Topic: University of Leicester

Planets hurtling near the speed of light? It's possible, study says.

Scientists want to know if planets can form near the supermassive black hole at the core of the galaxy. If so, the black hole could fling them out into space at enormous speeds that, from our vantage point, could appear to approach the speed of light. 

Scientists explain pileups of gigantic alien worlds

Researchers say they have apparently discovered the secret behind the mysterious clumping of massive alien worlds: high-energy radiation from their stars.

Stars create gaps devoid of gas giants, study finds

Computer simulations of young solar systems suggest that gas giants seem to avoid certain orbital regions around stars, a phenomenon caused by intense radiation emanating from young stars. 

Milky Way's enormous black hole gorges on asteroids (+video)

British astrophysicists think that asteroids are being devoured by the supernassive black hole at our galaxy's center, as evidenced by the daily X-ray flares detected by NASA's Chandra space telescope. Historical records indicate tha black hole may have even swallowed a planet.

Indians rally against a boom in corruption

As in China and other fast-rising economies, boom times are known to produce corruption cases. Now, social activists in India are pushing back with mass protests.

Five trees you’ve never heard of that are helping to feed Africa

Trees such as black plum, marula, and dika provide fruits, leaves, and nuts that have nourished Africans for centuries.

British students know the value of education

Hefty tuition hikes wouldn't deter applicants from the best schools in Britain, a new survey reports.

Senior Blair aide defends UK case for Iraq war at Chilcot Inquiry

The Chilcot Inquiry into former British Prime Minister Tony Blair's decision to invade Iraq heard from Alastair Campbell, its most senior witness so far. Mr. Campbell has been at the center of allegations that intelligence was distorted to make Saddam Hussein appear a greater threat than he was.

How astronomers fill in uncharted areas of the universe

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

How monarch butterflies find their way to Mexico

A new study shows that the butterflies' antennae are key.

Astronomers say they've ID'd missing "middleweight" black hole

Comet Lulin arrives tonight - break out your telescopes

Denmark's hippie haven faces shutdown

Christiania has flown its own flag for decades now, but the Danish government and real estate interests say, Enough!

Actually, happiness isn't within

Some cultures are simply better at producing happy citizens than others.