UF Astraeus Space Institute’s Post

Dive into the fascinating world of space with our Young Astronaut Program! Our comprehensive course covers everything you need to know about Astronomy, Rocketry, CubeSats, and Rovers! Your cosmic adventure starts here. Don’t miss out! Register now! #SDNx #worldofspace #WorldOfDiscovery #astronomy #galaxy #spacestudies #rovers #cubesats #moon #spaceexploration #SpaceDevelopment #youngastronautprogram #dreams #foryoupage #explorepage #exploremore #registertoday #linkdin

Astronomy Picture of the Day (APOD) Exoplanet Zoo: Other Stars (APOD: 2024 Jul 08) Illustration Credit & Copyright: Martin Vargic, Halcyon Maps https://lnkd.in/dPWysbGa Explanation: Do other stars have planets like our Sun? Surely they do, and evidence includes slight star wobbles created by the gravity of orbiting exoplanets and slight star dimmings caused by orbiting planets moving in front. In all, there have now been over 5,500 exoplanets discovered, including thousands by NASA's space-based Kepler and TESS missions, and over 100 by ESO's ground-based HARPS instrument. Featured here is an illustrated guess as to what some of these exoplanets might look like. Neptune-type planets occupy the middle and are colored blue because of blue-scattering atmospheric methane they might contain. On the sides of the illustration, Jupiter-type planets are shown, colored tan and red from the scatterings of atmospheric gases that likely include small amounts of carbon. Interspersed are many Earth-type rocky planets of many colors. As more exoplanets are discovered and investigated, humanity is developing a better understanding of how common Earth-like planets are, and how common life might be in the universe. https://lnkd.in/dD-T3mek #APOD

🔍Exploring Exoplanet Atmospheres in TRAPPIST-1: A New Perspective The TRAPPIST-1 system, located 40 light-years away, is a compelling study target for astronomers, hosting seven Earth-sized exoplanets around a cool red dwarf star. Recent research suggests these rocky worlds, despite exposure to intense stellar flares, might retain stable atmospheres through unique chemical interactions deep within each planet. This raises the possibility of habitability, especially in the system’s three planets within the habitable zone. Observations from the James Webb Space Telescope continue to deepen our understanding of TRAPPIST-1’s potential for hosting life. #Exoplanets #TRAPPIST1 #SpaceExploration #Astrobiology #JamesWebb

In the 16th century, #Nicolaus #Copernicus revolutionized astronomy with his #heliocentric theory, placing the Sun at the center of our solar system. This was a dramatic shift from the geocentric model, which had Earth at the universe's center. Copernicus's model simplified the understanding of planetary movements and provided a #more #accurate explanation for retrograde motion—the apparent backward movement of planets as observed from Earth. While he initially described orbits as circular, his work laid the foundation for Johannes Kepler’s discovery of elliptical orbits and #Newton’s laws of gravitation. This theory was a cornerstone for modern astronomy, fundamentally changing how we view the solar system. It clarified the arrangement of the eight planets, dwarf planets like Pluto, and the numerous moons, asteroids, and comets orbiting the Sun. The heliocentric model not only transformed our view of the universe but also reshaped our place within it. #Astronomy #HeliocentricTheory #ScientificRevolution #SpaceExploration #NicolausCopernicus #Innovation

Our Photometry on the WASP 39b exoplanet

The Kepler space telescope showed us that Earth-like planets are widespread across our galaxy, sparking curiosity about their origins. The JWST MIRI mid-Infrared Disk Survey (MINDS) is stepping up to explore this mystery by studying "protoplanetary disks," which are the birthplaces of planets around young stars. MINDS aims to examine the materials around various stars to understand what can form Earth-like planets, observe the evolution and eventual disappearance of these planet-forming environments, and provide clearer insights into the initial stages of planet formation. This project promises to bridge our understanding of the link between the formation of stars and planets and the diverse planets we've discovered, paving the way for exciting new discoveries in the realm of space and planetary science. #exoplanets #planetarydiscoveries #scientificresearch

Subject: Possibility of Aurorae Tonight & Upcoming Comet Hi everyone, Following a coronal mass ejection by the Sun a couple days ago, there’s the possibility of aurora tonight visible from NJ! The forecasts are nearly as good as the geomagnetic storm on May 11 that did result in aurora visible here in NJ that many of us missed. The highest forecast starts even before it gets dark, but the best time to try and see it would be from after it gets fully dark – around 8pm – until about 2am. Here are two different forecasts. https://lnkd.in/eCtu3hYR https://lnkd.in/ekfvcKdh The NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center’s forecast says that the aurora should be visible on the northern horizon here in NJ, but the Alaska Geophysical Institute forecast says that it may even be overhead! The very end of the 30 minute forecast video shows where the aurora is expected in the next 30 minutes: https://lnkd.in/eXwDESBC The aurora can be faint – especially considering the light pollution in our area – so long exposure pictures that many phones can take these days can be helpful in revealing them. Hopefully some of us can catch them! Also, a bright comet is about to emerge into our evening skies. Comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan–ATLAS) is currently hidden in the glare of the Sun, but it is about to become visible in the evening sky. This chart (https://lnkd.in/eiGzpA4d) from Sky & Telescope shows where the comet will be each night. As the month stretches on, the comet will set later and later but will become progressively fainter. The comet will start out as bright as some of the brightest stars in the sky on the 12th, and should be visible from even light polluted skies until the 19th. To see the comet’s tail, you may need to use a telescope or to take an extended exposure with a camera. This video from a spacecraft that observes the outer atmosphere of the Sun shows the comet entering the field of view – and shows the coronal mass ejections that may generate tonight’s aurorae! https://lnkd.in/egC9Xe6s (9).gif Best, Jacob H. Hamer, PhD Assistant Curator, Planetarium Education

WASP-39b is an exoplanet discovered in 2011 orbiting the star WASP-39, located approximately 700 light-years away in the constellation Virgo. It belongs to the class of hot Jupiter exoplanets due to its similar mass and size to Jupiter but much closer orbit to its parent star, completing one orbit in just 4 days. WASP-39b has drawn interest from astronomers due to its relatively low density, about half that of Jupiter, suggesting it may possess a significant atmosphere. Studying exoplanets like WASP-39b helps scientists better understand the diversity and formation of planetary systems beyond our own. PACS e-Lab citizen astronomers scheduled an observation of the system from the Micro Observatory. Our team also performed the photometry and produced this light curve. They used 6 comparison stars. To learn about and get involved in our exoplanet research project check: https://lnkd.in/dBPM_v8f #education #space #astronomy #webtelescope #spaceexploration #citizenscience #research #africa #exoplanetexploration

🌌 Exploring New Frontiers in the Search for Extraterrestrial Life🌌 As we push the boundaries of space exploration, recent advancements in mega telescopes like the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) are opening new doors in our quest to understand the universe. These powerful instruments are not just peering deeper into space than ever before—they're also equipped to analyze the atmospheres of distant exoplanets. The ability to detect atmospheric biosignatures could be our key to discovering extraterrestrial life. By examining the chemical makeup of these atmospheres, scientists can identify signs of biological activity, marking a significant leap forward in astrobiology. This is more than just a scientific endeavor; it's a collaborative journey that bridges technology, innovation, and our timeless fascination with the stars. Let's discuss how these technological marvels are reshaping our approach to understanding life beyond Earth. 🔭 What do you think the future holds for space exploration and the search for life beyond our planet? Let's connect and discuss the infinite possibilities! #SpaceExploration #Astrobiology #Exoplanets #JamesWebbSpaceTelescope #Innovation #ScienceAndTechnology

Astronomers have discovered that the well-known black hole binary system V404 Cygni is actually a triple system, featuring a distant third star orbiting the black hole and its companion. Located about 3,500 times farther than the inner binary, this outer star was previously overlooked. Using data from the ESA’s Gaia survey, researchers confirmed that the outer star is weakly bound to the black hole and its companion. This discovery challenges traditional theories of black hole formation, which typically involve violent supernova explosions. The team suggests that the black hole in V404 Cygni may have formed through a quieter direct collapse, which wouldn’t expel the outer star. This rare find could lead to new insights into how black holes form and evolve, and whether other triple systems exist.#space #universe #astronomy