ScienceDaily: Space & Time News

In a first, astronomers catch a multiple star system in the process of forming Posted: 11 Feb 2015 11:12 AM PST This finding supports model predictions about how two- and three-star systems form. Astronomers say understanding why and how multiple star systems form is essential for grasping phenomena such as star and planet formation, planet frequency and habitability.

Unexpected 'storm' at galaxy's core: Supermassive black hole blasting gas, transforming galaxy Posted: 11 Feb 2015 07:19 AM PST Astronomers found surprisingly energetic activity in what they otherwise considered a "boring" galaxy, and their discovery provides important insight on how supermassive black holes can have a catastrophic effect on the galaxies in which they reside.

Why comets are like deep fried ice cream Posted: 11 Feb 2015 06:08 AM PST Astronomers tinkering with ice and organics in the lab may have discovered why comets are encased in a hard, outer crust. Using an icebox-like instrument nicknamed Himalaya, the researchers show that fluffy ice on the surface of a comet would crystalize and harden as the comet heads toward the sun and warms up. As the water-ice crystals form, becoming denser and more ordered, other molecules containing carbon would be expelled to the comet's surface. The result is a crunchy comet crust sprinkled with organic dust.

Dynamic side of the early universe: Only 380,000 years after the Big Bang Posted: 11 Feb 2015 05:40 AM PST The Planck collaboration has released data from four years of observation by the European Space Agency's Planck spacecraft. The aim of the Planck mission is to study the Cosmic Microwave Background, the light left over from the Big Bang. The measurements, taken in nine frequency bands, were used to map not only the temperature of the radiation but also its polarization, which provides additional information about both the very early Universe (when it was 380,000 years old) and our Galaxy's magnetic field.

Worms in space: Exploring health effects of microgravity Posted: 10 Feb 2015 11:17 AM PST To prepare for people for safely journeying into space for extended periods of time in the future, it's crucial to gain a better understanding of the biophysics involved within reduced gravity and microgravity environments. To this end, researchers are preparing to send transparent microscopic worms up to the International Space Station.