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30 Doradus detail

Magnetic Waves Create Chaos in Star-Forming Clouds

New research by Stella Offner finds that magnetic waves are an important factor driving the process of star formation within the enormous clouds that birth stars. 

New Geodetic Observatory Coming to McDonald

A new scientific facility is under construction here. The McDonald Geodetic Observatory will help scientists better understand Earth and could help minimize the effects of geohazards such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, sea level changes and landslides

galaxy wind

Galactic 'Wind' Stifling Star Formation is Most Distant Yet Seen

For the first time, a powerful “wind” of molecules has been detected in a galaxy located 12 billion light-years away. Justin Spilker’s research sheds light on how the earliest galaxies regulated the birth of stars to keep from blowing themselves apart.

GMT site excavation

Excavation Begins at GMT Site

Hard rock excavation has begun for the Giant Magellan Telescope’s (GMT’s) massive concrete pier and the foundations for the telescope’s enclosure on its site at Las Campanas Observatory in Chile.

Gravitational Wave Event Likely Signaled Creation of a Black Hole

The spectacular merger of two neutron stars that generated gravitational waves announced last fall likely did something else: birthed a black hole — possibly the lowest mass black hole ever found.