The International Astronomical Union’s Post

Astronomer, physicist and engineer Galileo Galilei is best known for proving the heliocentric model of the universe which remains a time-tested truth to this day. Born on 15 February 1564, Galileo was a champion of the scientific method, showing us that observation, experimentation and questioning of the status quo can lead to groundbreaking discoveries. Though his theories were considered hearsay during his lifetime, they are now considered a building block of modern astronomy.

First Recorded Total Solar Eclipse In Human History In a paper published in the Journal of Astronomical History and Heritage, researchers Mayank Vahia of Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Mumbai and Mitsuru Soma of National Astronomical Observatory of Japan, Tokyo proposes that the first recorded total solar eclipse is referenced in the Rig Veda, which the researchers have identified as Atri’s Eclipse. Read the full article at: https://shorturl.at/17N6o

A new paper describes the motivation and text of the planet definition proposal that we submitted to the International Astronomical Union for consideration at its 2024 General Assembly. https://lnkd.in/gcj9KJVq

The fastest-spinning known neutron star is PSR J1748-2446ad. It rotates at an incredible rate of about 716 times per second! The scientists discovered the pulsar, in a globular cluster of stars called Terzan 5, located some 28,000 light-years from Earth in the constellation Sagittarius. For reference, the fastest speeds of common kitchen blenders are 250-500 Hz. The below image is taken from site of National Radio Astronomy Observatory.

ASTRONOMY, THE REVOLUTIONARY JAMES WEBB TELESCOPE AND THE ADVANCEMENT OF KNOWLEDGE ABOUT THE UNIVERSE Fernando Alcoforado This article aims to present the contribution of astronomy and, in particular, the James Webb telescope to the advancement of knowledge about the Universe. Astronomy is the study of the Universe that exists beyond Earth's atmosphere. The main objective of James Webb Telescope is to peer into the past, looking back a few hundred thousand years after the Big Bang. The James Webb Telescope's key abilities is to look the first galaxies and stars. The James Webb super telescope, with its great discoveries, shows the importance of the telescope by revealing, with unexpected speed, a series of information that can call cosmological theories into question. To read the article, access the websites: https://lnkd.in/dPEH-X6B https://lnkd.in/dmP96X3t https://lnkd.in/d6tmTRyf https://lnkd.in/dQjfFuEE

🛰 The model created by astronomers of Ventspils Augstskola has already made it possible to understand that the composition of interstellar ice is similar in different cosmic nebulae, since the composition of ice is regulated simultaneously by several mechanisms. Further applications of this model will bring new discoveries, including about the processes during the birth of stars. #discoveries #ventspilsaugstskola

Remembering mathematician Galileo Galilei who was born on this day in 1564 and went on to revolutionise astronomy by discovering new worlds with his telescope. Thanks to great thinkers like Galileo, our knowledge regarding the universe continues to expand. In 2019, the Nobel Prize in Physics was awarded to three scientists whose ideas changed our understanding of the cosmos. James Peebles’ theoretical discoveries contributed to our understanding of how the universe evolved after the Big Bang, while Michel Mayor and Didier Queloz explored our cosmic neighbourhoods on the hunt for unknown planets. In 1995, Mayor and Queloz made the very first discovery of a planet outside our solar system -51 Pegasi - an exoplanet, orbiting a solar-type star. This discovery started a revolution in astronomy and over 4,000 exoplanets have since been found in the Milky Way. Strange new worlds are still being discovered, with an incredible wealth of sizes, forms and orbits. They challenge our preconceived ideas about planetary systems and are forcing scientists to revise their theories of the physical processes behind the origins of planets. With numerous projects planned to start searching for exoplanets, we may eventually find an answer to the eternal question of whether other life is out there. #NobelPrize

We've organised this insightful webinar to explore 'Using calculations for moon sighting' with 2 astronomy experts; Ustaz Dr Firdaus Yahya and Muhammad Faizal bin Othman. Delve into the intricacies of Islamic astronomical calculations for prayer times and lunar sightings at the 'Celestial Harmony' event. Being experts in their respective areas, we stand to gain valuable insights by engaging in this discussion. https://lnkd.in/e6n3WM59

Delving into the Cosmic Canvas: Unveiling #Homogeneity Scales in the Modern #Cosmological Paradigm I am honored to announce the publication of my recent article in Galaxia Astronomy and Space Magazine, titled "Homogeneity of the Universe: Is the Universe Homogeneous?". This piece delves into a critical aspect of contemporary cosmology: the homogeneity scale of the #Universe. Through a meticulous examination of key observational and theoretical data, the article explores the limitations inherent to our current cosmological model in establishing a definitive homogeneity scale. The discussion encompasses a comprehensive analysis of various observational techniques employed by cosmologists, alongside a critical evaluation of the inherent uncertainties associated with each methodology. Through this rigorous inquiry, the article sheds light on the fascinating intricacies of large-scale cosmic structure, unveiling the challenges we face in definitively determining the extent of uniformity across the vast expanse of the observable Universe. This article is a valuable contribution to the ongoing dialogue surrounding the nature of our cosmos. It is intended to stimulate intellectual discourse amongst cosmologists, physicists, and anyone with a keen interest in unraveling the mysteries of the Universe. I encourage you to delve deeper into this captivating exploration by reading the full article in Galaxia Astronomy and Space Magazine.

🌑 Today, we witness a significant astronomical event: the total solar eclipse across North America. As professionals and enthusiasts in the field of astronomy and related sciences, let's ensure we observe this phenomenon safely with proper solar viewing equipment. This moment of daytime darkness offers a unique opportunity for observation and study, not to be repeated in the contiguous US until 2044. Will you be watching? Click here to find out what time you'll be able to view the eclipse: https://lnkd.in/g4FXudrE