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Astronomers Discover Spinning Cosmic Filament, Potentially Redefining Galaxy Formation

Astronomers Discover Spinning Cosmic Filament, Potentially Redefining Galaxy Formation

Astronomers have identified a vast cosmic filament, located approximately 140 million light-years from Earth, where galaxies are spinning in a manner akin to a teacup ride. This structure, part of the cosmic web, is composed of ionized gas and dark matter, and plays a crucial role in the formation and spin of galaxies. The filament, which stretches nearly 50 million light-years, was studied using the MeerKAT radio telescope and further observations from the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument and the Sloan Digital Sky Survey. The discovery of this filament's rotational motion challenges existing theories of galaxy formation, suggesting a more coherent transfer of angular momentum than previously thought.

Largest Rotating Cosmic Structure of Galaxies and Dark Matter Detected

Largest Rotating Cosmic Structure of Galaxies and Dark Matter Detected

Scientists have observed the largest-known rotating structure in the universe, a filament composed of hundreds of galaxies, gas, and dark matter. This structure, part of the cosmic web, measures about 50 million light-years long and 117,000 light-years wide. Detected using the MeerKAT radio telescope in South Africa, the filament is located approximately 140 million light-years from Earth. The discovery provides new insights into the large-scale structure of the universe and the role of dark matter in cosmic formations.

Galaxies Found Rotating in Unison Within Massive Dark Matter Filament

Galaxies Found Rotating in Unison Within Massive Dark Matter Filament

A group of galaxies has been discovered rotating together within a massive dark matter filament, challenging existing theories about galaxy formation and evolution. This filament, part of the cosmic web, is located approximately 140 million light-years from Earth and contains about 300 galaxies. Researchers from Oxford University, using the MeerKAT radio telescope and other instruments, found that these galaxies rotate in the same direction as the filament itself. This discovery suggests that the filament's structure influences the spin of the galaxies, providing new insights into the role of dark matter in shaping the universe.

Huge rotating structure of galaxies and dark matter is detected

Huge rotating structure of galaxies and dark matter is detected

By Will Dunham WASHINGTON, Dec 8 (Reuters) - Scientists have observed the largest-known rotating structure in the cosmos - a gargantuan thread-like assemblage of hundreds of galaxies, gas and dark matter that makes up a filament in the macrostructure of the universe called the cosmic web.

Supermassive Black Hole Ejects Matter at High Speed in Magnetic Event

Supermassive Black Hole Ejects Matter at High Speed in Magnetic Event

An international team of astronomers has observed a supermassive black hole ejecting matter at speeds reaching 20% of the speed of light. The event, observed near the black hole NGC 3783, was captured using the XRISM space telescope. The ejection is believed to be caused by a process called magnetic reconnection, where sudden changes in magnetic fields release large amounts of energy. This phenomenon is similar to solar flares but on a much larger scale. The observation provides new insights into the behavior of black holes and their interactions with surrounding matter.

Galaxies Found Rotating Together in Massive Dark Matter Filament

Galaxies Found Rotating Together in Massive Dark Matter Filament

A group of galaxies within a massive dark matter filament has been discovered rotating in the same direction as the filament itself. This finding challenges existing beliefs about galaxy formation and evolution. The filament, part of the cosmic web, is located approximately 140 million light-years from Earth and contains about 300 galaxies. At its center, 14 galaxies are aligned in a straight line, rotating around the filament at a speed of 68 miles per second. This collective rotation is one of the largest known structures of its kind in the universe.

Vera Rubin Observatory's Visionary Design Set to Transform Astronomy

Vera Rubin Observatory's Visionary Design Set to Transform Astronomy

The Vera Rubin Observatory in Chile, a project envisioned by physicist Tony Tyson over 30 years ago, is poised to revolutionize the field of astronomy. Recently, Tyson previewed the first images captured by the observatory, which revealed thousands of galaxies in stunning detail. The observatory, located on Cerro Pachón in the Andes, is equipped with the world's largest digital camera and is designed to create a continuous video of the southern sky. This innovative telescope will map the Universe's dark matter in three dimensions, detect millions of stars, and identify potentially hazardous asteroids. Despite its massive 350-tonne weight, the telescope's compact design allows it to capture new exposures every 40 seconds. The project, which cost $810 million, was a high-risk venture that Tyson championed despite initial skepticism.

Jupiter's December 2025 Appearance Sparks 'Star of Bethlehem' Debate

Jupiter's December 2025 Appearance Sparks 'Star of Bethlehem' Debate

In December 2025, Jupiter is prominently visible in the night sky, leading to renewed discussions about the 'Star of Bethlehem.' This celestial event occurs as Jupiter approaches opposition on January 10, 2026, when Earth will be positioned between Jupiter and the sun, making the planet appear at its closest and brightest. Historically, some have speculated that the 'Star of Bethlehem' could have been a planetary conjunction involving Jupiter. While no major conjunctions or unusual celestial events are occurring this December, Jupiter's brightness and timing have led some to consider it a modern 'Christmas Star.'

How to watch one of the year's best meteor showers, the Geminids

How to watch one of the year's best meteor showers, the Geminids

It's time for the Geminid meteor shower, one of the strongest of the year

NASA Report Warns Satellite Constellations Threaten Astronomy Imaging

NASA Report Warns Satellite Constellations Threaten Astronomy Imaging

NASA has released a report highlighting the potential impact of satellite constellations on astronomical imaging. The report, published in Nature, predicts that up to 40% of images captured by the Hubble Space Telescope could be affected by satellite streaks. More concerning is the prediction that three other space telescopes could experience a 96% contamination rate, severely limiting their effectiveness. The proliferation of satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO), driven by companies like SpaceX and others, is cited as a major factor. SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket has significantly reduced the cost of launching satellites, leading to a surge in satellite deployments. The report also notes that ground-based observatories, such as the Vera C. Rubin Observatory, are at risk, with up to 80% of its images potentially compromised if satellite numbers exceed 50,000.

Rare Green Flash Lights Up Chilean Sunset at Cerro Pachón

Rare Green Flash Lights Up Chilean Sunset at Cerro Pachón

A rare green flash, or green rim, was captured during a sunset at Cerro Pachón in Chile. This phenomenon occurs when sunlight passes through Earth’s atmosphere, which bends and splits the light. As the sun nears the horizon, shorter wavelengths like green and blue are refracted more than red and orange, creating a brief green band at the top edge of the sun. Though present at every sunset, the flash is usually too brief to see without sensitive cameras or ideal conditions.

Astronomers Observe Unprecedented Black Hole Flare Triggering Ultra-Fast Winds

Astronomers Observe Unprecedented Black Hole Flare Triggering Ultra-Fast Winds

Astronomers using the XMM-Newton and XRISM observatories have documented a rare event involving a supermassive black hole in the galaxy NGC 3783. This black hole, located approximately 130 million light-years from Earth, emitted a sudden X-ray flare that quickly diminished, followed by the emergence of ultra-fast winds. These winds, moving at about one-fifth the speed of light, were observed for the first time forming in just a single day. The event was captured in real-time, providing new insights into the behavior of black holes and their influence on surrounding environments. The black hole, with a mass of about 30 million Suns, is part of an Active Galactic Nucleus (AGN), a highly energetic region that emits light across the electromagnetic spectrum.