New observations capture a star experiencing spaghettification as it’s sucked in by a supermassive black hole.
Astronomy
Black holes take 2020 Nobel prize in physics
Three laureates share this year’s Nobel prize in physics for their discoveries about one of the most exotic phenomena in the universe: the black hole.
Jupiter’s moons could be warming each other
The gravitational push and pull by Jupiter’s moons could account for more warming than the gas giant Jupiter alone.
Where rocks come alive: OSIRIS-REx observes an asteroid in action
While studying asteroid Bennu up close, NASA’s OSIRIS-REx spacecraft witnessed periodic outbursts of material being kicked up from the surface; a dedicated observation campaign revealed details of the activity.
Planet-forming disc torn apart by its three central stars
New observations allowed astronomers to see, for the first time, the shadow of GW Orionis’ inner ring, which helped them figure out its 3D orientation.
Can bacteria survive in space?
New study provides the best estimate to date that bacteria could survive a trip to Mars.
Strange gamma-ray heartbeat puzzles scientists
Cosmic gas cloud blinks in sync with circling black hole.
Hubble helps uncover the mystery of the dimming of Betelgeuse
New observations suggest that the unexpected dimming of the supergiant star was most likely caused by a dust cloud that blocked starlight coming from the star’s surface.
Early Mars was covered in ice sheets, not flowing rivers
Researchers have concluded that early Martian landscape probably looked similar to this image of the Devon ice cap.
Surprising number of exoplanets could host life
What is the maximum number of habitable planets for a star, and what does this mean in our search for extraterrestrial life?
First images of a multi-planet system with a Sun-like star
In a rare occurrence, astronomers have directly observed more than one planet orbiting a star similar to the Sun.
Maybe life on Earth is as good as it gets?
Plate tectonics are important for habitability, and it appears that the optimum conditions existed for planets forming early in the galaxy’s lifespan … and may be unlikely to easily recur.
Astronomers estimate there are 36 communicating civilizations in our galaxy
Research sheds new light on our hope of finding intelligent life across the galaxy.
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Artificial eye with 3D retina developed for the first time
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Nasal vaccine against SARS-CoV-2 prevents infection and spread throughout the body
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