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.
Pinpointing Stellar Properties with Bayesian Statistics
The link between a pile of data and a physical explanation is the fun part. Astronomers spend countless hours gathering data, and countless more thinking up physical models for different pieces of the Universe. But reconciling these two things—finding a model that not only agrees with observations, but is the sole likely explanation—isn’t easy.
Water found in remains of planetary system around a white dwarf
Astronomers have found evidence of water in the remains of a planetary system around a white dwarf. This indicates water-rich asteroids can bring water to terrestrial planets, important for the habitability of planets.
How Massive is Kappa Andromedae B?
A “Super-Jupiter” recently discovered by direct imaging techniques may not be as it initially seemed. Hinkley et al. find the system to be older than expected and the Super-Jupiter to really be a brown dwarf.
Rough in the Diamonds
How do emission lines from nebulae affect broad-band photometry of high redshift galaxies?
Finding Galaxies at the Edge of the Universe
How can we find the distant galaxies that were responsible for bringing us out of the cosmic dark ages?