Tag Astrophysics
Watery planets orbiting dead stars may be good candidates for studying life — if they can survive long enough
The small footprint and dim light of white dwarfs, remnants of stars that have burned through their fuel, may make excellent backdrops for studying planets with enough water to harbor life. Read More
Federal physics advisory panel recommends funding next generation IceCube observatory, other major experiments
A group of scientists tasked with advising the federal government's investments in particle physics research is recommending that the United States fund a planned expansion of the IceCube Neutrino Observatory, an international scientific collaboration operated by the University of Wisconsin–Madison at the South Pole. Read More
IceCube shows Milky Way galaxy is a neutrino desert
For the first time, the IceCube Neutrino Observatory has produced an image of the Milky Way using neutrinos — tiny, ghostlike astronomical messengers. Read More
Celebrating IceCube’s first decade of discovery
The Antarctic observatory's founders believed that studying cosmic neutrinos would reveal hidden parts of the universe. Over the course of the next decade, they would be proven right. Read More
Massive halo finally explains stream of gas swirling around the Milky Way
Astronomers have solved a 50-year-old puzzle, discovering that the halo of warm gas surrounding the Magellanic Clouds likely acts as a protective cocoon. Read More
First optical measurements of Milky Way’s Fermi Bubbles probe their origin
Using the Wisconsin H-Alpha Mapper telescope, astronomers have for the first time measured the Fermi Bubbles in the visible light spectrum. Read More
South Pole neutrino detector uses computing capabilities to aid COVID-19 research
The Wisconsin IceCube Particle Astrophysics Center is providing some of its available computing resources to help researchers understand how the virus compromises human immune systems and reproduces. Read More
Researchers recreate the sun’s solar wind and plasma “burps” on Earth
A new study by UW–Madison physicists mimicked solar winds in the lab, confirming how they develop and providing an Earth-bound model for the future study of solar physics. Read More
Cosmic ray exhibits, conference explore the universe’s mysteries
Event Horizon: portraits of three physicists captured holding an object that inspired their careers, and Messages from the Horizon, which consists of spinning LEDs representing black holes, are on display in the Main Gallery of the Memorial Union. Read More
IceCube: Antarctic neutrino detector to get $37 million upgrade
IceCube, which in 2018 helped unravel one of the oldest riddles in physics and astronomy — the origin of high-energy neutrinos and cosmic rays — has received new funding to expand the detector and its scientific capabilities. Read More
UW lab gears up for another Antarctic drilling campaign
The UW–Madison Physical Sciences Laboratory, which specializes in making customized equipment for UW–Madison researchers, will once again lead drilling operations for the IceCube neutrino observatory. Read More
Technique pulls interstellar magnetic fields within easy reach
Researchers have developed a more accessible and much cheaper approach to surveying interstellar magnetic fields — one of the most potent forces in nature, which weave through space in our galaxy and beyond. Read More
Seminar on astrobiology aims to inspire a look into the bounds of life
By bringing together biologists, chemists, engineers, astronomers and others, astrobiology aims to uncover the origin of life on our planet and life’s prospects in the cosmos. Read More
Gamma ray telescope ready for prime time
A new telescope, part of an international effort to develop and build the world’s largest, most sensitive gamma-ray detector, was unveiled to the public Thursday. UW–Madison scientists developed a camera at the heart of the telescope. Read More
Taming turbulence: Seeking to make complex simulations a breeze
An improved model will more easily address previously intractable problems for understanding phenomena such as star formation and the dynamics of galaxies without the need for expensive supercomputers. Read More
LAB3 exhibition helps high school students merge physics and art
A new exhibition featuring artworks inspired by scientific research led by UW–Madison physicists, and created by high school students with the help of artists and writers. Read More
Stellar magnetism: What’s behind the most brilliant lights in the sky?
"The best picture yet of magnetic reconnection in space” offer insight into the role of magnetic reconnection in celestial explosions, eruptions and extraordinary emissions of energy. Read More
Icebound detector reveals how ghostly neutrinos are stopped cold
An international team of researchers at the IceCube Neutrino Observatory has made a critical measurement that may one day help predict new physics beyond the Standard Model, which seeks to explain the fundamental forces of the universe. Read More
UW awarded $12.5 million to study astrophysical plasma here on Earth
The new Wisconsin Plasma Physics Laboratory, or WiPPL, will research fundamental properties of plasma in order to better understand our universe, where the hot gas is abundant. Read More