Astronomy Articles

Astronomy is a natural science that deals with the study of celestial objects (such as stars, planets, comets, nebulae, star clusters and galaxies) and phenomena that originate outside the atmosphere of Earth (such as cosmic background radiation). It is concerned with the evolution, physics, chemistry, meteorology, and motion of celestial objects, as well as the formation and development of the universe.

Tag Archive for: astronomy

white dwarfs

Why There Are Maximum Mass Limits for Compact Objects

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In this article, we will look at why there are maximum mass limits for objects that are supported against gravity by degeneracy pressure instead of kinetic…
dark energy supernova

Dark Energy Part 3: Fitting the SCP Union 2.1 Supernova Data

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In Part 1 of this 3-part series, I explained kinematics in Einstien-deSitter (EdS) cosmology and in Part 2, I explained kinematics in ##\Lambda##CDM cosmology…
supernova refsdal

The Reappearance of Supernova (SN) Refsdal

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Key Points Astronomers have been trying to understand space for thousands of years. Supernova Refsdal was the first known multiply imaged supernova. …
Cosmic Web Connections

The Evolution of the Universe, Cosmic Web and Connections

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The universe was not perfectly uniform when it started, some areas had a higher density than others. During the evolution of the universe, these areas…
Gaia search for black holes

Gaia and the Race to Detect More Gravitational Waves

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Gravitational waves (GW’s) are disturbances in spacetime produced by any massive object moving asymmetrically. However, only the most massive and most…
uranus spin

3 Possible Models For Why Uranus Spins on Its Side

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Uranus spins on its side. Uranus has an obliquity (tilt) of 98º, making its axis of rotation closer to the ecliptic plane than any other planet. It is…
mary Somerville

Mathematician Mary Somerville Features in Google Doodle

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The Google Doodle for 2 February 2020 celebrated Mary Somerville, the Scottish polymath and science writer, and with Caroline Herschel, the joint first-ever…
What is Mass Inflation

What is Mass Inflation? A 5 Minute Introduction

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Definition/Summary Abstract from Poisson and Israel's 1990 paper, 'Internal structure of black holes'-'The gravitational effects associated with the…
Sagittarius A

How to Calculate the Spin of Black Hole Sagittarius A*

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This Insight takes a look at how it is possible to calculate the spin of Sagittarius A*, the supermassive black hole at the center of the Milky Way using…
pamelagay

Interview with Astronomer Pamela Gay

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Please give us a bit of background into your educational and professional life. I'm a public school kid through and through. After going to the local…
nightsky

How Representative is the Night Sky?

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A couple of weeks back, a thread was started about whether or not most of the stars we see at night are brighter than our Sun. The consensus was yes. I'd…
pluto

Pluto Quiz: Think You Know Pluto?

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Pluto has been in the news quite a bit these past several months. Let's see if you've been paying attention. Feel free to share your score in the comments…
man_on_moon

The Last Man On The Moon | A Look Back at Previous Missions

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On 11th December 1972, just over 45 years ago, man set foot on the moon for the last time.The Apollo 17 mission manned by Eugene Cernan and geologist…
LCDM4

Approximate LCDM Expansion in Simplified Math (Part 4)

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  Part 4: Cosmic Recession Rates An astronomer, accompanied by his amateur relativist friend, aimed a telescope at a distant galaxy and measured…
solar_eclipse

Learn Solar Eclipse Viewing Basics

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Key PointsNEVER view the sun with the naked eye for any length of time, as doing so may cause irreversible eye damage or blindness. ONLY totality…
supernova

What are the Fates of Massive Stars

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Key PointsStars are born in primordial nebulae, gaseous molecular clouds on the spiral arms of galaxies Stars smaller than 1.4 suns will settle…
DH - astrophysics

Interview with Astrophysicist D H

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Meet a Mentor is a series to help you get to know your wonderful Mentors better.Constructive questions and comments are welcome!Today we meet:…