black holes

3+ articles

Astronomy Astrophysics Black Holes ISS NASA

NASA's IXPE Unveils a New Era of X-ray Astronomy

In a remarkable leap forward in X-ray astronomy, NASA's Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer (IXPE) is changing the game with its groundbreaking observations. From measuring X-ray polarization in magnetar outbursts to uncovering the mysteries of black hole jets, IXPE is providing scientists with unparalleled insights into the high-energy universe. The recent discovery of ASKAP J1832-0911 and other cosmic revelations are just the tip of the iceberg in this new age of space exploration. Join us as we dive into the wonders unveiled by IXPE's innovative technology.

Jun 25

NASA's IXPE Unveils a New Era of X-ray Astronomy

Sagittarius A*: Spinning at Cosmic Max Speed—AI and EHT's Astrophysical Revelations!

Using AI and the Event Horizon Telescope, astronomers discover that Sagittarius A*, the Milky Way's central black hole, is spinning near its maximum speed, challenging traditional theories. This finding suggests emissions arise from hot electrons in the accretion disk, rather than jets, offering new insights into black hole dynamics.

Jun 16

Sagittarius A*: Spinning at Cosmic Max Speed—AI and EHT's Astrophysical Revelations!

NASA's NICER X-ray Telescope Gets a Stellar Fix!

NASA astronaut Nick Hague is set to perform a spacewalk on January 16, 2025, to repair the NICER X-ray telescope on the ISS. This mission marks the first on-orbit repair of a NASA observatory since the 2009 Hubble servicing. The repair involves patching up thermal shields damaged in May 2023, which caused a 'light leak' hampering NICER's ability to study celestial objects like neutron stars and black holes. Astronauts have been gearing up for this mission with practice sessions at NASA's Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory.

Jan 9

NASA's NICER X-ray Telescope Gets a Stellar Fix!