Copernical Team
Vivid Webb portrait of interacting galaxies Penguin and Egg
A duo of interacting galaxies known as Arp 142 commemorates the second science anniversary of the NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope.
Earth from Space: Hainan Strait
International Law Crucial in Preventing Space Militarization
A recent study emphasizes the urgent need for countries and international organizations to leverage existing international law to address rising concerns about the militarization of outer space. The militarization of space is escalating, with the potential to become a battleground. Nations are testing anti-satellite (ASAT) weapons, and satellites could become significant targets during con
Booz Allen Invests in Quindar to Enhance Satellite Automation
Booz Allen Hamilton (NYSE: BAH) reports that its corporate venture capital arm, Booz Allen Ventures, LLC, has made a strategic investment in Quindar, a commercial space technology startup focused on automating satellite operations. This investment supports Booz Allen's VoLT business strategy-emphasizing velocity, leadership, and technology-and underscores the importance of integrating advanced t
Astronomical Satellite Observes Multiple Gamma-Ray Bursts
A state-of-the-art astronomical satellite, developed through a collaboration between China and France, has successfully detected three gamma-ray bursts, the Chinese Academy of Sciences announced. The Space Variable Objects Monitor (SVOM) detected a gamma-ray burst on the morning of June 27, shortly after its Gamma-ray Burst Monitor was activated for testing. The satellite also observed two
Galactic 'Heart and Lungs' Mechanism Regulates Growth
A recent study published in the Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society proposes that galaxies possess a "heart and lungs" mechanism that regulates their growth and prevents them from becoming overly large. This finding sheds light on why galaxies are not as massive as previously anticipated. The research, conducted by astrophysicists at the University of Kent, suggests that gala
New Proposal Redefines Planetary Criteria Beyond Our Solar System
Planetary scientists are suggesting an updated definition of a planet to replace the current, sun-centric one deemed outdated by many researchers. Established in 2006 by the International Astronomical Union (IAU), the existing definition states that a celestial body must orbit the sun within our solar system to be classified as a planet. However, scientists recognize the prevalence of cele
Building a Digital Preview of the Universe
Imagine gazing into the night sky and observing millions of galaxies spanning a vast expanse of space. Consider the thrill of searching for exoplanets or witnessing the explosive deaths of stars. In the upcoming years, two U.S.-funded telescopes will make these observations possible. Ahead of their operational debut, a Duke researcher is spearheading an initiative under the OpenUniverse pr
NASA Evaluates Electrical Components for Europa Clipper Mission
Launch preparations for NASA's Europa Clipper mission are moving forward. The spacecraft, which arrived at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida in May, recently had its high-gain antenna installed. "Engineers with NASA's Europa Clipper mission continue to conduct extensive testing of transistors that help control the flow of electricity on the spacecraft." This follows concerns that thes
China's Tianwen 2 Mission Targets Asteroid and Comet Exploration
China's Tianwen 2 probe is set to launch aboard a Long March 3B rocket in May 2025. This mission aims to collect samples from a near-Earth asteroid and deliver them to Earth, followed by a journey to study a comet in deep space.
The probe's first target is the near-Earth asteroid 469219, known as Kamo'oalewa in Hawaiian. After reaching the asteroid, Tianwen 2 will perform remote sensing