Composite image of a disk around the young star PDS 70, 370 light-years away. The system's 2 planets are marked. Astronomers have found that the young planet designated PDS 70 c has a circumplanetary disk, a possible birthplace of exomoons. Image via ALMA/A. Isella/ESO. Read more.
After many years of searching, astronomers have finally found what appears to be a circumplanetary disk - that is, a disk of gas and dust - surrounding a young exoplanet. Evidence suggests that moons may be forming there. Read more.
"We knew the Milky Way had a bar, like other barred spiral galaxies. But we only had indirect indications from the motions of stars and gas. This is the first time we see the galactic bar in 3D space, based on geometric measurements of stellar distances." Read more.
The Omega Nebula - M17 - is visible through binoculars and glorious in a low power telescope. It's one of our galaxy's vast star-forming regions. How to find it.
Look for the star Altair in the east on July evenings. You'll recognize it for the 2 fainter stars on either side of it ... as if the 3 were "walking the Milky Way hand in hand and three abreast." Read more.
Here's a cool asterism, or noticeable pattern of stars, to look for in your sky. The Scorpion’s Crown consists of the 3 stars Acrab, Dschubba, and Pi Scorpii. How to find it. This photo is from our friend Dennis Chabot. Thank you, Dennis!
