Some black holes at the centers of galaxies have a buddy − but detecting these binary pairs isn’t easy

Most objects in the universe have been around for way longer than modern astronomy – digging into historical records can help scientists shed light on a cosmic mystery.

Jonathan Zrake, Assistant Professor of Physics, Clemson University • conversation
Dec. 5, 2024 • ~9 min

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.

Robert Brose, Assistant Professor at the School of Physical Sciences at Dublin City University (DCU), Dublin City University • conversation
May 30, 2024 • ~6 min

Exploding stars send out powerful bursts of energy − I’m leading a citizen scientist project to classify and learn about these bright flashes

Where specialized algorithms fail to classify star-borne pulses, human volunteers with just a little training can step in.

Amy Lien, Assistant Professor of Physics, University of Tampa • conversation
April 16, 2024 • ~7 min

Exploding stars are rare but emit torrents of radiation − if one happened close enough to Earth, it could threaten life on the planet

Some ancient texts record what were likely dying stars, faintly visible from Earth. If close enough, these events can disturb telescopes and even damage the ozone layer.

Chris Impey, University Distinguished Professor of Astronomy, University of Arizona • conversation
March 29, 2024 • ~9 min

Black hole, neutron star or something new? We discovered an object that defies explanation

It’s too heavy to be a neutron star and too light to be a black hole. So what is it?

Benjamin Stappers, Professor of Astrophysics, University of Manchester • conversation
Jan. 18, 2024 • ~6 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.

Chad Hanna, Professor of Physics, Penn State • conversation
May 22, 2023 • ~10 min

Unusual, long-lasting gamma-ray burst challenges theories about these powerful cosmic explosions that make gold, uranium and other heavy metals

Gamma-ray bursts occur when a massive star explodes or when two neutron stars merge. A newly discovered burst has puzzled astronomers, as it lasted much longer than astronomers would have expected.

Simone Dichiara, Assistant Research Professor of Astrophysics, Penn State • conversation
Dec. 21, 2022 • ~6 min

‘Black widow’ star ate its pal to set a new record

A neutron star has consumed a huge part of its nearby companion and grown to become the heaviest ever found, astronomers report.

Robert Sanders-UC Berkeley • futurity
Aug. 5, 2022 • ~11 min

What happens when black holes collide with the most dense stars in the universe

The aftermath of a black hole colliding with a neutron star has been recorded on Earth.

Martin Krause, Senior Lecturer, University of Hertfordshire • conversation
June 30, 2021 • ~7 min

3 Questions: Hsin-Yu Chen on treading lightly when dating the universe

MIT postdoc finds the angle at which we view neutron star collisions could significantly impact age measurements.

Kelso Harper | MIT Kavli Institute • mit
Nov. 13, 2020 • ~6 min

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