Latest news with #PatrickDurrell
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
YSU professor captures rare discovery on galaxies
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) — A Youngstown State University professor is looking to the skies to help discover the building blocks of galaxies. Dr. Patrick Durrell is part of an international team of astronomers who used the Hubble Space Telescope to capture a rare discovery. For decades, Dr. Durrell has been asking himself the question, 'What makes galaxies tick?' As an astronomer regularly working with the Hubble Space Telescope, he's helping find the answer. In his small office inside the Ward Beecher Planetarium, he showed off his team's latest research on the far reaches of the universe. 'We thought, 'Oh, maybe we're seeing, you know, the merging of star clusters.'' The galaxies might not look like a big deal because they are dim, but they hold a big secret. 'They're still very important. You know, numerically, these are the most populous galaxies out there,' Dr. Durrell said. The international team of researchers captured images of over 80 galaxies, getting a look at a rare process for how nuclear star clusters are formed. A long-held hypothesis is that smaller star clusters can move towards the center of a galaxy, pulling other stars and clusters into their orbit, creating the nuclear cluster — something that's been difficult to prove until now. 'It's really hard to catch in the act and it looks like we found five galaxies where we are indeed catching it in the act. We're actually seeing this process in these high-resolution images from Hubble,' Durrell said. 'We're actually seeing this. We're not just saying theoretically this should happen.' The main point of the original project, Durrell says, was to study star clusters in the galaxy, but discovering that they're actually merging together was an added bonus. 'It's kind of one of the fun things in science. It's not just discovery but you're kind of going, you know, what else is in the data? 'Oh, will ya look at that.'' Their latest research has been published in the scientific journal 'Nature.' Durrell has been working with the international team for over a decade. He helped coordinate capturing the Hubble images for this project and he has several more going on this summer. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Iraq Business
12-04-2025
- Politics
- Iraq Business
New Women's Protection Center Opens in Diwaniyah
From the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). Any opinions expressed are those of the author(s), and do not necessarily reflect the views of Iraq Business News. New Women's Protection Center Opens in Diwaniyah with Support from UNFPA and the Government of France A new Women's Protection Center has officially opened its doors in Diwaniyah today, supported by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and generously funded by the Government of France, in close collaboration with local authorities in Diwaniyah and the General Secretariat of the Council of Ministers - Iraqi Women's Department. This center marks a significant step forward in creating a safer environment for women and girls affected by violence. The center will serve as a safe space and provide comprehensive services for survivors, including psychosocial support, legal assistance, and reintegration services. This initiative is part of UNFPA's broader effort to strengthen protection mechanisms across Iraq. Similar centers have already been rehabilitated and equipped in Ninewa, Kirkuk, and Anbar in partnership with local authorities and donor support. Patrick Durrell, French Ambassador to Iraq stated: "Combating violence against women is a priority. I am pleased and proud that France is supporting this project alongside the United Nations. This shelter will provide a safe space where survivors can begin to rebuild their lives, and finally think about the future with hope and clarity." Ms. Hind Jalal, UNFPA Representative in Iraq, stated: "This center stands as a testament to our shared commitment to ensuring that every woman and girl in Diwaniyah, and across Iraq, lives free from fear and violence. We are grateful to our partners in the Government of France and the local authorities of Diwaniyah for their continued support of this essential vision." UNFPA reaffirmed its commitment to working with partners toward strengthening the legal framework needed to ensure the long-term sustainability and effectiveness of such centers, ensuring that survivors of violence receive the comprehensive protection and support they deserve. (Source: UNFPA)
