In August 2017, astronomers observed a Gravitational Wave (GW) signal that resulted from the merger of two neutron stars – known as a “kilonova” event. The aftermath of this event (GW170817) was studied by 70 ground-based and space-based observatories in multiple wavelengths. This was the first time astronomers observed a binary neutron star merger in terms of electromagnetic radiation (particularly gamma rays) and GWs. The energy released by this merger was comparable to that of a supernova, leading astronomers to theorize that it must have resulted in a black hole.
Space News & Blog Articles
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Starfield game director wants players to avoid dying in space
Starfield, one of the most highly anticipated space games of the coming months, is getting some tweaks to avoid player frustration after its expected 2023 launch date.
Remembering the Gutsy and Hilarious Apollo Astronaut Jim McDivitt
Former NASA astronaut Jim McDivitt, who commanded the important Gemini IV and Apollo 9 missions – both crucial for NASA’s ability to reach the Moon — has died at age 93. His family said he passed away peacefully in his sleep on October 13, 2022.
Most powerful gamma ray burst ever seen could help reveal how black holes are born
Dozens of telescopes all over the world are pointing at a patch of sky that gave rise to the most powerful gamma ray burst ever seen, hoping to shed more light on processes that birth black holes.
HBO's satirical sci-fi comedy 'Avenue 5' is back for Season 2
We've had to wait a while for Season 2 of the Hugh Laurie-headlined comedy 'Avenue 5,' but now it's full speed ahead in whatever direction we're going.
Scientists Discover a New Way Exoplanets Could Make Oxygen; Unfortunately, it Doesn’t Require Life
Finding oxygen in an exoplanet’s atmosphere is a clue that life may be at work. On Earth, photosynthetic organisms absorb carbon dioxide, sunlight, and water and produce sugars and starches for energy. Oxygen is the byproduct of that process, so if we can detect oxygen elsewhere, it’ll generate excitement. But researchers have also put pressure on the idea that oxygen in an exoplanet’s atmosphere indicates life. It’s only evidence of life if we can rule out other pathways that created the oxygen.
SpaceX's private Polaris Dawn mission now targeting March 2023
The historic Polaris Dawn mission to Earth orbit will now lift off no earlier than March 2023.
Space Center Houston unveils new logo, plans for Lunar Mars facility
As NASA works to send astronauts to the moon and Mars, Space Center Houston plans to bring both worlds to the public. The center debuted a new logo and revealed plans for lunar and Martian terrains.
Russia launches three satellite deployment missions in one week
A Finnish pilot submitted this spectacular photo of the Soyuz rocket’s exhaust plume at sunrise after launch Oct. 10 from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome in northern Russia. Credit: Tuomas Syrjäniemi
All three of Russia’s major rockets — the Soyuz, Proton, and Angara — launched last week on missions to deploy a Russian navigation satellite, an Angolan communications spacecraft, and a top secret military spy payload.
Failure of Japan’s Epsilon rocket blamed on attitude control system
A Japanese Epsilon rocket lifts off Oct. 12 with eight small satellites. Credit: JAXA
Engineers investigating the Oct. 12 launch failure of a Japanese Epsilon rocket have traced the problem to the attitude control system on the second stage, Japan’s space agency said Tuesday.
Russian cosmonaut who commanded space station struck pedestrian with car
Russian cosmonaut Oleg Artemyev just landed from a six-month International Space Station stay last month.
Orbex raises $63 million to help fund 1st vertical rocket launch from UK
Orbex announced a fundraising round Tuesday (Oct. 18) to boost its first space rocket off the pad, as it faces a crowded industry in the U.K. vying for the first vertical rocket launch.
Earthquakes: Facts about one of Earth's deadliest hazards
Earthquakes are one of Earth's biggest and deadliest natural disasters. Here we explore earthquakes in more detail while uncovering how and why they happen.
Get over $300 off the Panasonic Lumix G7 mirrorless camera
You can save over $300 on a reliable and versatile mirrorless camera, but hurry as the offer ends October 22.
Supernova 'alert system' could warn us of dying stars about to explode
At the end of their lives red supergiant stars explode in massive supernova blasts. Rapid dimming caused by a shroud of dense material could warn astronomers this violent event is about to occur.
The Hows & Whys of Solar Eclipses
Take a few minutes to become an eclipse expert for family and friends.
Planet Formation Doesn’t Have to be a Rush job After all
Astronomers believe that it can take 10 million years or more to build a planet like the Earth. But studies of protoplanetary disks show that they can only last 1 to 3 million years. How can planet formation finish if the material its made from disappears so quickly? A team of astronomers have proposed a solution: it’s a simple matter of bias in our observations.
The October Council edition of ESA Impact is online
The October Council edition of ESA Impact is online
Samantha Cristoforetti’s first news conference after returning to Earth
Video: 00:53:23
Watch the replay of Samantha’s first news conference in Europe after almost six months of living and working on board the International Space Station. Samantha talks from ESA’s European Astronaut Centre in Cologne, Germany. Her Minerva mission came to an end last week and she and her colleagues from Crew-4 splashed down off the coast of Florida on 14 October at 22:55 CEST.
Bizarre blue blobs hover in Earth's atmosphere in stunning astronaut photo. But what are they?
An astronaut onboard the ISS recently captured a peculiar image of Earth with two unrelated blue blobs of light shining in the planet's atmosphere.
Mars moon blocks out mighty Jupiter in rare satellite view (video)
The Mars Express spacecraft has witnessed a rare spectacle, spotting Mars' moon Deimos appearing to pass in front of Jupiter and its moons on Valentine's Day (Feb. 14).
