Supernovae Photospheres as Distance Indicators
By examining their expansion rate over time, Type II supernovae provide a way to measure extragalactic distances.
Constraining fine-structure constant variations using QSOs
From measurements of quasar spectra, we can determine whether or not the fine structure constant is really a constant.
The Little Star that Could (Teach us about Stellar Astrophysics)
Today we take a look back to 1916, when distances were measured in light years and uncertainties weren’t to be included in publications. The nearly 100-year old discovery of a small star has large implications for our understanding of stellar astrophysics, even today.
Dust in SPACE: Studying the growth of planetesimals with a suborbital rocket experiment
By sending a chamber of dust on a suborbital ballistic rocket, the authors of this paper hope to find out how planetesimals form.
Astrobites on the Ice, Part 5: South Pole Station
I’m spending a month at the South Pole working on a CMB telescope. In this last post, we tour South Pole Station and run a race around the world!
Astrobites on the Ice, Part 4: A Day in the Life
I’m spending a month at the South Pole working on a CMB telescope. In this installment, I measure the telescope’s sidelobes and close up a receiver.