High-energy transient signals are most often determined to be gamma-ray burst events, but the recently-launched Einstein Probe has expanded astronomers’ ability to quickly respond to similar signals occurring at X-ray wavelengths. Now, a multi-wavelength study of EP240408a concludes that while many of the signal’s characteristics might lead to the conclusion that it is a gamma-ray burst, the non-detection at radio wavelengths precludes that possibility.
Recent News
Students Contribute to New Understanding of ‘Twinkling’ Pulsars
The flexible observing setup of the Green Bank Observatory’s 20-meter telescope enabled frequent, long-duration observations of eight pulsars, spanning two and a half years for a student-driven study carried out by students in the Pulsar Science Collaboratory program.
Double the Disks, Double the Discovery: New Insights into Planet Formation in DF Tau
Tucked away in a star-forming region in the Taurus constellation, a pair of circling stars are displaying some unexpected differences in the circumstellar disks of dust and gas that surround them. A new study led by researchers at Lowell Observatory, combining data from the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) and Keck Observatory, has unveiled intriguing findings about planet formation in this binary star system, known as DF Tau, along with other systems in this region.
International Astronomical Union (IAU) General Assembly
Every year, astronomers from all around the globe gather for a couple of weeks at the IAU General Assembly to discuss their discoveries and observations, and to exchange ideas and challenges facing astronomy. This year the assembly is taking place in Honolulu, Hawaii. I had the privilege to give opening remarks this past Tuesday. As I said in my remarks, “it is a great honor to represent the Obama Administration at this historic event.”
NSF is one of the world’s leading institutions in astronomy. For decades, NSF-funded researchers have been exploring the most intriguing mysteries of the heavens. We hope to continue doing so!
Great catching up with the National Solar Observatory (NSO) and NSF solar astronomy program officer Dave Boboltz. One of NSO’s major projects is the NSF-funded Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope on Haleakala, Hawaii. This telescope will provide new insights into solar phenomena, including solar storms. Photo credit: NSF
With the recent announcement about Breakthrough Listen, I enjoyed talking with National Radio Astronomy Observatory’s Tony Beasley about how NSF-funded radio astronomy will play a key role. Photo credit: NSF
The Large Synoptic Survey Telescope in Chile has the world’s largest digital camera. Photo credit: NSF
NSF booth at the assembly. I’m with Patricia Knezek, NSF deputy division director for the Division of Astronomical Sciences. Photo credit: NSF
Follow and engage in the online conversation using #IAU2015 and #NSFastronomy.
Recent News
NSF VLA Contributes Crucial Puzzle Piece to ‘Peculiar’ High Energy Transient
High-energy transient signals are most often determined to be gamma-ray burst events, but the recently-launched Einstein Probe has expanded astronomers’ ability to quickly respond to similar signals occurring at X-ray wavelengths. Now, a multi-wavelength study of EP240408a concludes that while many of the signal’s characteristics might lead to the conclusion that it is a gamma-ray burst, the non-detection at radio wavelengths precludes that possibility.
Students Contribute to New Understanding of ‘Twinkling’ Pulsars
The flexible observing setup of the Green Bank Observatory’s 20-meter telescope enabled frequent, long-duration observations of eight pulsars, spanning two and a half years for a student-driven study carried out by students in the Pulsar Science Collaboratory program.
Double the Disks, Double the Discovery: New Insights into Planet Formation in DF Tau
Tucked away in a star-forming region in the Taurus constellation, a pair of circling stars are displaying some unexpected differences in the circumstellar disks of dust and gas that surround them. A new study led by researchers at Lowell Observatory, combining data from the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) and Keck Observatory, has unveiled intriguing findings about planet formation in this binary star system, known as DF Tau, along with other systems in this region.