Science May 24, 2024

Earth Twin or Evil Twin

The discovery of a planet similar to Venus around a star in the neighborhood of the Solar System raises hopes that astronomers may someday unlock the secret to why life appeared on Earth.

Science May 10, 2024

ONe Nova to Rule Them All

Astronomers have proposed a new theory to explain the origin of phosphorus, one of the elements important for life on Earth. The theory suggests a type of stellar explosion known as ONe novae as a major source of phosphorus.

Topics April 23, 2024

Izumi and Hirano received the Young Scientists’ Award in The Commendation for Science and Technology by the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology

Associate Professor Takuma Izumi of the NAOJ ALMA Project and Associate Professor Teruyuki Hirano of the NINS Astrobiology Center (concurrently appointed to Subaru Telescope) received the Young Scientists’ Award from the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology in the Science and Technology category in 2024.

Science April 11, 2024

Twinkle Twinkle Baby Star, ‘Sneezes’ Tell us How You Are

Astronomers have discovered the remnants of powerful ‘sneezes’ expelling gas, dust, and electromagnetic energy around stars in the process of forming. The team believes these sneezes help the baby star expel excess magnetic flux, and as such may play a vital role in enabling the star to form.

Science April 8, 2024

Inexplicable Flying Fox found in Hydra Galaxy Cluster

High sensitivity radio observations have discovered a cloud of magnetized plasma in the Hydra galaxy cluster. The odd location and shape of this plasma defy all conventional explanations. Dubbed the Flying Fox based on its silhouette, this plasma will remain a mystery until additional observations can provide more insight.

Topics April 1, 2024

Message from New Director General of NAOJ, Mamoru Doi

Message from new director general of NAOJ, Mamoru Doi.

Science March 28, 2024

ALMA Finds New Molecular Signposts in Starburst Galaxy

The ALMA radio telescope has detected more than 100 molecular species, including many indicative of different star formation and evolution processes, in a galaxy where stars are forming much more actively than in the Milky Way. This is far more molecules than were found in previous studies. Now the team will try to apply this knowledge to other galaxies.

Science March 22, 2024

Simulations of Europa Craters Suggest Thick Ice Crust

Sometimes planetary physics is like being in a snowball fight. Most people, if handed an already formed snowball, can use their experience and the feel of the ball to guess what kind of snow it is comprised of: wet and puffy, or dry and packable. Using nearly the same principles, planetary scientists have been able to study the structure of Europa, Jupiter’s icy moon.

Topics March 14, 2024

Professor Satoshi Miyazaki Wins Japan Academy Prize

Professor Satoshi Miyazaki, Director of Subaru Telescope of the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan (NAOJ), has received the Japan Academy Prize.

Topics March 11, 2024

“Repsold Transit Instrument and the Repsold Transit Instrument Building” Recognized as Japan Astronomical Heritage

The Repsold Transit Instrument, designated as an Important Cultural Property, and its building, which is a Registered Tangible Cultural Property, were recognized in the 6th (FY 2023) Japan Astronomical Heritage list as “The Repsold Transit Instrument and the Repsold Transit Instrument Building."