IN BRIEF Binary stars: Systems composed of two stars orbiting each other. Birth and evolution: The processes during their formation are still unclear for scientists. Gravitational interactions: Influence the disks of gas and dust around binary stars. Physical measurements: Typology of binary stars allowing for direct observations and analysis. X-ray binary sources: Stars emitting X-rays, … Read more
IN BRIEF Evolution of cultural beliefs through cosmic discoveries Influence of astronomy on mythologies and the arts Contribution of Arab astronomers to modern science Impact of observatories on urban planning and the environment Close relationship between astronomy and education of the youth Popular culture and representation of celestial objects Time measurement influenced by celestial cycles … Read more
IN BRIEF Composition: Superfluid of neutrons, fluid of electrons, and superconducting protons. Density: Mass equivalent to 1.4 times that of the Sun, compressed into a sphere about 20 km in diameter. Rotation: Extremely fast rotations, periods generally varying around 30 milliseconds. Stellar remnant: Remains of a massive star that has exploded in a supernova. Gravitational … Read more
IN BRIEF Pulsar: a dense neutron star rotating rapidly Emits electromagnetic radiation like a beacon Radiation linked to its magnetic field and rotation Beam of radio waves sweeps space Interval between pulses varies, typically per second Pulsars can exist in binary systems Ability to recycle itself by absorbing mass from a companion star Gamma pulsars … Read more
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