5
Jul 11

Hubble makes its millionth observation

Source: ESA/Hubble and HubbleSite


Artist's impression of of exoplanet HAT-P-7b.
Image credits: NASA, ESA and G. Bacon (STScI).

The NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope has made its millionth observation since its launch 21 years ago. The telescope  was used to search for the chemical signature of water in the atmosphere of planet HAT-P-7b, a gas giant larger than Jupiter which orbits the star HAT-P-7. (read more)

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5
Jul 11

‘Zombie' Stars Key to Measuring Dark Energy

Source: UCSB Press Release


Chandra X-ray image of Tycho's supernova remnant.
Image credit: NASA/Chandra X-ray Observatory.

"Zombie" stars that explode like bombs as they die, only to revive by sucking matter out of other stars. According to an astrophysicist at UC Santa Barbara, this isn't the plot for the latest 3D blockbuster movie. Instead, it's something that happens every day in the universe –– something that can be used to measure dark energy.

This special category of stars, known as Type Ia supernovae, help to probe the mystery of dark energy, which scientists believe is related to the expansion of the universe. (read more)

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