Saturday, May 17

Astronomy

Universe’s end – sooner rather than later – Astronomy Now
Astronomy

Universe’s end – sooner rather than later – Astronomy Now

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...
Astronomy

What is the best time to see the Eta Aquariids meteor shower? Where and how can I see it in Australia? | Astronomy

Stargazers and early risers are in for a stellar show this week, with one of the biggest meteor showers in the southern hemisphere due to light up the skies.The meteors — called the Eta Aquariids – pass through the atmosphere every year, but 2025 is due to be particularly luminous as the moon won’t be visible when they arrive.Here’s how to catch a view of the celestial delight.What is the best time to see the Eta Aquariids meteor shower?The good thing is this particular meteor shower not only happens every year, but spans multiple days.McElroy said Wednesday 7 May would be the “best day” for stargazers, with around two dozen meteors expected to pass per hour.But if it happens to be cloudy that day, you won’t blink and miss it. The shower will continue to have a strong showing on the days p...
April Night Sky 2025 – Astronotes
Astronomy

April Night Sky 2025 – Astronotes

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...
Caught in the current of the wonderful Whirlpool – Astronomy Now
Astronomy

Caught in the current of the wonderful Whirlpool – Astronomy Now

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...
Astronomy

Are we alone? New discovery raises hopes of finding alien life | Science

Towards the end of his life, the cosmologist Stephen Hawking was asked about the odds of finding intelligent alien life in the next two decades. “The probability is low,” he declared in 2016, and took a lengthy pause before adding: “Probably.”This week, other scientists from the University of Cambridge reported tentative evidence for two compounds in the atmosphere of a planet, K2-18b, that sits in the constellation of Leo 124 light years away.On Earth, dimethyl sulphide (DMS) and dimethyl disulphide (DMDS) are hallmarks of life, emanating only from microscopic organisms. And while marine phytoplankton might not rank as particularly intelligent, the claim unleashed a wave of excitement: the answer to the question “Are we alone?” has never seemed closer.“This is the strongest evidence to da...