Ultra-fast radio burst could usher in whole new class of space signals

A new signal deepens the mystery of fast radio bursts with a few oddities – it hails from an unexpected region of space, and its pulses are about a million times shorter than most, which could indicate many others like it are going undetected.

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The tense journey from “riskiest asteroid in a decade” to no threat

Astronomers had a tense January, as a newly discovered space rock became the riskiest asteroid in a decade – then hid behind the Moon for a week. Thankfully, further observations have found that it poses no risk to Earth when it swings by next year.

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Space exploration consortium announces plan to put artwork on the Moon

While most artists aspire to have their work exhibited somewhere like The Metropolitan Museum of Art, a piece by Dubai-based painter Sacha Jafri may soon be soaring to even loftier heights – plans call for it to be permanently displayed on the Moon.

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Astronomers discover new type of star with puzzling origins

Astronomers have discovered a new type of star, and exactly how these weird white dwarfs came to be remains a mystery. They're covered in a layer of “ash” that’s usually produced by burning helium, indicating they may have formed as other stars collided.

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Solar storm deorbits up to 40 of SpaceX’s Starlink satellites

SpaceX has lost up to 40 satellites of its Starlink internet constellation due to a geomagnetic storm that is knocking them out of orbit. The satellites were part of a batch of 49 that were launched on February 3 and had not reached their operational altitude.

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First-ever “rogue” black hole discovered zipping through the galaxy

Astronomers believe they’ve detected the first “rogue” black hole, roaming the galaxy alone. The object made itself known when it passed in front of a background star, bending the light with its extreme gravity.

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NASA plans fiery end for International Space Station in 2030

NASA has released its updated plans that outline the International Space Station's (ISS) final years leading up to its eventual disposal in 2030, when it will plunge into the Earth's atmosphere and burn up somewhere over the South Pacific Ocean.

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Simulation reveals origin of strange flares from supermassive black holes

Contrary to their name, black holes are known to fire off flares from time to time, but exactly how this happens is shrouded in mystery. High-resolution simulations have now revealed how twisting magnetic fields can throw off huge amounts of energy.

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Two new studies join debate over presence of liquid water lake on Mars

Recent studies reported the discovery of lakes of liquid water below the polar ice caps on Mars, but others later refuted the find. Fueling the debate are two new independent studies, which have reached opposite conclusions.

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Innovative chemical heating system keeps lunar landers warm at night

With temperatures as cold as to -232 °C, the lunar night is not a friendly place for electronics. Space technology company Masten has developed a more efficient, safer system that uses chemical reactions to keep lander electronics warm until dawn.

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