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Interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS Captured in Stunning New Images

Interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS Captured in Stunning New Images

Comet 3I/ATLAS, an interstellar object, has been observed traveling through our solar system, drawing significant attention from the scientific community. This comet is only the third known object to enter our solar system from another galaxy. Recent images from the European Space Agency's Jupiter-bound spacecraft and NASA's Hubble Space Telescope have provided detailed views of the comet's coma and tails. The comet's closest approach to the sun occurred in October, and it is expected to pass by Earth at a safe distance of 170 million miles on December 19.

NASA Reveals New Stellar Explosion Animation, Suggests Black Hole Consumed Star

NASA Reveals New Stellar Explosion Animation, Suggests Black Hole Consumed Star

NASA has released an animation depicting a significant astronomical event that occurred on July 2nd, where a black hole is believed to have consumed a star. This event, initially puzzling to space scientists, has been identified as a new type of stellar explosion, named GRB 250702B. The animation aims to illustrate the process and aftermath of this cosmic occurrence. For several months, astronomers analyzed data to understand the nature of the explosion. On December 8th, NASA confirmed the event as a black hole shredding a star, providing new insights into such cosmic phenomena.

NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory Unveils New Technique to Study Galaxy Clusters

NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory Unveils New Technique to Study Galaxy Clusters

NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory has introduced a novel image-processing technique called 'X-arithmetic' to analyze X-ray data from galaxy clusters. This method allows astronomers to classify features in the gas of galaxy clusters by their nature rather than just appearance. The technique was applied to 15 galaxy clusters and groups, revealing differences in the structures formed by black hole outbursts. The study highlights that black hole feedback appears stronger in galaxy groups compared to clusters, possibly due to weaker gravitational forces in groups. This research, led by Hannah McCall from the University of Chicago, provides a new tool for understanding the physical processes inside these massive cosmic structures.

NASA Observes Interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS During December Sky Events

NASA Observes Interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS During December Sky Events

NASA is closely observing the interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS as it makes its closest approach to Earth on December 19, 2025. This comet is the third known object from outside our solar system to be discovered within it. Despite its proximity, the comet poses no threat to Earth, remaining about 170 million miles away. Skywatchers can potentially view the comet with a telescope of at least 30 centimeters in aperture. Additionally, the Geminid Meteor Shower is set to peak on December 13 and 14, offering a display of bright and colorful meteors. A conjunction between the Moon and Jupiter will also occur on December 7, providing another celestial event for observers.

NASA's Space Telescope Captures Dying Star's Final Act in Nebula NGC 1514

NASA's Space Telescope Captures Dying Star's Final Act in Nebula NGC 1514

NASA's 2025 Space Telescope Advent Calendar has unveiled a striking image of a dying star within the planetary nebula NGC 1514, located approximately 1,500 light-years from Earth. This celestial event is part of a series of images being released daily until December 25. The star, part of a binary system, has been shedding gas and dust for over 4,000 years, creating a luminous spectacle as it interacts with the surrounding space. This phenomenon provides valuable insights into the life cycle of stars and the dynamic processes occurring in nebulae.

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.

Geminid Meteor Shower 2025: Peak Viewing Conditions and Expectations

Geminid Meteor Shower 2025: Peak Viewing Conditions and Expectations

The Geminid meteor shower, one of the most anticipated celestial events of 2025, is set to peak during the night of December 13 into the morning of December 14. This annual meteor shower is renowned for its reliability and is expected to produce up to 150 meteors per hour under optimal dark sky conditions. The Geminids are known for their slower, more graceful meteors compared to other showers, entering the Earth's atmosphere at 22 miles per second. The shower's radiant point is located near the star Castor in the constellation Gemini, which will be high in the sky by midnight, offering excellent viewing opportunities. The moon will be a waning crescent, rising only in the predawn hours, thus minimizing light interference during the peak viewing times.

Interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS Offers New Insights into Cosmic Chemistry

Interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS Offers New Insights into Cosmic Chemistry

Interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS, the third known object from another star system to pass through our solar system, is being closely studied by astronomers. Discovered in July 2025, the comet's hyperbolic trajectory confirms its interstellar origin. Observations from NASA's Hubble Space Telescope and ESA's Juice mission reveal a chemically complex and active comet, with a nucleus between 440 meters and 5.6 kilometers across. The comet's speed and trajectory suggest it will not return once it leaves the solar system.

December Skywatching: Comet 3I/ATLAS and Geminid Meteor Shower to Dazzle

December Skywatching: Comet 3I/ATLAS and Geminid Meteor Shower to Dazzle

December is set to be a spectacular month for skywatchers, with several celestial events taking place. Comet 3I/ATLAS, an interstellar visitor, will make its closest approach to Earth on December 19. This comet is only the third object discovered from outside our solar system, and NASA is studying it using spacecraft and telescopes. Additionally, the Geminid meteor shower, known for its bright and colorful meteors, will peak on December 13 and 14. These meteors originate from debris left by the asteroid 3200 Phaethon and will be visible near Jupiter. The month also features a conjunction of the Moon and Jupiter on December 7.

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.

The Shell of a Dying Star Captured in Space Telescope Image

The Shell of a Dying Star Captured in Space Telescope Image

The 2025 Space Telescope Advent Calendar features a striking image of the shell of a dying star, located about 1,500 light-years from Earth in the planetary nebula NGC 1514. This image, part of a series released daily until December 25, showcases the star's final act as it sheds gas and dust, illuminating the surrounding space. The image is part of a broader effort to highlight the beauty and complexity of the universe through daily releases of astronomical images.

Interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS Captivates Astronomers with Unique Features

Interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS Captivates Astronomers with Unique Features

Interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS, only the third such object observed in our solar system, is drawing significant attention from astronomers. Recent images from NASA's Hubble Space Telescope and ESA's Juice mission reveal the comet's jets, dual tails, and a puzzling 16-hour brightness rhythm. The comet, discovered in July 2025, is on a hyperbolic trajectory, indicating it will not return to the solar system. It is currently approaching its closest point to Earth, set for December 19, 2025.