IN BRIEF Giant gas planets: Jupiter and Saturn, formed nearly 5 billion years ago. Recent discovery of wandering double giant planets in the Orion nebula. Observation of planetary birth through gravitational collapse. Mysteries surrounding the formation and atmospheres of gas giants. Effects of atmospheric phenomena on Jupiter, including hurricanes and clouds. New theoretical models proposed … Read more
The quest for worlds suitable for life extends far beyond the traditional boundaries defined by the classic habitable zone. The study of extensive circumstellar habitable zones is revolutionizing our understanding of cosmic environments capable of supporting life. These zones correspond to orbital regions around stars where liquid water can exist and are now evaluated with … Read more
Ultra-precise spatial photometry represents a major advancement in the precise study of light coming from celestial objects. This discipline, once limited to simple visual measurements, has transformed thanks to the integration of sophisticated space technologies and advanced optical instrumentation methods, offering an unprecedented ability to record the light variations of stars and other celestial objects. … Read more
In short, stellar occultations prove to be incredibly effective tools at the service of modern astronomy. By temporarily masking a star with a celestial body, they allow for obtaining exceptionally precise data on the size, shape, and the presence of atmospheres or rings around various objects in the solar system. They play a fundamental role … Read more
Since its launch in late 2013, the Gaia satellite, developed by the European Space Agency (ESA), has revolutionized stellar mapping by providing unprecedented instrumental precision in the measurement of position of stars. By meticulously scanning over a billion stars, Gaia enables the construction of an unprecedented catalogue that exponentially enhances our understanding of the structure … Read more
Very high energy gamma rays play a crucial role in understanding the most extreme and violent astrophysical phenomena in the Universe. This electromagnetic radiation, the most energetic known, is emitted by cosmic objects such as pulsars, supernova remnants, and relativistic jets. Recent studies conducted from observatories like HAWC or large ground-based telescopes now allow us … Read more
Far-infrared astronomy opens up new perspectives on understanding the universe in 2025, allowing us to observe phenomena hidden in the visible spectrum. This discipline employs infrared telescopes, often placed in orbit or at high altitudes, to uncover the secrets of interstellar dust, star formation, and explore the cosmology of distant objects. By studying the thermal … Read more
In the vastness of the universe, stars shine with a powerful brightness that often obscures the fascinating phenomena that orbit near them. For astronomers, the major challenge is to dissociate this intense light in order to observe nearby objects and details that are otherwise invisible to the naked eye or with conventional telescopes. This is … Read more
In brief : The fundamentals and the revolution initiated by the detection of gravitational waves Traditional astronomy primarily relies on the observation of electromagnetic waves, such as visible light, X-rays, gamma rays, or radio waves. These photons reveal a multitude of information about celestial objects, but certain phenomena remained inaccessible before the advent of gravitational … Read more
Astronomical polarimetry is an essential observation method for deciphering the mysteries of magnetic properties in the universe. By analyzing the polarization of electromagnetic waves emitted or modified by celestial bodies, astronomers can obtain valuable information about the nature and dynamics of magnetic fields present in stars, interstellar matter, and other cosmic structures. This technique offers … Read more