The universe’s biggest explosions made some of the elements we are composed of. But there’s another mystery source out there
Analysis of two major cosmic blasts deepens the mystery of where the universe’s ‘heavy’ elements come from.
May 30, 2024 • ~6 min
Black holes are mysterious, yet also deceptively simple − a new space mission may help physicists answer hairy questions about these astronomical objects
Studying theoretical, fast-spinning black holes is helping physicists understand more about the elusive black holes out in the universe.
May 15, 2024 • ~7 min
A subtle symphony of ripples in spacetime – astronomers use dead stars to measure gravitational waves produced by ancient black holes
Astronomers have for the first time detected the background hum of gravitational waves likely caused by merging black holes.
June 30, 2023 • ~9 min
Gravitational wave detector LIGO is back online after 3 years of upgrades – how the world's most sensitive yardstick reveals secrets of the universe
Upgrades to the hardware and software of the advanced observatory should allow astrophysicists to detect much fainter gravitational waves than before.
May 22, 2023 • ~10 min
Astronomers have found an especially sneaky black hole – discovery sheds light on star death, black hole formation and gravitational waves
Astronomers have discovered the first dormant black hole outside of the Milky Way. These black holes are not absorbing matter from a nearby star, making them incredibly hard to find.
July 25, 2022 • ~7 min
Astronomy's 10-year wish list: Big money, bigger telescopes and the biggest questions in science
The astronomy and astrophysics decadal survey for the 2020s lays out plans to search for life on distant planets, understand the formation of galaxies and solve deep mysteries of physics.
March 28, 2022 • ~9 min
/
3