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
Astronomy is on the brink of a revolutionary era where the challenges of extreme angular resolution find innovative answers. Space interferometry is currently the focus of all attention as it enables the acquisition of high-resolution images capable of detailing cosmic structures that are otherwise inaccessible. This advanced technique, which combines light from several collectors separated … Read more
In the ever-expanding universe, galactic halos stand out as fascinating structures enveloping our familiar galaxies. These vast spherical regions are primarily composed of dark matter, an invisible substance that cannot be directly detected but whose gravitational influence is crucial for understanding modern cosmology. The study of galactic halos allows us to decipher the large-scale organization … Read more
Galactic hydrogen filaments represent one of the fundamental components of cosmic structure, drawing a complex network that shapes the visible universe. These gigantic chains of baryonic matter, primarily composed of neutral hydrogen clouds, play a crucial role in the intergalactic medium by orchestrating galaxy formation and the evolution of galaxy clusters. Thanks to recent advances … Read more
The X binary systems captivate attention due to their exceptional ability to emit powerful X-rays, produced by complex cosmic interactions between binary stars. These stellar pairs, consisting of a regular star and a compact star such as a neutron star or a black hole, wonderfully illustrate the extreme and dynamic phenomena that shape our universe. … Read more