First observation of a polar cyclone on Uranus

First observation of a polar cyclone on Uranus

NASA scientists have confirmed the presence of a polar cyclone at the north pole of Uranus. The data, gathered between 2015 and 2022 using the Very Large Array in New Mexico, revealed warmer and drier air circulating below the planet’s clouds, a key indicator of cyclonic activity. The findings were published in Geophysical Research Letters.

Astronomers record small asteroid impacting Jupiter

Astronomers record small asteroid impacting Jupiter

A bright fireball — most likely a small asteroid or a comet — struck Jupiter at 22:39 UTC on September 13, 2021. The impact was seen and captured by astronomers across the world who were observing the ongoing transit of the shadow of Jupiter's moon Io. "A…

C/2014 UN271 (Bernardinelli-Bernstein) – the largest comet ever discovered

C/2014 UN271 (Bernardinelli-Bernstein) – the largest comet ever discovered

Comet Bernardinelli-Bernstein (C/2014 UN271) — the largest comet ever discovered — is heading towards our solar system and forecast to make its closest approach in 2031 at 10.1 AU or slightly farther than Saturn. The current estimate suggests its nucleus is…

Record-breaking solar flare erupts from Proxima Centauri

Record-breaking solar flare erupts from Proxima Centauri

Scientists have observed an extreme, record-breaking solar flare from Proxima Centauri, our sun's closest star. The outburst was roughly 100 times more powerful than any similar event seen from our own sun. Proxima Centauri is a small but 'mighty' red…

Study reveals key discovery about aurora activity on Jupiter

Study reveals key discovery about aurora activity on Jupiter

A team of international researchers has made a major discovery about aurora activity on Jupiter. Their study supports the previously controversial idea that Jupiter's polar cap is threaded in part with closed magnetic field lines and proves the lights hold clues…