Category: Science

Astronomers using the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) have discovered a neutron star in the remnants of a stellar explosion, putting an end to a nearly decade-long search. Supernova 1987A is the aftermath of a star explosion with an initial mass of 8 to 10 times that of the sun, is situated 170,000 light-years away in the Large Magellanic Cloud. Initially observed in 1987, it became the closest and brightest supernova visible from Earth in about 400 years.

These stellar explosions, like Supernova 1987A, play a crucial role in distributing elements like carbon, oxygen, silicon, and iron across the cosmos. The resulting remnants can become compact stellar objects such as neutron stars or black holes. For 37 years, astronomers were uncertain whether the core of Supernova 1987A formed a neutron star, or collapsed into a black hole.

The recently identified neutron star remained hidden due to a thick layer of gas and dust from the supernova blast. Using the JWST’s infrared capabilities, researchers examined emissions for evidence of argon and sulfur, determining that the ionization of these elements could only be caused by radiation emitted by a neutron star. The brightness of the neutron star was estimated to be about a tenth of that of the sun.

However, questions about the neutron star remain. The ionization could result from interactions with a pulsar wind nebula, created by a rapidly rotating neutron star, or from ultraviolet and X-ray light emitted by the neutron star itself. Further infrared observations with the JWST’s NIRSpec instrument may help distinguish between these possibilities, providing more insights into the nature of the neutron star at the heart of Supernova 1987A. The research was published in the journal Science on February 22.

At first glance, the sun appears as a tranquil, steady beacon in the sky. However, a closer look reveals a star in constant turmoil, oscillating between states of calm and chaotic plasma activity in a cycle that reshapes its surface and magnetic field.

Every 11 years, the sun undergoes a dramatic transformation. Its magnetic field, having become as twisted as an overwound bundle of elastic bands, abruptly reverses, swapping its magnetic poles. This event is the climax of a process leading to heightened solar activity, including the ejection of massive plasma blobs, the formation of vast dark spots, and the release of intense radiation streams.

This phase of increased solar behavior, known as the solar maximum, can trigger solar storms capable of disrupting communication systems, damaging electrical grids, affecting living organisms (astronauts in particular), and endanger satellites.

Recent observations indicate that the upcoming solar maximum might arrive earlier and with more intensity than previously anticipated. Although scientists had forecasted the peak of the current solar cycle to occur in 2025, a surge in sunspots, solar storms, and unusual solar events now suggests that the solar maximum could begin as early as the end of this year.

The solar cycle transitions from a solar minimum, a period of low solar activity, to a solar maximum and back every 11 years. The reasons behind the duration of these cycles remain a mystery, despite their consistent tracking since the first recorded Solar Cycle 1 between 1755 and 1766. The ongoing cycle, Solar Cycle 25, started in December 2019, as confirmed by NASA.

The root of the sun’s cyclical changes lies in its magnetic field, explains Alex James, a solar physicist. During the solar minimum, the sun’s magnetic field is strong and well-ordered, effectively suppressing solar activity by keeping the sun’s plasma contained. Over time, however, this magnetic field becomes entangled, leading to a weakening of its strength and a subsequent increase in solar activity. This activity is marked by the emergence of coronal loops — massive, magnetized structures on the sun’s surface — and the occurrence of solar flares and coronal mass ejections as the magnetic field realigns.

Following the peak of this activity, the sun’s magnetic field undergoes a complete reversal, marking the end of the current cycle and the beginning of a new solar minimum, thus continuing the cycle of solar transformation.

While this is a regular event that happens every 11 or so years, I am very excited for the upcoming solar maximum. The quality of images we have been able to take of the sun over the last few years has gotten so much better. I think we will get a whole new wealth of amazing photographs of our sun in its most active time.

Related: The Sun, Like Never Seen Before

Introducing the Lunar Gateway
Artemis IV will have 4 crew members and represents a critical step in the Artemis program, focused on the deployment of the International Habitation module (I-Hab) to the Lunar Gateway. The Gateway is a new space station that will serve as a multi-purpose outpost orbiting the Moon. This mission, targeted for 2027, is instrumental in establishing the Lunar Gateway with its pivotal role in achieving a sustainable human presence in lunar orbit.

The Importance of the Lunar Gateway
The Lunar Gateway is an innovative space station project that will orbit the Moon, providing living quarters, research facilities, and support for both robotic and human missions. The I-Hab module, is the part of the Gateway that will offer the living and working space for astronauts, enabling longer missions and serving as a hub for science, exploration, and partnerships across nations.

Unlike the continuously inhabited International Space Station, the Gateway will be occupied intermittently, serving as a vital hub for deep space exploration. The addition of the I-Hab module, with its living and research spaces, is crucial for extending human presence in lunar orbit and beyond.

I find the idea of Astronauts living in a space station so far away from earth both incredibly fascinating while also very frightening. It will be amazing to hear from the astronauts what that experience is like!