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  • Breaking Space News: October 27 - November 2, 2024

Breaking Space News: October 27 - November 2, 2024

That Second Image of the Blackhole from 2022 - Did we Get It Wrong? Lonely Clouds and Persevering Martian Rovers, Seemingly Blood-Soaked Galaxies, Intelsat's Debris Cloud, A Beckoning Climate Crisis, Chinese Rover Plans And ITAR Woes, Upcoming Innovative Startups, Apple And Satellites, North Korea's ICMB, Dark Matter. All In this Week's Space News.

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Lagrangian Despatch
November 03, 2024 • Estimated Reading Time: 41 minutes

Dear Lagrangian,

Welcome back explorer!🎃🚀

Today’s Spotlight section is loaded (as always). Images bring some beautiful photographs to get lost in on a (hopefully) sunny Sunday. For the best reading experience, we recommend viewing this newsletter in your web browser.

Enjoy reading!

IMAGES

 

"Celestial Cannonball" galaxy IC 3225 : Hubble Space Telescope

The Hubble Space Telescope captured an image of the spiral galaxy IC 3225, which appears to have been launched like a "celestial cannonball." Located about 100 million light-years away in the Virgo galaxy cluster, IC 3225 shows a dense arm with young, hot blue stars and an elongated tail of gas. This distorted shape results from "ram pressure stripping" as the galaxy moves through hot gas in the cluster, compressing gas on one side and boosting star formation there. (Credit: ESA/Hubble & NASA, M. Sun)

 

The “Taieri Pet” Lenticularis in New Zealand : NASA Earth Observatory

A unique lenticular cloud, known locally as the "Taieri Pet," forms over New Zealand's South Island due to specific weather patterns and topography. The Operational Land Imager (OLI) on Landsat 8 captured this image on September 7, 2024. These clouds, resembling UFOs, form when moist air flows over mountains, creating wave-like atmospheric conditions. (Credit: NASA Earth Observatory image by Lauren Dauphin)

 

Jezero Crater, Mars : NASA’s Perseverance Rover

This section of the enhanced-color, high-resolution mosaic showing Mars' Jezero Crater was taken by the Mastcam-Z instrument on NASA's Perseverance as the rover climbed the crater's western wall. Many of the landmarks visited by the rover during its 3½-year exploration of Jezero can be seen, and the vehicle's tracks are also visible. The 44 frames used to generate the mosaic were acquired on Sept. 27, 2024, the 1,282nd Martian day, or sol, of Perseverance's mission. The rover was near a location the Perseverance science team calls "Faraway Rock," about halfway up the climb. (Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/ASU/MSSS)

Tracks shown in this image indicate the slipperiness of the terrain Perseverance has encountered during its climb up the rim of Jezero Crater. The image was taken by one of rover’s navigation cameras on Oct. 11. (Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech)

 

'Blood-Soaked' Eyes, IC 2163 and NGC 2207 Galaxies : James Webb and Hubble Space Telescopes

The eerie colors of these galaxies result from combining mid-infrared light from NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope and visible/ultraviolet light from NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope. Millions of years ago, IC 2163 (left) grazed past NGC 2207 (right). This interaction increased star formation rates, leading to about 24 new Sun-sized stars annually, compared to two or three in the Milky Way. Both galaxies have hosted seven known supernovae, clearing space and rearranging gas and dust, which later cooled to form new stars—visible as the bluest regions. (Credit: NASA, ESA, CSA, STScI)

The James Webb Space Telescope's mid-infrared image of galaxies IC 2163 and NGC 2207 reveals two luminous "eyes" at their cores, with gauzy spiral arms extending into space. This image shows cold dust glowing throughout, with pink dots indicating star-forming regions and hidden star clusters. Other pink dots may be distant quasars. The brightest pink region at the bottom right, with eight diffraction spikes, is a mini starburst where many stars are forming rapidly. Lace-like holes in the spiral arms also indicate active star formation. Blue circles with tiny diffraction spikes are foreground stars, while objects without spikes are very distant galaxies. (Credit: NASA, ESA, CSA, STScI)

This image of galaxies IC 2163 and NGC 2207, captured by the Hubble and James Webb space telescopes. Hubble’s data are from its Wide Field Planetary Camera 2 (WFPC2). Webb’s data are from its MIRI (Mid-Infrared Instrument). The image shows a scale bar, compass arrows, and color key for reference. (Credit: NASA, ESA, CSA, STScI)

 

Earth in Various Spectral Bands : Hera Asteroid Mission’s HyperScout H Instrument

The European Space Agency's Hera spacecraft captured eerie, spectral views of Earth using its HyperScout H hyperspectral imager from nearly 2 million kilometers away. These images, taken during the Near-Earth Commissioning Phase, showcase Earth in multiple spectral bands, revealing atmospheric features and cloud patterns in unprecedented detail. The images, visualized using a TwilightShifted palette, highlight the instrument's capability to detect colors beyond human vision and test data processing algorithms. (Credit: Hera Hyperscout, ESA-Science Office)

SCIENCE

 

ExoAnalytic Monitors 500 Debris Fragments from Boeing-Built Intelsat 33e

ExoAnalytic Solutions has identified around 500 pieces of debris from the recent breakup of Intelsat 33e in geostationary orbit. The debris ranges from small fragments the size of a softball to larger pieces up to the size of a car door. The company is working closely with the U.S. Space Force and satellite operators to monitor the debris and ensure the safety of other satellites. The cause of the breakup is still under investigation, but it has raised concerns about the reliability of similar satellites and the growing issue of space debris. Intelsat 33e was built by Boeing.

Climate Scientists Sound Alarm on Atlantic Current Collapse Threat

Leading climate scientists have raised urgent concerns about the potential collapse of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC), a critical ocean current system that includes the Gulf Stream. In an open letter to Nordic policymakers, they warned that the AMOC's collapse could have devastating and irreversible impacts on global climate, ecosystems, and human activities.

Recent studies suggest that the risk of AMOC collapse has been greatly underestimated and could occur within the next few decades, leading to major cooling in the Nordic region, shifts in tropical monsoon systems, and unprecedented extreme weather. The collapse would also likely cause significant sea level rise along the American Atlantic coast and disrupt marine ecosystems and fisheries.

The scientists emphasized the need for immediate and ambitious climate action to mitigate these risks and urged policymakers to take the threat seriously. They highlighted that even with medium confidence that the AMOC will not collapse before 2100, the potential consequences are too severe to ignore.

India Sets Sights on 2028 for Chandrayaan-4 Lunar Sample Return

India's space agency, ISRO, has announced plans for the Chandrayaan-4 mission, targeting a 2028 launch to return lunar samples from the Moon's south pole. This mission aims to collect around 6.6 pounds (3 kilograms) of lunar material from an area rich in water ice, which could be crucial for life support and rocket fuel. The mission will involve multiple spacecraft modules and two launches.

The lunar south pole as seen by NASA's Clementine spacecraft in 1996. (Credit: NASA/JPL/USGS)

Following Chandrayaan-4, ISRO will collaborate with Japan on the LUPEX mission, which includes an uncrewed lander and rover. This joint effort will further advance lunar exploration and technology development, with payloads including ground-penetrating radar and spectrometers. The mission underscores India's ambition to become a significant player in the global space economy and its long-term goal of establishing a human presence on the Moon by 2040.

NASA Reports $75.6 Billion Economic Boost, Faces Telescope Budget Cuts As it Plans The Upcoming Artemis Missions To The Moon

NASA's latest economic impact report reveals that its activities contributed a staggering $75.6 billion to the U.S. economy in fiscal year 2023, nearly three times its budget. This economic boost was driven by initiatives like the Moon to Mars program, which alone generated $23.8 billion and supported nearly 100,000 jobs. Investments in climate research and technology also played a significant role, contributing $7.9 billion and supporting around 33,000 jobs. The report highlights that NASA's efforts have a nationwide reach, with 45 states benefiting from at least $10 million in economic impact.

However, amidst these economic successes, NASA faces challenges with budget constraints. The agency has delayed decisions on budget cuts that could affect the Hubble and Chandra space telescopes. These iconic observatories have been instrumental in astronomical discoveries, but their future now hangs in the balance as NASA navigates its financial priorities. The delay underscores the difficult balance between maintaining scientific progress and managing fiscal responsibilities.

NASA is now also set to resume spacewalks on the International Space Station (ISS) in 2025 after addressing a spacesuit leak that suspended extravehicular activities in June. Meanwhile, the agency has also announced nine potential landing sites near the moon's south pole for its Artemis 3 mission, aiming to return astronauts to the lunar surface by 2026. These sites offer diverse geological features and potential scientific discoveries, including access to permanently shadowed regions that may harbor ice.

The nine candidate landing regions for NASA’s Artemis III mission, with each region containing multiple potential sites for the first crewed landing on the Moon in more than 50 years. The background image of the lunar South Pole terrain within the nine regions is a mosaic of LRO (Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter) WAC (Wide Angle Camera) images. (Credit: NASA)

Recently, NASA has been able to identify the cause of the Orion spacecraft's heat shield erosion during the Artemis 1 mission but is withholding details until further tests are completed. Following the uncrewed Artemis 1 mission in December 2022, NASA had revealed that the Orion spacecraft's heat shield experienced more "char loss" than anticipated. The erosion, which occurred during reentry, was more severe than expected, raising concerns about the heat shield's performance for future crewed missions. NASA is conducting additional tests to mitigate the issue and ensure astronaut safety for the upcoming Artemis 2 mission.

New Developments in China's Crewed Lunar Rover and Tiangong Expansion Programs

The China Manned Space Engineering Office (CMSEO) has selected two teams to develop prototype two-seater-rovers for a crewed moon mission planned before 2030. The rovers, designed by the China Academy of Space Technology (CAST) and the Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology (SAST), will support two astronauts for extravehicular activities on the moon.

A render shows one of two rover designs selected by CMSEO for prototype development. (Credit: CMSEO)

Meanwhile, China has also successfully conducted its fifth crew rotation aboard the Tiangong space station. The Shenzhou-19 spacecraft, carrying three astronauts, docked with Tiangong on October 29, 2024, joining the existing crew for a six-month mission. This rotation is part of China's broader strategy to expand its presence in space, with plans to build a research station on the moon and conduct numerous scientific experiments.

Additionally, CMSEO has chosen two concepts for low-cost cargo transportation systems to support the Tiangong space station. The Qingzhou cargo spacecraft, developed by the Innovation Academy for Microsatellites of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (IAMCAS), and the Haolong cargo space shuttle, designed by the Chengdu Aircraft Design Institute under the Aviation Industry Corporation (AVIC), were selected from several detailed design submissions. This move is similar to NASA's Commercial Resupply Services program and aims to enhance the station's capabilities for international, tourist, and commercial visits.

A render of the Qingzhou spacecraft from Microsat/IAMCAS, one of two concepts selected for low-cost cargo transportation systems for Tiangong space station. (Credit: Andrew Jones vis X)

Haolong"/昊龙 cargo shuttle concept. (Credit: Andrew Jones vis X)

GOVERNANCE

 

CAS Space's Global Ambitions and the ITAR Challenge

CAS Space of China, a commercial launch provider and spinoff from the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), is aiming to expand its reach beyond China. Known for its successful Kinetica-1 (Lijian-1) solid rocket, CAS Space has launched four times, including a debut flight in 2022. The upcoming Kinetica-2 rocket, set for launch in 2025, will enhance payload capabilities, offering up to 7,800 kilograms to sun-synchronous orbit and 12,000 kg to low Earth orbit. The company recently secured a role in launching a low-cost cargo transportation system to the Tiangong space station and plans to offer suborbital tourist flights by 2027.

However, CAS Space faces significant challenges, including being banned from the U.S. International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) since 1989 due to national security concerns. This ban severely restricts their access to critical space technologies. ITAR regulations strictly control the export and import of defense-related articles and services, including rocket technology. In addition to this, they face intense competition from both domestic and international players like SpaceX. This complicates CAS Space’s ambitions, as they must navigate these regulatory waters to collaborate with or attract foreign clients, making international expansion a complex endeavor.

North Korea Launches ICBM to Record Altitude, Raising Global Tensions

North Korea has launched an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) to space, reaching a record altitude of 4,350 miles (7,000 km). The missile, launched on October 30, 2024, flew for 86 minutes before splashing down in the ocean between Japan and Russia. This test, conducted just days before the U.S. federal election, has raised international concerns, especially given North Korea's increasing support for Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

The missile's altitude surpasses the previous record by roughly 1,000 miles, highlighting North Korea's advancing missile technology. The type of ICBM used has not been confirmed, but it is believed to be an improved version of the Hwasong-18 missile. The launch has drawn condemnation from the U.S., Japan, South Korea, and the United Nations, underscoring the growing tensions in the region.

MILITARY

 

US NRO Partners with Commercial Firms to Boost Space Capabilities, Continues Push for Orbital Transfer Vehicles

The United States National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) is intensifying its efforts to leverage commercial space technology, as evidenced by its recent agreements with three commercial companies: Cognitive Space, Impulse Space, and Starfish Space. These agreements, part of the Broad Agency Announcements for Agile Launch Innovation and Strategic Technology Advancement (BALISTA), aim to enhance space logistics, in-space mobility, and command and control capabilities.

The NRO is also continuing to show interest in orbital transfer vehicles and multimanifesting approaches to improve the efficiency of satellite deployment. Col. Eric Zarybnisky, director of the NRO’s Office of Space Launch, highlighted the agency's goal to quadruple the number of satellites in orbit over the next decade, emphasizing the need for innovative solutions to meet this ambitious target.

The Latest in Civil and Defense Commercial Collaborations: How Private Companies Are Shaping Military Space Operations

In recent developments, private companies are actively seeking to innovate and expand their capabilities to meet the evolving demands of military space operations.

California, U.S.-based Astranis and Xona Space Systems have partnered to develop a backup for the U.S. military's GPS system. This collaboration aims to create a Resilient Global Positioning System (R-GPS) using smaller, cost-effective satellites. The initiative is a response to growing electronic and cyber threats to the current GPS infrastructure.

Meanwhile, Lockheed Martin has completed its acquisition of Terran Orbital, a Florida, U.S.-based smallsat manufacturer and aerospace and defense contractor, for approximately $450 million. This acquisition strengthens Lockheed's position in the commercial satellite sector and integrates Terran Orbital's expertise in low-cost satellite production.

Additionally, Voyager Space has appointed Matt Magaña as its Executive Vice President of National Security. Magaña, a seasoned aerospace and defense industry leader, previously served as President and CEO of Blue Canyon Technologies and Vice President of Space Systems at Raytheon Technologies. His appointment is part of Voyager's strategy to expand its role in defense, leveraging its specialized technologies and multinational partnerships. Voyager is working on advanced propulsion systems, signal processing, and AI-driven solutions for national security programs.

In another significant development, Avio, an Italian rocket manufacturer, has partnered with Raytheon to build a more resilient U.S. defense industrial base for solid rocket motor production. Avio is known for its solid, liquid, and cryogenic propulsion systems and is a prime contractor for Europe's Vega rocket program and a subcontractor for the Ariane 6 program. The company is setting up its first U.S. solid rocket motor production facility to meet growing demand in both defense and commercial space markets. Avio USA CEO James Syring noted that, although the facility's main focus will be on missiles for U.S. government tactical needs under a contract with Raytheon and a partnership with the U.S. Army, there is also a strong demand for boosters from commercial space launchers.

nside Avio’s manufacturing site in Colleferro near Rome, Italy. (Credit: Avio / Michele D’Ottavio)

Lastly, iSEE, an Austrian space domain awareness startup, has established a U.S. subsidiary to expand its presence in the American market. The U.S. subsidiary, iSEE US, aims to help government and commercial clients address space security challenges, such as collision avoidance and space traffic management, with advanced, AI-driven capabilities. iSEE's radar network is designed to deliver comprehensive, near-real-time tracking of almost all objects in low-Earth orbit.

The increasing involvement of private firms in military projects raises questions about the potential for disarmament in space. While collaboration can lead to enhanced defense capabilities and resource efficiency, it also blurs the line between military and civilian uses of space technology. This trend underscores the need for international agreements to prevent an arms race in outer space and ensure that space remains a domain for peaceful purposes.

US Defense Department Tackles Supply Chain Vulnerabilities, Expands Satellite Internet Program

The Pentagon is taking significant steps to address vulnerabilities in its defense industrial supply chain, particularly in the space sector. The newly released National Defense Industrial Strategy Implementation Plan targets weak links in supply chains, advocating for a more self-reliant domestic supply chain and decreased reliance on foreign suppliers. This plan includes measures to strengthen domestic manufacturing and increase resilience against adversarial threats.

Pentagon. (Credit: DoD)

Simultaneously, the Defense Department is dramatically increasing its spending on low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite internet services. The Proliferated Low Earth Orbit (PLEO) Satellite-Based Services program, initially capped at $900 million, has been expanded to $13 billion in response to surging military demand. This expansion underscores the importance of high-speed satellite internet for military operations, with services like SpaceX's Starlink playing a crucial role.

In-Orbit Servicing: Military Interest Wavers Amid Budget Concerns

The satellite servicing industry is at a crossroads, with companies eager to demonstrate their capabilities to the U.S. military but facing uncertainty about long-term demand. While the ability to refuel satellites in orbit is appealing to the military, which operates some of the most expensive spacecraft, more advanced services like component replacement or payload repairs have not yet gained military buy-in due to budget constraints and technical uncertainties. The Department of Defense (DoD) spends billions annually on satellite programs, but the military remains cautious about fully embracing in-orbit servicing beyond refueling. This cautious approach highlights the need for clearer demand signals and funding priorities to support the growth of the satellite servicing industry.

COMMERCIAL

 

Space Sector Innovations: New Propulsion, Observation, and Communication Technologies

In recent developments within the space sector, several companies are making significant strides.

Viridian Space Corp., a California, U.S. startup, is developing an innovative electric propulsion system, Air-Scooping Electric Thruster (ASET) technology that scoops up air for plasma thrusters, aiming to extend satellite lifespans, enable maneuverability and allow refueling in very low Earth orbit (VLEO), transforming the upper atmosphere into an infinite source of propellant. This technology could revolutionize high-resolution Earth observation, high-bandwidth communications, and military satellite operations.

Matter Intelligence, a Los Angeles-based earth observation startup, has emerged from stealth mode with a $12 million seed round. The company is developing a unique Earth-observation sensor suite that combines high-resolution cameras, thermal sensors, and spectrometers3. This suite aims to provide detailed maps that can discern between different materials on the Earth's surface and in the atmosphere. Their seed round was led by Lowercarbon Capital, with participation from Toyota Ventures, Pear VC, Mark Cuban, and E2MC. Similarly, Viridian Space Corp. has secured backing from Seraphim Space. This funding will support the development of advanced imaging technologies to monitor environmental changes and support disaster response efforts.

Solstar, another player in the space industry, is gearing up for a key narrowband communications test. Based in New Mexico (U.S.), Solstar is pioneering space-based Wi-Fi services. This test aims to demonstrate the viability of their communication systems for future space missions, potentially enhancing connectivity for astronauts and space tourists.

Solstar Space is focused on providing space-to-ground and space-to-space communications. (Credit: Solstar Space)

Lastly, U.K. based Astron Systems is focusing on developing a reusable two-stage rocket. This initiative is part of a broader industry trend towards cost-effective and sustainable space travel, aiming to reduce the expense of launching payloads into orbit.

Korean Lumir's Public Offering Falls Short Despite Initial Rally

South Korean satellite developer Lumir recently went public on the KOSDAQ exchange to raise capital for its synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite constellation. Despite an initial rally, shares have since declined by 24%. The company raised 30 billion won ($21.3 million) but faced lower-than-expected interest, with shares closing at 9,120 won ($6.59), below the IPO price range of 16,500-20,500 won. Lumir plans to build a constellation of 18 SAR satellites by 2030, aiming to offer high-resolution imaging for military and domestic needs.

Lumir’s 0.3-meter resolution synthetic aperture radar captured this image in airborne testing. (Credit: Lumir)

Globalstar's Stock Soars as Apple Pours $1.5 Billion into Satellite Innovation

Apple's $1.5 billion investment in Globalstar is set to significantly expand satellite services for iPhones. The deal, which includes a 20% equity stake and staggered cash prepayments, aims to enhance space-based communications, including emergency messaging and potentially broader services like voice and data transmission. Globalstar's stock surged by over 30% following the announcement, reflecting market optimism about the partnership's potential to advance satellite connectivity. This move underscores Apple's commitment to improving connectivity, even in remote areas.

SPOTLIGHT

 

Life and Climate on Saturn's Moon: Methane Crust Discovery Sheds Light on Titan's Atmosphere

Recent studies have unveiled a fascinating aspect of Saturn's moon Titan: a methane-rich crust up to six miles thick, composed of methane clathrate ice. This insulating layer causes the underlying ice shell to warm, potentially explaining Titan's methane-rich atmosphere. Planetary scientists at the University of Hawai'i at Mānoa made this groundbreaking discovery, noting that Titan's shallow impact craters hint at a unique subsurface structure.

Composite image of Titan and Saturn. Titan has few confirmed craters, and those that have been identified are notably shallower than anticipated. (Credit: NASA/JPL/SSI/J. Major)

Proposed diagram of Titan’s interior (not to scale), showing a methane clathrate crust over a convecting ice shell. (Credit: Schurmeier, et al., 2024)

These images, captured by Cassini’s Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), showcase Titan's impact craters. Arrows highlight potential crater modification processes: dunes and sands (purple), channels (blue), and significant crater rim erosion (pink). The Afekan crater, spanning 115 km, is among Titan's largest. In contrast, Jupiter's moon Ganymede, similar in size to Titan, boasts significantly more craters, including 20 larger than Afekan. (Credit: NASA/Cassini)

Methane clathrate, also known as methane hydrate, is a crystalline solid composed of methane molecules trapped within a lattice of water ice. It forms under specific conditions of low temperature and high pressure, typically found in deep ocean sediments and permafrost regions on Earth. On Titan, this substance insulates the moon’s interior, contributing to the warming and subsequent geological activity observed.

This finding not only sheds light on Titan's carbon cycle and hydrological processes but also hints at the possibility of life existing beneath the ice. The warm, ductile nature of the ice shell could facilitate the transport of biomarkers from the subsurface ocean to the surface, making future detection of life more feasible. Titan serves as a natural laboratory for understanding methane's role in planetary atmospheres and its implications for Earth's climate change. The warming effect of the methane clathrate crust might allow for the transport of molecules from Titan's subsurface ocean to its surface, making it easier to detect potential signs of life. The research was published in The Planetary Science Journal.

Doubt Cast on First Image of Milky Way’s Black Hole

A recent study by Japanese astronomers from the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan (NAOJ) has cast doubt on the accuracy of the first-ever image of the supermassive black hole at the center of our galaxy, Sagittarius A*. The image, released in 2022 by the Event Horizon Telescope Collaboration (EHTC), depicted a bright ring of light surrounding a dark central region. However, the NAOJ team's reanalysis of the 2017 data suggests that the ring-like structure may be an artifact of the imaging process, rather than an accurate representation of the black hole's appearance.

An image of Sagittarius A*, the supermassive black hole at the Milky Way's center, was revealed by the Event Horizon Telescope on May 12, 2022. (Credit: Event Horizon Telescope collaboration)

Radio image of Sagittarius A*, located at the center of the Milky Way galaxy, re-analyzed by new research. The structure shows east-west elongation, with the east side appearing bright and the west side dark. This brightness difference suggests that the east side is moving towards us. (Credit: Miyoshi et al.)

The researchers argue that the image is elongated in the east-west direction, with the eastern half appearing brighter than the western half. This brightness could be due to the Doppler effect, where light from a rapidly moving object—in this case, the accretion disc around the black hole—gets boosted in brightness because it’s moving towards us.

The image is believed to show part of the accretion disc, a structure of gas, dust, and other matter that spirals into the black hole. The portion of the accretion disc in the image is about 2 to a few Schwarzschild radii (RS) away from the black hole. The Schwarzschild radius is essentially the radius of the event horizon, beyond which nothing can escape the black hole’s gravity.

Furthermore, the matter in this disc is rotating at nearly 60% of the speed of light, which is extremely fast. The viewing angle from Earth is estimated to be between 40° and 45°, meaning we’re looking at the disc from a slightly tilted perspective.

While the EHTC has yet to issue an official response, they have previously welcomed independent analyses and interpretations of their results. The paper with this research was published in the journal Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society.

Dark Matter Hints: Neutron Stars Shrouded in Axion Clouds

Recent research has revealed that neutron stars may be enveloped in clouds of hypothetical particles called axions. Axions, which are theorized to account for dark matter, could form dense clouds around these stars due to their interaction with the stars' strong magnetic fields. This interaction causes some axions to convert into photons, which can be detected by telescopes on Earth. The findings, published in the journal Physical Review X, suggest that these axion clouds could provide a new way to detect dark matter, a long-standing mystery in cosmology.

A cloud of axions surrounding a neutron star. While some axions manage to escape the star's gravitational pull, many stay bound, eventually forming a cloud around it. The interaction with the star's powerful magnetic field causes some axions to convert into photons—light that we can detect with our telescopes on Earth. (Credit: D. Noordhuis et al, Physical Review X)

The study, conducted by physicists from the University of Amsterdam, Princeton, and Oxford, indicates that existing radio telescopes could significantly improve sensitivity to axion-photon coupling, potentially advancing our understanding of dark matter. This research builds on previous work, focusing on axions that remain bound to neutron stars rather than escaping their gravitational pull. Neutron stars, the remnants of massive stars that have exploded in supernovae, are incredibly dense and have extremely strong magnetic fields. The discovery of axion clouds could lead to new insights into the nature of dark matter and the fundamental properties of the universe.

Debunking ‘Interstellar’ Fireball Origins: Study Suggests Fireballs May Be Solar System Natives

A recent study suggests that fireballs previously thought to be interstellar in origin actually came from within our solar system. The research, led by Maria Hajduková of the Astronomical Institute of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, reanalyzed data from the Center for Near Earth Object Studies (CNEOS) and found that the high velocities of these fireballs could be attributed to measurement errors. This means that the debris recovered from these fireballs might have mundane origins rather than being interstellar.

One of the metal spherules reportedly belonging to an interstellar meteorite recovered by astronomer Avi Loeb. (Credit: EYOS)

The study, published in Astronomy & Astrophysics, challenges earlier claims by Harvard astronomer Avi Loeb and his colleague Amir Siraj, who argued that a fireball detected over Papua New Guinea in 2014 was interstellar in origin. By focusing on the paths and speeds of the fireballs, Hajduková's team found that the imprecision in the measurements could make meteors native to our solar system seem interstellar They considered the effects of gravitational interactions and measurement uncertainties, and concluded that these fireballs' trajectories are consistent with objects originating within our solar system.

Exploring Dark Energy: The Role of Cosmologically Coupled Black Holes

Recent research has strengthened the potential connection between black holes and dark energy, the mysterious force driving the universe's accelerated expansion. Scientists from the University of Michigan and Arizona State University, using data from the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI), propose that black holes could be the source of dark energy. This theory suggests that as black holes form and grow, they convert matter into dark energy, akin to a "reverse Big Bang". The findings, published in the Journal of Cosmology and Astroparticle Physics, provide compelling evidence that black holes may play a crucial role in the universe's expansion.

“If black holes contain dark energy, they can couple to and grow with the expanding universe, causing its growth to accelerate. We can’t get the details of how this is happening, but we can see evidence that it is happening.”

Kevin Croker, lead author of the team’s new study and an assistant research scientist at Arizona State University.

NIRCam on the James Webb Space Telescope captured an image of the star-forming protocluster PHz G191.24+62.04 from 11 billion years ago, during the universe's peak star formation period. These galaxies, observed between 10.5 and 11.5 billion years ago, are highly active in star formation. Each galaxy produces numerous black holes, which, according to the cosmologically coupled black hole hypothesis, convert matter into dark energy. The image features two NIRCam modules: the leftmost shows the protocluster, while the rightmost is an adjacent blank field. Both modules reveal thousands of galaxies. (Credit: NASA, ESA, CSA, Maria Polletta (INAF), Hervé Dole (Paris), Brenda Frye (UofA), Jordan C. J. D’Silva (UWA), Anton M. Koekemoer (STScI), Jake Summers (ASU), Rogier Windhorst (ASU))

The researchers propose that black holes could account for all the dark energy in the universe. By studying the growth of black holes over billions of years, they found a correlation between the mass of black holes and the rate of cosmic expansion, suggesting a potential link. This could revolutionize our understanding of dark energy and the fundamental nature of black holes, opening new avenues for research in cosmology and theoretical physics.

Additionally, the study claims to provide more evidence to the concept of "cosmologically coupled black holes." According to earlier research by scientists at the University of Hawai'i at Manoa, black holes are coupled to the expanding universe and grow in mass without consuming gas or stars. The team's research, using data from DESI, shows tantalizing evidence that the density of dark energy may have increased over time, aligning with the growth of black holes.

Despatch Out. 👽🛸