Category Astronomy/Space

This sequence shows snapshots of a star’s density when two dark matter cores collide, where the x-axis is the plane of collision (only half the space is shown, but the remaining space can be obtained by symmetry). Although the final configuration is more compact and massive than the original, the star does not collapse into a black hole because it ejects some of its mass, slowing down its growth so that it remains stable. Credit: Brito, et al. ©2015 American Physical Society Read more at: http://phys.org/news/2015-09-dark-stars-oscillations.html#jCp

Large amounts of hidden mass inside stars might be composed of extremely lightweight hypothetical particles called axions, which are a primary dark matter candidate...

UBC researchers are proposing a new way to calculate distances in the cosmos using mysterious bursts of energy. The method allows researchers to position distant galaxies in 3 dimensions and map out the cosmos.
“We’ve introduced the idea of using these new phenomena to study cosmological objects in the universe,” said Kiyoshi Masui. “We believe we’ll be able to use these flashes to put together a picture of how galaxies are spread through space.”

Some unknown astrophysical phenomenon is causing these bursts of energy that appear as a short flashes of radio waves. While only 10 fast radio bursts have ever been recorded, scientists believe there could be thousands of them a day...

This simulation helps explain an odd light signal thought to be coming from a close-knit pair of merging black holes, PG 1302-102, located 3.5 billion light-years away. Credit: Columbia University

Entangled by gravity and destined to merge, 2 candidate black holes in a distant galaxy appear to be locked in an intricate dance. Researchers using data from NASA’s Galaxy Evolution Explorer (GALEX) and NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope have come up with the most compelling confirmation yet for the existence of these merging black holes and have found new details about their odd, cyclical light signal.

The candidate black hole duo, called PG 1302-102, was first identified earlier this year using ground-based telescopes...

Scientists developed an adaptive system to accurately extract 3D data while maintaining the ability to capture a full-resolution 2D image without a dramatic system change, such as switching out a lens. Credit: © Artur Marciniec / Fotolia

A team of engineers has discovered how to harness the image stabilization and focus modules of a modern, digital camera to unlock new 3D imaging capabilities: ie repurposing its existing components. This new capability was successfully demonstrated in a proof-of-concept laboratory experiment using a small deformable mirror -a reflective surface that can direct and focus light.

The purpose of the experiment was to extract depth-of-field information from a “single shot” image – rather than traditional 3D imaging techniques that require multiple images- with...