Howard Wrate’s Post

On April 12, 2019, a significant milestone in astrophysics was achieved with the publication of the first-ever image of a black hole. This groundbreaking accomplishment was the result of years of collaborative effort involving scientists from around the world working together as part of the Event Horizon Telescope project. The black hole in question resides at the center of the galaxy M87, located about 55 million light-years from Earth. Capturing an image of a black hole posed a formidable challenge due to its extreme gravitational pull, which prevents even light from escaping its grasp. However, by synchronizing a network of radio telescopes across the globe, researchers were able to effectively create a virtual telescope the size of the Earth. The resulting image, which quickly became iconic, revealed the silhouette of the black hole against the bright, glowing gas swirling around it. This historic achievement not only provided visual confirmation of the existence of black holes but also offered valuable insights into their nature and behavior, confirming predictions made by Albert Einstein's theory of general relativity. The publication of the black hole image marked a triumph of human ingenuity and technological innovation in the quest to unlock the mysteries of the cosmos.

Unveiling the Cosmic Enigma: Astrophysics and the Mysteries of Dark Matter : In the vast expanse of astrophysics, the exploration of the cosmos goes beyond the ordinary, delving into the profound mysteries that shape our understanding of the universe. At the forefront of this scientific frontier lies the enigma of dark matter, an invisible and elusive substance that significantly influences the cosmic tapestry. Astrophysics: Beyond Observation to Understanding : Astrophysics is not merely about stargazing; it's a journey into the fundamental principles governing celestial bodies and the very fabric of space and time. The discipline employs advanced tools and technologies, from cutting-edge telescopes to particle detectors, to unravel the complexities of the universe. Dark Matter: The Unseen Force : Dark matter, unlike the matter we observe in stars and galaxies, does not emit light or interact with electromagnetic forces. Instead, its presence is inferred through gravitational effects on visible matter. This invisible entity plays a pivotal role in shaping the large-scale structure of the universe, yet its nature remains one of the most intriguing puzzles in contemporary astrophysics. Connecting Theoretical Frameworks with Observational Realities : The evidence supporting dark matter's existence extends to the cosmic microwave background radiation (CMB), a faint glow from the early universe. Patterns in the CMB align with the presence of dark matter, providing a crucial link between theoretical predictions and observational data. Collaborative Endeavors in Particle Physics : The quest to understand dark matter transcends traditional astrophysics, involving collaboration with particle physicists. Experiments like the Large Hadron Collider aim to detect particles that may constitute dark matter, bridging the gap between the macrocosm and the microcosm. The Unending Journey : As observational tools become more sophisticated and theoretical models refine, the exploration of dark matter remains a profound and challenging endeavor. The pursuit of understanding dark matter showcases the synergy between astrophysics and particle physics, pushing the boundaries of our knowledge about the fundamental nature of the universe. In this era of scientific discovery, the mysteries of astrophysics and dark matter beckon us to embark on a journey that transcends the limits of our understanding. As we unveil the secrets of the cosmos, we contribute not only to scientific progress but also to a deeper appreciation of the wonders that surround us. The cosmic enigma continues to inspire, reminding us that in the pursuit of knowledge, the universe is our limitless playground. #Astrophysics #DarkMatter #scientificdiscovery #snsinstitutions #snsdesignthinkers #snsct #snsmct

Dan Goldin is spot on. Bold thinking in Astrophysics observatory architectures, and utilization of the latest commercial space practices need to be examined further! https://lnkd.in/gYu_ZJsY

❗ ❗ ❗ #AHEAD2020 Announcement of Opportunity Cycle 7 ! The #AHEAD2020 (Integrated Activities for High Energy Astrophysics*) calls for a program of transnational visits and remote access activities to be performed starting ~ April to October 2024. The main objectives are: 1) fostering new or strengthening existing collaborations on science and technology topics in high energy astrophysics; 2) providing access free of cost to selected European astronomical institutes and data centres for support in high energy and multimessenger data analysis, observation proposal preparation and computational astrophysics; 3) providing access free of cost to some of the best European ground test and calibration facilities relevant for high-energy astrophysics. Visitor grants include full reimbursement of travel and subsistence expenses. The possibility of remote access for a number of services in the area of data analysis, tools and computational astrophysics will be also provided. AO-7 Calls Opening: 15 January 2024 Submission Deadline: 16 February 2024(**) For further information and links to the AO-7 calls: https://lnkd.in/dNjxWfce * AHEAD2020 is a Research Infrastructure program funded by EU Horizon 2020. Its main goal is to integrate and open research infrastructures for high energy Astrophysics. For general information on AHEAD2020: https://lnkd.in/dvk-Me82 ** For activities concerning access to experimental facilities, submission will remain open and proposals can be submitted anytime until 28 June 2024; they will be evaluated typically within one month from delivery. #camkpan #ncacpas #cosmos #astronomy #esa #hiring

𝗦𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝗺𝗮𝗱𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗛𝗮𝗺𝗯𝘂𝗿𝗴 The University of Hamburg -  officially named University of Excellence by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research, Germany - is actively contributing to the development of the "LISA" space observatory, a groundbreaking international project in the field of space science. Hamburg's active involvement in the "LISA" project further solidifies Hamburg's global reputation for scientific excellence and innovation, particularly in the fields of astrophysics and particle physics. Three research groups, with a strong focus on astrophysics and particle physics within the esteemed "Quantum Universe" excellence cluster, are playing a pivotal role in this initiative. "LISA," a collaborative effort between the European Space Agency - ESA and NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration, is set to revolutionize our understanding of the cosmos by measuring gravitational waves in an unexplored frequency range, commencing in the 2030s. The Gravitational Universe is a new window in astronomy. With gravitational waves, one can study the dark universe, analogous to listening for objects that do not produce light. LISA will enable the scientists to explore the dark universe. "'LISA' will undoubtedly be one of the largest and most exciting scientific instruments ever created by humanity, and it is highly likely to provide us with groundbreaking insights into the structure and origin of the universe," explains Professor Dr. Oliver Gerberding, the lead scientist at the "Quantum Universe" Excellence Cluster at the University of Hamburg. Alongside his team and in collaboration with the German Electron Synchrotron DESY, the group leader is developing measurement systems for gravitational wave detection. We're excited that Hamburg is part of this remarkable journey to uncover the mysteries of the universe! 🌠 #QuantumUniverse  #ScientificExcellence #UniversityOfHamburg #LISA #SpaceScience   image: A Satellite of the LISA mission © Max Planck Institute for Gravitational Physics

ESA's ATHENA Mission: Unveiling the Hot and Energetic Universe   European Space Agency - ESA’s Science Programme Committee (SPC) endorsed a rescoped version of the Athena X-ray observatory. The SPC has recognized that New ATHENA, as a flagship mission of the ESA Science Program, will transform our knowledge in almost every corner of modern astrophysics. This achievement has been the result of a year-long collective design effort by ESA, the Instrument Consortia, and the Science Redefinition Team (SRDT) with the active participation of many members of the ATHENA community.   The Advanced Telescope for High ENergy Astrophysics (ATHENA) represents a significant leap forward in X-ray astronomy. Selected by ESA as part of its Cosmic Vision programme, ATHENA promises to be a observatory that will address fundamental questions about the Hot and Energetic Universe.   The Hot and Energetic Universe encompasses the most extreme and powerful phenomena in our cosmos. It includes the vast reservoirs of hot gas permeating galaxy clusters, the supermassive black holes at the hearts of galaxies, and the intense radiation from quasars and gamma-ray bursts.   ATHENA's unique capabilities stem from its innovative design. The observatory features a large-aperture grazing-incidence X-ray telescope with a 12-meter focal length, utilizing high-performance silicon pore optics developed in Europe. This cutting-edge technology enables ATHENA to achieve an unprecedented combination of collecting area, survey capabilities, and energy resolution.   The observatory's focal plane houses two state-of-the-art instruments. The Wide Field Imager (WFI) will provide sensitive wide-field imaging and spectroscopy, along with high count-rate capability. Complementing this, the X-ray Integral Field Unit (X-IFU) will deliver spatially resolved high-resolution X-ray spectroscopy over a field of view spanning several arcminutes.   ATHENA's versatility as an open observatory will allow it to tackle a wide range of astrophysical phenomena. From probing the nature of black holes and neutron stars to studying the hot gas in galaxy clusters and exploring the interstellar medium, ATHENA will provide insights across numerous areas of research.   The mission's capabilities extend beyond traditional X-ray astronomy. ATHENA is poised to make significant contributions to multi-messenger astrophysics, working in synergy with gravitational wave detectors and neutrino observatories. This collaborative approach will open new avenues for understanding some of the most energetic and mysterious events in the universe.   #XrayAstronomy #Astrophysics #SpaceMission #CosmicVision #MultiMessengerAstronomy

Chinese scientists confirm cosmic ray origins in historic discovery The Large High-Altitude Air Shower Observatory (LHAASO) has made a groundbreaking discovery within the Cygnus star-formation region, revealing a colossal ultra-high-energy gamma-ray bubble structure. This unprecedented revelation, disclosed by the Institute of High Energy Physics of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), marks humanity’s inaugural identification of the source of cosmic rays exceeding 10 Peta-Electronvolts (PeV) in energy, as reported by the Global Times. Cosmic rays, comprising primarily of charged particles such as protons, originate from outer space, constituting a pivotal area of inquiry within modern astrophysics. Over recent decades, cosmic ray measurements have illuminated a distinct feature in the energy spectrum known as the “knee” at around 1 PeV. This delineation, akin to the joint of a knee, holds profound significance in understanding the origins of cosmic rays. Scientists posit that https://lnkd.in/gpBqTZ5H

We now have the largest 3-D map of our cosmos ever created, thanks to a powerful instrument mounted atop a telescope in Arizona with a robotic array of 5,000 fiber-optic “eyes” that look into the night sky. Over the last five years, the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument—known in science circles as DESI—has measured the spectra of more than 30 million galaxies and 3 million quasars to determine how fast the universe expanded over 11 billion years. DESI’s announcement today is the result of an ongoing international collaboration comprising more than 900 researchers from over 70 institutions, including astronomers at University of California, Santa Cruz with leadership roles in the project. And yet, as big as this news is, they say it’s just the beginning. “If the trends hinted here in this first-year dataset are confirmed in our Year Three analysis, this will be a major discovery,” said cosmologist Alexis Leauthaud, associate professor in UC Santa Cruz's Astronomy and Astrophysics Department. “This is going to be a tremendously exciting time to be part of the DESI collaboration.” Other collaborating professors at UC Santa Cruz include Connie Rockosi and J. Xavier Prochaska, also in Astronomy & Astrophysics—along with a phenomenal team of their undergraduate and graduate students, and postdoctoral researchers who have been visiting the telescope on a regular basis to help with observations. #astronomy #science #space https://lnkd.in/g9CgUKP9 (Video credit: David Kirkby/DESI)

Astrophysics Instruments - https://lnkd.in/eQjupNHn in Space February 2024 Instruments on the exterior of the International Space Station provide data on astrophysical phenomena that are helping scientists better understand our universe and its origins. Crew members install and maintain these instruments robotically and scientific teams operate them remotely. One of the instruments, the Neutron star Interior Composition Explorer (NICER), measures X-rays emitted by neutron stars and other cosmic objects to help answer questions about matter and gravity. Neutron stars, the densest measurable objects in the universe, are the remains of massive stars that exploded into supernovae. Some are called pulsars because they spin, sweeping bright X-ray beams across the sky like lighthouse beacons. NICER is located on the space station because the X-rays emitted by neutron stars do not penetrate Earth’s atmosphere. A view of NICER on the exterior of the International Space Station. NASA In May 2023, NICER developed a “light leak,” with unwanted sunlight entering the instrument. As a result, the team limits daytime observations to objects far from the Sun’s position in the sky and lowers NICER’s sensitivity during the orbital day. Nighttime observations are not affected. Even with these limitations, NICER’s recent observations continue to generate results and papers, many published in top-tier journals. Neutron Star Cores Scientists suspect that neutron stars grow denser toward their cores, but the form of matter in their centers remains unknown. NICER’s precise measurements of the size and mass of these stars are providing more insight. In 2021, two teams used different approaches to model the size of PSR J0740+6620, the heaviest known pulsar at 2.1 times the Sun’s mass, and produced measurements that are essentially in agreement.1,2 This star is almost 50% more massive than a previous pulsar measured by NICER, J0030+0451, but is essentially the same diameter.3,4 Scientists are investigating how this finding might change popular models of neutron star core composition. X-ray Binaries NICER has advanced understanding of X-ray binaries, systems where superdense objects such as neutron stars are paired with normal stars. X-ray binaries produce gravitational waves, invisible ripples in space-time also produced by exploding stars and merging black holes. Data from gravitational wave signals are being used to map the galaxy’s binaries. Joint observations by NICER and NASA’s Nuclear Spectroscopic Telescope Array (NuSTAR) revealed specific properties of an X-Ray binary, 4U 0614+091, that increase understanding of these phenomena.5 A joint NICER and NuSTAR observation of an ultra-compact X-ray binary (UCXB), 4U 1543-624, is helping scientists fine tune models of gravitational waves from these sources.6 The behavior of UCXBs suggests that the superdense object of the pair takes material from its companion ...

Astrophysics Instruments - https://lnkd.in/eQjupNHn in Space February 2024 Instruments on the exterior of the International Space Station provide data on astrophysical phenomena that are helping scientists better understand our universe and its origins. Crew members install and maintain these instruments robotically and scientific teams operate them remotely. One of the instruments, the Neutron star Interior Composition Explorer (NICER), measures X-rays emitted by neutron stars and other cosmic objects to help answer questions about matter and gravity. Neutron stars, the densest measurable objects in the universe, are the remains of massive stars that exploded into supernovae. Some are called pulsars because they spin, sweeping bright X-ray beams across the sky like lighthouse beacons. NICER is located on the space station because the X-rays emitted by neutron stars do not penetrate Earth’s atmosphere. A view of NICER on the exterior of the International Space Station. NASA In May 2023, NICER developed a “light leak,” with unwanted sunlight entering the instrument. As a result, the team limits daytime observations to objects far from the Sun’s position in the sky and lowers NICER’s sensitivity during the orbital day. Nighttime observations are not affected. Even with these limitations, NICER’s recent observations continue to generate results and papers, many published in top-tier journals. Neutron Star Cores Scientists suspect that neutron stars grow denser toward their cores, but the form of matter in their centers remains unknown. NICER’s precise measurements of the size and mass of these stars are providing more insight. In 2021, two teams used different approaches to model the size of PSR J0740+6620, the heaviest known pulsar at 2.1 times the Sun’s mass, and produced measurements that are essentially in agreement.1,2 This star is almost 50% more massive than a previous pulsar measured by NICER, J0030+0451, but is essentially the same diameter.3,4 Scientists are investigating how this finding might change popular models of neutron star core composition. X-ray Binaries NICER has advanced understanding of X-ray binaries, systems where superdense objects such as neutron stars are paired with normal stars. X-ray binaries produce gravitational waves, invisible ripples in space-time also produced by exploding stars and merging black holes. Data from gravitational wave signals are being used to map the galaxy’s binaries. Joint observations by NICER and NASA’s Nuclear Spectroscopic Telescope Array (NuSTAR) revealed specific properties of an X-Ray binary, 4U 0614+091, that increase understanding of these phenomena.5 A joint NICER and NuSTAR observation of an ultra-compact X-ray binary (UCXB), 4U 1543-624, is helping scientists fine tune models of gravitational waves from these sources.6 The behavior of UCXBs suggests that the superdense object of the pair takes material from its companion ...