Read article 'Brilliant naked-eye GRB constrains theory'
GRB 080319B is the plain name for an extraordinary gamma-ray burst (GRB) that was so bright that it could be seen with the unaided eye for 30 s. The detailed observation of the prompt optica...
Read article 'WMAP 5-year results reveal neutrinos and tighten inflation'
After five years observing the oldest light in the universe, NASA’s Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe (WMAP) is refining our understanding of the universe. It finds evidence for cosmic neutri...
Read article 'Astronomers find galaxy at record distance'
The joint forces of NASA’s Hubble and Spitzer space telescopes have identified a source that is likely to be the most distant galaxy known to date. If confirmed, this discovery will be a new mil...
Read article 'Positrons prefer one side of the galaxy'
A new study of the gamma-ray emission of positron annihilation in the Milky Way reveals an asymmetric distribution in the galactic disc. The only sources known to have a similar asymmetry are low-mass...
Read article 'Hot plasma fills the Orion nebula'
Observations with the XMM-Newton satellite have revealed soft X-ray emission from an extended region in the Orion nebula. The most massive stars in the heart of the nebula are probably at the origin o...
Read article 'A global network listens for ripples in space–time'
The Virgo and LIGO gravitational-wave detectors combine forces.
Read article 'When white dwarfs collide…'
A peculiar supernova discovered last year could be the first that is known to have originated from the coalescence of two white dwarfs. These compact stars orbiting each other slowly spiralled inward ...
Read article 'Pierre Auger Observatory pinpoints source of mysterious highest-energy cosmic rays'
The Pierre Auger Collaboration has discovered that active galactic nuclei are the most likely candidate for the source of the ultra-high-energy (UHE) cosmic rays arriving on Earth.
Read article 'Astronomers detect mysterious phenomenon'
Analysis of six-year old archival data of the Parkes radio telescope in Australia has revealed a giant burst of radio waves. Extremely bright, brief and distant, this unique event seems to come from a...
Read article 'ALMA: a guided tour with Massimo Tarenghi'
The director of a new large-scale radio telescope explains its goals.
