Telescopes

It might be time for space telescopes to ditch their old coating for a more mysterious look, helping them blend in the dark void of space and capture better images of the cosmos. The Fujifilm X100VI is the Most Fun I’ve Had With a Camera in YearsA team of researchers from the University of Shanghai developed an ultrablack thin-film coating for magnesium alloys—the casting material that’s fabricated for telescopes and optical instruments—which they say absorbs nearly all light while still being durable enough to survive…

There's something peculiar about dying star Betelgeuse.Yeah, there was the whole sneeze thing. That's been pretty much resolved for now. But before the Great Dimming Debacle of 2019, scientists spotted something even more peculiar about the giant star. Radio measurements of its changing light suggested it was rotating at 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) per second. The big problem with that is that stars of Betelgeuse's vintage should, theoretically, have a maximum rotation speed at least two orders of magnitude lower. So,…

NASA recently shared a stunning series of images showcasing the captivating beauty of the Whirlpool Galaxy, providing a glimpse into the mesmerizing wonders of our universe. Shared on Instagram, these captivating snapshots offer a unique perspective of this celestial marvel, captured through the lens of various space telescopes such as the Chandra X-ray Observatory and the Hubble Telescope.NASA snaps Whirlpool GalaxyThe Whirlpool Galaxy, located approximately 30 million light-years away from Earth, stands out as one of…

The Hubble Space Telescope has once again mesmerized astronomers and space enthusiasts alike with its recent images of Jupiter, showcasing the gas giant's dynamic atmosphere filled with swirling storms and the iconic Great Red Spot. Captured on January 5-6, 2024 and thereafter shared by NASA, these portraits offer a glimpse into the tumultuous weather patterns and atmospheric phenomena occurring on Jupiter's colossal scale. With its exceptional clarity and precision, Hubble Telescope has provided unparalleled views of…

You may have heard the joke by now: "How do you organize a solar eclipse party? You planet."But you could also let someone plan it for you.And throughout the Hamilton-Niagara region — home to some of the best areas in Canada to see the total solar eclipse on April 8 — there are plenty of options.That day, people across the continent will see the moon pass between the sun and the Earth. In some places, it will partially block out the sun. But in others — including Hamilton, Burlington, Ont., Six Nations, Ont., and the…

Two Giant U.S. Telescopes Are Threatened by Federal Funding CapThe Thirty Meter Telescope and Giant Magellan Telescope might need to compete for survival in the face of federal spending limitsBy Alexandra Witze & Nature magazineAn artist rendering of the Thirty Meter Telescope, planned for construction on Maunakea in Hawaii. Credit: TMT International Observatory/Courtesy of NAOJ with the cooperation of Mitsubishi ElectricUS astronomers might have only one huge ground-based telescope in their future, rather than the…

Advancements in telescopic technology, particularly with the James Webb Space Telescope, have enhanced the classification of galaxy shapes. A recent study analyzed distant galaxies, revealing a prevalence of unusual flat and elongated shapes in the early universe, contrasting with nearer galaxies. This challenges previous assumptions about galaxy formation and evolution. Credit: NASA, ESA, CSA, STScI, Steve Finkelstein (UT Austin), Micaela Bagley (UT Austin), Rebecca Larson (UT Austin)Recent observations by the James Webb…

Advanced telescopes are poised to revolutionize the search for extraterrestrial life by studying the atmospheres of exoplanets. Recent research shows their ability to detect key biosignatures, with a focus on direct imaging techniques and the comparative analysis of space and ground-based telescopes. Credit: SciTechDaily.comHigh-tech telescopes search for chemicals necessary for life on Earth.The next generation of advanced telescopes could sharpen the hunt for potential extraterrestrial life by closely scrutinizing the…

Two NASA telescopes played…

Recent observations by NASA’s X-ray telescopes have provided unprecedented insights into fast radio bursts (FRBs), powerful and brief cosmic events that have puzzled astronomers. By studying a fast radio burst from a magnetar within our galaxy, scientists have advanced our understanding of these phenomena, revealing rapid changes in magnetar behavior that could explain how FRBs are generated. Credit: SciTechDaily.comUsing two of the agency’s X-ray telescopes, researchers were able to zoom in on a dead star’s erratic…