SPACERIUM

Discovery and Naming Eris , the largest known dwarf planet in our solar system, was a groundbreaking discovery. In 2005 , a team led by Mike Brown at the Palomar Observatory identified this distant object, initially codenamed "Xena" after the popular TV character. Its exceptional size and distance challenged the traditional definition of a planet. Later, it was officially named Eris after the Greek goddess of discord and strife, a fitting moniker for a celestial body that stirred up so much astronomical debate. Composition: An Icy World Eris is primarily composed of rock and ice , similar to its fellow dwarf planet, Pluto. However, scientists believe that Eris has a higher proportion of rock compared to ice. This icy exterior is a result of its extreme distance from the Sun, where temperatures plummet to unimaginable lows. Despite its frigid surface, Eris boasts a remarkably high albedo, meaning it reflects a significant amount of sunlight . This suggests a surface covere...

Stellar Crescendo : Chandra's Serenade to Cassiopeia A In the cosmic ballet where stars compose their ephemeral symphonies, one celestial masterpiece, Cassiopeia A (Cas A), has captivated astronomers and stargazers alike. The saga of its discovery unfolds against the canvas of space, a tale that blends scientific curiosity with technological prowess, primarily through the lens of the Chandra X-ray Observatory. Let's embark on a journey through time and space to unravel the enchanting narrative of Cassiopeia A. The Prelude: Cassiopeia A's Historical Echoes The origin of Cassiopeia A's story can be traced back to 1947 when astronomers first detected radio waves emanating from the Cassiopeia constellation. However, it wasn't until the dawn of the 21st century that the celestial curtains were truly drawn aside. Chandra, equipped with revolutionary X-ray vision, became the key player in uncovering the secrets harbored within this cosmic enigma. What is Cassiopeia A? Cass...

  High-energy cosmic rays may originate within the Milky Way galaxy The most energetic particles in the universe appear to emerge from sources within the Milky Way, our home galaxy. Cosmic rays  are made of subatomic particles, such as protons and electrons, whose energies span a wide spectrum.  Ultra-high-energy cosmic rays  easily host tens of millions of times more energy than any particle accelerator can generate on Earth, but where they come from — and precisely what accelerates them to become some of the fastest in the universe — has intrigued scientists since the discovery of these phenomena in 1962. In the past, astronomers had managed to provide some solid evidence that cosmic rays come from sources residing  outside  the Milky Way. But now, a new study suggests they also originate from  within  the galaxy, blasting out from the leftovers of exploded stars, otherwise known as supernova remnants.  The latest results are thanks to a se...