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Space
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The sheer scale of the universe may oftentimes escape everyday description; our “pale blue dot” may sometimes feel miniscule compared with the sheer scale of the rest of the universe. In response to this, Modern Sciences champions the latest in astronomical developments and discoveries, to help us truly understand what lies beyond our blue skies—not just the universe as how we see it, but a universe in which we are a part. “We are made of star stuff,” after all.
Unusual, long-lasting gamma-ray burst challenges theories about these powerful cosmic explosions that make gold, uranium and other heavy metals
When two neutron stars merge and create a black hole, they produce a powerful blast of gamma rays.…
Improving upon the sun: LED lights fuel plant growth in space
Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) used in medical devices and for growing plants, like potatoes seen here, are used by…
Winter solstice: the astronomy of Christmas
Stonehenge sun. Gareth Dorrian, Nottingham Trent University and Ian Whittaker, Nottingham Trent University From the Neolithic to present…
How the Earth’s tilt creates short, cold January days
The Sun rises in Midland, Michigan, shortly after 8a.m. on Jan. 13, 2017. Christian Collins/Flickr, CC BY-SA Deanna…
Citizen scientists discover new type of aurora
The aurora Steve. Rémi Farvacque/Alberta Aurora Chasers (facebook) Nathan Case, Lancaster University A collaboration between aurora-hunting citizen scientists…
Do the northern lights make sounds that you can hear?
John A Davis/Shutterstock Fiona Amery, University of Cambridge It’s a question that has puzzled observers for centuries: do…
Are the northern lights caused by ‘particles from the Sun’? Not exactly
PhotoVisions/Shutterstock Alexander MacKinnon, University of Glasgow What a spectacle a big aurora is, its shimmering curtains and colourful…
The Most Powerful Explosions In the Universe
We may have crafted for ourselves truly scary forms of explosions for science or other nefarious uses down…
Modern Astronomy: Top Five Past Hits From the Stars
Fancy looking up at the sky and wondering what’s out there? You’re definitely not the only one; people…
Astronomers witness the dying flare of a star torn apart by a black hole halfway across the Universe
An unlucky star is torn apart by the strong gravity of a black hole, leading to the launching…