Heavy metal factories
New observations of merging neutron stars have found signs of heavy elements being created by the collisions. The source of heavy metals has long been a mystery, as supernovae lack the energy to produce them. But the find shows that neutron stars have been seeding the Universe with them for at least 2.5 billion years.
Our Solar System’s future
Astronomers have found the first example of a planetary system similar to our own, but with a former Sun-like host star that has already gone through its red giant stage. The planets are far out, suggesting Jupiter and Saturn could survive our star’s eventual demise.
Square Kilometre Array host agreement signed
After years of planning, the Square Kilometre Array Organisation (SKAO) has signed agreements with Australia and South Africa to host the telescope. When finished, the Square Kilometre Array will consist of thousands of small radio antennae working as one to create the world’s largest radio telescope.
UK to help map solar bubble
The UK has agreed to collaborate with NASA on its upcoming Interstellar Mapping and Acceleration Probe (IMAP) and will build the spacecraft’s magnetometer. The mission is scheduled to launch in 2025 and will investigate the magnetic bubble around the Sun to help predict space weather and understand how solar radiation could affect astronauts.
JWST at launch site
After a 16-day ocean voyage, the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) arrived in French Guiana on 12 October. The spacecraft is scheduled to launch on board an Ariane 5 rocket on 18 December from the ESA’s space port in the town of Kourou.
Help search for planets
A new online citizen science project is asking members of the public to help search for new planets outside the Solar System by searching through data from the Planet Hunters’ Next- Generation Transit Search (NGTS). Visit http://ngts. planethunters.org for more details on how you can help.