Latest news with #Scorpius
Khaleej Times
11 hours ago
- Science
- Khaleej Times
Look: Cat's paw in the sky? UAE astronomers capture larger-than-Moon-size nebula
If you're an avid cat person and also into astronomy, then you're in for a treat, as UAE astronomy officials just spotted the most adorable nebula — the Cat's Paw. Photographed from the skies of Abu Dhabi's desert, the nebula was captured under challenging conditions, after 10 gruelling hours. The cosmic wonder, made up from gas and dust, was situated in the Scorpius constellation, according to the Al-Khatem Astronomical Observatory. The nebula's unique shape is not the only stunning thing about it. Its apparent size is also slightly larger than the full moon, while its actual size is such that light, travelling at 300,000 kilometres per second, would take 320 years to cross it from one end to the other. The large emission nebula is also a birthplace for stars. An emission nebula is a cloud of gas and dust in space that glows as a result of energised electrons recombining with atoms, emitting light in the process. These nebulae are often associated with star formation, where young, hot stars emit ultraviolet radiation that ionizes the surrounding gas. The light captured in the image in 2025 was emitted from the nebula 4,370 years ago. So why is it named the Cat's Paw? You guessed it! It originates from the shape of a cat's paw. The red colour of the nebula, situated in the digital pads of the cat paw shape, indicates the presence of hydrogen gas. Meanwhile the blue colour, located inside the paw and inner pad, indicates the presence of oxygen gas. Capturing method Capturing the nebula was not an easy task, as its maximum altitude above the horizon is 30 degrees, making it significantly affected by light pollution and atmospheric interference. The nebula was observed by Osama Ghanam, Anas Mohammed and Khalfan Al Nuaimi. Meanwhile, the image was captured by Mohammed Odeh and processed by Haitham Hamdi. Two telescopes were used to capture the image, along with a colour camera and a light pollution filter. The light pollution level at the observation site was Bortle 6. It took approximately 9.75 hours to capture it, which consisted of 195 images, each with a 3-minute exposure. Ninety-two images were taken with the 5-inch telescope, and 103 images with the 4-inch telescope.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Science
- Yahoo
The Milky Way brightens the moonless summer sky this week: Here's where to look
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Head away from city lights in late July to see the dense core of the Milky Way arcing towards the southwestern horizon against a blissfully dark sky as the waning lunar disk approaches its new moon phase. Our solar system orbits within a 100,000-light-year-wide spiral galaxy known as the Milky Way. On clear nights under dark skies, we can see the profile of our galactic home from within — the galactic plane — stretching across the inky darkness as a glowing band of milky light interspersed with dense filaments of cosmic clouds. Different aspects of the Milky Way become visible to us as Earth makes its year-long circuit around the sun. In the warm summer months of July and August, viewers in the northern hemisphere can gaze directly towards the core of our galaxy, while the winter months give us a better view of the outer spiral arms of the Milky Way. From a dark sky site, viewers in the northern hemisphere will see the ribbon-like form of our galaxy stretching towards the southern horizon, passing through the constellations of Cygnus and Aquila, before tumbling towards the southern horizon past Sagittarius and the tail of Scorpius. How to photograph the Milky Way We asked award winning astrophotographer Josh Dury for some tips on capturing the Milky Way. "When photographing the milky way, it is best to photograph its presence amongst the night-sky from dark-sky locations," Dury told in an email. "Not only will this result in more contrast and brighter appearance, [but] there are more details to see in the structure of the galactic core and further afield." Our galaxy will make for a particularly splendid sight on the dark nights surrounding the new moon phase on July 24, at which time the moon appears during the day alongside the sun, leaving the nights blissfully dark for viewing the ancient light of the galactic plane. Stargazers hoping to get the best view of the Milky Way should head out a few hours after sunset and allow at least half an hour for their eyes to acclimatise to the dark. Observing from a dark sky location will help reveal the true glory of our galaxy, so be sure to check out a website like to find the best spot near you. "Deploy the Milky Way creatively within your image. Think about the context of the image and how the inclusion of the Milky Way can lend itself to your subject matter, framing and story," explained Dury. "Let as much light into your camera that is technically possible, but do not over do it on the ISO - this will result in a grainy image and harder to resolve finer detail." Further advice on capturing the Milky Way and a range of other night sky targets can be found in Dury's first book, '52 Assignments: Night Photography', which was released earlier this year and can now be purchased through Photographers looking to upgrade their gear should check out our guide to the best cameras and lenses for astrophotography in 2025. Those looking for a closer view of the night sky should also read our roundups of the top telescopes and binoculars for exploring the post-sunset realm. Editor's Note: If you capture an image of the Milky Way and want to share it with readers, then please send your photo(s) and name alongside your comments and shooting location to spacephotos@ Full of workshops, prompts and a personalized journal, "52 Assignments: Night Photography" is a must-have for any astrophotographer. View Deal
Forbes
6 days ago
- General
- Forbes
See Today's New Moon Reveal The Zodiac's Forgotten 13th Constellation
Wallpaper with constellation Ophiuchus in night sky What is the 13th constellation? Not many people know about Ophiuchus (pronounced 'Oh-few-cuss'), the serpent bearer, a vast constellation of summer — but they should. Not only is it sizeable, but by rights, it should be a star sign because, like Leo, Aquarius and Sagittarius, it's on the zodiac. This week is ideal for finding Ophiuchus in the night sky, with today — the date of the new moon — the best night. With the moon lost in the glare of the sun, the night sky will be moonless. What Is Ophiuchus? One of the zodiac's most overlooked constellations, Ophiuchus, is an ancient star pattern that sits between the better-known constellations of Scorpius and Sagittarius. Like the 12 zodiac signs celebrated in horoscopes, the sun passes through Ophiuchus from Nov. 29 to Dec. 18 each year. Where And When To Look Head out after dark on July 24 — or anytime this week when the moon is not in the sky — and look toward the south. In between the prominent stars of the Summer Triangle (above) and the stinger of Scorpius (below) is Ophiuchus. Its stars are fainter, but with dark skies, they're within reach — particularly if you observe from away from light pollution. The easiest way to see Ophiuchus is to begin by finding Rasalhague, its brightest star. What You'll See Ophiuchus isn't very bright, but it stretches impressively across the summer sky. Its brightest star, Rasalhague, lies near the top of the constellation and shines at magnitude 2.1 — bright enough to catch the eye. If you're familiar with the Summer Triangle, try adding Rasalhague as a fourth point to create a 'Summer Diamond' pattern. While you won't be able to see it, inside the stars of Ophiuchus is Barnard's Star, which, at six light-years from the sun, is the fourth-closest star system to our own. What's Next In The Night Sky On Friday, July 25, skywatchers have a rare chance to spot a 2%-illuminated waxing crescent moon just after sunset. It will be low in the northwest and begin a string of evenings when a crescent moon will shine after sunset, rising a little higher and becoming a little brighter with each passing night. For exact timings, use a sunrise and sunset calculator for where you are, Stellarium Web for a sky chart and Night Sky Tonight: Visible Planets at Your Location for positions and rise/set times for planets. Wishing you clear skies and wide eyes.
India.com
22-07-2025
- Science
- India.com
Thiruvananthapuram At Night Is What Dreams Are Made Of—Here's Why
The capital city of Kerala which is named Thiruvananthapuram stands out beyond its renowned natural beauty and social history. A growing number of stargazers together with astronomy fans choose this location as their optimal destination. This energetic city gains distinctive advantages from its location between the Western Ghats and Arabian Sea that create perfect conditions for celestial observation. Thiruvananthapuram proves itself as an exceptional destination for people interested in star gazing through seven distinct characteristics. 1. Minimal Light Pollution The main struggle of urban astronomy enthusiasts involves light pollution because it hinders their ability to see celestial objects and stars. The lighting infrastructure in Thiruvananthapuram maintains lower numbers compared to the larger metropolitan cities of India. Natural landscapes of forests and hills surrounding the area minimize the amount of external light that disrupts visibility. Multiple stargazers from both amateur and professional backgrounds experience simplicity in observing faint celestial bodies and deep-space objects because of this location. 2. Proximity to the Equator The close positioning of Thiruvananthapuram around the equator makes it an ideal spot for stargazing. The equatorial location permits viewers to watch both northern and southern celestial regions every month because of its geographic position. This region offers inhabitants a wide collection of starry sights because it presents observers with access to Orion alongside Scorpius and the Southern Cross. Having its location close to the equator enables scientists to monitor satellites effectively while studying how Earth rotates. 3. Ideal Weather Conditions The climate conditions in Thiruvananthapuram act as fundamental factors which make the area favorable for star gazer activities. Thiruvananthapuram experiences its heaviest rainfall during the monsoon months but after October until February the post-monsoon season delivers skies that remain mostly clear and need minimal cloud coverage. Observations benefit from these situations of night temperatures that stay dry with no disruptions. The atmosphere stays clear because moderate humidity persists during these seasons thus producing better astronomical observations. 4. Presence of Observatories and Astronomy Clubs The City of Thiruvananthapuram operates many institutions that support the fields of astronomy and space science. The Science and Technology Museum Complex operates a planetarium that displays the cosmos using interactive demonstrations and shows for visitors. The Kerala Astronomers' Club together with other astronomy clubs in the area keeps organizing star parties and public lectures and hands-on workshops for their members. The initiatives create a growing astronomy enthusiast community and supply learning materials for beginners as well as advanced enthusiasts. 5. Dark Sky Sites Nearby The urbanized part of Thiruvananthapuram exists alongside several accessible dark sky observing areas near the city. Locations like Ponmudi Hills, Agasthyarkoodam, and Varkala Cliff offer breathtaking views of the night sky due to their elevation and distance from urban centers. Night observers visit these locations for unspoiled regions where they either establish their telescopic setups or relax under the celestial glow of the Milky Way across the starry night. 6. Rich Cultural Connection to Celestial Phenomena The region of Kerala maintains an established history of understanding cosmic events and connecting them to social traditions and cultural customs. Various cultural and scientific practices throughout ancient times employed star and planet observations for their operations. The capital Thiruvananthapuram celebrates both Onam and Vishu festivals which integrate astronomical solar movement into their festivities. The cultural appreciation of the cosmos creates an extra dimension of significance when people observe the stars in this region so stargazers can unite their appreciation of space science with traditional heritage knowledge. 7. Educational Opportunities and Research Initiatives The city of Thiruvananthapuram maintains prestigious educational establishments and research facilities that perform key work in astronomy-based research. The Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST) based in the city continues its research about astrophysics and satellite technology through their advanced scientific work. The research facilities at this location provide students and scientists with cutting-edge resources while enabling them to work alongside managers of international scientific groups. The educational atmosphere promotes a motivating environment for astronomy enthusiasts and fuels students to pick space science as their future profession. Wrapping Up The perfect environment for stargazing emerges in Thiruvananthapuram because of its ideal topographic situation along with low light pollution levels and beneficial framework components and strong ties to traditional heritage. People who study astronomy at all levels along with casual space enthusiasts can find unlimited ways to observe celestial phenomena throughout this city. Thiruvananthapuram enables all citizens to observe and appreciate infinite heavenly wonders through both astronomy club events and night sky excursions to its dark sky locations. A growing number of people becoming interested in astronomy strengthens the position of this city as one of India's leading places for space exploration.
Yahoo
21-07-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
What are these strange swirls around an infant star? 'We may be watching a planet come into existence in real time'
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Astronomers have seen what appears to be a forming planet carving out a complex pattern in a disk of gas and dust around a young star. The discovery of this spiral architect could help us better understand how planetary systems like the solar system came to be. The infant extrasolar planet, or "exoplanet," is creating a spiral arm pattern in the planet-forming protoplanetary disk of the 10 million-year-old star HD 135344B, also known as SAO 206462, located in the Scorpius OB2-3 star-forming region. If 10 million years old doesn't seem particularly young, remember the sun is considered middle-aged — and its around 4.6 billion years old. The discovery of the potential planetary culprit for this swirling spiral pattern was made using the Very Large Telescope (VLT) and its Enhanced Resolution Imager and Spectrograph ERIS) instrument. It may represent the first time astronomers have witnessed a planet actively forming within a protoplanetary disk. "We will never witness the formation of Earth, but here, around a young star 440 light-years away, we may be watching a planet come into existence in real time," Francesco Maio, study team leader and a researcher at the University of Florence, said in a statement. Maio and colleagues estimate this budding planet is around twice as large as Jupiter. It orbits HD 135344B at a similar distance to Neptune's orbit around the sun. That's about 30 times the distance between Earth and the sun. And as this potential planet seems to carve channels into the protoplanetary disk of HD 135344B, it is gathering material to further facilitate its growth. Baby exoplanet sweeps up stellar leftovers Stars form from overly dense cool patches in vast clouds of interstellar gas and dust, which collapse under their own gravity. As these stars continue to grow, swirling clouds of gas and dust called protoplanetary disks settle around them. It is within this disk that planets will be born. Astronomers predict that when this happens, these infant worlds sweep up material to build their own masses, creating intricate structures like rings and channels similar to the grooves in a record, and spirals resembling the spiral arms of the Milky Way. However, catching these exoplanet sculptors has been challenging. Exemplifying this is the fact that astronomers had previously detected the spiral structure of HD 135344B's protoplanetary disk, using the VLT Spectro-Polarimetric High-contrast Exoplanet Research (SPHERE) instrument — but had missed evidence of a planet causing it. However, ERIS allowed the VLT and its operators to dive deeper into this protoplanetary disk, revealing a prime suspect for its shape: a hidden exoplanet sculptor. This potential baby planet lurks at the base of one of the disk's spiral arms. That is exactly where scientists have predicted such a spiral-sculpting infant planet should dwell. Related Stories: — New kind of pulsar may explain how mysterious 'black widow' systems evolve — Hear 'black widow' pulsar's song as it destroys companion —NASA X-ray spacecraft reveals secrets of a powerful, spinning neutron star "What makes this detection potentially a turning point is that, unlike many previous observations, we are able to directly detect the signal of the protoplanet, which is still highly embedded in the disk,' Maio explained. "This gives us a much higher level of confidence in the planet's existence, as we're observing the planet's own light." The team's research was published on Monday (July 21) in the journal Astronomy & Astrophysics. Solve the daily Crossword
