Stunning New Photos Showcase Cats in All Their Splendor

Posted on October 31, 2025 by

Cornish Rex cat named Stella

Tim Flach

Cats are truly distinctive creatures. Throughout history, they have held a complex place in human society, admired for their beauty and yet sometimes feared. Breeders have tailored them to align with our tastes. In his latest book, feline, celebrated animal photographer Tim Flach delves into the captivating world of felines.

“The core of this undertaking was to reveal the genuine nature of cats,” Flach explains. Featuring over 170 stunning images, feline also presents insights from neuroscientist Morten Klingelbach about why cats enchant us, alongside evolutionary biologist Jonathan Losos’s examination of felines and their development.

The image above showcases Stella, a Cornish Rex from Montreal, Canada. Her striking appearance arises from unique genetic characteristics during her embryonic development. Interestingly, cats with heterochromia often have one blue eye, a trait frequently observed in all-white breeds.

Flach further captures images of cats who have achieved online fame. Acchom (below) is a long-haired Persian cat who suffers from a rare condition known as hirsutism, leading to abnormal hair growth. Currently, Acchom boasts over 900,000 Instagram followers.

Acchom, a Persian cat with hypertrichosis

Tim Flach

In another example, the exotic shorthair named Zoo embodies cuteness in its purest form. It’s a perfectly round, fluffy bundle of joy (below).

Cuteness, as Klingelbach notes, is fundamental. As outlined in feline, the traits that make young mammals and birds appealing help them gain care from their parents, compensating for their vulnerability. Features like large eyes and round faces activate the orbitofrontal cortex, the area of our brain responsible for emotional responses. Such mechanisms ensure the survival of our species. Interestingly, this pleasing response extends beyond our own kind; cats elicit the same reaction in humans.

By scanning his own brain while interacting with his long-haired cat Loki, Flach illustrates the impact of cuteness, showing how the orbitofrontal cortex activates within a mere 130 milliseconds, faster than conscious thought. “In some ways, you’re observing the fundamental effects of cuteness,” he notes.

Cuteness isn’t the sole evolutionary asset for cats. Valentine, an 8-week-old Sphynx cat, demonstrates exceptional hunting agility as he leaps for an inconspicuous toy.

Sphynx cat jumping on prey (toy)

Tim Flach

Cats possess 40 times the number of scent-sensing cells in their noses compared to humans. Their uniquely designed whiskers are finely tuned to detect slight vibrations, aiding in navigation and close-range hunting in the darkness. Moreover, their tongues, featuring small papillae made of keratin, serve multiple purposes, including grooming and sensory tasks. This structure also enhances their sense of smell by transmitting pheromonal scents to the vomeronasal organ, located at the top of their mouths.

Poppy the domestic cat shows off her tongue

Tim Flach

However, one of the most striking features of cats is their mesmerizing eyes. Ancient myths claimed that a cat’s glowing gaze indicated a connection to the devil. In reality, the luminous effect seen when a light hits a cat’s eyes in the dark is caused by a special reflective layer called the tapetum lucidum, which bounces back unavailable light to the photoreceptors (rods and cones) in their retinas. Cats possess a far greater density of rods than humans, enabling them to see in one-sixth of the light that humans require, as Losos discusses in his book.

In exploring the mesmerizing quality of a cat’s gaze, Flach and his team employed specialized lenses and high-speed flashes, presenting the cats’ eyes in an unprecedented manner that evokes the imagery of shining mirrors, akin to lighthouse beams.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Space Live: The Unending Channel Streaming Stunning Earth Footage

Posted on October 15, 2025 by

I acknowledge that there are already countless shows available at this stage. Every channel and streaming service is brimming with content that craves your attention, leaving us with limited hours to watch. However, I would like to suggest a new program called Space Live, which currently features just one episode. The only drawback is that the episodes seem to last indefinitely.

In truth, it’s not a program at all but rather a channel. The footage debuted on Wednesday morning and is available on ITVX, solely comprising live visuals of Earth transmitted from the International Space Station. This presentation is captivating, particularly for those unaware that one can feel both awe and boredom simultaneously.

It is claimed to be the world’s first. ITV has collaborated with the British space media firm Sen to utilize live 4K footage from their distinctive SpaceTV-1 video camera system on the International Space Station, providing three camera angles: one focused on the docking ports, a horizon view revealing sunrises and storms, and a downward camera as the ISS traverses over Earth. A tracker on the screen indicates the ISS’s real-time position, accompanied by an AI-driven information feed offering insights about geography and weather.

The Space Live footage is significantly enhanced compared to NASA footage. Photo: ITV

To be exact, one could argue that it’s not groundbreaking at all. NASA’s YouTube channel has been streaming footage from the ISS for years, attracting thousands of viewers consistently. Nevertheless, Space Live is a bit more sophisticated. The visuals are undoubtedly superior. For instance, at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, Space Live presented stunning images of sunlight reflecting off the waters surrounding the Bay of Biscay, while NASA could only offer a piece of cloth inscribed with the word “Flap.” There’s even a relaxing soundtrack that loops repeatedly but doesn’t become overly irritating. In essence, it’s an upgrade.

And it’s truly captivating, at least during the first orbit. While we can’t wholly demonstrate the phenomenon known as the “overview effect,” which suggests that viewing Earth from space grants a fresh perspective on humanity, it is undeniably humbling to realize our planet’s smallness. The duration of the ISS’s journey from southeastern England (where I’m located) to conflict-ridden Ukraine is measured in mere seconds. Next, it would traverse across Asia to Australia. There’s hardly anything that separates us.

Inevitably, as the station glides around the Earth, eternally caught between sunrise and sunset, your thoughts drift to the people you know in various places. There’s a comforting quality to that.

However, one cannot remain in awe forever. The same goes for Space Live. Eventually, the enchantment of technology, perspective, and Earth’s beauty begins to fade, turning the experience akin to staring at a map on a plane when you’ve exhausted your movie options. Your focus starts to wander, and you realize that there are other live channels available on ITVX. One features Love Island, while others simply showcase Christmas movies. Then, with a sigh, you come to terms with the fact that the wonder of our only home, quietly revolving in the cosmos, has become just another content option—regardless of what ITV channel broadcasts American Ninja Warrior Jr.

The visuals are both breathtaking and reassuring. Photo: ITV

Nonetheless, it’s comforting to know that Space Live exists, even if it might not always capture your attention. It may not be something you’d typically expect to see on a large screen in a pub, unless a lively crowd gets excited about glimpsing the Ural River. As a background watch, though, it’s undeniably soothing. I suspect that for the select few, this channel will serve as a quiet companion as they navigate their daily routines.

And while that may not have been humanity’s initial motivation for achieving the incredible feat of breaking free from Earth’s constraints—let’s not forget that Neil Armstrong didn’t formally declare, “That’s one small step for a man, one giant leap for the screensaver industry”—the concept of Space Live is still delightful. I may not tune in all the time, but it will undoubtedly be my go-to source whenever I’m looking to reconnect with our essence and acknowledge how minimal the barriers are that divide us.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Hubble Captures Stunning Image of Dusty Spiral Galaxy NGC 7496

Posted on October 14, 2025 by

NGC 7496 is a barred spiral galaxy situated roughly 24 million light-years away in the Taurus constellation.

This Hubble image captures barred spiral galaxy NGC 7496 in the constellation Hyuri, located approximately 24 million light-years away. Image credits: NASA / ESA / Hubble / R. Chandar / J. Lee / PHANGS-HST team.

NGC 7496 was discovered by British astronomer John Herschel on September 5, 1834.

The galaxy is also identified as ESO 291-1, LEDA 70588, and IRAS 23069-4341, and spans approximately 70,000 light-years in diameter.

NGC 7496 belongs to the NGC 7582 group, which comprises about 10 large galaxies.

This galaxy is classified as a Type II Seyfert galaxy, notable for a high star formation rate.

At its center lies an active galactic nucleus containing a supermassive black hole primarily consuming gas.

According to Hubble astronomers, “Hubble observed NGC 7496 for the first time as part of the Physics at High Angular Resolution of the Nearby GalaxieS (PHANGS) program.”

“Alongside the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope, this initiative utilizes the capabilities of various powerful observatories, including the Atacama Large Millimeter/Submillimeter Array, ESO’s Very Large Telescope, and the NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope.”

“NGC 7496 was the inaugural galaxy in the PHANGS sample to be observed by Webb.”

“Each of these observatories offers a unique perspective on this extensively studied galaxy.”

“With its exceptional ultraviolet capabilities and high resolution, Hubble’s observations reveal young star clusters emitting high-energy radiation.”

“Hubble’s insights into NGC 7496 will assist in determining the ages and masses of these young stars, as well as the degree to which their light is obscured by dust.”

“Previous Hubble images of NGC 7496 were released in 2022,” they noted.

“Today’s image incorporates fresh data showcasing the galaxy’s star clusters amid glowing red clouds of hydrogen gas.”

Source: www.sci.news

RadioAstron Reveals Stunning Images of Two Orbiting Supermassive Black Holes

Posted on October 10, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Astronomers leveraged data from the Radio Astron satellite to generate radio images of two supermassive black holes located at the core of a distant quasar, OJ287. The secondary black hole follows a 12-year orbit around the primary black hole.

The RadioAstron will map two supermassive black holes at the center of galaxy OJ 287, located about 5 billion light-years away in the constellation Cancer. The middle component corresponds to a primary black hole, while the next higher component indicates a secondary black hole, and the highest component represents the knot of its jet. The apparent elongation of the individual components is not real but rather reflects the beam’s shape. Image credit: Valtonen et al., doi: 10.3847/1538-4357/ae057e.

Quasars are exceptionally luminous galactic nuclei whose brightness arises when a supermassive black hole at the galaxy’s center consumes surrounding cosmic gas and dust.

Previously, astronomers have successfully captured images of a black hole at the center of the Milky Way and another in the nearby galaxy known as Messier 87.

“Quasar OJ 287 is so luminous that even amateur astronomers using commercial telescopes can observe it,” remarked Dr. Mauri Valtonen, an astronomer from the University of Turku.

“What sets OJ 287 apart is that it is believed to have two black holes that orbit each other every 12 years, creating a distinct pattern of light fluctuations over the same interval.”

“The earliest observations of OJ 287 date back to the 19th century, captured through old photographs.”

“At that time, the concept of black holes, not to mention quasars, was unimaginable.”

“OJ 287 was inadvertently captured in photographs while astronomers were focused on other celestial objects.”

In 1982, Dr. Valtonen observed that the brightness of the object varied regularly over a 12-year cycle.

He continued his research as a university scholar and proposed that these brightness variations could be due to two black holes orbiting one another.

Numerous astronomers have been closely monitoring quasars to validate this theory and to gain a comprehensive understanding of the orbital motion of the black holes.

The mystery regarding this orbit was finally clarified four years ago by astronomer Lankeswar Dey from the University of Turku.

The only remaining question was whether both black holes could be detected simultaneously.

The solution came from NASA’s TESS satellite, which identified light emission from both black holes.

However, the images captured under normal light lacked the resolution to distinguish the black holes as separate entities, so they were still represented merely as single points.

What was necessary were images with a resolution 100,000 times greater than that attainable by standard radio telescopes.

In this research, Valtonen and his collaborators compared initial theoretical models with radio images.

The two black holes were precisely positioned in the images where they were anticipated to be.

This finding successfully addressed a question that had lingered for four decades: the existence of black hole pairs.

“For the first time, we were able to create images revealing two black holes in orbit around each other,” noted Dr. Valtonen.

“In the image, the black hole is marked by the powerful jets of particles it emits.”

“While the black hole itself is entirely black, it can be identified by the jets of particles and the luminous gas surrounding it.”

Researchers also discovered a completely new type of jet emanating from black holes.

The jet from the secondary black hole of OJ 287 is twisted, resembling the jet from a spinning garden hose.

“This is due to the smaller black hole moving more swiftly around the primary black hole, causing its jet to be deflected according to its current trajectory,” the authors explained.

Their paper was published in the Astrophysical Journal.

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Mauri J. Valtonen et al. 2025. Secondary jet identified in RadioAstron images of OJ 287. APJ 992, 110; doi: 10.3847/1538-4357/ae057e

Source: www.sci.news

Astronomers Unveil Stunning Image of the M87 Black Hole Jet

Posted on September 30, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Jets erupting from the black hole at the heart of the Galaxy M87

Jan Röder; Maciek Wielgus et al. (2025)

Over a hundred years ago, Heber Curtis identified the inaugural black hole jet, a tremendous stream of heated plasma emerging from the supermassive black hole located in the core of the Galaxy M87. The James Webb Space Telescope is currently scrutinizing this jet with remarkable precision.

Since its initial observation in 1918, the M87 jet gained fame for being connected to the first imaged black hole in 2019; however, it has been analyzed by various telescopes and is arguably the most extensively studied black hole jet. Yet, many aspects of its behavior, like some intensely luminous regions and darker spiral-shaped sections, still lack thorough explanation. Astronomers suspect these may be the result of jet beam refocusing or varying chains that form upon interacting with new materials like the dense gaseous regions. Nonetheless, the fundamental mechanisms remain elusive.

Recently, Maciek Wielgus from the Institute of Astrophysics in Andalusia, Spain, along with his colleagues, utilized the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) to further unveil the famous luminous features of the M87 jets. They also succeeded in capturing a striking and less frequently observed counterjet that shoots out in the opposite direction from the other side of the black hole.

Wielgus and his team analyzed data retrieved from another project examining the M87 star, where JWST’s infrared sensors proved particularly effective. The overwhelming starlight complicated the jet analysis, necessitating the data to be re-evaluated to filter out the extraneous light. “This is a classic example of what astronomers often describe as using another’s discarded data,” notes Wielgus.

The first bright region identified in the jet is termed Hubble Space Telescope 1, in acknowledgment of the discovering telescope, and is believed to result from the jet’s compression entering a higher pressure environment. This phenomenon resembles the bright diamond-shaped patterns seen in rocket engine exhausts.

Researchers can also observe the far end of the jet on the opposite side of M87. As it propels away from us at speeds nearing the speed of light, Einstein’s theory of special relativity renders it much dimmer than it inherently is. However, when this beam encounters another area of gas with varying pressures, it expands and becomes perceptible.

This indicates the end of the material foam surrounding M87, alongside the visible termination of the jet nearest to us. With the imaging of the other end of the jet in such detail in infrared, astronomers can commence modeling the gas structures present within this bubble, states Wielgus.

The Mystery of the Universe: Cheshire, England

Join some of the leading scientific minds for a weekend exploring the enigmas of the universe. Engage in an exciting agenda that includes a visit to the renowned Lovell telescope.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Hubble Space Telescope Captures Stunning Spiral Galaxy: NGC 6000

Posted on September 30, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

The Hubble team has unveiled stunning images captured by the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope, showcasing half of the Barred Spiral Galaxy NGC 6000.

This Hubble image reveals NGC 6000, a barred spiral galaxy located around 102 million light years away in the constellation Scorpius. Image credits: NASA/ESA/Hubble/A. Filippenko/MHözsaraç.

NGC 6000 is approximately 102 million light years distant from the constellation Scorpio.

Also known as ESO 450-20, IRAS 15467-2914, or LEDA 56145, this spiral galaxy spans nearly 67,000 light years.

It was first observed by British astronomer John Herschel on May 8, 1834.

Classified as a Seyfert II Galaxy, NGC 6000 is the brightest galaxy in the constellation of Scorpio.

“The NGC 6000 showcases a luminous yellow center surrounded by a sparkling blue region,” stated Hubble astronomers.

“These colors signify variations in the average age, mass, and temperature of the stars within the galaxy.”

“In the galaxy’s core, the stars tend to be older and smaller.”

“Interestingly, fewer giant stars are cooler compared to their larger counterparts; cooler stars appear red, while hotter stars take on a blue hue.”

“Along the spiral arm of NGC 6000, the Brilliant Star cluster is home to a young, massive star that distinctly looks blue.”

Hubble’s instruments gathered data from new images of NGC 6000 while investigating the site of a recent supernova explosion in a nearby galaxy.

“NGC 6000 has witnessed two supernovas: SN 2007CH in 2007 and SN 2010 in 2010,” noted the astronomer.

“We were able to detect the faint glow of the supernova several years post the initial explosion.”

“These observations assist in determining the star mass of supernova progenitor cells and whether they possess stellar companions.”

“If you zoom in on the right side of the galaxy disc in this image, you may notice other yellow and blue formations, which are four thin lines.”

“These represent asteroids from our solar system transit across Hubble’s field of vision while observing NGC 6000.”

“The four streaks arise from varying exposures captured sequentially with brief pauses in between, which we merged to create this final image.”

“The colors appear in this manner: each exposure captures specific red and blue wavelengths, as we used filters to isolate light at very particular wavelengths.”

“Collecting these individual exposures is vital for studying and comparing star colors, though it makes inter-agency intrusions quite apparent.”

Source: www.sci.news

Stunning Images Capture Efforts to Save the Javan Slow Loris

Posted on September 26, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Javanese slow loris reacts while receiving snacks at Ujung Kulon National Park

Garry Rothulung

These images depict the release of Javan Slow Lorises into Ujung Kulon National Park in Java, Indonesia, last month.

Photojournalist Garry Rothulung has joined the Indonesia International Animal Rescue Agency team. The nonprofit Initiatives for Environmental Rehabilitation in Indonesia (Yiari) released a Javan Slow Loris and transported the animals back to their habitat (as shown below).

Volunteers transporting Javan slow loris

Garry Rothulung

The Javan slow loris (Nycticebus javanicus) is critically endangered due to rainforest habitat loss and being captured for the pet trade or for traditional medicine. These animals often have their teeth removed, which prevents them from eating in the wild. However, rescued individuals can be rehabilitated, and Yiari works to release them back into their natural environment.

Javan slow loris can be seen during the habituation process

Garry Rothulung

While the slow loris appears adorable, it is one of the few poisonous primates in the world. When threatened, they raise their arms to mix secretions from their elbow glands with their saliva, creating a toxic substance.

Volunteers observe slow loris in Java

Garry Rothulung

This dual-action defense mechanism is characteristic of the slow loris. While the biology of their venom is not fully understood, their bites can cause severe pain, slow healing, and may provoke allergic reactions. The venom also serves to protect their fur from parasites such as mites and fleas.

These animals received vitamins (as shown in the main image) and were placed in a monitoring enclosure (see above). “They will be observed for several days to two weeks to help them acclimate to the wild before their permanent release,” Rothulung explains.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Stunning Images Uncover the Hidden World of Fascinating Plants and Fungi

Posted on September 26, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Brugmansia Suaveolens

Jill Pflugheber and Steven F. White

For millennia, individuals have harnessed the transformative power of plants and fungi, using substances like ayahuasca, cannabis, psilocybin mushrooms, and tobacco in spiritual ceremonies to reshape their perceptions of reality.

Recently, a new book sheds light on these psychoactive and medicinal plants and fungi, revealing their intricacies through advanced microscopy techniques.

Virola theiodora

Jill Pflugheber and Steven F. White

Utilizing confocal microscopy, which employs laser scans at varying depths to produce sharply focused images of intricate specimens, this advanced technique is primarily used in academic research.

Neltuma pallida

Jill Pflugheber and Steven F. White

Jill Pfluber from the University of Kentucky applied confocal microscopy to explore 50 revered plants and fungi across the United States. Her findings contribute to Microcosm: Sacred Plants of the Americas, a publication co-authored with independent historian Stephen F. White.

Cannabis

Jill Pflugheber and Steven F. White

The outcome is a captivating exploration into the hidden complexities of some of the world’s most esteemed plant species, as explained by White. He emphasizes their goal of creating “plant art” that challenges and enriches people’s understandings of sacred plants. “We aspire for those who encounter Microcosm to develop a newfound respect for these plants,” he states.

Theobroma cacao

Jill Pflugheber and Steven F. White

From their primary photography, the images present some results of their exploration: Brugmansia Suaveolens; Justicia Pecteris; Virola theiodora; Neltuma pallida; Cannabis; and Theobroma cacao.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Hubble Space Telescope Reveals Stunning New Images of NGC 2775

Posted on September 23, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

The prominent, yellowish bulge at the core of NGC 2775 is populated with older stars, encircled by tightly wound spiral arms adorned with areas of dark dust and young blue stars.

This Hubble image captures NGC 2775, a galaxy located approximately 67 million light years away in the Cancer constellation. Image credits: NASA/ESA/Hubble/F. Belfiore/J. Lee/Phangs-HST team.

NGC 2775 is situated about 67 million light years from the northern constellation of Cancer.

This galaxy was discovered on December 19, 1783, by British astronomer William Herschel, who was originally from Germany.

NGC 2775 is a principal member of the Galaxy’s Anti-Rahydra Cloud and part of a small group of galaxies known as the NGC 2775 group.

Also referred to as Caldwell 48, Leda 25861, or UGC 4820, NGC 2775 has a diameter of approximately 80,000 light years.

“NGC 2775 has an unusually smooth center that is devoid of gases, resembling an elliptical galaxy,” noted Hubble astronomers in a statement.

“It contains dusty rings with clusters of patchy stars, similar to spiral galaxies.

“Observing NGC 2775 from a single perspective makes it challenging to ascertain its true nature.”

“While some researchers classify NGC 2775 as a spiral galaxy due to its star and dust patterns resembling feathered rings, others categorize it as a lenticular galaxy.”

“Lenticular galaxies exhibit characteristics of both spiral and elliptical types.”

“The exact appearance of a lenticular galaxy remains uncertain, as they can form in various ways.”

“Some lenticular galaxies may have originated as spiral galaxies that fused with one another or may have lost their star-forming gas and prominent spiral arms.”

“They might also have accumulated gas in their surrounding discs, leading them to appear more oval-shaped.”

Astronomers suggest that NGC 2775 may have merged with other galaxies in the past.

“In the Hubble image, NGC 2775 features a hydrogen gas tail extending nearly 100,000 light years around the galaxy,” the researchers indicated.

“This faint tail could represent the remnants of one or more galaxies that ventured too close to NGC 2775 before being absorbed.”

“If NGC 2775 has indeed merged with other galaxies previously, it could help to explain the unusual appearance of the galaxy as we observe it today.”

“Hubble’s images of NGC 2775 were released earlier in 2020,” they added.

“The updated version includes observations of specific wavelengths of red light emitted by hydrogen gas clouds surrounding the young giant star.”

Source: www.sci.news

Apple Unveils Sleek New iPhone at Stunning Annual Product Event

Posted on September 9, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Anticipate a sleeker design for Apple’s upcoming iPhone set to launch on Tuesday. The tech giant aims to introduce the slimmest iPhone yet at its annual product event, themed “Awe-Dropping.” The showcase will take place at the Steve Jobs Theatre located at Apple’s Cupertino headquarters, starting at 10 AM.

The iPhone 17 lineup will comprise standard, Pro, and Pro Max variants, expected to feature a new member, the iPhone Air. This latest iteration of the iPhone has been dubbed Apple’s lightest flagship, reminiscent of its Slim MacBook laptops, according to industry observers. Apple has not refuted any speculations regarding future models.

Alongside mobile devices, Apple is set to unveil updates for the Apple Watch Series 11 and AirPods. There are whispers that the new AirPods may include live translation features, enabling Apple to keep pace with its rival, Google, which introduced a similar feature in its Pixel Buds a few years back.

Additionally, Apple is likely to announce launch dates for its upcoming mobile and desktop operating systems, iOS 26 and macOS Tahoe.

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The tariffs imposed by Donald Trump are looming over the debut of the new product, potentially impacting the iPhone’s intricate global supply chain and leading to significant price increases for consumers looking to upgrade. Nevertheless, CEO Tim Cook has managed to evade predictions of a $2,000 iPhone lifespan, relocating much of Apple’s production from China to India and dispatching hundreds of tons of iPhones to the U.S. ahead of the tariffs’ implementation date.

Investors and iPhone users are keenly observing discussions around Apple Intelligence, a set of features introduced in October 2024, which has garnered mixed reactions concerning AI integration on the iPhone. Last year’s announcements promised a revamp of Siri, which has yet to materialize.

During the earnings call in July, Cook noted, “we’re making solid strides towards a more personalized Siri,” and affirmed its release for the following year. Reports suggest Apple is in talks with Google to enhance Siri utilizing the latter’s Gemini AI framework. Bloomberg made a similar shift when they restructured Safari’s search engine.

Wall Street analysts perceive Apple as trailing behind in artificial intelligence competitiveness, especially against major players like Google in Silicon Valley.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Get Ready for the Stunning Harvest Blood Moon on September 7th!

Posted on August 30, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

“Find the moon and watch it darken and redden…”

JG Photo/Alamy

3ABDR5N Total Lunar Eclipse, blood moon with tree silhouette in Pennsylvania, USA — “Find the moon and watch it darken and redden…”

JG Photo/Alamy

My perspective on the moon has changed in the past year, especially since I gave birth during the harvest month, coinciding with the full moon.

In those early months with my son, time felt peculiar. The boundary between day and night blurred. Yet, the lunar cycle marked the passage of time. Each full moon signified that another 29.5 days had gone by and reminded me that my son was growing month by month.

<p>The upcoming full moon will carry special significance, as it coincides with a total lunar eclipse on September 7th, 2025.</p>
<p>This spectacular event will be visible to many around the globe, including parts of Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, and South America. In my location in the UK, the moon will emerge from below the horizon around 20 minutes later, at approximately 7:30 PM, and will remain visible until the eclipse concludes.</p>
<p>As I mentioned, the full moon occurs every 29.5 days. During this phase, our planet is positioned between the sun and the moon, allowing the moon to fully reflect sunlight towards us.</p>
<section></section>
<p>However, because the moon's orbit is slightly tilted relative to Earth's orbit around the sun, these celestial bodies don’t always align perfectly (a phenomenon known as Syzygy).</p>
<span class="js-content-prompt-opportunity"/>
<p>When syzygy happens during the new moon, a solar eclipse occurs. Conversely, if it happens during the full moon, we witness a total lunar eclipse.</p>
<p>During this event, the moon will enter Earth's shadow, which is why it appears dark and red. The only light that reaches the moon's surface and is reflected back to us has passed through Earth's atmosphere, scattering most wavelengths except for the reds.</p>
<p>To discover the best times to view the lunar eclipse and what you can see from your location, check out the <a href="https://www.timeanddate.com/eclipse/lunar/2025-september-7">Interactive Solar Eclipse Map</a>.</p>

<p>Unlike solar eclipses, no special equipment is necessary for viewing the lunar eclipse—just a clear sky. Once you know when to look, find the moon and watch it transition to a dark, red hue (as shown in the photo). If you're in the UK, you’ll find the moon positioned on the eastern horizon, so make sure to find a spot with a clear view to the east.</p>
<p>This full moon, occurring just before the autumn equinox, is often referred to as the harvest blood moon due to the reddish color it takes on during the eclipse.</p>
<p>I’m not certain how old he has to be to appreciate it, but I plan to take my son outside to witness this beautiful lunar sight that coincides with his birth in the harvest month.</p>
<p><em>Abigail Beall is the editor of New Scientist and the author of *Art of Urban Astronomy*. Follow her @abbybeall</em></p>
<p>For more projects, please visit newscientist.com/maker</p>
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Source: www.newscientist.com

Hubble Space Telescope Reveals Stunning New Images of NGC 2835

Posted on August 19, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

NASA has unveiled a stunning new image captured by the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope, showcasing the nearby Spiral Galaxy NGC 2835.

This Hubble image depicts NGC 2835, a spiral galaxy approximately 35 million light years away in the Hydra constellation. Image credit: NASA/ESA/Hubble/R. Chandar/J. Lee/Phangs-HST team.

NGC 2835 is a mid-spiral galaxy located about 35 million light years from Earth, situated in the southern Hydra constellation.

Commonly referred to as ESO 564-35, Leda 26259, and UGCA 157, this galaxy spans roughly 65,000 light years, which is just over half the size of our Milky Way.

Wilhelm Tempel, a German astronomer, discovered NGC 2835 on April 13, 1884.

This galaxy holds significance as the most prominent member of the NGC 2835 group, a small cluster that includes ESO 497-035 and ESO 565-001.

Notably, NGC 2835 harbors a supermassive black hole, estimated to have a mass between 3 to 10 million solar masses.

“The last Hubble image of this galaxy was published in 2020,” remarked Hubble astronomers in a statement.

“Is there any difference between today’s image of NGC 2835 and the earlier version?”

“Overall, NGC 2835 appears quite similar in both images, with the spiral arm showcasing young blue stars surrounding the oval core populated by older stars.”

“The new image stands out because it incorporates fresh data from Hubble, capturing red light at a specific wavelength known as H-Alpha.”

“The bright regions highlighted by H-alpha are visible along the spiral arm of NGC 2835, where a vibrant pink nebula gives an impression of blooming flowers.”

“H-Alpha light indicates the presence of various types of nebulae, each occurring at different phases of stellar evolution.”

“While massive, young stars create nebulae known as H II regions, a significant source of H-alpha light, dying stars can leave behind supernova remnants or planetary nebulae that can also be identified by H-alpha emissions.”

“Our goal is to identify over 50,000 nebulae using Hubble’s advanced equipment to explore 19 nearby galaxies.”

“These observations aid in understanding how stars influence their birth environments through intense starlight and stellar winds.”

Source: www.sci.news

Hubble Space Telescope Captures Stunning Detail of NGC 45’s Outer Arm

Posted on August 11, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Astronomers utilizing the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope have captured breathtaking new images of sections of the spiral galaxy known as NGC 45.

This Hubble image depicts the outer arm of the NGC 45, a spiral galaxy approximately 22 million light-years distant in the Cetus constellation. This color image was generated from individual exposures taken in both visible and near-infrared light using Hubble’s Wide Field Camera 3 (WFC3). The colors have been produced by assigning different hues to each monochromatic image captured through various filters. Image credits: NASA/ESA/Hubble/D. Calzetti/R. Chandar/Mhözsaraç.

NGC 45 is located about 22 million light-years away within the constellation of Cetus.

Also referred to as DDO 223, ESO 473-1, or Leda 930, this galaxy spans roughly 81,000 light-years in diameter.

The discovery of NGC 45 dates back to November 11, 1835, by British astronomer John Herschel.

“The data from Hubble utilized to create this portrait of NGC 45 was obtained from two complementary observational programs,” stated Hubble astronomers.

“Initially, we leveraged Hubble’s capability to capture light from ultraviolet to near-infrared ranges to broadly observe galaxies and examine star formation within them.”

“In the second program, we focused on many of the same nearby galaxies as the first, narrowing down to a specific wavelength of red light known as H-alpha.”

“Star-forming nebulae emit strong H-alpha light, and several of these areas can be identified by their bright pink red color throughout NGC 45.”

“These observational programs aim to investigate star formation across galaxies of varying sizes, structures, and separations, making NGC 45 a particularly compelling target.”

Though it may appear to be an ordinary spiral galaxy, NGC 45 is actually a remarkable low surface brightness galaxy.

“Low surface brightness galaxies are more intriguing than the evening sky and are incredibly challenging to detect,” articulated the researchers.

“They possess relatively fewer stars in relation to the amount of gas and dark matter they contain, making them appear unexpectedly faint.”

“Since the accidental discovery of the first low-surface brightness galaxies in 1986, scientists have learned that 30-60% of all galaxies may fall within this category.”

“Investigating these elusive galaxies is crucial for understanding the formation and evolution of galaxies, and Hubble’s sensitive instruments are well-suited for this task.”

Source: www.sci.news

Hubble Captures Stunning Images of NGC 1309

Posted on July 29, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

The Hubble team has unveiled a breathtaking new image captured by the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope, showcasing the Facon Spiral Galaxy NGC 1309.

Hubble’s image reveals NGC 1309, a spiral galaxy situated about 100 million light years away in the Eridanus constellation. This color representation is a result of observations from Hubble’s Advanced Camera (ACS) and Wide Field Camera 3 (WFC3), utilizing multiple filters to explore ultraviolet, infrared, and optical wavelengths. Each color corresponds to a specific filter’s monochromatic image. Image credits: NASA/ESA/Hubble/L. Galbany/S. Jha/K. Noll/A. Riess.

NGC 1309 is located about 100 million light years away in the constellation Eridanus.

Commonly referred to as IRAS03197-1534, LEDA 12626, or TC 470, this galaxy has a diameter of 75,000 light years.

NGC 1309 was first discovered on October 3, 1785, by the German-British astronomer William Herschel.

The galaxy is the brightest member of the NGC 1309 group, which also includes MCG -03-09-027 and UGCA 71.

“The mesmerizing Hubble images capture the bluish tones of NGC 1309, alongside dark brown gas clouds and shimmering white centers, interspersed with hundreds of remote background galaxies,” remarked Hubble astronomers.

“Almost every dot, stripe, and cluster of light in this image represents an individual galaxy.”

“The sole exception in this vast extragalactic scenery is a star, identifiable near the top of the frame due to its distinctive diffraction spikes.”

“This star is relatively nearby, merely thousands of light years away within our Milky Way galaxy.”

Significant scientific interest in NGC 1309 arises from two supernovae. SN 2002fk and SN 2012Z, which occurred in 2002 and 2012, respectively.

“The SN 2002fk exemplified the type Ia supernova, occurring when a white dwarf’s core explodes,” the astronomer explained.

“Conversely, SN 2012Z displayed a more unique behavior, classified as a type IAX supernova. Its spectrum resembled that of a type Ia supernova, yet its brightness was unexpectedly dim.”

“Hubble’s observations revealed that the explosion did not fully annihilate the white dwarf, resulting in a ‘zombie star’ that shone even more brightly than before the supernova event.”

“Hubble’s extensive observations of NGC 1309 over several years enabled the identification of supernova progenitor cells within images taken prior to the explosion.”

Source: www.sci.news

Gemini North Telescope Captures Stunning New Images of Interstellar Comet 3I/Atlas

Posted on July 17, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Astronomers utilizing the Gemini North telescope at NSF’s International Gemini Observatory have observed the interstellar comet 3i/Atlas as it passes through our cosmic neighborhood.

This image from the Gemini North Telescope Multi-Object Spectrometer (GMOS-N) showcases the interstellar comet 3i/Atlas. Image credits: International Gemini Observatory/Noirlab/NSF/Aura/K. Meech, Ifa&U. Hawaii / Jen Miller & Mahdi Zamani, Noirlab.

Interstellar objects are those that emerge from and traverse beyond our solar system.

Ranging from several meters to a few kilometers in size, these cosmic fragments are remnants from the formation of the host star’s planetary system.

As they orbit their stars, interactions with the gravitational pull of nearby planets and stars can eject them into interstellar space, allowing them to traverse other solar systems.

Studying interstellar visitors provides critical insights into distant star systems.

They carry valuable information about chemical elements, including their formation timelines and locations, offering scientists glimpses into the formation of planetary systems throughout the history of the Milky Way galaxy.

3i/Atlas marks the third interstellar object discovered, following 1i/Oumuamua in 2017 and 2i/Borisov in 2019.

Astronomers suspect that numerous interstellar objects might regularly pass through our solar system, but capturing them is challenging as they are only visible when telescopes are oriented correctly at the right time.

Multiple teams worldwide utilize various telescopes to monitor 3i/Atlas during its brief visitation, enabling them to collectively assess its key properties.

While many aspects remain unknown, 3i/Atlas is already recognized as distinct in comparison to 1i/Oumuamua and 2i/Borisov.

Previous observations suggest that 3i/Atlas could have a diameter of up to 20 km (12 miles).

New comets typically exhibit highly eccentric orbits, which define how much the object’s path deviates from a perfect circle.

An eccentricity of 0 indicates a circular orbit, while 0.999 signifies a highly elongated ellipse.

Objects with an eccentricity greater than 1 follow paths that do not loop around the Sun and come from, then return to, interstellar space.

The eccentricity of 3i/Atlas is recorded at 6.2, classifying it as a highly hyperbolic interstellar object.

In contrast, “Oumuamua’s” eccentricity was around 1.2, and Borisov’s was about 3.6.

As of now, 3i/Atlas resides in Jupiter’s orbit, approximately 465 million km (290 million miles) from Earth and 600 million km (370 million miles) from the Sun.

On December 19, 2025, it will come within roughly 270 million km (170 million miles) of Earth, posing no threat to our planet.

The closest approach to the Sun will occur around October 30, 2025, at a distance of 210 million km (130 million miles).

During this close approach, it is expected to travel at about 25,000 km (15,500 miles) per hour.

The latest image of 3i/Atlas was obtained using the Gemini North Telescope Multi-Object Spectrometer (GMOS-N).

“The sensitivity and scheduling precision of the International Gemini Observatory played a critical role in observing this interstellar wanderer,” remarked Martin Still, NSF Program Director at the International Gemini Observatory.

“We eagerly anticipate the wealth of new data and insights as this object warms in sunlight before continuing its cold, dark journey through interstellar space.”

Source: www.sci.news

Webb Marks 3rd Anniversary with Stunning Cat Paw Star Photos

Posted on July 12, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

To celebrate the remarkable advancements in science during the third year, astronomers have utilized the NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope to capture images of the Cat’s Paw Nebula.

This web image depicts the Cat’s Paw Nebula, a significant star-forming region located 5,500 light years from the constellation Scorpio. Image credits: NASA/ESA/CSA/STSCI.

The Cat’s Paw Nebula resides in the southern constellation of Scorpio and is approximately 5,500 light years from Earth.

First identified in 1837 by British astronomer John Herschel, this dynamic star-forming region spans an estimated 80 to 90 light years.

Also known as NGC 6334 or the Bear Claw Nebula, it is one of the most vibrant stellar nurseries in the night sky, producing thousands of young, hot stars that emit light not visible from our perspective.

Recent images captured by Webb’s NIRCam instrument reveal structural details and functionalities previously unseen.

“Massive young stars are actively interacting with nearby gas and dust, and their bright stellar light produces a luminous, hazy glow, represented in blue,” Webb astronomers stated.

“This scenario illustrates a transient period where a destructive young star plays a significant role in the broader narrative of the region, characterized by relatively short lifespans and high luminosity.”

“Due to the dynamic activities of these massive stars, the local star formation process will eventually come to a halt.”

“We begin with a central area identified as the ‘opera house’ because of its hierarchical circulatory structure,” they noted.

“The principal sources of the blue glow in this area are likely positioned towards the bottom, obscured by dense brown dust, interspersed with light from bright, yellowish stars or nearby sources.”

“Beneath the orange-brown dust lies a bright yellow star displaying distinct diffraction spikes.”

“This giant star is sculpting its surrounding environment but has not managed to push gas and dust away sufficiently nor create a compact shell of surrounding material.”

“Take note of smaller regions, such as the tuning fork-shaped area adjacent to the opera house, which contains fewer stars.”

“These seemingly vacant zones are still in the process of forming stars, indicating the presence of dense filaments of dust that obscure the light of background stars.”

At the center of the image, small, fiery red masses can be seen scattered within the brown dust.

“These glowing red sources highlight areas where large-scale star formation is occurring, albeit in a less visible manner,” the researchers explained.

“Some of the blue-white stars, particularly in the lower left area, appear more sharply resolved than others.”

“This sharper appearance is attributed to the material between the star and the telescope being diffused by the star’s radiation.”

Near the bottom of this area is a compact dust filament.

“These small dust aggregates have managed to survive the intense radiation, indicating they are dense enough to give rise to protostars.”

The small yellow section on the right marks the location of a massive star still in its formative stages, managing to shine through the intervening material.

Numerous small yellow stars are scattered across the scene, displaying distinct diffraction spikes.

“The bright blue-white stars prominently feature in the foreground of this web image, with some possibly being part of the larger Cat’s Paw Nebula region.”

A particularly striking feature of this web image is the bright red-orange oval shape located in the top right corner.

The low concentration of background stars indicates it is a dense area where the star-forming process has only recently commenced.

Several visible stars are distributed throughout the region, contributing to the illumination of central materials.

Some of the developing stars have left behind traces of their existence, such as the shock wave visible in the lower left area.

Source: www.sci.news

VLT Reveals Stunning New Images of Interstellar Comet 3I/Atlas

Posted on July 9, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

The astronomer utilizing ESO’s Extremely Large Telescope (VLT) has unveiled a new image of 3i/Atlas, marking it as the third interstellar object documented.

This VLT/FORS2 image, captured on July 3, 2025, depicts interstellar comet 3i/Atlas. Image credit: ESO/O. Hainaut.

3i/Atlas was identified a week ago by the NASA-supported Atlas Survey Telescope in Riojartad, Chile.

Commonly referred to as C/2025 N1 (ATLAS) and A11PL3Z, this comet is approaching from the direction of Sagittarius.

“In contrast to objects within the solar system, its highly eccentric hyperbolic orbit indicates its interstellar origin,” ESO astronomers stated.

Currently, 3i/Atlas is approximately 4.5 AU (670 million km, or 416 million miles) away from the Sun.

Interstellar objects pose no danger to Earth, maintaining a distance of at least 1.6 AU (240 million km, or 150 million miles).

Around October 30, 2025, it will make its closest approach to the Sun at a distance of 1.4 AU (210 million km, or 130 million miles).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ixj221xxpvm

“In the VLT time-lapse, you can observe 3i/Atlas moving to the right over approximately 13 minutes,” the astronomer remarked.

“These observations were gathered using FORS2 equipment at the VLT on the night of July 3, 2025, just two days post-discovery of the comet.”

“At the conclusion of the video, all frames are compiled into a single image.

“However, this record will not endure as the comet approaches Earth and becomes less visible.”

“As it currently traverses more than 600 million km from the Sun, 3i/Atlas is heading towards the inner solar system, expected to reach its closest approach to Earth in October 2025,” they noted.

“During that time, 3i/Atlas will be obscured by the Sun, but observations should resume in December 2025.

“Telescopes globally, including the VLT, will persist in monitoring this extraordinary celestial visitor to gather more insights into its structure, composition, and origin.”

Source: www.sci.news

Hubble Space Telescope Seizes Stunning Images of Dynamic Spiral Galaxies

Posted on June 24, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

The NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope captured this image of UGC 11397, the Barred Spiral Galaxy, which houses a rapidly growing, supermassive black hole.

The Hubble image depicts UGC 11397, a barred spiral galaxy, located about 250 million light years away in the constellation Lyra. Image credits: NASA/ESA/Hubble/MJ Koss/AJ Barth.

Also referred to as IRAS 19019+3346, Leda 62725, or TC 872, UGC 11397 is situated in the constellation Lyra and is approximately 250 million light years distant.

The first documented mention of this spiral galaxy appeared in a galaxy catalogue compiled by Swiss astronomer Fritz Zwicky in 1966.

“At first glance, UGC 11397 seems like a typical spiral galaxy,” stated Hubble astronomers.

“It showcases two graceful spiral arms illuminated by stars, framed by dark, dense dust clouds.”

“What sets UGC 11397 apart from a standard spiral is the ultra-massive black hole at its core, which has a mass 174 million times that of the sun,” they noted.

“As the black hole ejects gas, dust, and even entire stars from its vicinity, this material heats up, creating a spectacular cosmic display.”

“Materials engulfed by black holes emit radiation ranging from gamma rays to radio waves, leading them to brighten and dim unexpectedly.”

“Nonetheless, in some galaxies like UGC 11397, thin dust clouds obscure much of this energetic activity from optical light observation.”

“Still, the rapidly growing black hole in UGC 11397 has been identified through its intense X-ray emissions.”

This discovery led astronomers to categorize it as a Type 2 Seyfert Galaxy, a classification for active galaxies whose central cores are obscured by dust and gas formations.

“Utilizing Hubble, we will examine hundreds of galaxies that host ultra-massive black holes similar to UGC 11397,” the researchers stated.

“Hubble’s observations aid us in measuring nearby supermassive black holes, understand their growth early in the universe’s history, and explore star formation in extreme conditions at the galaxy’s center.”

Source: www.sci.news

Proba-3: Stunning Image Captures the First Artificial Solar Eclipse

Posted on June 16, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

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The sun’s corona appears as it would to the human eye during a solar eclipse, but through a green filter.

ESA/proba-3/aspiics

The synchronized movement of the twin satellites has produced the first artificial solar eclipse in space, revealing the burnt corona of the sun in remarkable detail.

The ProBA-3 mission, launched last December, is operated by the European Space Agency (ESA) and consists of two satellites positioned 150 meters apart.

One of the satellites, known as Occulter, features 1.4-meter wide discs made from carbon fiber and plastic, effectively blocking sunlight coming from the second satellite, Coronagraph. The alignment accuracy of the satellites is within one millimeter for capturing images.

In March, the satellites autonomously synchronized for extended periods, providing lengthy exposures of the solar eclipse. ESA scientists can stitch these exposures together to generate a comprehensive image of the solar corona, the outermost layer of the sun’s atmosphere.

“When I first viewed these images, it was unbelievable,” says Damien Galano from ESA. “But shortly after, it transformed into an incredible sense of achievement and pride for all our hard work.”

The image above captures the visible light of the corona, resembling how it would appear to the human eye but through a green filter.

This image illustrates the light emitted from electron-depleted iron in the most heated sections of the corona.

ESA/proba-3/aspiics

The Proba-3 satellite camera also captures light frequencies linked to specific elements within the solar corona, exemplified by the dark green image above.

“We can clearly see the substantial achievements made during COVID,” remarks Galano.

The sun’s corona shown in polarized white light, artificially tinted to look violet.

ESA/proba-3/aspiics

The image above illustrates the sun’s corona, artificially colored purple in polarized white light. This technique allows scientists to distinguish the polarized light from the hot corona from that scattered by interplanetary dust.

These images were primarily captured to verify the ProBA-3 mission’s functionality. When fully operational, they will take pictures of the artificial food every 19.6 hours.

This will enhance our comprehension of solar corona physics, and according to Galano, it will also improve understanding of solar winds and coronal mass ejections that influence space weather.

Total Solar Eclipse 2026: Travel from Iceland to Greenland

Join an incredible journey in August 2026 and experience an awe-inspiring total solar eclipse.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

From 9/11 to Hurricane Katrina: 15 Stunning Images of Earth from Space

Posted on June 14, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Though it might not be as well-known as the Hubble Space Telescope or the James Webb Space Telescope, NASA’s Landsat 7 has significantly enhanced our understanding of our planet. For over 25 years, it has been capturing the stunning landscapes of Earth from space, documenting remarkable details of the planet’s ever-changing environment.

Launched in 1999 with an expected mission duration of only five years, Landsat 7 has instead emerged as one of the longest-running Earth observation missions in history. While it doesn’t gaze into distant galaxies, its instruments are focused on the vibrant, living surfaces of Earth instead.

From an altitude of 700 km (about 435 miles), it has produced vital data for scientific research and conservation, showcasing stunning images of dynamic deserts, glaciers, forests, and coastlines.

“[Landsat 7 has] been essential in tracking environmental changes such as natural disasters, deforestation, and urban expansion,” said David Applegate, former director of the US Geological Survey.

“It documented significant events such as Hurricane Katrina in 2005, the Haiti earthquake in 2010, the Australian wildfires from 2019 to 2020, and rapid urban growth across the globe.”

The Landsat 7’s primary sensor, the Enhanced Thematic Mapper Plus (ETM+), captured in the clean room at Lockheed Martin Space Systems. Photo Credit: NASA/Raytheon

Landsat 7 is scheduled to retire this month after covering 6.1 billion km (3.8 billion miles) in space and capturing over 3 million images. A carefully planned shutdown will involve depleting its batteries, turning off the fuel line heater, and rendering the communications system silent permanently. For another 55 years, the satellite will drift silently above Earth before eventually re-entering the atmosphere and burning up.

As we bid farewell, we reflect on its lens and celebrate the beauty and complexity of our planet, revealing both the impacts of deforestation and the intricate patterns of continents.

Coral Reef Conservation

In the first year of the Landsat 7 mission, detailed images of coral reefs were gathered from around 900 locations worldwide. These vibrantly colored swirls depict atolls, enclosed coral reefs that typically surround a lagoon, often formed from eroded volcanic islands. Photo Credit: NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Science Visualization Studio

Guinea-Bissau, West Africa

Guinea-Bissau, a small country in West Africa, showcases intricate patterns evident in the shallow waters along its coast, where silt from the Geba and other rivers is carried away by the Atlantic Ocean. Photo Credit: NASA/USGS

Siberia, Dragon Lake

Dragon Lake, formed by the Bratsk Reservoir along the Angara River in southern Siberia, Russia, is shown here frozen in winter. Photo Credit: NASA/USGS

Lena Delta, Siberia

The Lena River, approximately 4,500 km long, is among the largest rivers globally. The Lena Delta Reserve is the most extensive protected wilderness area in Russia, serving as a sanctuary and breeding ground for many Siberian wildlife species. Photo Credit: NASA/USGS

9/11, New York

This true-color image was captured on September 12, 2001, by the Enhanced Thematic Mapper Plus (ETM+) sensor on the Landsat 7 satellite shortly after the Twin Towers fell. Photo Credit: USGS/EROS

Comprehensive Continental Mosaic of Antarctica

A complete continental mosaic of Antarctica was constructed using images from Landsat 7. Photo Credit: NASA/USGS

Bolivian Deforestation

Once a vast expanse of lush vegetation, the Amazon rainforest is rapidly changing. This image demonstrates the significant deforestation occurring in Bolivia’s portion of the Amazon Basin, where loggers have carved extensive paths while ranchers have cleared areas for grazing. The bright red areas indicate healthy vegetation. Photo Credit: NASA/USGS

Icefall, Lambert Glacier, Antarctica

Lambert Glacier, the largest glacier in the world, features an ice waterfall that nourishes the glacier from the expansive ice sheets covering the plateau. The ice flows slowly, resembling water, descending about 1,300 feet (400 meters) to the underlying glacier. Photo Credit: NASA/USGS

Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill

On April 20, 2010, a catastrophic oil spill followed an explosion at an oil well in the Gulf of Mexico. Efforts to contain the expanding oil slick began immediately. Landsat imagery provided by the US Geological Survey reveals the extent of the spill, with Landsat data being vital for monitoring its range and movement. Photo Credit: NASA/USGS

Westfjords, Iceland

The Westfjords are a series of peninsulas located in northwestern Iceland. Though they comprise less than one-eighth of the country’s land area, their rugged coastlines account for over half of Iceland’s total coastline. Photo Credit: NASA/USGS

“Spilled Paint”: Iran’s Dasht-e Kavir

Resembling spilled paint, this image showcases a vibrant tapestry of landscapes in Iran’s largest desert, Dasht-e Kavir, or Great Salt Desert. It spans approximately 77,000 square kilometers (29,730 square miles) and consists of dry stream beds, desert plateaus, and salt marshes. Extreme temperatures and dramatic daily fluctuations, alongside severe storms, are characteristic of this harsh environment. Photo Credit: NASA/USGS

Hurricane Katrina, New Orleans

Following Hurricane Katrina, which led to severe flooding of up to 80% of New Orleans, Landsat 7 captured this image on September 15, 2005. Two and a half weeks post-hurricane, efforts were ongoing to siphon water back into Pontchartrain Lake, with pumps extracting approximately 380 cubic meters of water every second. Photo Credit: USGS/CEROS

Namib Naukluft National Park, Namibia

Namib Naukluft National Park is an ecological reserve in the Namib Desert, where coastal winds give rise to the world’s tallest dunes, which can reach 980 feet (300 meters). Photo Credit: NASA/USGS

Vatnajökull Glacier Ice Cap, Iceland

This image features blue ice fingers breaking away from the Vatnajökull glacier in Iceland’s Skaftafell National Park, situated at the southern extremity of Europe’s largest ice cap. Photo Credit: NASA/USGS

Uppsala Glacier Retreat in Argentina

Landsat images captured in 1986, 2001, and 2014 illustrate the retreat of the Uppsala Glacier. Photo credit: NASA

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Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Hubble Space Telescope Captures Stunning Image of Star-Forming Spiral Galaxy NGC 685

Posted on June 3, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

The NGC 685 is abundant in star-forming nebulae and appears as a dazzling pink cloud in recent images captured by the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope.

This Hubble image illustrates the Spiral Galaxy NGC 685 on the bar. The color images were created from individual exposures captured in ultraviolet light using Hubble’s Wide Field Camera 3 (WFC3) and derived from visible and near-infrared sections of the spectrum. Built upon data gathered through six filters, different hues are assigned to each monochromatic image related to a specific filter. Image credits: NASA/ESA/Hubble/J. Lee/F. Belfiore.

NGC 685 is situated approximately 64 million light-years away in the southern constellation of Eridanus.

Previously known as ESO 152-24, IRAS 01458-5300, or LEDA 6581, the galaxy was discovered by British astronomer John Herschel on October 3, 1834.

Spanning around 74,000 light-years, the galaxy features a luminous central bar and a distinctively curved arm.

“NGC 685 is classified as a barred spiral galaxy, with its delicate spiral arms emerging from the edge of a stellar bar at the heart of the galaxy,” Hubble astronomers stated.

“The Milky Way, while not a perfect spiral, is nearly twice the size of NGC 685.”

Astronomers utilized Hubble for two observational programs focused on star formation in NGC 685.

“It’s no surprise that NGC 685 was selected for these studies. The galaxy’s spiral arms are marked by numerous patches of young blue stars,” they noted.

“Many of these star clusters are enveloped by a vibrant pink gas cloud known as the H II region.”

“The H II region is a gas cloud that gleams momentarily, especially during the birth of a massive, hot star.”

“The particularly striking H II region can be seen near the lower edge of the image.”

“Despite the visible star-forming regions, NGC 685 converts gas into stars each year at a rate of less than half the mass of the sun.”

“The data collected by Hubble across two observational programs enables us to catalog 50,000 H II regions and 100,000 star clusters in nearby galaxies.”

“By merging Hubble’s sensitive visibility and ultraviolet observations with data from the NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope and wireless data from the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array, we explore the depths of dusty star nurseries and illuminate the stars within.”

Source: www.sci.news

Hubble Captures Stunning Spiral Galaxy: NGC 3507

Posted on May 27, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Astronomers utilizing the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope captured a stunning new image of the Face-On Barred Spiral Galaxy NGC 3507.

This Hubble image illustrates the NGC 3507, a barred spiral galaxy located 46 million light years away in the constellation Leo. Image credits: NASA/ESA/Hubble/D. Thilker.

NGC 3507 is situated approximately 46 million light years from Earth in the Leo constellation.

Also referred to as Hipass J1103+18, Leda 33390, or UGC 6123, this galaxy spans nearly 50,000 light years.

It was discovered on March 14, 1784, by the German-British astronomer William Herschel and is paired with the large spiral galaxy NGC 3501.

A Hubble astronomer explained, “NGC 3507 is classified as a barred spiral because its prominent spiral arms emerge from the edge of the galaxy’s central bar instead of its center.”

“In this image, we focus on NGC 3507, which is alongside its galactic companion NGC 3501, though NGC 3501 lies outside the frame.”

“While the NGC 3507 follows the typical spiral galaxy structure, its companion has a more dynamic appearance as it travels through space.”

“Though both are classified as spiral galaxies, they present themselves differently depending on the observed angle.”

“Features like spiral arms, dusty gas clouds, and vibrant star clusters are vividly displayed for galaxies as distant as NGC 3507 and NGC 3501,” the researchers noted.

“Distant galaxies tend to lack fine details.”

“See if you can identify other distant galaxies in this image; they often appear orange or yellow, showcasing hints of spiral arms with variations from round stars to elongated shapes.”

Along with its distant neighbors, NGC 3507 also features much closer objects, identifiable by four light spikes, which represent a star in the Milky Way, located merely 436 light years from Earth.

Source: www.sci.news

Stunning Photos Showcase Nature’s Unforgettable Resilience

Posted on May 16, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Suspended Blessing: Sleeping Sperm Whale and Her Calf

Paul Nicklen

A full belly—if you look closely, you can see the tentacles of the deep-sea squid she recently devoured hanging from her mouth.

This photo, titled The Interrupted Bounty, is one of many captured by photographer Paul Nicklen and showcased at the Photo Fair. It exudes a sense of peace, yet Nicklen experienced a whirlwind of emotions while filming it in Dominica in 2019.

“Even while my lungs ached and my mind screamed to surface just 5 meters away, I had to calm myself,” he reflects. “In that moment, my focus shifted to breathing, framing, and floating. The fear was present, but I remained centered.”

As he grounded himself, a feeling of “quiet adoration” washed over him. “It brought a certain joy, aligned with their rhythm for a while,” Nicklen recalls. “Over time, that joy has shifted into a heavier contemplation. I’m reflecting on the risks that whales now face—ocean pollution, ship strikes, entrapment in nets, and rising sea temperatures. Looking back at these images reveals lines that may not endure unless changes occur. Still, I feel fortunate. I’m honored to share their stories.”

Photo London will take place at Somerset House from May 15th to 18th. Nicklen’s work is presented by Hilton Contemporary, which also features a photograph by marine biologist Christina Mittermeyer, showcasing her striking image from Madagascar in 2008: Mandare’s Washing. It depicts brightly colored clothing drying on cracked earth, with two emaciated cows nearby on a dry stretch of the Mandare River.

Mandare Washing: Dried Beds on the Mandare River in Madagascar

Christina Mittermeier

Seventeen years later, Mittermeier reflects on the tumultuous feelings she experienced while taking those shots. “It wasn’t just the illness, but also the tropical fever, combined with a sense of guilt. Not guilt for being there, but for leaving,” she recounts. “The village families had no escape from the drought; they lacked alternatives, no backup resources, no taps to turn on.

Today, that guilt has evolved into a profound respect for the resilience of the locals.

“I think of the elasticity of that fabric, the dust, and how survival here is stitched together with each piece of clothing, meal, and glass of water,” Mittermeier shares. “It’s a testament to drought, but also to the overarching decisions that determine who suffers and who survives.”

Below is another stunning photograph by Nicklen titled Ephemeral Palace. Captured in 2012 on the Antarctic Peninsula, it depicts a vast iceberg adrift, destined to melt as it approaches the sea.

Ephemeral Palace: Iceberg on the Antarctic Peninsula in 2012

Paul Nicklen

The final shot from Nicklen, titled Meet Face to Face, features an unexpected visitor, photographed in Svalbard, Norway in 2008. He labels the encounter with “the bear in question” as a significant highlight of his career, noting he has rarely encountered the approximately 2,000 polar bears he has documented, yet he has never succumbed to panic.

Face to Face: A Close Encounter with a Norwegian Polar Bear

Paul Nicklen

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Despelote Review: A Stunning Dive into Soccer Fandom | Games

Posted on May 15, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

vIDEO games have been portraying soccer since the 1970s, yet they seldom dive into the realm of fandom simulation. While players can engage in the whole international tournament through the FIFA series, the games rarely depict how competition seeps into the daily lives of supporters, how entire communities become engulfed in World Cup mania, and how it transforms into a national obsession. The quintessential experience of a major match for most is encapsulated in those glorious moments of shared excitement, along with the sounds and sights of real life, whether on television or massive pub screens in the company of friends and family.

This is where Despelote steps in, a beautifully crafted game that transports players back to childhood and memory, all set against the backdrop of Ecuador’s historic 2002 World Cup qualifying campaign. Julian, an 8-year-old football enthusiast—essentially a semi-autobiographical character based on the game’s co-designer Julian Cordello—witnesses his team’s thrilling win over Peru. However, four more matches stand between Ecuador and the World Cup finals in Japan and Korea. The game unfolds as a series of intimate, immersive scenes, allowing Julian to navigate through life, balancing his responsibilities and daydreams during various life moments such as shopping trips, car rides, and school lessons.

What was it like to be a child… Despelote. Photo: Panic Game

A critical scene unfolds in a town square or during a family gathering, where Julian finds himself in a space of freedom and agency. He listens intently to adult conversations, observes an elderly man feeding pigeons, greets the shopkeeper, and enjoys moments of play with friends. The world is rendered in a single-color photograph that evokes nostalgia and simplicity.

As the gameplay evolves, Julian’s childhood experiences transition into reflections on teenage gatherings and newfound responsibilities. The socio-political context of the World Cup campaign is woven into the narrative; Ecuador was grappling with a financial crisis, causing rampant inflation and the collapse of businesses. Discussions about the tournament permeate everyday life, impacting everything from street conversations to weddings.

https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/vevpN9A6Z8o?wmode=opaque&feature=oembed" title="despelote – Release Date Trailer" height="480" width="854" allowfullscreen="

Additionally, other facets of Ecuadorian culture and life are beautifully integrated into the experience. Explore music, cuisine, and the resurgence of the local film industry through *Leyteros*, directed by Sebastián Cordero, creator of the 1999 crime films *Latus*, *Latones*, and *Julianne Cordero*. In this way, real life interweaves seamlessly with the gaming world, reminiscent of a poetic and self-referential Agnès Varda film. One endearing sequence even features Julian captivated by a hooky simulation on the family console.

Despelote evokes some of the remarkable works in independent narrative game design, such as *Unfinished Swan*, *Gravityborn*, and *Virginia*, yielding a thrilling experience. Though centered around one young boy in a uniquely crafted Ecuador, it captures the almost universal influence of football as a unifying social narrative. The Dutch 1974 team, Maradona’s genius in 1986, Gascoigne’s legendary goal against Scotland in Euro 96—all these moments contribute to a collective spirit. As the final qualifying match approaches, a palpable excitement and tension emerge, prompting reflections on the creative process itself, beyond the confines of traditional gameplay. This experience is both engaging and formally innovative, packing significant depth into two hours of gameplay, posing more profound questions about memory, simulation, and identity than many expansive 100-hour epics.

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Source: www.theguardian.com

NASA’s Dom Petit Captured Stunning Photos from the ISS Over 220 Days

Posted on May 12, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Don Pettit, NASA’s oldest active astronaut, made his return to Earth on April 20th, coinciding with his 70th birthday. This marked the end of his fourth mission, a demanding 220-day stay at the International Space Station.

Throughout his time aboard the space station, Pettit engaged in various experiments, interacted with students, and exercised extensively to maintain his health and combat bone density loss. However, his most captivating contribution was through his photography.

For many on Earth, going to space is simply a dream. “I caught a glimpse of how they perceive my image,” said Pettit during a press conference following his return to Japan.

Pettit mentioned that dedicated photographers always carry a camera. “I could gaze out of the window and enjoy the stunning views,” he described. “But every time I look out, I am just enjoying it, saying to myself, ‘Wow, look at that. Oh, there’s a flash. What’s happening there?’ and, ‘Ah, a volcano appears.’ Then I think, ‘Where’s my camera?’

At times, he would set up five different cameras simultaneously in the cupola module, where seven windows offered sweeping vistas of space and Earth.

Capturing images in space shares similarities with night photography; the stars are faint and require longer exposure times to gather sufficient light. However, in orbit, everything is in constant motion, with the space station racing at 5 miles per second while the Earth spins beneath.

At times, Pettit embraced the dynamic beauty. The shimmering lines blurred under the light showcased the stars tracing arcs across the night sky.

“These meld science with art,” Pettit noted on X. “There are so many techniques to observe, or you can simply sit back and think, ‘How cool!’

His camera was fitted with a “trajectory fitting tracker,” a homemade device that gradually adjusts for the space station’s movements, keeping the lens focused on a particular point in the sky.

Thanks to this tracker, he was able to capture a 10-second exposure of the Milky Way shining above the cloudy Pacific Ocean just before dawn, revealing a captivating blue-purple glow from sunlight scattering through nitrogen in Earth’s atmosphere.

The sidereal tracker also contributed to capturing the image below from the windows of the docked SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft.

The photo reveals the large and small Magellanic Clouds, the closest galaxies to our Milky Way on a cosmic scale.

In April, Pettit filmed the mesmerizing rhythmic pulsations of the aurora, a glowing phenomenon caused by high-energy solar particles interacting with atmospheric molecules.

On occasion, vibrant lights were the result of human activity, not celestial events. The green lines seen in this photo are similar in color to the aurora but actually result from fishing boats off Thailand attracting squid.

While photographing Earth, Pettit recorded lightning striking in the upper atmosphere above the Amazon Basin in South America. These videos captured time intervals ranging from 6 to 33 seconds, showcasing more intricate details of the flashes.

The Betoshiboca River in Madagascar reminded Pettit of the visual patterns seen in human eyes’ blood vessels.

Similar to wildfires, urban areas intensify in brightness at night.

Pettit seized the opportunity to document spacecraft launching and returning to Earth, including a test flight of a SpaceX Starship rocket from Texas last November…

…and the docking of the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft, scheduled to transport cargo to the space station in December.

During his mission, Pettit also designed an entertaining science experiment. One showcased electrically charged water droplets dancing around a Teflon knitting needle. “I aim to do in space what can only be done in space,” he stated. “I’m worried that when I return, I’ll have to catch up on all the TV shows.”

In another experiment, he injected food coloring into a droplet of water, producing a sphere resembling Jupiter or a pristine marble.

Pettit also dissolved antacid tablets in water. In a microgravity environment, the escaping bubbles create entirely different patterns of pop, fizz, and hiss compared to on Earth.

He even froze thin water ice wafers at minus 140 degrees Fahrenheit. “What can you do with a freezer in space?” He wrote on X. “I decided to grow a thin layer of water ice just for the fun of it.”

Photographing the ice layer through a polarizing filter revealed intricate crystal formations.

While Pettit holds the title of the oldest NASA astronaut, he is not the oldest person to orbit Earth; that honor goes to John Glenn, who flew around the Earth in 1962 and again in 1998 at the age of 77.

Pettit is also not the oldest individual to spend time aboard the International Space Station; that distinction belongs to private astronaut Larry Connor, who was 72 during his two-week mission in 2022, organized by Axiom Space in Houston.

“I’m only 70, with a few good years ahead of me,” Pettit remarked during a news conference. “We’ve managed to squeeze in another flight before we had to finalize the rocket nozzle.”

Source: www.nytimes.com

Research Reveals: Africa’s Stunning Starry Skies Foster Bonds of Friendship

Posted on May 10, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Superb Starling (Lamprotornis superbus) Recent studies reveal their behavior of “reciprocity,” where they assist each other with the expectation of future favors.

Lamprotornis superbus) at Wilhelma Zoo in Stuttgart, Germany. The lighter-colored bird is flanked by two adults. Image credit: Dennis Irrgang / CC by 2.0.” width=”580″ height=”387″ srcset=”https://cdn.sci.news/images/2025/05/image_13887-Lamprotornis-superbus.jpg 580w, https://cdn.sci.news/images/2025/05/image_13887-Lamprotornis-superbus-300×200.jpg 300w, https://cdn.sci.news/images/2025/05/image_13887-Lamprotornis-superbus-84×55.jpg 84w” sizes=”(max-width: 580px) 100vw, 580px”/>

Superb Starling family (Lamprotornis superbus) at Wilhelma Zoo in Stuttgart, Germany. The lighter-colored bird is between two adults. Image credit: Dennis Irrgang / CC by 2.0.

The Superb Starling is a passerine bird belonging to the Sturnidae family.

This species is widespread, inhabiting various regions in East Africa, including Ethiopia, Somalia, Uganda, Kenya, South Sudan, Tanzania, and beyond.

These birds form large mixed groups consisting of 7 to 60 individuals, with an average size ranging from 13 to 41 members.

“The social structure of Starlings is complex, comprising not only family units but also a mix of both related and unrelated individuals, much like humans.”

“It’s well-known that animals tend to assist their relatives to enhance genetic fitness and propagate their genes.”

“While Starlings prioritize helping relatives, they also lend support to unrelated individuals.”

Professor Rubenstein and his team discovered that this support arises through the establishment of mutual relationships.

However, proving that such behaviors are present in non-relatives remains challenging.

The study is rooted in two decades of research by the authors on these birds in Africa, thriving in the harsh savannah climate.

From 2002 to 2021, thousands of interactions among hundreds of birds were documented, alongside DNA samples to analyse genetic links.

By merging behavioral data with genetic information during 40 breeding seasons, they posed pivotal questions: Did birds prioritize aiding relatives? Did they assist non-relatives when related individuals were available? Did they reciprocate support over time?

Ultimately, the findings revealed that while helpers prioritized their relatives, they often supported specific unrelated individuals consistently, even when relatives could assist.

“Many of these birds forge friendships that develop over time,” Professor Rubenstein stated.

“Our next goal is to investigate how these relationships are formed, their longevity, and why some bonds remain strong while others diminish.”

The study was published today in the journal Nature.

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Advertising et al. The enigmatic role of mutual assistance among birds in cooperative breeding. Nature Published online on May 7, 2025. doi:10.1038/s41586-025-08958-4

Source: www.sci.news

These Stunning Birds Create Enduring Bonds

Posted on May 8, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

True friends, as most would agree, support one another. This can mean offering emotional encouragement or lending a hand during a move. For a vibrant Sterling—a lively songbird from the African savanna—this includes feeding insects to your friends’ offspring, with the expectation that they will do the same for you in return.

Research has shown that social animals tend to form bonds primarily with their relatives. However, according to a study published in the Journal Nature Wednesday, researchers analyzed two decades of field data, revealing new interactions among unrelated members of great starling communities.

“These findings are the core of our study,” stated Dustin Reubenstein, an ecology professor at Columbia University and the paper’s author.

Alexis Earle, a biologist from Cornell University and co-author, noted that great starlings exhibit unique cooperative breeding behavior, blending family units with newcomers. New parents often depend on as many as 16 helpers.

Dr. Reubenstein’s lab has maintained a 20-year field survey of the species, encompassing 40 breeding seasons. They recorded thousands of interactions among hundreds of vocal birds and collected DNA samples to explore genetic linkages. When Dr. Earle, then a graduate student, began analyzing the data, she and her colleagues were not surprised to find that the birds predominantly assisted their relatives.

However, they were taken aback to discover that starlings also assisted non-relatives, even opting to help others when they could have aided their family members. Newcomers in the flock offered assistance to birds born within it, and vice versa. As great starlings frequently shift between parenting and supportive roles, the research team found that individuals who aided non-relatives tended to reciprocate those good deeds over time.

“Starlings consistently invest in the same valued social partners over their lives,” Dr. Earle remarked. “To me, that resembles friendship.”

Gerald Carter, an animal behavior expert at Princeton University and co-author, noted the controversy surrounding the idea of animals forming friendships with non-related individuals. Yet, increasing research supports the presence of long-term interactions among primates, elephants, crows, and whales. There are even vampire bats that share their blood meals with unrelated members of their colonies, alongside unrelated male lance-tailed manakins who act as each other’s “wingmen” to attract female attention.

Detecting long-term relationships, however, can be challenging, as Dr. Reubenstein points out. The research team required 27 seasons of data to reveal signs of reciprocity among starlings, and he believes they may still be underestimating it.

Dr. Reubenstein suggested that mutual support relationships may be more crucial than lab data indicates. “Having substantial long-term data is essential to uncovering these dynamics.”

The study presents a strong case, according to Jorg Massen, a behavioral ecologist at Utrecht University in the Netherlands who was not involved in the research. A key next step is to determine how these long-term relationships are sustained on a daily basis.

“Is it merely based on reproductive support, or does it involve other behavioral factors?” he posed.

Moreover, the behavior of great starlings suggests that everyone benefits from maintaining relationships with unrelated peers. “Birds residing in larger groups tend to have longer lifespans and produce more offspring over their lifetimes,” stated Dr. Reubenstein. In the harsh and unpredictable environments of the African savanna, maximizing resources is vital, and incorporating migrant birds enhances group stability.

According to Dr. Reubenstein, this mirrors the evolutionary trajectory of humans.

Amid growing concerns over the epidemic of human loneliness, experts may find valuable lessons in the lives of starlings. In essence, strong relationships often emerge from a foundation of support.

But you don’t need to feed your friends’ kids bugs! Luckily, there are always babysitting services available.

Source: www.nytimes.com

Webb captures stunning new image of Planet Nebula NGC 1514

Posted on April 19, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

The two central stars of the NGC 1514 are displayed as one of the images from the NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope, forming this scene for thousands of years and maintaining it for thousands more.

This web image shows the planetary nebula NGC 1514. Image credits: NASA/ESA/CSA/STSCI/Michael Ressler, JPL/Dave Jones, IAC.

NGC 1514 It is about 1,500 light years away from the Taurus sign.

The object, also known as the Crystal Ball Nebula, was discovered on November 13th, 1790 by German and British astronomer William Herschel.

He pointed out that NGC 1514 was the first deep sky object that really looked cloudy. He couldn’t resolve what he saw on individual stars in the cluster, like other objects he catalogued.

The ring around NGC 1514 was discovered in 2010, but Webb is now allowing astronomers to comprehensively examine the nature of the turbulent flow of this nebula.

“This scene has been formed for at least four,000 years and will continue to change over a thousand years,” Webb Astronomers said in a statement.

“In the center there are two stars that appear as one in Webb observations, caused by vivid diffraction spikes.”

“The star follows a solid, elongated nine-year orbit, covered in an arc of dust, represented by orange.”

“One of these stars, once a massive scale several times larger than our sun, played the lead role in producing this scene.”

“When the outer layers of the star were exhausted, only the hot, compact core was left behind.”

“As a white dwarf star, its winds rose sharply and weakened, and could have blown away the material into a thin shell.”

New Webb observations show that the nebula is at a 60-degree angle, which makes it appear that the can is poured in, but it is much more likely that the NGC 1514 took the shape of an hourglass and dropped the edges.

“Look for pinchwaist hints near the top left and bottom right. The dust is orange and drifts in a shallow V-shaped shape,” the astronomer said.

“When the star reached its peak of losing material, our peers may have become very close and have had these unusual shapes.”

“Instead of creating a sphere, this interaction may have instead formed a ring.”

“The NGC 1514’s outline is most clear, but the hourglass also has some sides of the 3D shape.”

“Look for a dim, translucent orange cloud between the rings that give to the nebula body.”

Nebula’s two rings are illuminated unevenly by Webb’s observations, appearing to be more diffused at the bottom left and top right.

Researchers believe that the rings are primarily made up of very small dust grains. This will get hot enough for Webb to detect when hit by ultraviolet rays from a white star star.

“In addition to dust, Webb revealed oxygen in its chunky pink center, especially at the edges of the bubbles and holes,” they said.

Source: www.sci.news

Artists bring data to life through stunning screen prints

Posted on April 11, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Feather foil print. The barb on the right represents the population of British bird species from 40 years ago. The left shows the current population size.

Rebecca Kay

Rebecca Kay is also known as her alias ploterre With the help of hard data and clever design, turn the idle thoughts that occur while cycling into beautiful prints.

Edinburgh, UK, studied mathematics, worked as a data researcher, and developed her art as a side job. Covid-19 was then a hit, and she jumped into art full-time.

Her work inevitably begins outside in nature and arrives as an ever-inquisitive thought. How do tide ages change around the coast, where do oxai daisies grow across the UK, or how do the unique flashing patterns of lighthouses differ?

“Usually, I’d be wondering why the leaf pattern looks like it is, and most people would just keep walking and forget about it,” Kay said. “I turned it into a bit of a job.”

Ash Rise Weathering Letter Press Print. Using data from the UK Meteorological Service, each growth ring represents a year, with thin lines representing daily rainfall and gaps between lines representing daily temperatures.

Rebecca Kay

Once she gets an idea, the data hunt begins. The most recent question that came to mind was whether it was always raining somewhere in the UK. That led to her review of 130 years of records, leading to a perhaps surprising, pessimistic discovery.

Once the visual design is sketched on paper, Kay relies on computers to distort data into design, consolidating information and forms into a single piece that tells the story. This ultimately leads to a finished design that is screen printed by hand.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

The sea-inspired washed-down clothing boasts stunning cyano type, mimicking seaweed

Posted on April 4, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Mandy Barker’s “Delesseria Tunic Ictus”

Mandy Barker

An influential book by botanist and pioneering photographer Anna Atkins, almost two centuries ago. British algae photos: impressions of cyanotypes surprised readers with its scientific power and artistry. In it, Atkins presented images of seaweed collected from the British coastline using the cyanotype method, a printing process carried out by laying objects on chemically coated paper, exposing them to ultraviolet rays and creating a cyan blue background.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a_7exgdvv8e

Artist Mandy Barker’s new book, British algae photo: Cyanotype defects she uses the same technique to draw attention to the ongoing pollution crisis facing our oceans. Like Atkins, Barker also scrutinised the British coastline. But rather than finding the beauty of nature, she saw abandoned clothes washed down on the beach. Her first discovery, she says, looked like seaweed. “It was kind of an attractive and beautiful fabric.” However, when jackets, dresses, shoes, underwear and school uniforms began to appear, the scale of the problem quickly became clear to her.

Inspired by the “seaweed-like shape” of the clothing, Barker decided to create a new cyanotype print (photo not the photo above) from this discovered fabric (photo above, not the photo above) to replicate Atkins’ work, which involves small but large changes. She draws attention to the climate costs associated with fast fashion by inventing the Latin name for clothing. Delesseria Tunica Ictus – Nodded to both the shirt she found and the red algae that Atkins had photographed.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Review: Assassin’s Creed Shadows – A Stunning Return to Feudal Japan

Posted on March 20, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

I I’ve played various Assassin’s Creed games over time, but I never truly adored them. Ubisoft’s historical fiction is almost exceptional. Many players argue that the series reached its peak in the late 2000s, particularly with the Italian Renaissance trilogy starting with Assassin’s Creed 2, featuring the charismatic hero Ezio Auditore. Since then, the franchise has become bloated, offering endless hours of repetitive open-world exploration and assassination across ancient Greece, Egypt, and even Viking Britain. The last game I delved into seriously was Odyssey, set in Ancient Greece. The settings were stunning, the gameplay somewhat engaging, and the sheer scale was utterly overwhelming.

Assassin’s Creed games serve as an incredible dive into historical fiction, effectively recreating lost periods of history for players to roam through, almost like a form of time travel. Personally, I enjoy them for the virtual tourism they offer, yet I’ve often found that a significant portion of the gameplay, roughly 80%, consists of loosely tying together moments of exploration with stealthy assassination missions.

Recently, the latest installment in the series, Assassin’s Creed Shadows, was released after multiple delays. Surprisingly, I found it to be more engaging and entertaining than many of its predecessors in years. This time, the game is set in 16th century Japan amidst the samurai and ninja conflict involving Warlord Oda Nobunaga, presenting a visually captivating and historically intriguing narrative. The two main characters in Shadows find themselves at the heart of this transformative period in Japan’s history, with each offering unique playstyles and stories that add depth to the overall experience.

The setting in Shadows is truly remarkable. Playing on the PS5 Pro, I can confidently say that this is the most visually stunning game I’ve ever encountered. The attention to detail in depicting the Japanese landscape, architecture, and natural beauty of the mountains is exceptional. The changing seasons add a dynamic element to the world, constantly offering new perspectives on the surroundings. It’s evident that a tremendous amount of effort went into creating this immersive environment, with every minute detail meticulously crafted.

The shadow of the Assassin’s Creed. Photo: Ubisoft

One notable aspect is the inclusion of multilingual scripts, allowing players to experience the game with English voiceovers or Japanese and Portuguese subtitles, adding to the authenticity of the historical setting. Despite my limited knowledge of Japanese history and language, playing in this mode proved to be surprisingly immersive and engaging, with each conversation feeling like a delicate interplay of words and intentions. The level of nuance in character interactions was impressive, offering players the chance to influence the outcomes through their choices.

The approach in Shadows to historical accuracy is more grounded and serious compared to previous entries in the series. The characters and events draw from actual historical references, steering clear of exaggerated side quests or comedic elements in dialogues. The game strikes a balance between authenticity and entertainment, capturing the essence of the samurai and shinobi in a way that feels believable and engaging.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Review of the OnePlus 13: Lightning-speed Android with stunning fabric design

Posted on February 5, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

OnePlus is aiming to show that in 2025, the top premium Android phone doesn’t necessarily have to be from Samsung or Google.

The latest model in the Sharp Sub-Brand series, OnePlus 13, is priced at 899 pounds (1,049 euros/$899), slightly lower than Google and Samsung’s offerings.

Oneplus offers a range of colors, including a blue microfiber back option, as seen in the photo.

The large screen features a thin bezel and curved edges. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/Guardian

The 6.8-inch screen on the OnePlus 13 is vibrant, sharp, and colorful, comparable to the best in the market. The metal frame gives it a retro look, similar to the OnePlus X from 2015, but the phone is still manageable. It is IP68 water-resistant, capable of withstanding immersion for 30 minutes at a depth of 1.5 meters.

Fast Performance with the Latest Chip

The OnePlus 13 is one of the first phones to feature the new Snapdragon 8 Elite chip from Qualcomm, offering a 40% speed boost over its predecessor. The phone feels fast in daily use, with quick responses to all interactions.

The phone includes a unique alert slider for easy mode switching. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/Guardian

The battery life is impressive, offering up to 50 hours on a full charge with mixed usage of 5G and WiFi. It supports fast charging and wireless charging for added convenience.

Specifications

Screen: 6.82in, 120Hz QHD+ OLED (510ppi)
Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite
Ram: 12 or 16GB
Storage: 256 or 512GB
Operating System: Okishigenos 15 (Android 15)
Camera: 50m + 50MP Ultra Wide + 50MP 3X; 32MP Selfie
Connection: 5G, ESIM, Wifi 7, NFC, Bluetooth 5.4, and GNSS
Water resistance: IP68/69 (30 minutes/80C Water Jet 1.5 meters for 30 seconds)
Size: 162.9 x 76.5 x 8.5mm
Weight: 210g

Sustainability

Oneplus 13 is well built but lacks recycled materials. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/Guardian

The battery is designed to retain at least 80% of its original capacity after 1,600 full charging cycles, with the option to replace it for £80.

While the phone does not contain recycled materials, it is repairable. Screen replacement costs £280. Oneplus’ environmental impact is covered in their parent company OPPO’s annual sustainability report.

Oxygen OS 15 with AI Features

AI elements in Oxygen OS 15 offer new features and functionalities. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/Guardian

Oxygen OS 15 on the OnePlus 13 is a tweaked version of Android 15, with added AI tools for improved functionality. The phone runs smoothly with some customization options available.

The phone comes with AI tools from Google and OnePlus, enhancing user experience. While software updates may be slightly delayed compared to competitors, OnePlus offers four-year Android updates with security patches until 2031.

Camera

The camera app on the OnePlus 13 offers a host of features for photography enthusiasts. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/Guardian

The OnePlus 13 boasts a triple rear camera setup and a 32MP front camera, delivering detailed images in various conditions. The camera app includes various modes for enhanced photography experiences.

Overall, the OnePlus 13 offers a compelling package with top-notch performance, innovative features, and a competitive price point compared to its rivals. It sets a new standard for Android phones in 2025.

Pros: Sleek design, excellent screen, long battery life, fast performance, top-tier chip, great camera, water resistance, AI tools.

Cons: Some rough edges in Oxygen OS, limited AI features, shorter software support compared to competitors.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Hubble captures Type IA Super Shinsei and its host galaxy in stunning detail

Posted on February 3, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Two years ago, a type IA supernova event called SN 2022ABVVT was discovered in Spiral Galaxy LEDA 132905.

This Hubble image LEDA 132905, a spiral galaxy over 400 million light years in sculptor constellation. Image credit: NASA / ESA / Hubble / RJ Foley, UC Santa cruz.

LEDA 132905 in the sculptor’s constellation is over 400 million light years away.

“The galaxy’s spiral structure, resembling a bright blue star patch, appears faint,” said members of the Hubble team.

“The bright white dot between the bright center of the galaxy and the faint left end is the SN 2022ABVVT supernova.”

The supernova SN 2022ABVT was discovered in 2022 by astronomers of the asteroid landlady impacted alert system (ATLAS).

About two months later, the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope observed the star explosion.

“Atlas, designed to track faint-moving signals from asteroids near Earth, also detects objects that suddenly become brighter or fade, like supernovae in the centers of galaxies, various stars, and hungry black holes,” astronomers explained.

This Hubble image of LEDA 132905 was captured using the Hubble wide field camera 3 (WFC3) in the infrared part of the spectrum.

Astronomers are interested in studying type IA supernovae, which occur when the exposed core of ancient stars ignites in a sudden and destructive nuclear fusion burst.

These supernovae are valuable for measuring accurate distances to other galaxies.

“The universe is vast, and supernova explosions are faint,” researchers stated.

“How can we be in the right place at the right time to observe a supernova?”

“Today, most supernovae are discovered by robot telescopes constantly scanning the night sky.”

“However, some are still found the traditional way, with diligent observers taking repeated images of the sky and searching for any changes.”

Source: www.sci.news

Hubble’s Stunning Photomosaic of the Andromeda Galaxy Unveils Countless Stars

Posted on January 21, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

A century ago, American astronomer Edwin Hubble was the first to prove that this so-called “spiral nebula” lies about 2.5 million light-years away from the Milky Way. To date, the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope has achieved the most comprehensive survey of the Andromeda Galaxy. It took more than 10 years to collect the data. This colorful portrait which captures the glow of 200 million stars and was created from over 600 snapshots.

This is the largest photomosaic ever assembled from Hubble observations. A panoramic view of the neighboring Andromeda galaxy, 2.5 million light years away. Image credit: NASA/ESA/B. Williams, University of Washington.

The Andromeda Galaxy (Mesier 31) is located 2.5 million light-years away and is the closest large galaxy neighbor to the Milky Way.

Hubble's sharp imaging power can resolve more than 200 million stars in the galaxy and detect only those stars brighter than the Sun. They look like grains of sand on a beach. But that's just the tip of the iceberg.

Andromeda's total population is estimated to be 1 trillion stars, with many less massive stars falling below Hubble's sensitivity limit.

“Imaging the Andromeda Galaxy was a difficult task because it is a much larger target than the galaxies that Hubble regularly observes, often billions of light years away,” Washington said. said university astronomer Zhuo Chen and colleagues.

“The complete mosaic was performed under two Hubble observing programs. In total, it required more than 1,000 Hubble orbits spanning more than 10 years.”

“This panorama… Panchromatic Hubble Andromeda Treasury (PHAT) Program About ten years ago. ”

The Andromeda Galaxy is tilted 77 degrees to Earth's perspective and is seen almost head-on. Areas of interest include (a) a photobombing of bright blue clusters of stars embedded within the galaxy, background galaxies visible in the distance, and some bright foreground stars that are actually within the Milky Way; Masu. (b) NGC 206 is Andromeda's most prominent nebula. (c) A young population of newborn blue stars. (d) Satellite galaxy M32. This could be the remnant nucleus of a galaxy that once collided with Andromeda. (e) A dark dust band across countless stars. Image credit: NASA/ESA/B. Williams, University of Washington.

“Images were acquired at near-ultraviolet, visible, and near-infrared wavelengths. Hubble's advanced survey camera (ACS) and wide field camera 3 (WFC3) To photograph the northern half of Andromeda. ”

“The follow-up of this program is Panchromatic Hubble Andromeda Tropical Treasury (PHAST), added images of about 100 million stars in the southern half of Andromeda. ”

“This region is structurally unique and more sensitive to the history of galactic mergers than the northern disk mapped by the PHAT survey.”

“The combined program collectively covers Andromeda's entire disc, which is tilted 77 degrees to Earth's field of view and viewed almost head-on.”

“The galaxy is so large that the mosaic is assembled from about 600 separate fields of view.”

of result described in the paper. astrophysical journal.

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Zhuo Chen others. 2025. Fast. Panchromatic Hubble Andromeda Southern Treasury. I. Ultraviolet and optical photometry of over 90 million stars in M31. APJ 979, 35;doi: 10.3847/1538-4357/ad7e2b

Source: www.sci.news

Stunning Images of NGC 337 Captured by Hubble

Posted on December 24, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

The NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope took this photo of barred spiral galaxy NGC 337.

This Hubble image shows NGC 337, a barred spiral galaxy about 60 million light-years away in the constellation Cetus. Image credit: NASA / ESA / Hubble / C. Kilpatrick.

NGC337 It is located in the constellation Cetus, approximately 60 million light-years from Earth.

Also known as LEDA 3572 or IRAS 00573-0750, this barred spiral galaxy is 60,400 light years in diameter.

it was discovered It was discovered on September 10, 1785 by German-British astronomer William Herschel.

NGC 337 is the largest and brightest member of the NGC 337 Group (also known as LGG 15), a small group that includes at least three other galaxies.

The new images of the galaxy were created from separate exposures taken in the visible and near-infrared regions of the spectrum. Hubble’s advanced survey camera (ACS).

Two filters were used to sample different wavelengths. Color is obtained by assigning different hues to each monochromatic image associated with an individual filter.

“This image combines observations made at two wavelengths and highlights the galaxy’s golden center and blue surround,” Hubble astronomers said in a statement.

“The golden glow in the center comes from the older star, and the glowing blue edge gets its color from the young star.”

“If Hubble had observed NGC 337 about a decade ago, the telescope would have spotted something remarkable among the hot blue stars along the edge of the galaxy: a brilliant supernova,” they added. Ta.

“Labeled SN2014cxthis supernova is notable in that it was discovered almost simultaneously by two very different methods: the prolific supernova hunter Koichi Itagaki and the All-Sky Automated Supernova Surveyor (ASAS-SN). ”

“ASAS-SN is a worldwide network of robotic telescopes that scan the sky for sudden events such as supernovae.”

According to astronomers, SN 2014cx IIP type supernova.

“The Type II classification means that the star that exploded was a supergiant with a mass at least eight times that of the Sun,” the researchers said.

“The ‘P’ stands for plateau, meaning that after the light from the supernova began to dim, the level reached a plateau and remained the same brightness for weeks or months before fading further. .”

“This type of supernova occurs when a massive star can no longer generate enough energy at its core to avoid the crushing pressure of gravity.”

“The progenitor star of SN 2014cx is estimated to have been 10 times more massive and hundreds of times wider than the Sun.”

Although it has long since dimmed from its early brightness, astronomers are still monitoring the remains of SN 2014cx.

Source: www.sci.news

Hubble Captures Stunning Image of Barred Spiral Galaxy NGC 2566

Posted on December 16, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

Astronomers using the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope have taken striking new photos of barred spiral galaxy NGC 2566.

The barred spiral galaxy NGC 2566 has a prominent star bar at its center, with spiral arms emerging from each end of the bar. Image credit: NASA / ESA / Hubble / D. Tilker.

NGC2566 It is located in the constellation Leo, about 76 million light years away from Earth.

The galaxy was discovered by German-British astronomer William Herschel on March 6, 1785.

Also known as ESO 495-3, LEDA 23303, or UGCA 138, this galaxy is a member of the PGC 80593 group of at least 16 large galaxies.

“NGC 2566 appears tilted from our perspective, so its disk is almond-shaped, giving the galaxy the appearance of a cosmic eye,” Hubble astronomers said in a statement.

“As NGC 2566 stares back at us, we’ll be looking directly behind it, using Hubble to study the galaxy’s star clusters and star-forming regions.”

“Hubble data is especially valuable for studying stars that are only a few million years old.”

“These stars are bright in the ultraviolet and visible wavelengths to which Hubble is sensitive.”

Using these data, astronomers will measure the ages of NGC 2566’s stars, helping them piece together the timeline of star formation in the galaxy and gas exchange between the star-forming clouds and the stars themselves.

“Several other observatories have investigated NGC 2566, including NASA/ESA/CSA’s James Webb Space Telescope,” the researchers said.

“Webb’s data complement this Hubble image, adding a view of NGC 2566’s warm, glowing dust to Hubble’s stellar portrait.”

“NGC 2566, at the long wavelength end of the electromagnetic spectrum, has also been observed by the Atacama Large Millimeter/Submillimeter Array (ALMA).”

“ALMA is a network of 66 radio telescopes working together to capture detailed images of the gas clouds where stars form.”

Source: www.sci.news

Experience the stunning beauty of the sun in these Solar Orbiter photos.

Posted on November 20, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

The sun’s upper atmosphere, or corona, seen in ultraviolet light

ESA & NASA/Solar Probe/EUI Team

These fiery images are the clearest views of the Sun ever seen by the Solar Orbiter spacecraft.

solar orbitera joint mission between the European Space Agency (ESA) and NASA, is a state-of-the-art instrument that orbits the sun and has been sending information back to Earth since it arrived in 2020.

These images were taken in March 2023, when Solar Orbiter was less than 74 million kilometers from the sun. The photo above was taken using ultraviolet light and reveals the sun’s outer atmosphere, or corona, in great detail, showing billowing million-degree plasma exploding along the sun’s magnetic field lines. There is. Normally, bright light from the sun’s surface hides the corona. Therefore, the corona can only be seen when observing it by blocking visible light or using ultraviolet light, which typically occurs during solar eclipses.

To create this complete image of the sun’s corona, many smaller zoomed-in images had to be stitched together, resulting in this complete mosaic of 8000 pixels. In the future, Solar Orbiter will be able to obtain two such high-resolution photos of the Sun each year, according to ESA.

Visible Sun imaged by the Solar Orbiter spacecraft’s polarization measurements and solar seismic imager

ESA & NASA/Solar Probe/PHI Team

This second image shows what the sun’s surface, or photosphere, looks like when viewed from Solar Orbiter in visible light, the same light that our eyes can see . The temperature of this layer of the sun is approximately 4500-6000°C. The dark areas here are sunspots, which are cooler and emit less light than the surrounding areas.

Map of the Sun’s magnetic field measured by the Solar Orbiter spacecraft’s polarization measurements and solar seismic imager.

ESA & NASA/Solar Probe/PHI Team

Observations using the spacecraft’s magnetic instruments show that the Sun’s magnetic field is concentrated around the sunspot region (see image above). The field directs charged particles away from these areas, cooling them and giving them a dark appearance.

Velocity map, or tachogram, showing the speed and direction of movement of matter on the visible surface of the Sun

ESA & NASA/Solar Probe/PHI Team

Solar Orbiter can also track the speed and direction of plasma as it moves across the Sun’s surface. In this velocity map (above), called a tachogram, blue represents movement toward the spacecraft and red represents movement away from the spacecraft. It shows that it diverges in its surroundings.

This collection of images helps scientists understand the behavior of the sun’s corona and photosphere. Solar Orbiter will also image never-before-seen images of the Sun’s poles at the top and bottom of the star. Currently, not much is known about the solar poles, and researchers expect these regions to look significantly different from the rest of the sun.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Guide to Viewing the Stunning Leonid Meteor Shower in November

Posted on November 16, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

When it comes to meteor showers, the Leonids are known as one of the best. Famous for its fast and bright fireball meteors, the Leonid meteor shower aims to put on an impressive show.

And in unusual circumstances, the shower can turn into a full-fledged storm, and thousands of meteors can pass in front of you in an hour. Although it is not expected to reach storm-level conditions this year, it is still a sight to behold. Additionally, the Leonid meteor shower can be seen with the naked eye, so anyone can observe it without the need for binoculars or a telescope.

So when should you look up to the sky? And what should you expect from this year’s Leonid meteor shower? We’ve got all the important information below.

When is the Leonid meteor shower?

The 2024 Leonid meteor shower will reach its peak on the night of November 17-18. During this period, 10 to 15 meteors are expected to cross the night sky per hour.

Shooting star activity is expected to peak during this period, but meteors from the Leonid meteor shower are expected to be visible until November 30th.

For the best viewing, you need to find a spot with dark skies and good visibility. It also helps avoid light pollution in big cities and towns. Light from the last supermoon of the year, November’s Beaver Moon, which peaks on Nov. 15, could obstruct visibility.

Where should you look to see the Leonid meteor shower?

Pinpointing the source of the shower will give you better visibility. The Leonid meteor shower’s name comes from its constellation, Leo, where it is believed to have originated. More specifically, the Leonid meteor shower originates from a star pattern called the Sickle within the constellation Leonid.

To find the sickle, first find Ursa Major’s plow. This is a distinctive signpost to many astronomical spots (we have a complete guide on how to find it).

Look to the edge of the pot in “The Plow” to find two bright stars: Dubhe and Merek. If you draw an imaginary line between the two, going in the opposite direction, it will point in the direction of Polaris, Polaris, and the Sickle of Leo.

You don’t need to worry too much about tracking this exact location. Meteors cover most of the sky, so your best bet is to see as much of the sky as possible.

The best way to see as much of the sky as possible is to lie on your back and look up, but it’s November and nighttime temperatures in places like the UK can be below freezing, so it’s best to dress warmly or bring warm clothing. Please wear it. Find a comfortable place to cover yourself with a blanket or sleeping bag. Be patient and stay a while to let your eyes adjust to the darkness and have the best chance of catching the Leonid meteor shower.

Where did the Leonid meteor shower come from?

Meteor showers occur when the Earth, in its orbit around the sun, passes through regions of space filled with debris left behind by comets and asteroids.

In this case, the culprit is Comet Tempel-Tuttle. It is a relatively small comet that was discovered twice in separate events. It was first created by Ernst Tempel in 1865 and then by Horace Tuttle in 1866.

How many Leonid meteors can we see?

The exact number of meteors is difficult to determine. The number changes each year, but the average number of meteors is about 15 per hour. In some years, this value can be even higher, especially if there is a meteor storm.

Approximately every 33 years, a shower turns into a storm. This classification is reached when more than 1,000 meteors occur per hour. Back in 1966, viewers experienced the unique Leonids meteor shower, where thousands of meteors appeared in just 15 minutes.

The last Leonid storm occurred in 2002, so a storm in 2024 is unlikely.

These fireballs have long trails that are blue and greenish. Meteors can be missed, but they leave a long vapor train in the sky that looks like a smoke ring for several minutes.

The Leonid meteor shower is also fast, traveling at 44 miles per second (71 kilometers per second). These are considered some of the fastest meteors we can see.

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Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Hubble’s Stunning Images of NGC 1672

Posted on November 4, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

The NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope took this photo of barred spiral galaxy NGC 1672, visible from the southern hemisphere.

This Hubble image shows NGC 1672, a barred spiral galaxy about 49 million light-years away in the constellation Sera. Color images were created from separate exposures taken in the ultraviolet, visible, and near-infrared regions of the spectrum using Hubble’s Advanced Survey Camera (ACS) and Wide Field Camera 3 (WFC3). Six filters were used to sample different wavelengths. Color is obtained by assigning different hues to each monochromatic image associated with an individual filter. Image credits: ESA / Hubble / NASA / O. Fox / L. Jenkins / S. Van Dijk / A. Filipenko / J. Li / PHANGS-HST Team / D. De Martin / M. Zamani.

NGC1672 is located approximately 49 million light-years away in the constellation Sera.

This galaxy, also known as ESO 118-43, IRAS 04449-5920, LEDA 15941, or VV 826, has a diameter of 75,000 light years.

it was discovered It was proposed by Scottish astronomer James Dunlop on November 5, 1826.

NGC 1672 is a typical barred spiral galaxy, which differs from normal spiral galaxies in that its spiral arms do not twist all the way to the center.

Instead, they are attached to each end of the star’s straight rod that surrounds the core.

NGC 1672 is visible almost head-on and shows regions of intense star formation.

The highest concentrations of star-forming regions are near the edges of galaxies’ strong galactic bars.

NGC 1672 is Seyfert Galaxyis named after astronomer Carl Keenan Seifert, who extensively studied galaxies containing active nuclei in the 1940s. The energy output of these nuclei can exceed that of the host galaxy.

Active galaxies also include the exotically named quasars and blazars.

Each type has unique characteristics, and they are all thought to be powered by the same engine – a supermassive black hole – but seen from different angles.

“NGC 1672 is a versatile light show that showcases the impressive lights of a variety of celestial objects,” Hubble astronomers said in a statement.

“Like other spiral galaxies, its disk is filled with billions of bright stars, giving it a beautiful glow.”

“Along its two large arms, bubbles of hydrogen gas glow with a striking red light due to the powerful radiation of newly formed stars within.”

“There are some particularly spectacular stars near the center: newly formed, extremely hot stars that are embedded in a ring of hot gas and emit powerful X-rays,” the researchers said. added.

“And at its center lies an even brighter X-ray source, an active galactic nucleus produced by the heated accretion disk around NGC 1672’s supermassive black hole. This makes NGC 1672 a Seyfert galaxy. Masu.”

“But the highlight of the new photos is the most fleeting and ephemeral of these lights: supernovae. SN2017 GaxIt appears in only one of the six Hubble images that make up this composite image. ”

“this is Type I supernova Caused by the collapse of a core and the subsequent explosion of a giant star, it goes from invisible to new light in the sky in just a few days. ”

“In images taken later that year, the supernova was already fading, so it’s only visible here as a small green dot just below the bend of the spiral arm on the right.”

“In fact, this was intentional. We wanted to look for companion stars that the supernova progenitor might have had, something that would be impossible to find outside of a living supernova.”

Source: www.sci.news

Stunning Galaxy Duo Captured by NASA Telescope

Posted on November 1, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

NASA has released a beautiful composite image of two overlapping spiral galaxy pairs, IC 2163 and NGC 2207, taken by the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope and the NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope.

This composite image shows the galaxies IC 2163 (left) and NGC 2207 (right). Image credit: NASA/ESA/CSA/STScI.

of IC 2163-NGC 2207 pair It is located about 114 million light years from us in the direction of the constellation Canis Major.

The large and massive galaxy is registered as NGC 2207, and the smaller galaxy is registered as IC 2163.

Strong tidal forces from the former distorted the shape of the latter, blowing stars and gas into long streams stretching 100,000 light years.

IC 2163 made its closest approach 40 million years ago, passing NGC 2207 in a counterclockwise direction.

However, IC 2163 does not have enough energy to escape NGC 2207's gravity and is doomed to be pulled back again in the future, passing by the larger galaxy.

“The pair's eerie colors represent a combination of mid-infrared light from the web and visible and ultraviolet light from Hubble,” NASA astronomers said.

“Look for potential evidence of their light scrapes on impact surfaces where material from galaxies may have collided.”

“These lines, rendered in bright red, including the eyelids, may be responsible for the appearance of the galaxy's bulging, vein-like arms.”

“The galaxy's first passage may also have distorted its delicately curved arms and elicited tidal extensions in some places.”

“The small diffused spiral arm between IC 2163's core and its leftmost arm may be an example of this activity.”

“More tendrils appear to be hanging between the galactic cores.”

“Another extension drifts off the top of the larger galaxy, forming a thin translucent arm that essentially extends out of the picture.”

These images show two overlapping spiral galaxies, IC 2163 and NGC 2207. On the left is Hubble's ultraviolet and visible light observations, and on the right is Webb's mid-infrared observations. Image credit: NASA/ESA/CSA/STScI.

IC 2163 and NGC 2207 form stars at such high rates that they appear to have millions of individual hearts flapping across their arms.

These galaxies produce the equivalent of 20 solar-mass stars of new solar-mass stars every year.

“Our Milky Way galaxy only forms two to three new Sun-like stars a year,” the astronomers said.

“Both galaxies have experienced seven known supernovae in recent decades, compared to the Milky Way's average of once every 50 years.”

“Each supernova may have removed space within the arms, rearranging gas and dust that later cooled, allowing many new stars to form.”

“To identify sequences of star-forming activity, look for the bright blue regions seen by Hubble in ultraviolet light and the pink and white regions detailed primarily by Webb's mid-infrared data.” the researchers said.

“Stars in larger regions are known as superclusters.”

“Look for examples of these in the top spiral arms that wrap around larger galaxies and point to the left.”

“Other bright regions of the galaxy are ministarbursts, where many stars form in quick succession.”

“In addition, the upper and lower 'eyelids' of IC 2163, the small galaxy on the left, are filled with newer star formation and are burning brighter.”

Source: www.sci.news