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Measurements of cold molecular gas from galaxies with stellar masses and star formation rates similar to those of the main progenitor of the Milky Way 8.5 billion years ago show similar physics of star formation to that seen now.
An experimental apparatus using a single optical atomic clock to detect dark matter topological defects (like strings) is proposed. Tests show it can constrain the dark matter–Standard Model coupling strength ~3 orders of magnitude better than previous limits.
Bright deposits, at least one of which is made up of water ice, are detected in the permanent shadows of 10 craters in the northern polar area of the dwarf planet Ceres. This means that Ceres traps water ice at high latitudes, like the Moon and Mercury.
Transient object ASASSN-15lh was previously cast as the most luminous supernova ever discovered. Now, however, there is convincing evidence that its flare was a tidal disruption event: a rapidly-spinning black hole tearing apart a neighbouring star.
The detection of temporal variations in the peak of the phase curve of the hot giant exoplanet HAT-P-7 b is explained by changes in wind speed and cloud coverage in its atmosphere. Such ‘weather’ has never before been observed on a giant exoplanet.
Analysis of atmospheric spectra between 20 and 350 μm obtained at Dome A in Antarctica reveals the excellent year-round conditions of this location for Terahertz & Far-IR astronomical observations from ground, usually hindered by water vapour bands.
