Astronomy

The vast, magnificent universe of stars, galaxies, and time itself has an expiration date—and it may come far sooner than once thought. A team of Dutch researchers from Radboud University has proposed that the universe could decay in roughly 10⁷⁸ years, compared to the previously believed 10¹⁰⁰ years. Their conclusion stems from a bold reinterpretation of Hawking radiation. The vast Universe, stretching 13.8 billion light years in all directions Originally, Hawking radiation described black holes emitting faint energy due to quantum fluctuations, suggesting they could slowly evaporate. But physicists Heino Falcke, Michael Vendrell, and Walter van Suijlekom have expanded this idea. They suggest Hawking-like radiation applies not only to black holes but to any massive object with a gravitat...

Another month down, and we’re officially into April! With it, we’re welcoming brighter mornings and brighter evenings – thank you, daylight savings! We’re getting closer to retiring the winter coats and swapping hot drinks for iced ones. Spring is here! Pink Moon Image Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech The ‘Pink Moon’ will be the full moon of April and you will be able to see this on Sunday 12th at 8:22pm. The name ‘Pink Moon’ actually comes from a pink wildflower that grows in spring, not because the moon will actually appear pink, sadly. I would love to live in a world where we have a pink moon! This year’s Pink Moon will also be known as a micromoon, this means the moon will be at its farthest point from Earth. Therefore the moon will appear smaller and dimmer – opposite to a supermoon. Lyrids M...

Messier 51, universally known as the Whirlpool Galaxy is one of the most photogenic galaxies of all The sheer magnificence of Messier 51 is apparent is this stunning image. Image: Bob Fera. Messier 51 (NGC 5194) in Canes Venatici is the archetypal face-on spiral galaxy. Aptly named and very well known as the Whirlpool Galaxy, this magnificent object has few rivals across the entire sky and, if the sheer volume of images received at Astronomy Now headquarters over recent years is any indicator, only mighty Messier 31 in Andromeda is as popular. The sheer magnificence of Messier 51 is apparent is this stunning image. Image: Bob Fera. The Whirlpool was discovered by Charles Messier in 1773 and the most famous observations of it were made by William Parsons, the Third Earl of Rosse, who was t...