Quasar Origins Explained by Studying Distant Galaxies

Quasar origins have been a mystery to astrophysicists since they discovered these quasi-stellar radio sources sixty years ago. Find out how a team of researchers have discovered that quasars ignite when galaxies collide.

Brightest Gamma-Ray Burst Ever Unveils Cosmic Mysteries

Gamma-ray bursts are explosions so powerful they outshine our entire galaxy. Find out how scientists detected the brightest gamma-ray burst ever observed, and what it means for our understanding of the universe.

Massive Early Galaxies Discovery Could Be ‘Universe Breaker”

Massive early galaxies emerged from a review of the James Webb Space Telescope’s first dataset. Find out why current science says they shouldn’t exist, and what this means for our understanding of the Big Bang and galaxy formation.

‘Black Widow’ Binary Star Found – Shortest Orbit Ever

Black widow binary stars consist of a neutron star consuming a nearby companion star. Find out how scientists used a new technique to find one of these rare systems, and why their discovery has two other unique characteristics.

Habitable Planet Orbiting Black Hole

Habitable Planets Orbiting Black Holes

Habitable planets orbiting a black hole are the setting for the Christoper Nolan film "Interstellar." Find out what scientists found when they considered the possibility in real life. (4:30 min read)

Three Black Holes in NGC 6240

Three Black Holes Colliding in Galaxy’s Core

Three black holes were discovered in the core of the nearby galaxy NGC 6240 by scientists at the University of Gottingen. Find out how they did it, and what it means for our understanding of the story of our universe. (3:30 min read)