The latest science news on astronomy, astrobiology, and space exploration from Phys.org.
Four new DAQ white dwarfs discovered
Astronomers from the University of Oklahoma and their colleagues report the detection of four white dwarf stars of a recently discovered rare DAQ spectral subclass. The newfound white dwarfs are slightly more massive than the sun. The finding was detailed in a research paper published March 13 on the preprint server arXiv.
Astronomers explore stellar populations of an extremely metal-poor dwarf galaxy
Using the James Webb Space Telescope, astronomers have conducted near- and mid-infrared observations of an extremely metal-poor blue compact dwarf galaxy known as I Zwicky 18. Results of the observational campaign, presented in a paper published March 11 on the arXiv preprint server, deliver important information regarding stellar populations in this galaxy.
Key test drive of Orion on NASA's Artemis II to aid future missions
Astronauts will test drive NASA's Orion spacecraft for the first time during the agency's Artemis II test flight next year. While many of the spacecraft's maneuvers like big propulsive burns are automated, a key test called the proximity operations demonstration will evaluate the manual handling qualities of Orion.
NASA sees progress on Blue Origin's Orbital Reef Life Support System
A NASA-funded commercial space station, Blue Origin's Orbital Reef, recently completed testing milestones for its critical life support system as part of the agency's efforts for new destinations in low Earth orbit.
One impact on Mars produced more than 2 billion secondary craters, finds study
There are plenty of craters on Mars, especially when compared to Earth. That is primarily thanks to the lack of weathering forces and strong plate tectonics that disrupt the formations of such impacts on our home planet. However, not all impact craters on Mars are directly caused by asteroid impacts. Many of them are caused by the ejecta from an asteroid impact falling back to the planet.
Spring is here: NOAA satellite animation captures vernal equinox
Spring has officially arrived in the Northern Hemisphere, while the Southern Hemisphere is embracing autumn. The start of astronomical spring, known as the vernal equinox, occurred yesterday, March 19, 2024, at 11:06 p.m. EDT.
Scientists find one of the most ancient stars that formed in another galaxy
The first generation of stars transformed the universe. Inside their cores, simple hydrogen and helium fused into a rainbow of elements. When these stars died, they exploded and sent these new elements across the universe. The iron running in your veins and the calcium in your teeth and the sodium powering your thoughts were all born in the heart of a long-dead star.