Frontier science, explained
Space, physics and materials news from NASA, NIST, ESA/Hubble, ESA/Webb, ESO, NOIRLab and ALMA.
Hubble helps determine Uranus’ rotation rate with unprecedented precision
An international team of astronomers using the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope have made new measurements of Uranus’ interior rotation rate with a novel technique, achieving a level of accuracy 1000 times greater than previous estimates.
astrophysicsthe solar system
Rare Crystal Shape Found to Increase the Strength of 3D-Printed Metal
NIST researchers have found special atomic patterns called quasicrystals in 3D-printed aluminum alloys.
materials
Hubble spots stellar sculptors at work in a nearby galaxy
In anticipation of the upcoming 35th anniversary of the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope, ESA/Hubble is kicking off the celebrations with a new image of the star cluster NGC 346, featuring new data and processing techniques.
astrophysicsgalaxies
Webb sees galaxy is mysteriously clearing fog of early Universe
Using the unique infrared sensitivity of the NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope, researchers can examine ancient galaxies to probe secrets of the early universe.
astrophysicsgalaxies
Webb captures Neptune's auroras for the first time
For the first time, the NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope has captured bright auroral activity on Neptune.
astrophysicsthe solar system
Webb unmasks true nature of the Cosmic Tornado
The NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope has captured a beautiful juxtaposition of the nearby protostellar outflow known as Herbig-Haro 49/50 with a perfectly positioned, more distant spiral galaxy.
astrophysicsstarsOxygen discovered in most distant known galaxy
Two different teams of astronomers have detected oxygen in the most distant known galaxy, JADES-GS-z14-0.
astrophysicsgalaxiesNew ESO analysis confirms severe damage from industrial complex planned near Paranal
An in-depth technical analysis by the European Southern Observatory (ESO) has evaluated the impact of the INNA megaproject on the facilities at the Paranal Observatory, Chile — and the results are alarming.
astrophysics
Webb images young, giant exoplanets, detects carbon dioxide
The NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope has captured direct images of multiple gas giant planets within an iconic planetary system.
astrophysicsexoplanets
A first-ever comparison between National Metrology Institutes in the kW-power regime
NIST's Sources and Detectors group compared its portable Radiation Pressure Power Meter against Germany's PTB standard, the first comparison between national metrology institutes in the kilowatt laser-power range.
metrology
ESO observations help almost fully rule out 2024 YR4 asteroid impact
New observations of 2024 YR4 conducted with the European Southern Observatory’s Very Large Telescope (ESO’s VLT) and facilities around the world have all but ruled out an impact of the asteroid with our planet.
astrophysicsthe solar system
“Out of science fiction”: First 3D observations of an exoplanet’s atmosphere reveal a unique climate
Astronomers have peered through the atmosphere of a planet beyond the Solar System, mapping its 3D structure for the first time.
astrophysicsexoplanetsStar cluster reveals its colours in stunning 80-million-pixel ESO image
The European Southern Observatory (ESO) has released a stunning 80 million-pixel image of the star cluster RCW 38, as captured by ESO’s Visible and Infrared Survey Telescope for Astronomy (VISTA), operating in Chile’s Atacama Desert.
astrophysicsstar clustersAnyone for Anyons?
Researchers have demonstrated that a strange type of quantum particle called the anyon, believed to exist in only two dimensions, can also be created in one dimension.
physics
New Atom-Based Thermometer Measures Temperature More Accurately
This atomic thermometer provides accurate measurements “out of the box” because it relies on the basic principles of quantum physics.
metrology