The sciences of the Universe

Exoplanets and the search for extraterrestrial life

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Exoplanets and the search for extraterrestrial life

IN BRIEF K2-18b: possible shelter for extraterrestrial life. Habitable exoplanets: fewer than expected. Multiplication of discoveries of planetary systems. Importance of advanced telescopes in research. Search for signs of life in the atmospheres of exoplanets. International collaboration to explore habitable planets. New strategies to detect extraterrestrial life. Reflection on the intellectual challenges of this research. … Read more

Discoveries Recent on Mars

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Discoveries Recent on Mars

IN BRIEF The rover Curiosity has discovered the presence of sulfates on Mars, indicating an environment conducive to life. Pure sulfur has been identified for the first time, enriching our knowledge of the red planet. A study revealed fossil evidence of a cyclic climate, similar to that of Earth. Scientists have discovered an impressive volcano … Read more

Spiral galaxies: characteristics and mysteries

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Spiral galaxies: characteristics and mysteries

IN BRIEF Spiral galaxies: a grouping of hundreds of billions of stars Disk-shaped structure and central bulb Formed by the collapse of hydrogen and helium clouds Spiraled arms influenced by giant molecular clouds Notable examples such as the Milky Way and the Andromeda Galaxy Variety of shapes: spirals, elliptical, barred, and irregular Mysteries persist, particularly … Read more

The role of black holes in the universe

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The role of black holes in the universe

IN BRIEF Definition: Celestial objects with intense gravitational fields. Composition: Very compact, high mass-to-size ratio. Role: Impact on galaxy growth. Event horizon: The limit beyond which nothing can escape. Time travel: The gravity of a black hole allows for time dilations. Environment: Influence on galactic structures and their dynamics. Scientific research: Studies conducted to understand … Read more

The different phases of a star’s life

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The different phases of a star's life

IN BRIEF Birth: Formation of a star from a nebula. Main sequence phase: Stabilization and fusion of hydrogen into helium. Red giant: Expansion as hydrogen is depleted, the star becomes a red giant. Variable end: Depending on its mass, it may become a white dwarf or explode into a supernova. Death: Outcomes of supernova or … Read more

Understand star formation

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Understand star formation

IN BRIEF Birth of stars : Formation from the gravitational contraction of a nebula. Protostars : Clouds of gas that continue to contract to develop a star. Composition : Balls of gas mainly made of hydrogen and helium. Process : Gravitational collapse of interstellar clouds. Stellar evolution : Life cycle including the birth, evolution, and … Read more