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Yesterday I gave my first PhD talk at the Astronomical Society of Australia’s Annual Science Meeting on my fav millisecond pulsar - PSR J1713+0747.
The pulsar that threw a tantrum!
Millisecond pulsars are used in pulsar timing arrays as they’re considered stable rotators over the long term. That is vote to helping us search for gravitational wave backgrounds - the big news that we announced last week.
But this very well know millisecond pulsar decided to undergo a massive magnetospheric reconfiguration in 2021 - only the second millisecond pulsar that we know off to exhibit this strange behavior!
In my PhD I will be exploring to see why this happened and if other millisecond pulsars might be doing this on a smaller scale. Maybe they’re not so stable after all … ask me again in three years!
#Astrodon #RadioAstronomy #Astrophysics #Pulsars #PulsarTiming #GravitationalWaves
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wrote this article as I found m MRes research poster from last year (I had temp. lost it during the renovations). In my research, I looked at 10 'new' pulsars for the Parkes Pulsar Timing Array project and determined their suitability to use in our searches for the nanohertz-frequency stochastic Gravitational Wave background.
Analysed their intrinsic properties, signal propagation, timing, and then simulated how much significance they add to the array when searching for gravitational waves.
#Pulsars #RadioAstronomy #Astrophysics #PulsarTimingArrays #GravitationalWaves
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In Australien und Südafrika entsteht ein gigantisches Netzwerk aus einigen hunderttausend Antennen. Damit wollen Wissenschaftler die größten Rätsel des Universums erforschen.
Square Kilometre Array: Der Bau des weltgrößten Radioteleskops hat begonnen
#Radioteleskop #SquareKilometreArray #Radioastronomie #Universum #All #Frequenz #Aliens #AußerirdischesLeben #Kosmos #Astronomie -
In Australien und Südafrika entsteht ein gigantisches Netzwerk aus einigen hunderttausend Antennen. Damit wollen Wissenschaftler die größten Rätsel des Universums erforschen.
Square Kilometre Array: Der Bau des weltgrößten Radioteleskops hat begonnen
#Radioteleskop #SquareKilometreArray #Radioastronomie #Universum #All #Frequenz #Aliens #AußerirdischesLeben #Kosmos #Astronomie -
In Australien und Südafrika entsteht ein gigantisches Netzwerk aus einigen hunderttausend Antennen. Damit wollen Wissenschaftler die größten Rätsel des Universums erforschen.
Square Kilometre Array: Der Bau des weltgrößten Radioteleskops hat begonnen
#Radioteleskop #SquareKilometreArray #Radioastronomie #Universum #All #Frequenz #Aliens #AußerirdischesLeben #Kosmos #Astronomie -
In Australien und Südafrika entsteht ein gigantisches Netzwerk aus einigen hunderttausend Antennen. Damit wollen Wissenschaftler die größten Rätsel des Universums erforschen.
Square Kilometre Array: Der Bau des weltgrößten Radioteleskops hat begonnen
#Radioteleskop #SquareKilometreArray #Radioastronomie #Universum #All #Frequenz #Aliens #AußerirdischesLeben #Kosmos #Astronomie -
Weltgrößtes Forschungsinstrument: Square Kilometre Array Observatory wird gebaut
An den Standorten in Australien und Südafrika wurde der Baubeginn des riesigen Teleskopverbunds gefeiert. Die Erwartungen sind immens.
#Astronomie #Radioastronomie #Radioteleskop #SKAO #SquareKilometerArray #SquareKilometreArrayObservatory #News
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Have you seen it? They captured an image of a black hole and its accretion disc residing in the heart of the M87 galaxy, 52 million light years away from us. This blows my mind on multiple levels. #ESO #astronomy #M87 #black_hole #science #ALMA #radioastronomy #mindblown
To understand what you are seeing, you might want to watch Derek's latest Veritasium video: https://youtu.be/zUyH3XhpLTo
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#MPIfR:
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Funkelnder Pulsar verrät unsichtbare Strukturen im Weltraum
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"Schwankungen in der Helligkeit und das langgezogene Erscheinungsbild eines Sternüberrests zeigen, dass seine Strahlung innerhalb einer unbekannten interstellaren Wolke gestreut wird, die sich 430 Lichtjahre von der Erde entfernt befindet."13.5.2026
#Astronomie #Effelsberg #FAST #Pulsar #Wolke #Radioastronomie #Radiostrahlung #Radioteleskop #Szintillation
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#MPIfR:
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Funkelnder Pulsar verrät unsichtbare Strukturen im Weltraum
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"Schwankungen in der Helligkeit und das langgezogene Erscheinungsbild eines Sternüberrests zeigen, dass seine Strahlung innerhalb einer unbekannten interstellaren Wolke gestreut wird, die sich 430 Lichtjahre von der Erde entfernt befindet."13.5.2026
#Astronomie #Effelsberg #FAST #Pulsar #Wolke #Radioastronomie #Radiostrahlung #Radioteleskop #Szintillation
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#MPIfR:
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Funkelnder Pulsar verrät unsichtbare Strukturen im Weltraum
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"Schwankungen in der Helligkeit und das langgezogene Erscheinungsbild eines Sternüberrests zeigen, dass seine Strahlung innerhalb einer unbekannten interstellaren Wolke gestreut wird, die sich 430 Lichtjahre von der Erde entfernt befindet."13.5.2026
#Astronomie #Effelsberg #FAST #Pulsar #Wolke #Radioastronomie #Radiostrahlung #Radioteleskop #Szintillation
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#MPIfR:
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Funkelnder Pulsar verrät unsichtbare Strukturen im Weltraum
"
"Schwankungen in der Helligkeit und das langgezogene Erscheinungsbild eines Sternüberrests zeigen, dass seine Strahlung innerhalb einer unbekannten interstellaren Wolke gestreut wird, die sich 430 Lichtjahre von der Erde entfernt befindet."13.5.2026
#Astronomie #Effelsberg #FAST #Pulsar #Wolke #Radioastronomie #Radiostrahlung #Radioteleskop #Szintillation
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#MPIfR:
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Funkelnder Pulsar verrät unsichtbare Strukturen im Weltraum
"
"Schwankungen in der Helligkeit und das langgezogene Erscheinungsbild eines Sternüberrests zeigen, dass seine Strahlung innerhalb einer unbekannten interstellaren Wolke gestreut wird, die sich 430 Lichtjahre von der Erde entfernt befindet."13.5.2026
#Astronomie #Effelsberg #FAST #Pulsar #Wolke #Radioastronomie #Radiostrahlung #Radioteleskop #Szintillation
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Viel Spaß morgen beim Erlebnistag „Zu Gast in der eigenen Heimat“ der Nordeifel Tourismus. Der @astropeiler ist selbstverständlich ebenfalls dabei: https://nordeifel-tourismus.de/veranstaltungen/veranstaltungs-hoehepunkte/erlebnistag-zu-gast-in-der-eigenen-heimat#/veranstaltungen/RPT/df68fc3c-4fc1-428d-a0a8-cb011f7af0d1/zu-gast-in-der-eigenen-heimat--willkommen-in-der-sternenwelt
#eifel #radioteleskop #radioastronomie #astropeiler #badmunstereifel #Euskirchen -
The Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array (aka, the VLA) is a premier radio astronomy observatory. The facility has 27 radio antennas arranged in a Y-shape on the Plains of San Agustin, naturally insulated by mountains from signal interference. Operated by the NRAO, they use interferometry to simulate a single giant telescope up to 22 miles across, offering high-resolution imaging of the universe.
#travel #NewMexico #roadtrip #daytrip #weekendgetaway #wanderlust #radioastronomy #offthebeatentrack
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#MPIfR:
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Radiosignale aus dem Randbereich extremer Sterne
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"Ein Team deutscher und australischer Astronomen hat Hinweise darauf gefunden, dass einige der am schnellsten rotierenden Sterne im Universum Radiowellen aussenden, die in unmöglich geglaubten Entfernungen zum Stern entstehen."25.3.2026
#Astronomie #CSIRO #Fermi #Gammaastronomie #Gammastrahlung #Magnetfeld #Millisekundenpulsar #NASA #Pulsar #Radioastronomie #Weltraumteleskop
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#MPIfR:
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Radiosignale aus dem Randbereich extremer Sterne
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"Ein Team deutscher und australischer Astronomen hat Hinweise darauf gefunden, dass einige der am schnellsten rotierenden Sterne im Universum Radiowellen aussenden, die in unmöglich geglaubten Entfernungen zum Stern entstehen."25.3.2026
#Astronomie #CSIRO #Fermi #Gammaastronomie #Gammastrahlung #Magnetfeld #Millisekundenpulsar #NASA #Pulsar #Radioastronomie #Weltraumteleskop
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#MPIfR:
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Radiosignale aus dem Randbereich extremer Sterne
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"Ein Team deutscher und australischer Astronomen hat Hinweise darauf gefunden, dass einige der am schnellsten rotierenden Sterne im Universum Radiowellen aussenden, die in unmöglich geglaubten Entfernungen zum Stern entstehen."25.3.2026
#Astronomie #CSIRO #Fermi #Gammaastronomie #Gammastrahlung #Magnetfeld #Millisekundenpulsar #NASA #Pulsar #Radioastronomie #Weltraumteleskop
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#MPIfR:
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Radiosignale aus dem Randbereich extremer Sterne
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"Ein Team deutscher und australischer Astronomen hat Hinweise darauf gefunden, dass einige der am schnellsten rotierenden Sterne im Universum Radiowellen aussenden, die in unmöglich geglaubten Entfernungen zum Stern entstehen."25.3.2026
#Astronomie #CSIRO #Fermi #Gammaastronomie #Gammastrahlung #Magnetfeld #Millisekundenpulsar #NASA #Pulsar #Radioastronomie #Weltraumteleskop
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RE: https://mastodon.world/@lapicotera/116425473185244224
Felicidades, #Radioaficionados !! 🌈🎙️✨ ...Es un mundo apasionante, ¡y necesario! La radioafición nos hace más ingeniosos e independientes 😉 Sabías que hay bandas de radio reservadas sólo para aficionados? Es como las vías pecuarias... conviene seguir usándolas (y sobre todo, saber que existen) para que no desaparezcan!! 📻 🐎🌳
#radio #curiosidades #preparacionismo #preparacionistas #burros 🫏 💕 #caballos #radioastronomia #ciencia #tecnologia -
New in the #VirtualObservatory: “ALMA-IM. IX. SiO outflows in massive protoclusters” by Towner A.P.M. et al.
https://cdsarc.cds.unistra.fr/viz-bin/cat/J/ApJ/960/48
#MolecularPhysics #RadioAstronomy #InterstellarMedium #Interferometry -
New in the #VirtualObservatory: “Inverse MultiView. II. 6.7GHz methanol masers” by Hyland L.J. et al.
https://cdsarc.cds.unistra.fr/viz-bin/cat/J/ApJ/953/21
#Interferometry #AstrophysicalMasers #RadioAstronomy -
From Yashwant Gupta, "Phased Arrays":
"For identical elements, this phased array gives a sensitivity which is n times the sensitivity of a single element, for point source observations. The beam of such a phased array is much narrower than that of the individual elements, as it is the process of adding the voltage signals with different phases from the different elements that produces the narrow beam of the array pattern."
6/8
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#AIP:
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Kosmische Stoßwellen: Den Geheimnissen von Radiorelikten auf der Spur
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"Wenn Galaxienhaufen miteinander kollidieren, entstehen gewaltige Stoßwellen, die Elektronen auf hohe Energien beschleunigen und sogenannte „Radiorelikte“ erzeugen – riesige Bereiche, die Radiostrahlung aussenden. .."https://www.aip.de/de/news/shocked-galaxy-clusters-unravelling-the-mysteries-of-radio-relics/
14.11.2025
#Astronomie #Astrophysik #Elektron #Galaxienhaufen #Magnetfeld #Radioastronomie #Radiorelikt #Radiostrahlung #Radiowellen #Röntgenstrahlung #Schwerkraft #Stoßwelle
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The Power of the Whisper: How WSPR and WSJT-X are Redefining Long-Distance Radio
1,250 words, 7 minutes read time.
Amateur radio operators and technology enthusiasts are currently utilizing the Weak Signal Propagation Reporter, commonly known as WSPR, and the WSJT-X software suite to achieve global communication using minimal power. Developed by Nobel laureate Joe Taylor, K1JT, this digital protocol allows stations to send and receive signals that are often completely buried in background noise, making it possible to map atmospheric conditions and radio propagation in real-time. This technology serves as a critical entry point for men looking to understand the mechanics of the ionosphere and the efficiency of modern digital signal processing. By leveraging advanced mathematical algorithms, WSPR proves that high-power amplifiers and massive antenna towers are no longer the only way to reach across the ocean, offering a technical challenge that rewards precision and patience over brute force.
The core of this system lies in the software known as WSJT-X. This program implements several digital protocols designed specifically for making reliable communication under extreme conditions where traditional voice or Morse code signals would fail. While WSPR is not a conversational mode, it acts as a global beacon system. A station transmits a brief packet containing its callsign, location grid square, and power level. Thousands of other stations around the world, running the same software, listen for these signals and automatically report any successful decodes to a central internet database called WSPRnet. This creates a living, breathing map of how radio waves are traveling across the planet at any given second, providing invaluable data for anyone interested in the science of communication.
Understanding the physics behind this process is what separates a casual observer from a true radio technician. The Earth’s ionosphere, a layer of the atmosphere ionized by solar radiation, acts as a mirror for certain radio frequencies. Depending on the time of day, solar flare activity, and the season, these signals can skip off the sky and land thousands of miles away. In the past, confirming these paths required luck and high-power transmissions. Joe Taylor once noted that the goal of these modes is to utilize the information-theoretic limits of the channel. This means squeezing every bit of data through the smallest amount of bandwidth possible, allowing a station running only one watt of power to be heard in Antarctica from a backyard in Michigan.
For the man standing on the threshold of earning his amateur radio license, WSPR is the ultimate proof of concept. It removes the intimidation factor of “talking” to strangers and replaces it with a pure engineering objective: How far can my signal go with the least amount of effort? Setting up a WSPR station requires a computer, a transceiver, and a simple wire antenna. The software handles the heavy lifting of Forward Error Correction and narrow-band filtering. This process teaches the fundamentals of station grounding, signal-to-noise ratios, and frequency stability—skills that are mandatory for passing the licensing exam and, more importantly, for operating a professional-grade station.
The hardware requirements are surprisingly modest, which appeals to the practical, DIY-oriented mind. Many enthusiasts use a Raspberry Pi or an older laptop dedicated to the task. The interface between the radio and the computer is the critical link, ensuring that the audio generated by the software is cleanly injected into the radio’s transmitter. If the audio levels are too high, the signal becomes distorted, “splattering” across the band and becoming unreadable. This level of technical discipline is exactly what is required in high-stakes fields like aviation or telecommunications. Mastering the “clean” signal is a badge of honor in the ham radio community, signifying a man who knows his equipment inside and out.
As we look at the data generated by WSPR, we see more than just dots on a map; we see the pulse of the sun. Because radio propagation is tied directly to solar activity, WSPR users are often the first to notice a solar storm or a sudden ionospheric disturbance. When the sun emits a massive burst of energy, the higher frequency bands might “open up,” allowing for incredible distances to be covered on low power. Conversely, a solar blackout can shut down communication entirely. Being able to read these signs and adjust one’s strategy accordingly is a core component of the hobby. It turns a simple radio into a scientific instrument used for environmental monitoring.
The community surrounding WSJT-X is one of rigorous peer review and constant improvement. The software is open-source, meaning the code is available for anyone to inspect and refine. This transparency has led to a rapid evolution of the protocols. While WSPR is for propagation reporting, other modes within the suite like FT8 or FST4 are used for rapid-fire contacts. However, WSPR remains the gold standard for testing antennas. If a man builds a new wire antenna in his yard, he doesn’t have to wait for someone to answer his call to know if it works. He can run WSPR for an hour, check the online map, and see exactly where his signal landed. It provides immediate, objective feedback that is essential for any technical project.
The future of this technology points toward even more robust communication in the face of increasing electronic noise. As our cities become more crowded with Wi-Fi, power lines, and electronics, the “noise floor” of the radio spectrum is rising. Traditional modes are struggling to compete. Digital modes like those found in WSJT-X are the solution, using digital signal processing to “dig” signals out of the static. This represents the next frontier of amateur radio—the transition from analog heritage to digital mastery. For those looking to get involved, the barrier to entry has never been lower, and the potential for discovery has never been higher.
In the broader context of emergency preparedness and global infrastructure, the lessons learned from WSPR are invaluable. In a scenario where satellites or internet backbones fail, the ability to bounce low-power signals off the atmosphere remains one of the only viable long-distance communication methods. A man who understands how to deploy a WSPR-capable station is a man who can provide data and connectivity when everything else goes dark. This sense of utility and self-reliance is a driving force for many who pursue their license. It is not just about a hobby; it is about mastering a fundamental force of nature to ensure that the lines of communication stay open, no matter the circumstances.
Call to Action
If this story caught your attention, don’t just scroll past. Join the community—men sharing skills, stories, and experiences. Subscribe for more posts like this, drop a comment about your projects or lessons learned, or reach out and tell me what you’re building or experimenting with. Let’s grow together.
D. Bryan King
Sources
- WSJT-X Main Page: physics.princeton.edu/pulsar/k1jt/wsjtx.html
- WSPRnet Official Site: wsprnet.org/drupal/
- ARRL – What is WSPR?: arrl.org/wspr
- K1JT’s WSPR Implementation Guide: physics.princeton.edu/pulsar/k1jt/WSPR_Instructions.pdf
- WSPR on Raspberry Pi – GitHub: github.com/JamesP6000/WsprryPi
- Make Magazine – Ham Radio for Beginners: makezine.com/projects/ham-radio-for-beginners/
- Introduction to Digital Modes – OnAllBands: onallbands.com/digital-modes-101-wspr/
- DX Engineering – WSPR Equipment: dxengineering.com/search/product-line/wsjt-x-interfaces
- Radio Society of Great Britain – WSPR Intro: rsgb.org/main/get-started-in-ham-radio/digital-modes/wspr/
- Ham Radio School – Digital Mode Basics: hamradioschool.com/digital-modes-introduction/
- The History of WSJT-X – Princeton University: princeton.edu/news/2017/10/18/nobel-prize-winner-taylor-channels-passion-radio
- WSPR Rocks – Real-time Database: wspr.rocks
- Antenna Theory for Digital Modes: antenna-theory.com
- HF Propagation Basics – NOAA: swpc.noaa.gov/phenomena/hf-radio-propagation
- Digital Radio Mondiale and WSPR – IEEE: ieee.org/publications/wspr-technical-overview
Disclaimer:
The views and opinions expressed in this post are solely those of the author. The information provided is based on personal research, experience, and understanding of the subject matter at the time of writing. Readers should consult relevant experts or authorities for specific guidance related to their unique situations.
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#amateurRadioCommunity #amateurRadioForBeginners #amateurRadioLicense #antennaTesting #AtmosphericScience #AtomicClock #Balun #bandwidth #CATControl #dataModes #Decibel #digitalModes #digitalSignalProcessing #dipoleAntenna #DIYRadio #DXing #ElectronicEngineering #Elmers #EmergencyCommunication #ExtraClass #forwardErrorCorrection #frequencyHopping #FrequencyStability #FT8 #GeneralClass #GlobalRadioMap #GPSTime #GridDownRadio #GridSquares #Grounding #hamRadio #hamRadioExamPrep #hamRadioGear #HamRadioMentoring #hamRadioProjects #hamRadioSkills #hamRadioSoftware #hfAntenna #HFRadio #HighFrequency #impedanceMatching #ionosphere #JoeTaylorK1JT #LongDistanceRadio #LowPowerRadio #MagneticLoopAntenna #MaidenheadLocator #NarrowbandCommunication #NetworkTimeProtocol #NoiseFloor #OpenSourceRadio #PCToRadioInterface #QRP #RadioAstronomy #RadioBenchmarking #radioCommunication #radioFrequency #RadioInterfacing #RadioNetworking #radioPropagation #RadioScience #radioSignals #radioSpectrum #radioTechnician #radioTroubleshooting #RadioWavePhysics #RaspberryPiRadio #RealTimeTracking #RFInterference #RigControl #SDR #shortwaveRadio #SignalDecoding #SignalReporting #SignalToNoiseRatio #softwareDefinedRadio #solarActivity #solarCycle #SolarFlareImpacts #SoundcardPacket #SpaceWeather #StandingWaveRatio #SurvivalCommunication #SWR #TechHobbiesForMen #TechnicalSelfReliance #technicianClass #telecommunications #timeSync #TransceiverSetup #Unun #verticalAntenna #VOXControl #WeakSignalPropagationReporter #wireAntenna #wirelessTechnology #wsjtX #wsjtXTutorial #WSPR #WSPRTutorial #WSPRnet -
@MPIfR_Bonn And here's the link to the #Astropeiler #Stockert ( @astropeiler) post:
🌍 https://www.fabriziomusacchio.com/blog/2021-05-01-astropeiler_stockert/
#SpacePhysics #Observatory #Telescope #RadioAstronomy #Astronomy #MPIfR
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✨🔭 If you're interested in learning more about #SpaceScience in the region, I have two older posts about a visit I made with my former institute to the #Effelsberg #RadioTelescope ( @MPIfR_Bonn) and the #Stockert radio telescope ( #Astropeiler).
Here's the link to the Effelsberg post:
🌍 https://www.fabriziomusacchio.com/blog/2021-05-01-effelsberg/
#SpacePhysics #Observatory #Telescope #RadioAstronomy #Astronomy #MPIfR
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ALMA Reveals Stunning Details of Infant Galaxies in the Early Universe
Groundbreaking survey provides unprecedented views of galaxy formation when the Universe was just a toddler.
https://public.nrao.edu/news/alma-reveals-stunning-details-of-infant-galaxies-in-the-early-universe
📷: the family portrait of early galaxy formation created from the research of the CRISTAL survey.
#Cosmology #galaxies #astronomy #astrophysics #astrodon #science #news #ALMA #NRAO #radioastronomy #CRISTAL
