Latest news with #Orion
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Science
- Time of India
Astronomers discover blazing Betelgeuse has companion star
This is an AI generated image. Used for representation purpose only. Since at least the time of the ancient Egyptians, people across the world have gazed up in awe at Betelgeuse , one of the brightest stars blazing in the night sky. Now astronomers have discovered that this red supergiant , known to many as the hunter's shoulder in the Orion constellation , is being orbited by a much smaller companion star , a study said on Monday. It is not the first time Betelgeuse has surprised stargazers. Seemingly out of nowhere, the giant star dramatically dimmed for five months between 2019 and 2020, leading some scientists to suggest it could soon die in an epic supernova explosion. Further observations revealed that this event -- known as the " Great Dimming " -- was actually caused by material ejected from the surface that cooled part of the star, creating a dust cloud that blocked its light. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Swelling and internal bleeding in the brain, help this baby Donate For Health Donate Now Undo But scientists could still not explain why Betelgeuse's brightness changes regularly, both on a 400-day cycle and another that lasts nearly six years. In a paper titled "A Buddy for Betelgeuse" published in December, some researchers theorised that the longer variation could be caused by a hidden small star orbiting the behemoth. Astronomers using the Gemini North telescope in Hawaii have now discovered this elusive companion, according to a new study in The Astrophysical Journal Letters. - Little buddy - This companion has a mass around 1.5 times greater than our Sun, the research estimated. That means it is dwarfed by Betelgeuse, which is 1,000 times bigger than the Sun. The companion star is around four times the distance from Betelgeuse as the Earth is from the Sun, which is quite close for a stellar companion. The discovery is the first time such a close companion star has been detected orbiting a supergiant, according to a statement from the US research centre NOIRLab, which operates the Gemini Observatory. Betelgeuse is more than 10,000 times brighter than the Sun, its blinding light making spotting anything nearby difficult. Steve Howell, a NASA scientist who led the research team, said previous "papers that predicted Betelgeuse's companion believed that no one would likely ever be able to image it". However the Gemini North telescope was able to spot the much smaller, dimmer star using a technique called speckle imaging. This involves assembling many images taken with short exposure times to overcome the distortions that Earth's atmosphere causes ground-bound telescopes. According to Greek myth, the giant hunter Orion claimed he would kill all the world's beasts, so Earth goddess Gaia sent a scorpion to kill him. God king Zeus then turned both Orion and the scorpion -- Scorpius -- into constellations. Earlier, ancient Egyptians included Betelgeuse in the constellation Osiris, their god of the dead. Even earlier, research has suggested that Indigenous Australians included Betelgeuse in their own constellations -- and had noticed the star's varying brightness.
Miami Herald
a day ago
- Science
- Miami Herald
Blocks all stacked for NASA's future Artemis tower at KSC
There's still more than a year's worth of work to do on NASA's future Artemis launch tower at Kennedy Space Center, but all of the big pieces have been put in place. The last of seven modular steel blocks that make up the bulk of the tower's height was put into place on July 2 by the tower's contractor Bechtel. The block called Mod 10 brings it to 377 feet tall from the base structure. "This achievement underscores our ongoing partnership with NASA and local unions, and the team's steady progress toward safe delivery of this critical infrastructure," the company said in an emailed statement. Progress has been tracked on the company's website with the latest addition dubbed "Reaching the Top." Mod 4 was the first of the seven blocks put in place on Jan. 3, growing the structure 272 feet in less than six months. Mod 10 will support the Crew Access Arm for ML-2, which is among the parts that have yet to be assembled before the company's deadline of November 2026 for delivery to NASA. ML-2 is designed for use on a larger version of NASA's Space Launch System rocket, which won't fly until at least the Artemis IV mission on NASA's roadmap in late 2028. The first three Artemis missions have or will use the ML-1, which was converted from use from NASA's defunct Constellation program. Artemis I was the first launch of SLS, an uncrewed test flight that sent Orion out to the moon and back. Artemis II will be the first crewed flight of Orion, looking to send four astronauts on a trip around the moon without landing no later than April 2026. Artemis III looks to return humans to the moon for the first time since the end of the Apollo program in 1972. That mission, which is reliant on the completion of SpaceX's in-development Starship as a human landing system as well as new spacesuits from Axiom Space, is targeting launch by summer 2027. Whether or not ML-2 would ever be used was in question as President Donald Trump's proposed budget for fiscal year 2026 sought to end the SLS rocket program as well as the Orion spacecraft, Gateway lunar space station and NASA's Exploration Ground Systems team based at KSC after the flight of Artemis III. But Congress, led by an effort from Sen. Ted Cruz, was able add more than $10 billion in this year's "Big, Beautiful Bill" to save SLS for both the fourth and fifth launches of Artemis as well as set aside money for Orion and Gateway. Both versions of the Senate and House budget bills for 2026, moreover, look to keep funding for Artemis' existing programs in place. Congress is the ultimate decider of what the federal budget will look like, although without an agreement, it's possible NASA will simply continue with funding based on current levels with continuing resolutions. Still, with funds already set aside, work continued in earnest to get ML-2 ready for the fourth Artemis flight. It's supposed to fly the first part of the Gateway station, and would use the larger version of SLS called the Block 1B that has more payload capacity. It too would feature a rendezvous and moon landing with Starship. The Artemis V mission is supposed to be the first flight to use Blue Origin's Blue Moon lander instead of Starship. NASA will still need to perform about a year's worth of tests and added work after Bechtel hands it off in 2026. The ML2 project, which was initially a $383 million contract awarded in 2019, had an original delivery date of 2023. A NASA Office of Inspector General audit released in August 2024 said the costs had already nearly tripled to more than $1 billion with the delivery date pushed into late 2026. It's part of the growing costs and delays associated with all facets of the Artemis program. In 2023, the OIG said by the time Artemis III flies, the program will have topped $93 billion in costs since it was originally announced in 2012. -------------- Copyright (C) 2025, Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Portions copyrighted by the respective providers.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Orion Clients Grew Faster Than Peers in 2024 and Utilized More of Their Tech Stack, Cementing Firm's Leadership as It Rockets Beyond $5 Trillion Asset Milestone
Wealthtech leader accelerates advisor growth through scalable technology, flexible ecosystem OMAHA, Neb., July 22, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Orion, a premier provider of transformative wealthtech solutions powering the growth of financial advisors and the enterprise firms that serve them, today announced two major growth milestones: surpassing both $5 trillion in assets under administration and $100 billion in wealth management platform assets. Fueled by advisor-driven growth, Orion has seen an over 15% year-over-year increase in technology accounts for three consecutive years. Today, the firm supports more than 7.5 million technology accounts, 326,000 wealth management accounts, and 25,000 firms. Orion now services $5.2 trillion in assets under administration (a 35% increase since 2023) and manages $102.7 billion in wealth management platform assets as of June 30, 2025. "Achieving these milestones reflects Orion's accelerating momentum as the growth partner of choice for RIAs, enterprises, and hybrid firms across all advisory models," said Natalie Wolfsen, CEO of Orion. Underscoring the drivers behind this growth, Orion also shared insights from its 2025 Advisor Growth Survey. The survey reveals that in 2024, Orion clients achieved an organic asset growth rate that was nearly 10% higher than that of non-Orion clients.1 Separately, an Orion analysis of Fidelity data shows that Orion clients led deals representing 75% of 2024 M&A activity in the wealth management space, based on assets.2 These findings underscore Orion's role as the growth partner of choice for RIAs, enterprises, and hybrid firms across all advisory models. "Our clients are among the most forward-thinking and growth-oriented firms in the industry," said Wolfsen. "They're achieving exceptional results by combining their own strategic vision with the right partners and tools. Orion is proud to be a key partner – serving as a force multiplier that helps advisors scale more efficiently, deepen client relationships, and unlock new opportunities through connected technology and expert support. Their success is our north star." Orion powers top-performing firms: 17 of the top 20 Barron's RIA firms and 6 of the top 7 mega RIAs rely on Orion.3 Nearly one-third of RIAs over $1 billion AUM partner with Orion.4 On average, Orion clients utilize 10% more of their tech stack compared to their peers.5 Advisor Growth Survey Methodology An 8-minute online survey was conducted in May 2025 by Logica Research among independent financial advisors. Sample size = 1,379 (1,122 Orion clients and 257 non-Orion clients). About Orion Orion is a premier provider of the tech-enabled fiduciary process that transforms the advisor-client relationship by enabling financial advisors to Prospect, Plan, Invest, and Achieve within a single, connected, technology-driven experience. Combined, our brand entities—Orion Advisor Tech, Orion Portfolio Solutions, Brinker Capital Investments, Redtail Technology, and Orion OCIO—create a complete offering that empowers firms to attract new clients seamlessly, connect goals more meaningfully to investment strategies and outcomes, and ultimately track progress toward each investor's unique definition of financial success. Orion services $5.2 trillion in assets under administration and $102.7 billion of wealth management platform assets (as of June 30, 2025) and supports over 7.5 million technology accounts and thousands of independent advisory firms. Today, 17 out of the Top 20 Barron's RIA firms3 rely on Orion's technology to power their businesses and win for investors. Learn more at Orion Portfolio Solutions and Brinker Capital Investments advisory services offered through Orion Portfolio Solutions, LLC ("OPS"), a registered investment advisor. Orion OCIO services offered through TownSquare Capital, LLC ("TSC"). Wealth management platform assets include assets managed on a discretionary and non-discretionary basis by OPS and TS) on their proprietary platforms, assets in proprietary and third-party models made available through OPS's Communities platform, and assets in OPS's proprietary models managed on third-party platforms. 1 In 2024, Orion clients achieved an organic asset growth rate that was 9% higher than that of non-Orion clients. Source: Orion's 2025 Advisor Growth Survey. Sample size: 372 (238 Orion, 134 Non-Orion.) Question: Thinking about your organic asset growth rate excluding market appreciation and acquisitions, what do you estimate was your firm's organic asset growth rate in 2024? 2 Orion analysis using Fidelity Wealth Management M&A Transaction Report, December 2024. Excluded transactions where the acquirer was not a wealth firm (e.g., a private equity firm). report summary 3 2024 Top 100 RIA Firms, Barron's, 2024. 4 RIAs over $1B based on comparison of Orion databases as of 3/31/25 vs number of RIAs over $1B per Cerulli U.S RIA Marketplace 2024 (year-end 2023 assets). 5 Orion 2025 Advisor Growth Survey. 1933-R-25198 View source version on Contacts Media Contact On Orion's behalf:StreetCred PRorion@ Natalie O'Dellnatalie@ 717-818-2116 Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Business Wire
a day ago
- Business
- Business Wire
Orion Clients Grew Faster Than Peers in 2024 and Utilized More of Their Tech Stack, Cementing Firm's Leadership as It Rockets Beyond $5 Trillion Asset Milestone
OMAHA, Neb.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Orion, a premier provider of transformative wealthtech solutions powering the growth of financial advisors and the enterprise firms that serve them, today announced two major growth milestones: surpassing both $5 trillion in assets under administration and $100 billion in wealth management platform assets. Fueled by advisor-driven growth, Orion has seen an over 15% year-over-year increase in technology accounts for three consecutive years. Today, the firm supports more than 7.5 million technology accounts, 326,000 wealth management accounts, and 25,000 firms. Orion now services $5.2 trillion in assets under administration (a 35% increase since 2023) and manages $102.7 billion in wealth management platform assets as of June 30, 2025. 'Achieving these milestones reflects Orion's accelerating momentum as the growth partner of choice for RIAs, enterprises, and hybrid firms across all advisory models,' said Natalie Wolfsen, CEO of Orion. Underscoring the drivers behind this growth, Orion also shared insights from its 2025 Advisor Growth Survey. The survey reveals that in 2024, Orion clients achieved an organic asset growth rate that was nearly 10% higher than that of non-Orion clients. 1 Separately, an Orion analysis of Fidelity data shows that Orion clients led deals representing 75% of 2024 M&A activity in the wealth management space, based on assets. 2 These findings underscore Orion's role as the growth partner of choice for RIAs, enterprises, and hybrid firms across all advisory models. 'Our clients are among the most forward-thinking and growth-oriented firms in the industry,' said Wolfsen. 'They're achieving exceptional results by combining their own strategic vision with the right partners and tools. Orion is proud to be a key partner – serving as a force multiplier that helps advisors scale more efficiently, deepen client relationships, and unlock new opportunities through connected technology and expert support. Their success is our north star.' Orion powers top-performing firms: 17 of the top 20 Barron's RIA firms and 6 of the top 7 mega RIAs rely on Orion. 3 Nearly one-third of RIAs over $1 billion AUM partner with Orion. 4 On average, Orion clients utilize 10% more of their tech stack compared to their peers. 5 Advisor Growth Survey Methodology An 8-minute online survey was conducted in May 2025 by Logica Research among independent financial advisors. Sample size = 1,379 (1,122 Orion clients and 257 non-Orion clients). About Orion Orion is a premier provider of the tech-enabled fiduciary process that transforms the advisor-client relationship by enabling financial advisors to Prospect, Plan, Invest, and Achieve within a single, connected, technology-driven experience. Combined, our brand entities—Orion Advisor Tech, Orion Portfolio Solutions, Brinker Capital Investments, Redtail Technology, and Orion OCIO—create a complete offering that empowers firms to attract new clients seamlessly, connect goals more meaningfully to investment strategies and outcomes, and ultimately track progress toward each investor's unique definition of financial success. Orion services $5.2 trillion in assets under administration and $102.7 billion of wealth management platform assets (as of June 30, 2025) and supports over 7.5 million technology accounts and thousands of independent advisory firms. Today, 17 out of the Top 20 Barron's RIA firms 3 rely on Orion's technology to power their businesses and win for investors. Learn more at Orion Portfolio Solutions and Brinker Capital Investments advisory services offered through Orion Portfolio Solutions, LLC ("OPS"), a registered investment advisor. Orion OCIO services offered through TownSquare Capital, LLC ("TSC"). Wealth management platform assets include assets managed on a discretionary and non-discretionary basis by OPS and TS) on their proprietary platforms, assets in proprietary and third-party models made available through OPS's Communities platform, and assets in OPS's proprietary models managed on third-party platforms. 1933-R-25198
Business Insider
a day ago
- Business
- Business Insider
U.S. firm with ex-military ties plots entry into Africa's top copper-producing nation
A consortium of American investors backed by ex-U.S. military veterans is in advanced talks to acquire Chemaf Resources Ltd., a major copper and cobalt producer based in the Democratic Republic of Congo. A consortium of American investors and former US military personnel is negotiating to acquire a major mineral producer in the DRC Orion Resource Partners and Virtus Minerals are key players in the deal, with Virtus proposing to manage operations and Orion providing financial backing. This acquisition aligns with a broader US strategy to reduce China's dominance in the global critical minerals market, particularly within Africa. The negotiations, involving Orion Resource Partners and Virtus Minerals, reflect a broader push by the United States under President Donald Trump to counter China's dominant position in the critical minerals market, especially in Africa. The US-owned firms have deep ties to the US military and intelligence community, with expertise in critical mineral supply chains. Orion, based in New York, manages around $8 billion in mining-related assets, while Virtus operates a Congolese subsidiary, ROK Metals. Virtus President Gregory Roberts previously served with the CIA and the House Intelligence Committee, and Managing Director Phil Braun is a Green Beret with two decades of military experience. Under the proposed deal, Orion would finance the acquisition and Virtus would oversee operations. Financial details remain undisclosed. However, Bloomberg reports that a source familiar with the negotiations says the parties have not yet entered into an exclusivity agreement, as several aspects of the deal remain unresolved. US's deep interest in Congo's minerals As the world's second-largest producer of copper and the leading source of cobalt, the central African nation has become a strategic focus in Washington's push to counter China's dominance over global critical mineral supply chains. The talks are unfolding amid efforts by President Donald Trump's administration to strengthen American involvement in the Democratic Republic of Congo's mining sector. They are also seen as part of a broader strategy to ease the long-standing tensions between the DRC and Rwanda, disputes that have been deeply rooted in the struggle over control of the region's vast mineral wealth. Chemaf, which operates significant mining assets across the DRC, is one of Congo's most prominent producers of cobalt, an essential metal for batteries and electric vehicles as well as copper, which structures everything from power grids to electronics. With Congo being the world's largest cobalt supplier and second-largest copper producer, control over Chemaf offers enormous geopolitical and economic leverage.
