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

Space & Earth / Astronomy

14 hours ago | 4 / 5 (6) | 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 ...

Black Holes in Star Clusters stir up Time and Space (w/ Video)

Space & Earth / Astronomy

Dec 16, 2009 | 4.7 / 5 (15) | 5

(PhysOrg.com) -- Within a decade scientists could be able to detect the merger of tens of pairs of black holes every year, according to a team of astronomers at the University of Bonn’s Argelander-Institut ...

Herschel Space Telescope uncovers the sources of the Cosmic Infrared Background

Space & Earth / Astronomy

Dec 16, 2009 | 5 / 5 (9) | 4

(PhysOrg.com) -- Using first observations with the PACS Instrument on board ESA’s Herschel Space Telescope, scientists from the Max Planck Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics and other institutions have ...

Supernova explosions stay in shape

Space & Earth / Astronomy

Dec 17, 2009 | 4.9 / 5 (7) | 1

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.

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 ...

Hubble's Festive View of a Grand Star-Forming Region (w/ Video)

Space & Earth / Astronomy

Dec 15, 2009 | 4.5 / 5 (4) | 0

(PhysOrg.com) -- Just in time for the holidays: a Hubble Space Telescope picture postcard of hundreds of brilliant blue stars wreathed by warm, glowing clouds. The festive portrait is the most detailed view of the largest ...

Gaia star mapper to lift off from Europe's Spaceport on a Soyuz launcher

Space & Earth / Space Exploration

Dec 16, 2009 | 5 / 5 (3) | 1

(PhysOrg.com) -- Gaia, ESA's next-generation star mapper, will be carried into space by a Soyuz-STB/Fregat launch vehicle from Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana. David Southwood, ESA's Director of Science ...