Copernical Team
Discovery of intermediate-mass black hole near galactic center
An international team of researchers, led by PD Dr. Florian Peissker, has identified signs of an intermediate-mass black hole while studying a star cluster near the supermassive black hole SgrA* (Sagittarius A*) at the center of our galaxy. Despite extensive research, only about ten intermediate-mass black holes have been discovered throughout the universe. These black holes, believed to h
Astronomers Discover Unique Orbit of Rare Exoplanet with WIYN Telescope
Astronomers using the WIYN 3.5-meter telescope at the U.S. National Science Foundation Kitt Peak National Observatory, a program of NSF NOIRLab, have found an exoplanet with a highly unusual orbit. This planet is on a trajectory to become a hot Jupiter and has one of the most elongated orbits of all known transiting exoplanets, as well as a reverse orbit around its star. This discovery sheds lig
NASA rover finds pure sulfur crystals in Martian rock
Among several recent findings, the rover has found rocks made of pure sulfur - a first on the Red Planet. Scientists were stunned on May 30 when a rock that NASA's Curiosity Mars rover drove over cracked open to reveal something never seen before on the Red Planet: yellow sulfur crystals. Since October 2023, the rover has been exploring a region of Mars rich with sulfates, a kind of
Lunar swirls influenced by soil structure
Lunar swirls, characterized by their contrasting light and dark patches, exhibit more than just variations in brightness. The differences also encompass the structure of lunar soils and the grains within them. Lunar swirls are distinct high- and low-albedo patterns found on the Moon's surface, both in the dark basalt plains known as mare and the bright highland regions. The origins of thes
LRO Mini-RF data reveals extensive cave network beneath lunar surface
An international team of scientists has uncovered new evidence of caves beneath the Moon's surface using data from NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO). The re-analysis of radar data from LRO's Mini-RF (Miniature Radio-Frequency) instrument, collected in 2010, revealed a cave extending over 200 feet from the base of a pit. This pit is situated 230 miles northeast of the historic Apoll
NASA and Boeing finalize Starliner engine tests and proceed with analysis
NASA and Boeing engineers are currently evaluating the results from last week's engine tests conducted at NASA's White Sands Test Facility in New Mexico. These efforts are part of the preparations for the return of the Boeing Crew Flight Test from the International Space Station in the coming weeks. Teams have completed ground hot fire testing at White Sands and are in the process of analy
Juice prepares for historic double flyby of Moon and Earth
Next month, ESA's Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer (Juice) will undertake a groundbreaking maneuver: the first combined lunar-Earth flyby. This precise operation, now being prepared at ESA mission control, will utilize the gravitational forces of the Moon and Earth in quick succession, setting Juice on course for its journey to Jupiter. Juice represents Europe's inaugural mission to the Jupiter
Earth from Space: Central Ethiopia
Ariane 6 science-after-school experiment sends back striking snaps
Boeing is closer to understanding thruster failures on its first astronaut flight with latest test
Boeing is closer to understanding what went wrong with its astronaut capsule in orbit, now that testing is complete on a spare thruster here on Earth.
The Starliner capsule has been docked at the International Space Station since June 6. It should have returned with its NASA test pilots by mid-June, but thruster failures and helium leaks prompted NASA and Boeing to extend its stay.
Officials said Thursday there's still no return date for astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams.