Important Innovations

International Scientists Confirm 13.8 Billion Years Old Source:  NASA Universe Source:  ACT Research Major Space Benchmark An international team of astrophysicists has just published new research concluding that the universe is about 13.8 billion years old.  They calculated the universe's age by measuring its oldest light.  In recent years, other scientific measurements have suggested that it could be hundreds of millions of years younger.  The light measured by the international team of scientists is the afterglow from the Big Bang. Cosmic Microwave Background The light is called cosmic microwave background.  The light goes back 380,000 years after the birth of the universe when atoms started to form from proteins and electrons.  The picture (above/bottom) is called by the scientists a "baby photo" of the universe and of its oldest light.  According to Stony Brook University astrophysicists who co-authored the report, the photo helps scientists to bett

Life in 100% Hydrogen Atmosphere Source:  NASA's Hubble Telescope Big Impact on Search for Life in Space Scientists at MIT have made a major discovery.   They've found that microorganisms - life - exists in an atmosphere of 100% hydrogen.  In fact, organisms found on Earth can survive in environments  previously considered inhospitable and composed of 100% hydrogen. Expanding the Search for ET The findings have a big impact on the search for life in space.  A significant number of exoplanets, or  orbiting stars, contain atmospheres with large amounts of hydrogen.  These exoplanets have been ignored in the search for alien life until now.  Award-winning astrophysicist MIT Professor Sara Seager, who led the study, is urging astronomers to expand the types of planets where they are searching for ET. Warm Planets Prof. Seager also discovered that worlds in space, even at a distance ten- times away from a star with a hyd

First Photo of a Blackhole in Outer Space Source:  NASA Artist Rendering Mysterious Mass Millions to Billions Larger than the Sun The photo, to be released on Wednesday April 10th, will make history.  It's also expected to provide new insights into these space behemoths at the center of every galaxy.  They are so large and their gravitational field is so intense, experts say nothing, including light, can escape.  For a great news blog with more information, go to Important Innovations Collection: First Photo of a Blackhole in Space : Mystery Masses at the Center of Every Galaxy Courtesy:  NASA Artist Rendering Gravitational Field So Intense Nothing Can Escape...

Space and Time Gamma-Ray Burst in the Universe Is Time Reversed by Gamma-Rays from Exploding Stars This is intriguing scientific research about space, time, dying stars, black holes and gamma-ray bursts.  Astrophysicists at the College of Charleston in South Carolina have examined 6 of the brightest gamma-ray bursts detected by NASA.  They found time-reversed light signatures.  The gamma-rays seem to reverse time. Supernovas and Black Holes When a dying star - a supernova - collapses into a black hole, it sends out a spectacular burst of gamma-rays. Gamma-rays are the highest energy explosions ever detected.  They shine "a million-trillion" times brighter than the sun. They produce more energy than anything else that emits light. Gamma-Ray to Black Hole Mystery A gamma-ray burst represents the formation of a black hole when a star explodes.  According to the astrophysicists, odd things happen with both space and time in a black hole. The gamma-rays have a signatu