Topic: National Radio Astronomy Observatory

Einstein's theory of general relativity gets most extreme test yet

In their efforts to crack the mysteries of gravity, scientists continue to probe Albert Einstein's theory of general relativity. The latest test involved a curious binary star system.

Scientists surprised to find pair of black holes keeping each other company

Black holes are the densest objects in the universe, with the largest ones, found at the centers of galaxies, containing millions to billions times more mass than the sun.

Which telescopes could lose out in astronomy's big budget crunch?

Federal budget pressures in the US could force the organization that runs publicly funded observatories to divest itself of six telescopes. The list points to new priorities in astronomy. 

How does star-making start? For first time, scientists might get a glimpse.

Scientists have yet to see a star form all on its own – away from the influence of surrounding stars. Now, researchers say they might have found a candidate. 

Black hole produces 'cosmic Category 5 hurricane'

A stellar-mass black hole, which is born when an extremely massive star collapses, typically contains about five to 10 times the mass of our sun.

ALMA telescope poised to peer into hidden corners of the cosmos

The ALMA radio telescope array set to come on line this week will give astronomers an unprecedented look into areas of the universe obscured from other telescopes – from star nurseries in other galaxies to the black hole at the center of the Milky Way.

Fifty years ago, humanity first searched for alien life in the universe

Astronomer Frank Drake, the man behind that project, received top honors at a banquet gala Saturday at the SETIcon convention here about the search for extraterrestrial intelligence.

Does dark energy exist? New telescope technique could find out.

Intensity mapping, a new method for observing the radio intensity of hydrogen gas, could help solve a fundamental cosmic riddle

How astronomers fill in uncharted areas of the universe

Thanks to new tools, scientists are quickly mapping the stars.

Fledgling radio observatory gets first out-of-this-world glimpse