Month: August 2013

The alignment of gas with the pulsar so close to the super-massive black hole has given scientists a valuable tool for understanding its magnetic field. By NRAO, Socorro, New Mexico — Published: August 14, 2013 Astronomers have made an important measurement of the magnetic field emanating from a swirling disk of material surrounding the black …

Newly found pulsar helps astronomers explore Milky Way’s mysterious core Read More »

By Derek Duckitt On 29th June 2013 I paid a visit to the Hess Gamma ray telescope in Namibia while on holiday in the area. I found this to be a fascinating and informative experience; the staff were most accommodating and helpful.   The HESS II structure dominates the landscape while still kilometers away. It …

H.E.S.S. Gamma Ray Telescope in Namibia Read More »

Viewers could see up to 10 meteors per hour coming from Aquarius on July 30, when a crescent Moon slightly hinders the view. // Astronomy: Roen Kelly During July and August, the Southern Delta Aquarid meteor shower will produce up to 15 meteors per hour. By Sarah Scoles — Published: July 22, 2013 The Southern …

Southern Delta Aquarid meteor shower peaks at the end of July Read More »

This artist’s conception portrays two neutron stars at the moment of collision. New observations confirm that colliding neutron stars produce short gamma-ray bursts. Such collisions produce rare heavy elements, including gold. All Earth’s gold likely came from colliding neutron stars. // Dana Berry, SkyWorks Digital, Inc. Scientists estimate that the amount of gold produced during …

Earth’s gold came from colliding dead stars Read More »