Latest news with #NationalAstronomyMeeting
Yahoo
a day ago
- Science
- Yahoo
What astronomers recently discovered about space using supercomputers
There could be many more satellite galaxies orbiting the Milky Way than previously thought or observed, according to astronomers. As many as 100 undiscovered galaxies that are too faint to be seen could be surrounding the galaxy that houses Earth and the solar system, new research has found. MORE: Webb telescope discovers stars forming in 'toe beans' of Cat's Paw Nebula Cosmologists at Durham University in England made the discovery using a new technique that combines the highest-resolution supercomputer simulations in existence with mathematical modeling, they announced at the Royal Astronomical Society's National Astronomy Meeting in Durham on Friday. The supercomputer predicted the existence of missing "orphan" galaxies -- suggesting that up to 100 or more satellite galaxies are orbiting the Milky Way at close distances. "We know the Milky Way has some 60 confirmed companion satellite galaxies, but we think there should be dozens more of these faint galaxies orbiting around the Milky Way at close distances," said Isabel Santos-Santos, the lead researcher at Durham University's Institute for Computational Cosmology, in a statement. If the galaxies are seen by telescopes, it could provide strong support for the theory on Lambda Cold Dark Matter -- the standard model of cosmology that explains the large-scale structure how galaxies form, the researchers said. The model suggests that galaxies form in the center of "gigantic" clumps of dark matter called halos and hypothesizes that ordinary matter in the form of atoms represents only 5% of the Universe's total content, while 25% is cold dark matter, and the remaining 70% is dark energy. MORE: Astronomers spot 'interstellar object' speeding through solar system Most of the galaxies in the Universe are satellite low-mass dwarf galaxies that orbit around a more massive galaxy, such as the Milky Way, according to astronomers. The existence of these galaxies poses challenges to LCDM because the model suggests the presence of many more companion galaxies than previous simulations have produced, the researchers said. But the new technique allowed the scientists to track the abundance, distribution and properties of the orphan galaxies. The model provides "clear illustration" of the power of physics and mathematics, Carlos Frenk, a co-researcher at the Institute for Computational Cosmology, said in a statement. "Using the laws of physics, solved using a large supercomputer, and mathematical modelling we can make precise predictions that astronomers, equipped with new, powerful telescopes, can test," Frenk said. "It doesn't get much better than this." Existing cosmological simulations do not have the resolution needed to study the faint satellite galaxies, the experts said. They also lack the precision needed to study the evolution of the small dark matter halos that host the dwarf galaxies, which leads to the artificial disruption of some halos, according to the researchers. "If our predictions are right, it adds more weight to the Lambda Cold Dark Matter theory of the formation and evolution of structure in the Universe," Santos-Santos said. MORE: How astronomers used gravitational lensing to discover 44 new stars in distant galaxy New advances in telescopes and instruments could eventually give astronomers the ability to detect the faint objects through viewing. "One day soon we may be able to see these 'missing' galaxies, which would be hugely exciting and could tell us more about how the Universe came to be as we see it today," Santos-Santos said.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Science
- Yahoo
'Interstellar visitor' 3I/ATLAS could be the oldest comet ever seen — and could grow a spectacular tail later this year
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. The mysterious "interstellar visitor" that was recently spotted whizzing through the solar system may be around 3 billion years older than our cosmic neighborhood, a new study suggests. If confirmed, the alien interloper would be the oldest comet ever seen from Earth. And, if it's made of what researchers think it is, it may also grow a spectacularly long tail in the coming months. 3I/ATLAS is an interstellar comet, potentially up to 15 miles (24 kilometers) across, that is currently shooting toward the sun at more than 130,000 mph (210,000 km/h). Once it passes its closest point to our home star, or perihelion, in late October, the extrasolar entity will begin its long journey back out of the solar system, before eventually leaving us behind forever. The cosmic visitor was discovered July 1 and was confirmed as an interstellar object by NASA less than 24 hours later. Ever since, the astronomical community has been racing to uncover as much as they can about the alien comet. In a new study, uploaded July 7 to the preprint server arXiv and presented July 11 at the Royal Astronomical Society's National Astronomy Meeting in Durham, England, researchers used a computer model to simulate where 3I/ATLAS may have originated from. The team found that the comet likely originates from the Milky Way's "thick disk" — a population of stars located above and below the main disk where the sun and a majority of our galaxy's stars reside. Most of the stars in this part of the galaxy are believed to be billions of years older than our solar system, and because comets are made up from the leftovers of the protoplanetary disks that surround new stars, it is highly likely that 3I/ATLAS could be just as old. Related: Watch newly discovered 'interstellar visitor' 3I/ATLAS shoot toward us in first livestream "Our statistical method suggests that 3I/ATLAS is very likely to be the oldest comet we have ever seen," study lead author Matthew Hopkins, a doctoral candidate at the University of Oxford in the U.K., said in a statement. However, the new findings have not yet been peer-reviewed, and more observations are needed to determine exactly how old the comet is. The study team used a novel computer program, known as the Ōtautahi-Oxford model, which helps predict where interstellar objects (ISOs) come from using data from the European Space Agency's Gaia space observatory. Hopkins designed the model while working toward completing his PhD, and he had only finished defending his doctoral thesis on the topic around a week before 3I/ATLAS was discovered, providing an immediate chance to put his theories to the test. "It's a fantastic opportunity to test our model on something brand new and possibly ancient," Hopkins said. Only two other ISOs have been discovered to date: 1I/'Oumuamua, an asteroid that was discovered in 2017; and 2I/Borisov, a comet spotted in 2019. Both 'Oumuamua and Comet Borisov entered the solar system head-on to the sun, relative to our home star's trajectory through the Milky Way, hinting they come from the galaxy's main disk. But 3I/ATLAS is coming at us side-on, meaning it has a totally different origin from the previous ISOs. "This is an object from a part of the galaxy we've never seen up close before," study co-author Chris Lintott, an astronomer at the University of Oxford, said in the statement. "We think there's a two-thirds chance this comet is older than the solar system, and that it's been drifting through interstellar space ever since," he added. As we collect more data about 3I/ATLAS, the researchers will continue to refine their model to further pinpoint where the alien interloper may have originated from. However, even then, there are limits to how precisely scientists can track its interstellar origins. "We probably won't ever be able to pin it down to a single star system," Aster Taylor, a graduate student at the University of Michigan who was not involved in the new study, previously told Live Science. Understanding where 3I/ATLAS came from can also help researchers predict how it will behave when it shoots past the sun later this year. Experts predict that planetary systems within the thick disk might have an abundance of water, meaning that 3I/ATLAS could be rich with water ice. If this is the case, it means the comet could likely grow a large cometary tail in the coming months, as the sun vaporizes its outer layers, the researchers wrote. RELATED STORIES —An interstellar object exploded over Earth in 2014, declassified government data reveal —1 million 'interstellar objects' — each larger than the Statue of Liberty — may lurk in the outer solar system —An interstellar visitor may have changed the course of 4 solar system planets, study suggests The cloud of ice, dust and gas that surrounds the comet, known as its coma, could also become much larger, allowing it to reflect more sunlight and appear much brighter to us, making it even more visually stunning as it approaches Earth. However, the interstellar comet won't be visible to the naked eye, meaning you will require a decent backyard telescope or a pair of stargazing binoculars to see it for yourself. The best time to see it will likely be in late 2025 and early 2026, the researchers wrote.
Sustainability Times
2 days ago
- Science
- Sustainability Times
'Aliens Will Use It Against Us': This Everyday Infrastructure Could Be the Real Reason Humanity Gets Contacted—or Conquered
IN A NUTSHELL 🚀 Recent theories propose that airport radar systems could inadvertently signal Earth's presence to extraterrestrial civilizations. could inadvertently signal Earth's presence to extraterrestrial civilizations. 📡 These radars emit radio waves detectable up to 200 light-years away, potentially reaching advanced alien observers. detectable up to 200 light-years away, potentially reaching advanced alien observers. 🌌 Ramiro Saide's research highlights that our unintentional emissions might be the most effective form of communication with aliens. might be the most effective form of communication with aliens. 🌟 The concept of unintentional technosignatures offers new insights into how we might connect with intelligent life beyond Earth. As humans continue to gaze up at the stars and ponder the existence of extraterrestrial life, the question of whether we are alone in the universe remains unanswered. While direct attempts to communicate with aliens have so far proven fruitless, recent theories suggest that we might be inadvertently signaling our presence through everyday technologies. One such technology, airport radar systems, could potentially attract the attention of distant civilizations. This revelation challenges our understanding of how we might one day connect with extraterrestrial beings. The Hidden Power of Airport Radars Recent discussions at the National Astronomy Meeting of the Royal Astronomical Society introduced an intriguing hypothesis regarding the role of Earth's radar systems in broadcasting our presence to the cosmos. Astrophysics researcher Ramiro Saide from the University of Manchester proposed that the radar systems used in both civilian and military airports could serve as detectable 'technosignatures' for extraterrestrial observers. These radars, designed to monitor aircraft by emitting radio waves into the sky, inadvertently send signals beyond our planet. Saide's research suggests that these radio waves, once released into space, could be detected by advanced alien civilizations as far as 200 light-years away. The radar systems emit a combined signal strength equivalent to 2×1015 watts, a substantial amount of power. If a spacecraft were to intersect with these emissions, it could potentially follow them back to Earth. This concept raises the possibility that unintentional emissions could be our most effective means of extraterrestrial communication. 'These Ancient Cells Just Came Back to Life': Scientists Awestruck as 7,000-Year-Old Algae Revived From Baltic Sea Depths, Defying Biological Limits Rethinking Our Approach to Extraterrestrial Communication Historically, humanity's efforts to reach out to alien life have focused on deliberate transmissions, often spearheaded by organizations like the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI). Despite these efforts, no responses have been recorded. However, Saide's findings suggest that unintentional signals may be our most potent form of communication. These signals, traveling up to 200 light-years, encompass a vast region of space, home to an estimated 120,000 stars. Among these stars is Proxima Centauri, the nearest star to our solar system, along with its terrestrial exoplanet, Proxima b, located just 4.25 light-years from Earth. Although this does not confirm the existence of alien life, it provides an additional method for potentially locating them. The possibility that an airport control tower, such as the one at Charles de Gaulle Airport, could transmit the crucial signal that draws extraterrestrial attention is a fascinating prospect. 'These Alien Oceans Are the Ultimate Game-Changer': NASA's Habitable Worlds Observatory Poised to Expose Extraterrestrial Seas That Could Redefine All Life The Implications of Unintentional Technosignatures The concept of unintentional technosignatures offers a new lens through which to view our search for alien life. Unlike intentional signals, which require significant resources and coordination, these inadvertent emissions occur naturally as a part of technological advancement. This raises questions about the visibility of our planet to the universe and how other civilizations might perceive us. As our technology continues to evolve, the range and strength of these signals will likely increase, potentially making Earth more detectable. The idea that we could be observed by another civilization underscores the importance of understanding and monitoring our technological footprint. It also prompts us to consider how we might respond if we were to receive a signal in return. 'Prostate Cancer Risk Slashed!': Scientists Declare Frequent Ejaculation the Most Powerful Prevention Tool for Men in Breakthrough Health Discovery Exploring the Future of Extraterrestrial Contact The potential for contact with alien civilizations through unintentional signals is both thrilling and daunting. It encourages us to reflect on our technological advancements and their global impacts. As we continue to explore the universe, we must remain open to the idea that our everyday technologies, from radar systems to communication networks, might play a critical role in bridging the gap between us and other intelligent beings. While we await confirmation of extraterrestrial life, the ongoing research into technosignatures provides a promising avenue for future exploration. Could our accidental signals become the key to unlocking the mysteries of the universe? As we advance technologically, how will our approach to extraterrestrial contact evolve? This article is based on verified sources and supported by editorial technologies. Did you like it? 4.6/5 (22)
2 days ago
- Science
100 undiscovered galaxies could be orbiting the Milky Way, according to new research
There could be many more satellite galaxies orbiting the Milky Way than previously thought or observed, according to astronomers. As many as 100 undiscovered galaxies that are too faint to be seen could be surrounding the galaxy that houses Earth and the solar system, new research has found. Cosmologists at Durham University in England made the discovery using a new technique that combines the highest-resolution supercomputer simulations in existence with mathematical modeling, they announced at the Royal Astronomical Society's National Astronomy Meeting in Durham on Friday. The supercomputer predicted the existence of missing "orphan" galaxies -- suggesting that up to 100 or more satellite galaxies are orbiting the Milky Way at close distances. "We know the Milky Way has some 60 confirmed companion satellite galaxies, but we think there should be dozens more of these faint galaxies orbiting around the Milky Way at close distances," said Isabel Santos-Santos, the lead researcher at Durham University's Institute for Computational Cosmology, in a statement. If the galaxies are seen by telescopes, it could provide strong support for the theory on Lambda Cold Dark Matter -- the standard model of cosmology that explains the large-scale structure how galaxies form, the researchers said. The model suggests that galaxies form in the center of "gigantic" clumps of dark matter called halos and hypothesizes that ordinary matter in the form of atoms represents only 5% of the Universe's total content, while 25% is cold dark matter, and the remaining 70% is dark energy. Most of the galaxies in the Universe are satellite low-mass dwarf galaxies that orbit around a more massive galaxy, such as the Milky Way, according to astronomers. The existence of these galaxies poses challenges to LCDM because the model suggests the presence of many more companion galaxies than previous simulations have produced, the researchers said. But the new technique allowed the scientists to track the abundance, distribution and properties of the orphan galaxies. The model provides "clear illustration" of the power of physics and mathematics, Carlos Frenk, a co-researcher at the Institute for Computational Cosmology, said in a statement. "Using the laws of physics, solved using a large supercomputer, and mathematical modelling we can make precise predictions that astronomers, equipped with new, powerful telescopes, can test," Frenk said. "It doesn't get much better than this." Existing cosmological simulations do not have the resolution needed to study the faint satellite galaxies, the experts said. They also lack the precision needed to study the evolution of the small dark matter halos that host the dwarf galaxies, which leads to the artificial disruption of some halos, according to the researchers. "If our predictions are right, it adds more weight to the Lambda Cold Dark Matter theory of the formation and evolution of structure in the Universe," Santos-Santos said. New advances in telescopes and instruments could eventually give astronomers the ability to detect the faint objects through viewing. "One day soon we may be able to see these 'missing' galaxies, which would be hugely exciting and could tell us more about how the Universe came to be as we see it today," Santos-Santos said.
Indian Express
3 days ago
- Science
- Indian Express
Can aliens spy on Earth? Scientists say our radar systems could give us away
Alien astronomers, even with inadequate technology, could recognise the radio signals from airports on Earth. This was revealed in an upcoming study that shows how aliens may be able to spy on us using our radio signals. According to a study headed by researcher Ramiro Caisse Saide of the University of Manchester, radar systems used to monitor aircraft at major airports like Heathrow in London and JFK in New York may generate radio waves powerful enough to be detected by extraterrestrial civilisations up to 200 light-years away. The researchers examined how radio waves from military and civilian radar operations travelled outside Earth. This was done to predict how they would seem when they reached nearby stars. According to the findings that were presented at the National Astronomy Meeting (NAM) 2025 in Durham, UK, signals emitted from airports across the world are over 2,000 trillion watts. This is powerful enough to detect extraterrestrial planets that are 200 light-years away using the Green Bank Telescope, which happens to be the most sensitive telescope in the world and is located in Virginia, US. By carefully simulating how these radar signals spread out from Earth over time and space, the researchers looked at how visible they would be from nearby stars such as Barnard's Star and AU Microscopii. Out of roughly 1,000 star systems in that range, the nearest potentially habitable world beyond our solar system is Proxima Centauri b which is only 4.2 light-years away. Another key question is whether an astronomer from another planet could comprehend what we are communicating and seeing. The signal wouldn't be artificial because it would seem to rise and fall throughout a 24-hour period when several airports came into view of the extraterrestrial astronomers due to Earth's rotation. Additionally, the study contributes to those on Earth who are searching for evidence of extraterrestrial intelligence in estimating how far away they would be able to spot a civilisation that is comparable to our own. 'By learning how our signals travel through space, we gain valuable insights into how to protect the radio spectrum for communications and design future radar systems,' co-researcher Professor Michael Garret was quoted as saying by the Royal Astronomical Society. Military radar systems, which are more focused, create a unique pattern – like a lighthouse beam. They have an accumulated peak emission reaching about 1×1014 watts in a given field of view of the observer. This, according to the researchers, is weaker than airport radar. Caisse Saide, a PhD student, added, 'In this way, our work supports both the scientific quest to answer the question, 'Are we alone?' and practical efforts to manage the influence of technology on our world and beyond.'
