August 31, 2013 Arp 297, interacting galaxies in Boötes Image Credit: NASA, ESA, the Hubble Heritage (STScI/AURA)-ESA/Hubble Collaboration, and W. Keel (University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa) Arp 297 is a quartet of galaxies, consisting of NGC 5752, NGC 5753, NGC 5754 and NGC 5755, which looks like a compact group but actually consists of two galaxy pairs [continue reading]
Astronomers using NASA’s Chandra X-ray Observatory have taken a major step in explaining why material around the giant black hole at the center of the Milky Way Galaxy is extraordinarily faint in X-rays. This discovery holds important implications for understanding black holes. This composite image combines observations using infrared light and X-ray light that [continue reading]
August 30, 2013 W40, a stellar nursery in Aquila Image Credits: ESA and the SPIRE & PACS consortia, Ph. André (CEA Saclay) for the Gould’s Belt Key Programme Consortia W40 (also known as Sh2-64 and RCW 174) is a stellar nursery of some 25 light-years across, located between 1,000 and 2,000 light years-away from Earth [continue reading]
An analysis of gravity and topography data from Saturn’s largest moon, Titan, has revealed unexpected features of the moon’s outer ice shell. The best explanation for the findings, the authors said, is that Titan’s ice shell is rigid and that relatively small topographic features on the surface are associated with large roots extending into [continue reading]
New research supports theory that life started on Mars New evidence has emerged which supports the long-debated theory that life on Earth may have started on Mars. Professor Steven Benner will tell geochemists gathering today (Thursday 29 Aug) at the annual Goldschmidt Conference that an oxidized mineral form of the element molybdenum, which may have [continue reading]
August 29, 2013 NGC 3239, an irregular galaxy in Leo Image Credit & Copyright: Adam Block/Mount Lemmon SkyCenter/University of Arizona (http://skycenter.arizona.edu/gallery/Galaxies/ngc3239) NGC 3239 (also known as the Loony Galaxy and Arp 263) is an irregular galaxy of some 40,000 light-years across, located only about 25 million light-years away from Earth in the constellation of Leo [continue reading]