agosto 15, 2025

Catch a Fast Radio Burst and Dive into the History of the First Stars

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Read news from the world of astronomy for the week of August 15, 2025.

This week in the world of astronomy, dive into the history of the very first stars and catch a fast radio burst from the early universe. Plus, find out whether Trappist-1d has an atmosphere or not.

Were the Very First Stars Really That Massive?

New research opens the possibility that the first stars weren’t the behemoths we expected them to be.

A Fast Radio Burst from the Early Universe

Astronomers at the South African MeerKAT observatory have discovered the most distant flash of radio waves to date.

No Evidence for Atmosphere on Trappist-1d

New JWST observations of the third world in the seven-planet TRAPPIST-1 system rule out a variety of atmospheres.

Observing Highlights

This Week's Sky at a Glance, August 15 – 24

Saturn glows through the evening near the Andromegasus Dipper. Venus and Jupiter, drawing apart, still light the dawn dramatically. The Moon joins them.

August Podcast: Planets Dance at Dawn

Load up on the bug juice, and come along on this month’s Sky Tour. Find out “what’s up” in August’s night sky.

Presented by: Celestron.

Moon Shot: A Brief History of Lunar Exploration

This free presentation will explore the human exploration of the Moon.

Drift Free Focuser

iAFS is a new family of drift-free, inline, computer-controlled focusers by iOptron. Utilizing a lead worm movement iOptron calls “iLock technology” freezes the imaging train at the desired focal distance. These revolutionary focusers have precise 0.6 micron movement, built-in temperature sensor and 3 focus modes (computer controlled, power manual, no power focus wheel). It’s all packaged in a rugged machined body with a finger print resistant coating. The iAFS focuser will be available in 2-, 3-, and 4-inch models.

From a trusted S&T partner