Supernova explosions stay in shape

Space & Earth / Astronomy

Dec 17, 2009 | 4.9 / 5 (8) | 2

At a very early age, children learn how to classify objects according to their shape. Now, new research suggests studying the shape of the aftermath of supernovas may allow astronomers to do the same.

A star is born? Herschel space observatory captures the birth of stars

Space & Earth / Astronomy

Dec 18, 2009 | 3.8 / 5 (10) | 1

(PhysOrg.com) -- The European Space Agency has released a preview of the first science results from the Herschel Space Observatory, including the UK-led SPIRE instrument. The new data which include images ...

Studying how black holes grow

Space & Earth / Space Exploration

Dec 17, 2009 | 5 / 5 (2) | 1

Black holes are some of the most exotic objects in the universe. They are the final evolutionary stage of giant stars much larger than the sun. When these stars explode, their cores collapse down to the size ...

Vampires and collisions rejuvenate stars

Space & Earth / Astronomy

Dec 23, 2009 | 4.3 / 5 (7) | 2

Stars in globular clusters are generally extremely old, with ages of 12-13 billion years. However, a small fraction of them appear to be significantly younger than the average population and, because they ...