A Historical Nova and the First Radioactive Molecule in Space
An explosive stellar merger reveals the first radioactive molecule discovered in space.
Does an AGN help or hurt star formation?
A Seyfert 2 galaxy’s energetic nucleus creates impressive twin outflows, but how are they affecting its star formation?
A Protoplanetary Disk with a Tail
The sites of planet formation seem to be anything but orderly and a recent discovery may help explain the observed wide variety of exoplanet configurations.
Catching Galactic Recycling In The Act
This little galaxy is churning out the ingredients necessary for planets and life at a frantic pace. New observations reveal the sharpest view yet of this cycle of gas and stardust.
An H II Region Walks into A Bar
High resolution observations of the Orion Nebula show a complex collision between two extreme types of gas.
Stellar Accountants and Alcohol
Low-mass stars are much more common than massive ones. But massive stars outshine the smaller ones a thousand to one! How can astronomers account for this hidden majority? Maybe alcohol will help…