow by approximately tenfold. Liu’s team monitored the explosion using various telescopes, including the Swift X-ray Telescope, collecting data across different wavelengths.

The observed light spectrum indicates the explosion was over six times hotter than the Sun’s surface and expelled plasma at approximately one-fifth the speed of light. Approximately a month after the initial light burst, a previously unobserved X-ray outburst emerged, adding to the mystery of FBOTs.

Liu and his colleagues attribute these observations to a type of rare star known as a Wolf-Rayet star. This star features an exposed core devoid of gas. They argue that Whippet is a consequence of a Wolf-Rayet star being engulfed by a black hole approximately 15 solar masses.

The initial merger triggered the first light burst, while some remaining stellar material eventually spiraled towards the black hole, resulting in the second X-ray burst. As noted by Ashley Chrimes from the European Space Agency, “Of all the proposed explanations, this one is likely the least problematic.”

One of the most compelling elements supporting this theory is that the event appears to originate from young galaxies, where short-lived extreme stars like Wolf-Rayet stars are prevalent. Chrimes adds, “In this environment, such events would be expected, and we’re also observing this late-time bump, which could signal a significant post-merger response. This is indeed promising.”

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Source: www.newscientist.com

The Mysterious Disappearance of a Star: Insights into a Failed Supernova Explosion

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Illustration of a failed supernova creating a black hole

Illustration of a Failed Supernova Explosion Forming a Black Hole

NASA, ESA, and P. Jeffries (STScI)

A massive star in the Andromeda galaxy has seemingly vanished instead of exploding, resulting in the formation of a black hole in a peculiar manner.

Typically, black holes originate from stars that explode as supernovas. However, they can also emerge from stars that collapse due to their own gravity, directly creating black holes without the explosive phase.

In 2024, Kisharai De from Columbia University, along with his team, investigated the case of M31-2014-DS1, an exceptionally bright star located in the Andromeda galaxy, approximately 20 times the mass of our Sun. The star exhibited an initial brightening in 2014, followed by a significant dimming from 2017 to 2020. This behavior aligned with predictions for a supernova that would fail to result in a black hole, yet no direct evidence of the black hole was observed, such as X-ray emissions.

Currently, De and his colleagues are utilizing the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) and Chandra X-ray Observatory to study M31-2014-DS1. They have detected a faint red object at the star’s previous location, which is only about 8% brighter than the original star and enveloped in rapidly expanding dust. This finding aligns with the expected characteristics of a supernova that fails to produce a black hole. However, De and his team have refrained from commenting further, as their research has not yet undergone peer review.

Another group studying the same JWST data, including Emma Beasor from Liverpool John Moores University, UK, suggested that the case for M31-2014-DS1 failing to explode may also indicate a stellar merger, which could result in small explosions followed by dimming and dust formation.

“Predictions for the appearance of a failed supernova significantly overlap with what we might expect from a collision of two stars creating vast amounts of dust,” Beasor explained.

However, both scenarios are rare, she noted, as it is uncommon to observe such drastic color changes in a star.

“No matter the explanation, it’s fascinating that the visible star has essentially vanished,” stated Gerald Gilmore from Cambridge University. “For years, the search for extinct massive stars has produced ambiguous outcomes, but now, advancements in multi-wavelength time-domain astronomy are paving the way for clarity.”

The definitive method for confirming black hole formation is through the identification of X-ray emissions, Gilmore noted, which are currently absent at the M31-2014-DS1 location. Nevertheless, if advanced telescopes like JWST can analyze the remnants of dimmed stars, we could soon uncover what occurred. “We are on the verge of discovering at least one of the ultimate fates of a massive star, which is intriguingly akin to the Cheshire Cat’s disappearance,” he remarked.

References: arXiv, DOI: 10.48550/arXiv.2601.05774 and DOI: 10.48550/arXiv.2601.05317

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Webb Discovers the Most Ancient Supernova Explosion Ever Recorded

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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

Astronomers Uncover Strange Explosion from the Supermassive Black Hole in NGC 3783

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Utilizing ESA’s XMM-Newton along with the X-ray Imaging and Spectroscopy Mission (XRISM)—a collaborative endeavor led by JAXA, ESA, and NASA—astronomers detected an ultrafast outflow from the supermassive black hole in NGC 3783, moving at 19% the speed of light (57,000 km/s).

An artist’s conception of NGC 3783’s wind-blown supermassive black hole. Image credit: ESA/ATG Europe.

NGC 3783 is a luminous barred spiral galaxy located about 135 million light-years away in the Centaurus constellation.

This galaxy was initially discovered by British astronomer John Herschel on April 21, 1835.

Also referred to as ESO 378-14, LEDA 36101, or 2XMM J113901.7-374418, it is a prominent member of the NGC 3783 group, which contains 47 galaxies.

NGC 3783 hosts a rapidly rotating supermassive black hole with a mass of 2.8 million solar masses.

“We have never witnessed a black hole producing winds at such speeds before,” stated Dr. Li Gu, an astronomer at the Netherlands Space Research Organization (SRON).

“Swift bursts of X-ray light from a black hole immediately provoke superfast winds, and for the first time, we observe how these winds develop within just a day.”

During 10 days of observations, mainly using the XRISM space telescope, astronomers monitored the emergence and acceleration of a burst from NGC 3783’s supermassive black hole.

While such explosions are typically attributed to intense radiation, in this instance, the likely cause is a sudden shift in the magnetic field, akin to solar flares caused by the Sun’s outbursts.

It is known that supermassive black holes emit X-rays, but this marks the first occasion where astronomers have distinctly observed rapid ejections during these X-ray bursts.

This finding emerged from the longest continuous observation conducted by XRISM to date.

Over these 10 days, scientists noted fluctuations in the brightness of the X-rays, particularly within the soft X-ray band.

Such fluctuations, including explosions lasting three days, are not uncommon for supermassive black holes.

What sets this explosion apart is the simultaneous expulsion of gas from the black hole’s accretion disk—a swirling disc of matter in orbit around the black hole.

This gas was expelled at astonishing speeds, hitting 57,000 km/s, or 19% of the speed of light.

Researchers identified the origin of this gas as a region approximately 50 times larger than the black hole itself.

Within this chaotic region, gravitational and magnetic forces are in extreme interaction.

The emission is believed to be the result of a phenomenon known as magnetic reconnection, which occurs when the magnetic field rapidly reorganizes and releases vast amounts of energy.

“This is an unparalleled opportunity to explore the mechanisms behind ultrafast ejections,” Dr. Gu remarked.

“The data indicate that magnetic forces, resembling those involved in coronal mass ejections from the Sun, are responsible for the acceleration of the outflow.”

“A coronal mass ejection occurs when a hefty plume of hot solar plasma is hurled into space.”

“In contrast, supermassive black holes can produce similar events, but these eruptions are 10 billion times more potent and far smaller than solar phenomena we’ve observed.”

Scientists propose that the black hole activity observed may mirror its solar counterpart, driven by an abrupt burst of magnetic energy.

This challenges the widely-held theory that black holes expel matter predominantly through intense radiation or extreme heat.

These findings provide fresh insights into how black holes not only consume matter but can also expel it back into space under specific conditions.

This feedback process plays a critical role in galaxy evolution, affecting nearby stars and gas and potentially contributing to the structure of the universe as we know it.

“This discovery highlights the effective collaboration that underpins all ESA missions,” noted XMM-Newton project scientist and ESA astronomer Dr. Eric Courkers.

“By focusing on an active supermassive black hole, the two telescopes unveiled something unprecedented: rapid, ultrafast flare-induced winds similar to those generated by the Sun.”

“Interestingly, this suggests that solar physics and high-energy physics may operate in surprisingly similar fashions throughout the universe.”

The team’s paper was published in the December 9, 2025 issue of the journal Astronomy and Astrophysics.

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Gu Lee Yi et al. 2025. Investigating NGC 3783 with XRISM. III. Emergence of ultra-high-speed outflow during soft flares. A&A 704, A146; doi: 10.1051/0004-6361/202557189

Source: www.sci.news

These Cosmic Beasts Are Sparkling the Largest Explosion Since the Big Bang

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The immense void of space implies that only one star can occupy a region at a time.

This phenomenon occurs because the mass of these stars is 80 billion times lighter than Earth, with three colossal entities devouring stars ten times larger than our Sun.

A recent study from the University of Hawaii reveals that astronomers, while analyzing data from NASA and the European Space Agency, have identified three ultra-massive black holes. A gigantic one consumes stars far exceeding the sizes of those that orbit the center of our solar system.

The explosions reported by these researchers happened when the black holes tore apart and engulfed the remnants of these stars, yielding the largest events since the Big Bang that shaped our universe.

“What excites me about this research is that we are extending the boundaries of our understanding of the most energetic environments in the universe,” stated Anna Payne, a staff scientist at the Institute of Space Telescope Science and co-author, in a NASA article.

Black holes are cosmic entities that remain unseen by the naked eye, possessing a gravitational force so intense it can capture everything, including light itself. Supermassive black holes, the largest varieties, reside at the centers of galaxies, gradually consuming planets and other materials.

When a star falls under the influence of a supermassive black hole, new research published this week suggests it could end in a dramatic explosion categorized as an “extreme nuclear transient.”Journals advance in science

“These occurrences are unique as they provide the only means for us to illuminate a massive black hole that would typically remain dormant,” noted University of Hawaii graduate student Jason Hinkle in a related article from NASA.NASA article.

Hinkle serves as the lead author of a new study that documents two such events for the first time in the last decade.

Two of the three supermassive black holes were observed by ESA missions in 2016 and 2018, marking the first time they were documented. The third, cataloged as ZTF20Abrbeie, was discovered by the Caltech Observatory in California in 2020 and officially recorded in 2023.

The explosion’s magnitude rivals only that of the Big Bang, which initiated the universe.

Differing from typical stellar explosions, the variations in X-rays, optical, and ultraviolet emissions in these events indicated a “star-consuming black hole.”

NASA explains that black holes actually become brighter during these cosmic occurrences, with their luminosity lasting several months.

This brightness offers scientists a new methodology to uncover additional black holes in the far reaches of the early universe. As astronomers peer into the cosmos, the farther they look, the more ancient light they detect. For instance, light from the Sun takes eight minutes to reach Earth.

“You can use these three objects as a template for what to search for in the future,” Payne remarked.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

A nearby supernova explosion could have triggered multiple mass extinctions on Earth

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New research from Keele University and Universidad de Alicante shows that near Earth explosion Giant O and B type stars It occurs at a rate of 2.5 per billion years. This result supports the view that such an event may have caused one or more of the mass extinction events recorded on Earth.

Among the puppies in the constellation, I have the impression of the artist Zeta Puppis, an O-shaped star about 1,400 light years away. Image credit: Tahina Ramiaramanantsoa.

Astronomers at Kiel and Alicante University believe that the explosion of supernova near Earth could condemn both the late Devonian and Ordovician extinction events that occurred 372 and 445 million years ago, respectively.

Ordovician extinction killed 60% of marine invertebrates when life was largely confined to the ocean, and the late Devonian wiped out about 70% of all species, leading to a major change in the species of fish present in ancient seas and lakes.

Previous studies have not been able to identify a clear cause of either event, but are thought to be related to Earth's ozone layer depletion, which may have been caused by supernova.

A new study found that the velocity supernova that occurs near our planet coincides with the timing of both mass extinctions.

“Supernova explosions bring heavy chemical elements to interstellar media, which are used to form new stars and planets,” said Dr. Alexis Quintana, PhD from Kiel University, the lead author of the study.

“However, if planets, including Earth, are too close to events of this type, this can have devastating effects.”

“Supernova explosions are some of the most energetic explosions in the universe,” said Dr. Nick Wright, PhD from Keel University.

“If a large star explodes as a supernova close to Earth, the results will be devastating for life on Earth. This study suggests that this may already be happening.”

An artist impression of HR 6819, a close binary consisting of deleted B-shaped stars (background) and rapidly rotating BE stars (foreground). Image credit: ESO/L. Calsada.

Astronomers came to their conclusion after conducting a large-scale census of OB stars in the sun of Kiloparscheck (approximately 3,260 light years).

They studied the distribution of these stars to learn more about how clusters of stars and galaxies form using themselves as benchmarks, and the rate at which these stars form in our galaxies.

The census allowed researchers to calculate the rate at which supernovas occur within galaxies, which are important for supernova observations, and the rates that are important for the production of large-scale star rests, such as black holes and neutron stars throughout the universe.

Data will also help in the future development of gravitational wave detectors, a useful tool for scientists studying the structure and origin of the universe.

As part of this, the researchers calculated the supernova rate within the 20 parsecs (65 light years) of the Sun and compared this to the approximate velocity rate of mass extinction events on Earth that were previously attributed to nearby supernovas.

This exclusion events linked to other factors such as asteroid impacts and ice ages.

Comparing these datasets, experts found that their studies support the theory that supernova explosions are responsible for both the late Devonian and Ordovician extinction events.

“We calculated the supernova rate close to Earth, and we found that it coincides with the speed of mass extinction events on our planet, which are related to external forces such as supernova,” Dr. Wright said.

Astronomers believe it occurs in galaxies like the Milky Way at about one or two supernovas, or even lower speeds, but the good news is that there are only two nearby stars that can reach the supernova within the next million years or so.

“But both of these are over 500 light years from the US, and computer simulations have previously suggested that supernovaes at distance from Earth are likely to not affect our planet,” the author said.

Their study It will be published in Monthly Notices from the Royal Astronomical Society.

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Alexis L. Quintana et al. 2025. Census of AB stars within 1 kpc and collapse rate of star formation and core collapse Supernova rate. mnrasin press; arxiv: 2503.08286v1

Source: www.sci.news

Rocket explosion by SpaceX causes flight delays at Florida airport due to debris concerns

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A huge explosion of a SpaceX rocket above South Florida caused major disruptions for an air traveler due to unexpected delays.

The failure of the SpaceX mission led to the FAA grounding air traffic around Miami, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, and Orlando, citing concerns about “space-fired debris.”

“After years of traveling, this is a first,” expressed a Facebook user who goes by the name of Rappeck. Executive Peck was flying to South America but had to divert to Miami.

The flight pilot informed passengers that a space rocket had exploded during flight, causing debris to fall along their path. They reassured the passengers that they were safe but needed to circle back to Miami.

Peck shared, “We eventually had to return to Miami. It’s unbelievable. We’ve faced delays due to weather, mechanical issues, and even unruly passengers, but never because of a rocket explosion.”

Jesse Winans, a traveler en route from Costa Rica to Charlotte, found himself in an unexpected layover in Fort Lauderdale along with other passengers.

“They are trying to manage the situation with customers, but I anticipate a long process to reach our destination,” complained the frustrated traveler to NBC South Florida.

Debris from a SpaceX rocket above the Bahamas on Thursday.
John Ward

SpaceX previously experienced a similar accident in January and has pledged to learn from this latest incident.

The company stated Thursday night in a released statement, “We will analyze data from today’s flight tests to better understand the root causes. Success stems from our learnings, and today’s flights provide more insight to enhance Starship’s reliability.”

Elon Musk summed it up more succinctly with his statement: “Rocket science is hard.”


David K. Lee

Senior Breaking News Reporter

Brian Hamacher of NBC South Florida and Sarah Mahidri contributed.

Source: www.nbcnews.com