search
astronomy
Trends
- 1Astronomers warn planned 50,000 orbital mirrors would ruin the night sky●"'They're saying we want to launch 50,000 mirrors by 2035,' Benvenuti said. 'That would be catastrophic for astronomy, t
Astronomers are reacting to plans by California startup Reflect Orbital, which is seeking US regulatory approval to launch tens of thousands of sun-reflecting satellites that would beam sunlight to ground locations. A company figure of 50,000 mirrors in orbit by 2035 has drawn sharp warnings from researchers, with one astronomer calling the project catastrophic for astronomy, since bright reflectors would wash out observatories' views and alter the night sky.
- 2Environmental groups petition FCC to halt space sunlight project●"Four environmental organizations filed a petition Thursday asking the Federal Communications Commission to reverse appr
Four environmental organizations filed a petition Thursday asking the Federal Communications Commission to reverse its approval of a startup's plan to beam on-demand sunlight from space to Earth. The groups argue the agency ignored the project's potential impacts on wildlife and astronomy when it cleared the venture, and are pressing regulators to reconsider the decision.
- 3AST SpaceMobile satellites measured far brighter than limits●"Our measurements reveal an average brightness seven times brighter than mitigation targets cited in FCC filings and pea
New measurements of AST SpaceMobile satellites show an average brightness seven times higher than the mitigation targets cited in the company's FCC filings, with peak brightness over 200 times above the International Astronomical Union's recommended threshold of magnitude 7. Astronomers say the findings raise fresh concerns about the impact of large satellite constellations on night-sky observations, as the company prepares further deployments.
- 4Astronomer turns sinking Starlink satellites into planetary barometer▼Astronomer watches Starlink satellites sinking to build a 'planetary barometer'
An astronomer is tracking the gradual orbital decay of Starlink satellites to use them as a 'planetary barometer', reading how satellite drag responds to changes in the upper atmosphere. The proposal is drawing attention as an unexpected scientific repurposing of Elon Musk's Starlink constellation, which already concerns researchers because of its growing interference with ground-based astronomy.
- 5Lab Experiment Solves Puzzle of Ancient Star's Odd Chemistry▼Astronomers Couldn't Explain This Ancient Star's Chemistry. A Lab Experiment Just Did.
Astronomers have long struggled to explain the unusual chemical composition of an ancient star, with no theory matching observations. A new laboratory experiment reproducing extreme stellar conditions has now provided an explanation for the star's chemistry, resolving a long-standing astrophysics puzzle. The findings connect lab physics directly to stellar observation and are drawing attention in the astronomy community.
- 6Hubble spots spiral galaxy spinning two ways at once▼NASA's Hubble sees an exotic spiral galaxy spinning two ways at once
NASA's Hubble Space Telescope has observed an exotic spiral galaxy that appears to be rotating in two opposite directions at the same time. The rare finding, reported by NASA and covered by outlets including Mashable, offers astronomers an unusual case study in galactic dynamics and may prompt further research into how such counter-rotating structures form.
- 7
Hanoi is hosting an international astronomy olympiad, with students from 66 countries taking part. The event brings top young science students to Vietnam to compete in astronomy and astrophysics challenges, highlighting the country's growing role in hosting international academic competitions.
- 8First radio waves detected from an exoplanet hint at alien auroras●First radio waves seen from an exoplanet hint at otherworldly auroras # science # astronomy https://www. sciencenews.org
Astronomers have picked up radio waves from an exoplanet for the first time, a signal that could indicate auroras similar to those seen on Earth and the solar system's giant planets. The detection opens a new way to study magnetic fields and atmospheres of planets orbiting other stars, and scientists say future observations could reveal more about potentially habitable worlds far beyond our solar system.
- 9Oman opens first robotic observatory at Jabal Shams▼Oman’s first robotic observatory opens at Jabal Shams
Oman has inaugurated its first robotic observatory, located at Jabal Shams, the highest peak in the Arabian Peninsula. The facility can operate without on-site staff, taking advantage of the mountain's clear skies and high altitude for astronomical observation. The opening marks a step forward for Omani scientific infrastructure and its ambitions in space and astronomy research.
- 10Gujarat governor urges young researchers to study science through logic▼Examine physics, maths, astronomy through logical lens: Gujarat governor to young researchers
The Governor of Gujarat has called on young researchers to examine physics, mathematics and astronomy through a logical lens. The address, reported by ThePrint, encouraged early-career scientists to apply rigorous reasoning across disciplines. Little further detail about the event or the specific remarks has emerged, but the appeal has drawn attention in Indian science and education circles.
- 11Young Indian women lead stargazing tours under the night sky●# BBC # News # Science # Environment The young women guiding tourists through India's night sky https:// w.st/mDwjR
Young women in India are working as astronomy guides, leading tourists through observations of the night sky. The BBC News feature highlights their role in a growing nature and science tourism sector, and the women carving out careers in a field traditionally dominated by men.