Astronomy / Astrophysics

The brown dwarf GJ 504 B's system

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An article published in “The Astronomical Journal” offers an explanation of the formation mechanisms of gas giant planets and brown dwarfs bringing evidence that these are two different mechanisms. A team of astronomers led by Brendan Bowler of the University of Texas, Austin, conducted observations at the Keck Observatory and with the Subaru Telescope, both in Hawaii, accompanied by computer simulations using the free / open source orbitize! software to try to understand if there were orbital differences that indicated a different origin between these objects. Their conclusion is that brown dwarfs have significantly more elliptical orbits.

NGC 4490 and NGC 4485

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An article accepted for publication in “The Astrophysical Journal” reports evidence that the galaxy NGC 4490 has a double nucleus. A team of researchers led by Allen Lawrence of Iowa State University studied data collected using various telescopes to find traces of two different nuclei in NGC 4490. One of the two nuclei can be seen at optical wavelengths, the other is hidden by dust and can be seen only at infrared and radio wavelengths, capable of passing through those dusts. Lawrence saw the double nucleus about seven years ago when he was an astronomy student even though at the time he was about 70 years old.

The Solar Orbiter space probe blasting off atop an Atlas V rocket (Photo ESA - S. Corvaja)

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A few hours ago the Solar Orbiter space probe blasted off atop an Atlas V rocket from Cape Canaveral. After about 53 minutes, it successfully separated from the rocket’s last stage and began the long journey that will take it up to about 42 million kilometers from the Sun. A little later it deployed its solar panels and started communicating with the mission control center.

Pluto

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An article published in the “Journal of Geophysical Research” reports a study on the dwarf planet Pluto and in particular on the heart-shaped region called Tombaugh Regio and its influence on global atmospheric circulation. A team of researchers coordinated by NASA’s Ames Research Center used data collected by the New Horizons space probe to specifically study nitrogen circulation and its cycle appropriately compared to a heart beat. This is another confirmation that Pluto is an active small world despite its small size and thin atmosphere.

The center of the Perseus galaxy cluster (Image courtesy NASA/CXC/IoA/A.Fabian et al.)

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An article published in the journal “Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society” reports the results of the study of molecular gas outflows in twelve massive galaxies at the center of galaxy clusters. A team of researchers analyzed data collected with the ALMA radio telescope to conduct this study finding that the active galactic nuclei (AGNs) of the observed galaxies cause periodic energy outbursts in the form of radiation or as jets of particles that move at speeds close to the speed of light. The energy releases cause gas outflows which can be pushed even beyond the galaxy borders. This mechanism limits the approach of the gas to the central supermassive black hole, decreasing the outbursts in what’s called a feedback. The researchers are especially studying the consequences on star formation and the possibility that a galaxy might become quenching.