Latest news with #GreenBankTelescope
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Science
- Yahoo
Astronomers discover 'raw materials for life' can form in planetary systems even before stars
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Scientists are claiming a "cosmic chemistry breakthrough" following the discovery of a large "aromatic" molecule in deep space. The discovery suggests that these molecules could help seed planetary systems with carbon, supporting the development of molecules needed for life. The molecule, called cyanocoronene, belongs to a class of carbon-based organic compounds called polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are made up of multiple fused aromatic rings — structures in which electrons are shared across double-bonded carbon atoms, giving them unique chemical stability. "PAHs are thought to lock away a significant fraction of the universe's carbon and play a key role in the chemistry that leads to the formation of stars and planets," National Radio Astronomy Observatory representatives wrote in a statement. "Until now, only smaller PAHs had been detected in space, with this new discovery significantly pushing the known size limit." The scientists determined that cyanocoronene can form efficiently in the cold conditions of space through reactions between coronene and highly reactive cyanide radicals at low temperatures. "This means the chemistry that builds complex organics can happen even before stars are born," the researchers wrote, highlighting that such prebiotic molecules may be common ingredients in the early stages of star and planet formation. The cyanocoronene was identified by the Green Bank Telescope (GBT), part of the National Radio Astronomy Observatory, in the Taurus Molecular Cloud (TMC-1). This star-forming region, located in the constellations Taurus and Auriga, is known for its rich and complex chemistry. The GBT — located in Green Bank, West Virginia — is the world's largest fully steerable radio telescope. Standing 485 feet (148 meters) tall with a dish 100 meters (330 feet) in diameter, the GBT is an essential tool for detecting faint radio signals from deep space, including those emitted by molecules like cyanocoronene. Unlike optical telescopes, which collect visible light, the GBT is designed to detect radio waves, a type of electromagnetic radiation with much longer wavelengths. These waves are often emitted by cold, dense regions of space, like the TMC-1, where new stars and complex organic molecules can form. To identify a specific molecule in space, scientists first measure its microwave spectrum in a laboratory. Each molecule has a unique "fingerprint" — a pattern of energy transitions that appears as lines in the radio spectrum. With this information in hand, scientists use the GBT to collect radio waves and look for a match. In the case of cyanocoronene, the researchers found multiple matching spectral lines in the GBT's data, confirming the presence of the molecule in TMC-1 with exceptional confidence far beyond the statistical chance that it would occur discovery opens the door for astronomers and astrochemists to search for even larger PAHs and related molecules. Scientists are now especially interested in how these structures evolve, fragment or interact with other molecules under the influence of ultraviolet light, cosmic rays and shocks in interstellar space. "Each new detection brings us closer to understanding the origins of complex organic chemistry in the universe — and perhaps, the origins of the building blocks of life themselves," Gabi Wenzel, a research scientist in the Department of Chemistry at MIT and the Harvard and Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics and lead author of the research, said in the statement. The research was presented earlier this month at the 246th meeting of the American Astronomical Society in Anchorage, Alaska.
Sustainability Times
24-06-2025
- Science
- Sustainability Times
'Like Nothing Ever Seen Before': Astronomers Discover a Colossal Milky Way Cloud Containing the Mass of 160,000 Suns
IN A NUTSHELL 🌌 Astronomers discovered a colossal molecular cloud named M4.7-0.8 in the Milky Way, weighing as much as 160,000 suns. named M4.7-0.8 in the Milky Way, weighing as much as 160,000 suns. 🔭 The Green Bank Telescope was instrumental in identifying this cloud located 23,000 light-years away, revealing its pivotal role in material transport. was instrumental in identifying this cloud located 23,000 light-years away, revealing its pivotal role in material transport. ⭐ Giant Molecular Clouds (GMCs) like M4.7-0.8 are critical for understanding star formation and galactic evolution due to their unique properties. and galactic evolution due to their unique properties. 🛰️ Future observations of M4.7-0.8 could unveil more about the mechanisms behind star formation and the lifecycle of galaxies. In an astonishing breakthrough, astronomers have identified a colossal molecular cloud within our Milky Way galaxy. This massive structure, located approximately 23,000 light-years away, weighs as much as 160,000 suns. Discovered using the Green Bank Telescope, this cloud, named M4.7-0.8, resides within a dusty lane of the galactic bar—a pivotal area for material transport to the galaxy's core. As outlined in a study published on arXiv, this discovery provides unique insights into star formation and galactic evolution, highlighting the significance of these enormous molecular clouds. The Significance of Giant Molecular Clouds Giant Molecular Clouds (GMCs) are the largest formations of gas and dust in galaxies, primarily composed of molecular hydrogen. These massive clouds can exceed masses of 100,000 solar masses. Serving as the primary sites for star formation, GMCs offer the low-temperature and high-density environments conducive to the aggregation of atoms into molecules, eventually leading to star birth. The role of GMCs in galactic evolution is paramount. By analyzing the distribution and properties of these clouds, astronomers gain a deeper understanding of star and galaxy formation and evolution. This understanding is crucial for piecing together the grand puzzle of how galaxies like our Milky Way develop over cosmic time scales. 'I Was Convinced We'd Found Aliens': Scientists Backtrack on K2-18b Breakthrough Before Revealing the Devastating Truth Decoding the Mysteries of M4.7-0.8 The newly identified cloud, M4.7-0.8, spans nearly 200 light-years and has a notably cold dust temperature of approximately 20 Kelvin (-423.67°F). Within this cloud, two primary structures have been noted: the 'Nexus' and the 'Filament.' The Nexus is recognized for its bright carbon monoxide emissions, while the Filament exhibits an elongated morphology. These features suggest dynamic processes at play within the cloud, providing a fertile ground for astrochemical and dynamic studies. Additionally, the discovery of two potential star formation zones, Knot B and Knot E, adds intrigue. Knot E, with its comet-like structure, may represent an evaporating gas globule, though further research is necessary to confirm this hypothesis. Such features underscore the complexity and dynamic nature of these stellar nurseries, offering a window into the initial stages of star formation. 'Star Devours Like a Monster': Astronomers Stunned as Baby Star Consumes Gas Equal to Two Jupiters Annually Tools and Techniques in Cloud Exploration Astronomers rely on radiotelescopes to explore molecular clouds, detecting radio waves emitted by gas molecules like carbon monoxide and ammonia. By analyzing these emissions, scientists can determine the clouds' size, mass, and temperature, and map their structure and star-forming regions. The use of multi-wavelength observations is vital for studying these clouds. By combining data from various instruments, researchers can construct a more comprehensive image of these vast structures. This approach enables them to piece together the physical characteristics and dynamic processes occurring within these cosmic giants, offering a richer understanding of their role in the universe. 'They're Coming From Space!': Mysterious Radio Signals Repeating Every 2 Hours Identified in That Distant Star System Unveiling Galactic Evolution The study of M4.7-0.8 underscores the critical role giant molecular clouds play in galactic evolution. With its unique characteristics, this cloud provides a rare opportunity to study these processes in detail. Future observations promise to reveal more about star formation mechanisms, potentially unveiling new insights into the lifecycle of galaxies. Understanding these mechanisms is essential for comprehending the broader narrative of galactic evolution. As astronomers continue to explore these enigmatic clouds, the potential for groundbreaking discoveries remains vast, promising to illuminate the intricate dance of matter and energy that shapes our universe. As we delve deeper into the mysteries of giant molecular clouds like M4.7-0.8, we stand on the brink of profound revelations about our galaxy's past and future. What other secrets might these celestial titans hold, and how will they redefine our understanding of the cosmos? Our author used artificial intelligence to enhance this article. Did you like it? 4.6/5 (20)
Yahoo
03-06-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
WVU students win second place in international Mars rover competition
MORGANTOWN, (WBOY) — A team of West Virginia University (WVU) students took home second place in an international competition over the weekend to build 'next generation' Mars rovers and test them in the field. This year, the University Rover Challenge (URC) brought together 114 teams from 15 countries to compete at the Mars Desert Research Station in Utah, which has terrain similar to the real Martian surface. According to a press release from WVU's Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources, this is the third year in a row where WVU's Team Mountaineers' placed in the top two, following a second-place finish in 2024 and a first-place finish in 2023. Professor Yu Gu, the team's faculty advisor, said in the release that the team focused its efforts on 'refining last year's knowledge while fixing key issues.' 'This year, under the outstanding leadership of [Connor Mann] and [Jalen Beeman], the students represented WVU well against teams from around the world,' Gu said. 'This real-world engineering experience is what makes robotics competition an invaluable educational experience for students.' EXCLUSIVE: An up close look at the Green Bank Telescope The competition judges the performance of a team's rover through four different 'missions': science, delivery, equipment servicing and autonomous navigation. Teams performed tasks like analyzing soil for signs of microbial life, delivering samples and navigating difficult terrain. 'The most rewarding part was seeing our hard work and dedication pay off when stacked against the best in the world,' Jalen Beeman said, a team leader and computer science and electrical engineering student at WVU. 'Robotics is hard, so we've also been trying to lower the barrier for entry to the competition by open-sourcing our designs. At the competition, we had the chance to speak to several teams that used our designs which was very rewarding.' To read the full release on Team Mountaineers' finish at this year's URC competition, visit the WVU website, or go here to learn more about the University Rover Challenge. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
EXCLUSIVE: An up close look at the Green Bank Telescope
GREEN BANK, (WBOY) — In May, 12 News took a special tour of the National Science Foundation (NSF) Green Bank Telescope (GBT), the largest fully-steerable radio telescope in the world. At 485 feet tall with a 2.3-acre dish, the NSF Green Bank Telescope weighs 17 million pounds, or about 8,500 tons. But why does the GBT need to be so big in the first place and why is the fact that it's 'fully steerable' such a big deal? Green Bank Observatory software engineer Nathaniel Sizemore explained the dish on the telescope is like 'a giant bucket.' 'The bigger the dish, the more signal we can collect and the better chances we have of finding the signal we're looking for,' Sizemore said. But size isn't GBT's only advantage. The fact that it's fully steerable means that it can point to just about any target in the night sky, and can even track objects for multiple hours during extended observations. This is especially useful for observations on things like pulsars, where scientists are trying to make multiple precise time measurements during a single observation. GBT's large size, paired with its ability to track objects, is what makes the telescope so valuable to scientists. In some cases, it's the only telescope capable of making certain observations, like when the telescope was used to look for liquid oceans in Jupiter's orbit. 'The only one that can': Green Bank Telescope to search for liquid oceans in our solar system 'Between the size of the antenna and the fact that we can track that source for hours at a time, theoretically horizon to horizon if we wanted to, we can give [scientists] that data and let them get enough signal to then process that and do the science that they want to do,' Sizemore said. Former West Virginia Black Bear makes MLB debut for Pittsburgh Moving such a massive telescope requires equally massive machinery. The telescope rests on 16 wheels on a circular track, giving it 360 degrees of rotation. Further up is a large arc-like structure that acts as a hinge and counterweight, letting the telescope tilt back and forth. Although the telescope is movable, there are several safety measures to make sure no one is on top of the telescope while it is in motion. Radios are used to notify the control room when people move onto and off the telescope, and each person attaches a safety key near the entrance to the telescope to physically stop it from moving while anyone is aboard. The telescope also has a second manual lock along the arc, which has gaps scientists can use to keep the telescope in a specific orientation. Although you could take the stairs if you wanted, a pair of elevators on the telescope are used to carry people and scientific instruments up and down the GBT. The first one starts at the ground level and goes halfway up, close to the main dish of the telescope. A second elevator begins at the bottom of the telescope's arm and at the top of the GBT. The second-highest level of the telescope is the main reflector dish level. There, maintenance workers can access the underside of the dish using narrow catwalks below the reflective panels that make up the telescope. Using multiple smaller panels instead of a single reflective dish makes maintenance on the telescope cheaper and easier. For example, if a panel at the center of the dish is damaged and a spare isn't on hand, a panel from the edge of the dish can be used to replace it. Using lots of smaller panels has another benefit as well; hundreds of actuators underneath the dish can be used to make small adjustments to individual panels. This means that instead of moving the entire telescope, the panels themselves can be moved to fine-tune the telescope's orientation. North central West Virginia athletes win 26 events at State Track Meet At the very top, just below the telescope's sub-reflector, is where the telescope's instruments are kept. At the time of our visit, all the observation equipment had been removed from the telescope in preparation for an upcoming repainting project in June. Normally, the telescope can freely switch between different measuring tools, like a microscope switching between different magnifying lenses. Unsurprisingly, the top of the telescope also has some of the best views of any level on the GBT. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
17-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
The real locations behind West Virginia's appearance in ‘Captain America: Brave New World'
CLARKSBURG, (WBOY) — Although reviews are mixed on the latest entry in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, West Virginians might have been surprised to see their home state make an appearance in 'Captain America: Brave New World.' This article contains minor spoilers about the driving plot of 'Captain America: Brave New World,' but will not spoil any of the movie's big reveals. 'Captain America: Brave New World,' focuses on Sam Wilson, the newly-minted Captain America, and his friend Joaquin Torres, who recently stepped in to fill the now-vacant role of the Falcon. Following an assassination attempt on the newly-elected President Thaddeus Ross, Wilson and Torres begin searching for the person behind the plot to kill the president. Eventually, their search leads them to a location known as 'Camp Echo One,' which Wilson points out is situated in a secluded location in West Virginia. As Captain America and the Falcon approach the facility, the camera pans to a sign on the side of the road that says the two are entering a radio quiet zone, exactly like West Virginia's real-life National Radio Quiet Zone (NRQZ). Two large radio telescopes are prominent features of Camp Echo One, and Wilson comments on this during the movie, saying the radio telescopes must be a front for something more secretive. The two telescopes bear a striking resemblance to the 100-meter Green Bank Telescope at the U.S. National Science Foundation's Green Bank Observatory (GBO) and are no doubt a nod to the world's largest steerable radio telescope. How does Green Bank get snow off its telescope? However, there is another government facility in the NRQZ that could be a better comparison to the secretive Camp Echo One installation—the Sugar Grove Research Station in Pendleton County. Sugar Grove Research Station, previously known as Sugar Grove U.S. Naval Radio Station or the Navy Information Operations Command Sugar Grove, was a communications research and development base for the U.S. Navy and other government agencies, according to the West Virginia Encyclopedia. Because of this, very little public information exists online about the Sugar Grove station except that the Navy ceased operations at the site in 2015, though the National Security Agency (NSA) still operates part of the facility. According to the WV Encyclopedia, the nature of the facility was revealed as part of Edward Snowden's controversial leaking of government documents in 2013, which revealed a large-scale surveillance program targeting U.S. citizens was being carried out by the U.S. government; for years, the site was allegedly being used to monitor satellite communications and cell phone traffic. Today, the Sugar Grove campus appears to still be for sale by the Sugar Grove LLC. According to the property website, the Sugar Grove Station campus features housing for up to 400 residents, sports fields and courts, a swimming pool, a water treatment facility, a water tower, surveillance equipment like CCTV cameras and security checkpoints, administration buildings, a police and fire station, a youth activity center and even a bowling alley. A map of the facility and labels of each building are available on the property website, along with interior pictures of many of the site's buildings. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
