This illustration shows the ingredients of a long gamma-ray burst, the most common type. The core of a massive star (left) has collapsed, forming a black hole that sends a jet of particles moving through the collapsing star and out into space at nearly the speed of light. Radiation across the spectrum arises from hot …
Brightest gamma-ray burst ever observed reveals new mysteries of cosmic explosions Read More »
The SKA Observatory (SKAO) and its partners have advanced support for protecting astronomy against the negative impact of satellite megaconstellations at the foremost international forum for space-related matters. During the recently concluded meeting of the scientific and technical subcommittee of the United Nations Committee on Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS) in Vienna, the SKAO …
SKAO and partners advance support for protection of astronomy at UN Read More »
Hot on the heels of the disappointing Green Comet, astronomers have just discovered a new comet with the potential to be next year's big story—C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinhan-ATLAS). Although it is still more than 18 months from its clossest approach to Earth and the sun, comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS already has social media buzzing, with optimistic articles being …
A Wolf-Rayet star is a rare prelude to the famous final act of a massive star: the supernova. As one of its first observations in 2022, the NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope captured the Wolf-Rayet star WR 124 in unprecedented detail. A distinctive halo of gas and dust frames the star and glows in the …
Webb captures rarely seen prelude to a supernova Read More »
This was a first attempt at a prime focus image (camera directly connected to his telescope) of the Orion Nebula M42 by Hermanus Astronomy member Deon Krige. Here is his fact sheet and comments: "Setup ; Meade telescope LX50 10” F10 Schmidt Cassegrain. Original no Go-To mount. Camera Canon 760D with Focal Reducer 6.3 Prime …
M42 Orion Nebula Prime Focus Image by Deon Krige Read More »
