IN BRIEF Exploration of the solar system: impact on scientific thinking Discovery of Neptune by Urbain le Verrier in 1846 Comprehensive overview of planets, moons, and other celestial bodies by Peter Bond Role of probes and spacecraft in understanding our system Importance of observation tools: telescopes and remote-controlled probes Rapid evolution of exploration in the … Read more
IN BRIEF Origin of galaxies: results from small fluctuations in density in the primitive universe. Formation: process by merging dwarf galaxies and gravitational collapse. Types of galaxies: include spiral galaxies, with a disk of gas, dust, and stars. Evolution: linked to each galaxy’s ability to create stars. Environment: evolution depends on local physical and chemical … Read more
IN BRIEF Cosmic filaments: thread-like structures made up of galaxies and galaxy clusters. Comprise the cosmic web, a complex network of empty spaces surrounded by walls of matter. Filaments can extend for hundreds of millions of light-years. First observed, they reveal the largest cosmic structures in rotation. Organize the matter of the Universe on a … Read more
IN SHORT The interaction between galaxies results from the gravitational field of other galaxies. Galactic collisions generate instabilities promoting the formation of spiral arms. Following a merger, stars ignite, and supermassive black holes activate. These events cause superwinds and cosmic chaos, but not total disaster. Many galaxies have already experienced interactions in their history. The … Read more
IN SHORT Stellar nucleosynthesis: A set of nuclear reactions occurring inside stars. Creation of chemical elements: Massive stars generate heavy elements through nuclear reactions. Star formation: They form from clouds of gas rich in hydrogen and helium. Primordial nucleosynthesis: Formation of light elements during the origin of the Universe. Types of nucleosynthesis: Includes stellar, primordial, … Read more
IN BRIEF Supernova: massive explosion of a star in the universe. It is the largest explosion observable in space. Results in ejections of matter and shock waves at impressive speed. Significant impact on the enrichment of the interstellar medium in heavy elements. Increases the flow of cosmic rays in the galaxy. Studies related to cosmic … Read more
IN BRIEF Quasars: Immense black holes at the heart of galaxies. Energy emission: They produce significant amounts of energy by devouring matter. Cosmic evolution: Help in understanding the evolution of the Universe. Interaction with galaxies: Influence the formation and evolution of galaxies. Quasar winds: Produce jets of radiation altering the galactic environment. Energy role: Among … Read more
IN SHORT Gran Telescopio de Canarias: Primary mirror with a diameter of 10.4 meters. European Extremely Large Telescope (ELT): Expected to open in 2027 with a mirror of 39 meters. Very Large Telescope (VLT): Flagship equipment of European astronomy. Southern African Large Telescope (SALT): Mirror of 11.1 meters. Schmidt Telescopes: Used for photographic astrometry. Large … Read more
IN BRIEF Cosmic background radiation: first light emitted, 380,000 years after the Big Bang. 3D representation of the universe’s original glow. Detection of the cosmic microwave background through advanced observations. Discovery of cosmic structures like bubbles a billion light-years wide. Formation of the first atoms and transition from an opaque state to a transparent state. … Read more
IN BRIEF Scientific advances : Revolutionizing our understanding of the universe. Expansion of horizons : Discoveries that redefine our place in the cosmos. Inventions and discoveries : Technical innovations boosting astronomical observation. Influence of Galileo : Establishment of rigorous scientific methods. The Copernican system : Simplification of astronomical models, changing the perception of Earth. Consequences … Read more