Science · Astronomy
what processes set the spin rates of newborn neutron stars?
The spin rate of a newborn neutron star is set by a sequence of processes that begin in the progenitor star and continue through collapse and the immediate aftermath. At
why do some globular clusters show multiple stellar populations?
Many globular clusters once considered prototype examples of the simple stellar population are now known to contain stars with distinct photometric sequences and chemical patterns. Observations reveal discrete main sequences
what mechanisms produce the observed diversity of fast radio bursts?
Fast radio bursts show wide variety in repetition, spectrum, polarization, and local environment. That diversity arises from a mix of intrinsic emission physics at compact objects and propagation through magnetized
what role do magnetic fields play in star formation efficiency?
Magnetic fields shape how efficiently interstellar gas turns into stars by providing support against gravity, guiding flows, and enabling the removal of angular momentum. In dense molecular clouds where stars
what causes the misalignment of planetary orbits in exoplanet systems?
Planetary orbital misalignment — the angle between a planet’s orbital plane and its star’s equator — reveals how planetary systems form and evolve. Measurements using the Rossiter-McLaughlin effect and stellar
how do black holes influence galaxy evolution?
Supermassive black holes at galaxy centers exert influence far beyond their immediate gravitational grasp. Observations and theoretical work show that these compact objects interact with their host galaxies through both
how do exoplanets maintain stable atmospheres?
A planet keeps an atmosphere when the forces that remove gases are balanced by the forces that hold and replenish them. Gravity sets the basic requirement: a higher escape velocity
how stable are trojan asteroids over billions of years?
Most Jupiter Trojan asteroids are remarkably long-lived, with a substantial fraction remaining in stable orbits for times comparable to the age of the Solar System. Numerical integrations and dynamical studies
what imprints remain from primordial gravitational waves?
Primordial gravitational waves are ripples in spacetime generated at extremely early times, most plausibly during a phase of rapid expansion called inflation. Their most robust predicted imprints are indirect: slight
when do protostellar disks fragment into multiple stars?
Protostellar disks fragment into multiple stars when local parts of the disk become gravitationally unstable and can cool fast enough to collapse before shear and pressure disperse them. The classic