Discover the mysteries of the cosmos with us.
Space exploration has the potential to answer fundamental questions about the history of our universe, our solar system, and the origins of life. Discover the wonders beyond our planet and gain insights that enrich our lives on Earth.
For nearly a century, scientists have marveled at the discovery that the universe is expanding. This revelation, introduced by astronomer Edwin Hubble in 1929, transformed our understanding of the cosmos and laid the groundwork for modern cosmology. At the heart of this concept is the Hubble constant — a numerical value that describes the universe’s rate of expansion. However, as astronomical tools and techniques have advanced, so too have the inconsistencies in determining this value, creating what scientists now call the “Hubble tension.”
Now, in a bold and intriguing turn, a team of researchers has proposed a radical yet elegant solution to this cosmological conundrum. Their new mathematical model suggests that the universe itself may be rotating — slowly, almost imperceptibly, completing one full revolution approximately every 500 billion years. While this concept may seem outlandish at first, the study’s findings indicate that such a cosmic spin could effectively reconcile the conflicting measurements of the Hubble constant.
This groundbreaking research, published in March 2025 in the journal Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society, offers a fresh lens through which to examine some of the universe’s deepest mysteries. The study’s co-author, István Szapudi, an astronomer at the University of Hawai‘i's Institute for Astronomy, believes the implications could be profound. “The standard cosmological model, while powerful, contains some subtle wrinkles,” Szapudi noted in an email to Live Science. “A slow rotation of the universe could help iron out those wrinkles, especially the tension we see in Hubble constant measurements.”
To understand the significance of this new model, one must first revisit the original dilemma. Edwin Hubble’s observation that galaxies are moving away from each other implied that the universe is expanding — a key pillar of the Big Bang theory. This expansion is quantified by the Hubble constant, a number that describes how quickly galaxies recede from one another.
Over the decades, scientists have developed two main techniques for measuring this rate. One involves observing distant supernovas — cataclysmic explosions that mark the death of massive stars — and calculating how rapidly they are moving away. The other method studies the cosmic microwave background (CMB), a faint afterglow of radiation from just 380,000 years after the Big Bang, which offers a glimpse into the early universe.
The issue arises when comparing the results from these two techniques. Supernova measurements suggest a faster rate of expansion than those inferred from the CMB. This roughly 10% discrepancy has puzzled cosmologists for years, raising questions about whether our standard model of cosmology is missing a crucial piece.
Interestingly, the notion of a rotating universe is not entirely new. In 1949, the renowned mathematician Kurt Gödel introduced a theoretical model of the universe that incorporated rotation. Gödel's rotating universe was a solution to Einstein’s equations of general relativity, though it was largely set aside as a curiosity due to its strange implications — including the possibility of time loops.
The idea found occasional attention over the years, including from legendary physicist Stephen Hawking. Still, it was never fully embraced, in part because there was no direct observational evidence for cosmic rotation, and the standard model of cosmology — the Lambda Cold Dark Matter (ΛCDM) model — worked well enough without it.
What Szapudi and his team have done is revisit this concept not as an eccentric alternative, but as a viable correction to the standard model that could fix the growing tension in Hubble constant measurements. According to their model, a universe that rotates once every half-trillion years would exhibit just enough motion to influence how we interpret its expansion — without creating contradictions with other observations.
One of the most compelling arguments made by the researchers is that rotation is a natural behavior observed in all celestial structures. From spinning planets and stars to swirling galaxies and rotating black holes, angular momentum appears to be a fundamental feature of the cosmos. Why, then, should the universe as a whole be the exception?
Incorporating a slow, overarching spin into the framework of cosmology brings a certain symmetry to our understanding of motion in the universe. “We were surprised to find that our model, which includes a slow cosmic rotation, resolved the paradox without conflicting with current astronomical data,” Szapudi said.
Their analysis suggests that such a rotational model would slightly alter the expected redshift — the change in light’s wavelength due to cosmic expansion — in a way that brings the supernova and CMB measurements of the Hubble constant into closer alignment.
It’s important to stress that this proposed rotation isn’t something we could easily detect with the naked eye or even conventional telescopes. A full revolution every 500 billion years is extraordinarily slow — far beyond human timescales. But the mathematics behind the model indicates that even this minute spin could have far-reaching effects on how light from distant objects reaches us, thereby impacting our measurements of cosmic expansion.
The researchers built their model to ensure it would not conflict with existing data from cosmic observations, including the CMB and galaxy distributions. So far, it holds up. That said, this idea remains theoretical, and further studies and simulations will be required to test its validity.
If confirmed, a rotating universe would not only resolve the Hubble tension but could also open new avenues in cosmology and theoretical physics. It would challenge long-held assumptions and perhaps even lead to refinements in our understanding of gravity, space-time, and the evolution of cosmic structures.
However, it’s also a reminder that our understanding of the universe is still in its infancy. Each discovery — whether observational or theoretical — reveals new layers of complexity in the cosmic tapestry. Models like this one highlight the necessity of remaining open to unconventional ideas, especially when they offer elegant solutions to persistent problems.
As telescopes become more powerful and data collection grows more precise, scientists will have more tools to probe the validity of such theories. Whether or not the universe truly spins may remain an open question for some time, but the very act of questioning — and daring to explore new possibilities — is what drives science forward.
In the end, the idea that our universe slowly pirouettes through the cosmos, almost like a vast celestial dance, adds a poetic twist to the scientific endeavor. And perhaps, within that slow spin, lies the key to unlocking one of modern cosmology’s most enduring mysteries.
A breathtaking celestial spectacle is set to grace the night sky on February 28, 2025, as seven planets of our solar system align in a phenomenon that will not occur again until 2040. This rare planetary parade will feature Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune, appearing in the sky simultaneously. The astronomical community and stargazers alike are eagerly anticipating this stunning event, which will mark the culmination of planetary movements that began earlier this year.
In astronomy, a planetary parade refers to an alignment of multiple planets along the ecliptic—the imaginary plane on which they orbit the Sun. While the term "planet parade" is not an official scientific classification, it has become widely used to describe these cosmic events where multiple planets appear along a line in Earth's sky. Such alignments are rare, especially when they involve four or more planets, making the upcoming celestial event an extraordinary occurrence.
NASA and other space agencies highlight that while planetary alignments are not uncommon, witnessing a seven-planet alignment is a rare and spectacular event that happens once every few decades. The upcoming planetary display on February 28 will be an unmissable opportunity for astronomy enthusiasts and casual sky-watchers alike.
If you want to witness this cosmic marvel, timing and location are crucial. The best time to view the planetary alignment is approximately 45 minutes after sunset. During this window, the brightness of the planets contrasts beautifully against the darkening sky.
Venus will be easily visible in the western sky, glowing brightly as one of the most luminous celestial objects after the Moon.
Mars will appear high in the southern sky, and the Red Planet will continue to be observable through early March 2025.
Jupiter will be positioned in the southwest, shining with its characteristic brilliance.
Uranus can be spotted below the Pleiades star cluster in the west-southwest, though clear, dark skies and sharp eyesight are necessary to see it with the naked eye.
While these four planets will be visible without special equipment, the remaining three—Mercury, Saturn, and Neptune—will require binoculars or a telescope:
Mercury will appear low in the west-southwest just after sunset, requiring an unobstructed view of the horizon.
Saturn, though visible earlier in the year, will be tricky to locate by late February as it sits close to the Sun and sets almost simultaneously.
Neptune is the faintest of the bunch and will be difficult to spot without a telescope, even in ideal conditions.
While the idea of witnessing all seven planets at once sounds mesmerizing, practical challenges exist. Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Uranus will be relatively easy to observe, but Mercury, Saturn, and Neptune pose a significant challenge due to their low visibility.
For the best viewing experience:
Find a location with minimal light pollution, preferably in a rural area away from city lights.
Choose an observation spot with an unobstructed view of the horizon, as some planets will appear low in the sky.
Use binoculars or a telescope to enhance visibility, especially for the dimmer planets.
Ensure clear weather conditions, as cloud cover can obstruct the view.
This celestial event will be visible across various cities in India, provided the skies remain clear.
Best locations for viewing in India:
Himalayan regions (Ladakh, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh) offer pristine skies with minimal light pollution.
Desert regions (Rajasthan, Kutch) provide clear and expansive horizons, ideal for planetary observation.
Coastal areas with less atmospheric disturbance, such as Kerala or Goa, can also serve as good viewing spots.
While urban areas like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bengaluru will have some visibility, excessive light pollution could hinder the experience. Observers in these cities are advised to travel to nearby outskirts or hill stations for better visibility.
Planetary alignments are not just visual treats but also moments of scientific curiosity. While the planets do not physically line up in space, their apparent alignment in Earth's sky provides valuable opportunities for astronomers to study planetary movements, interactions, and celestial mechanics. NASA and other space agencies use such events to calibrate instruments, track planetary orbits, and refine astronomical models.
Venus is often called Earth's twin due to its similar size and composition, but its scorching temperatures make it uninhabitable.
Mars has the tallest volcano in the solar system—Olympus Mons, which is nearly three times the height of Mount Everest.
Jupiter is so massive that it could fit all the other planets inside it.
Saturn's rings are made mostly of ice particles, some as small as grains of sand, while others are the size of mountains.
Uranus spins on its side, making it unique among the planets.
Neptune is the windiest planet in our solar system, with gusts reaching up to 2,100 km/h.
Mercury, despite being the closest planet to the Sun, is not the hottest—Venus holds that title due to its thick atmosphere trapping heat.
The planetary alignment on February 28, 2025, is a rare event that stargazers should not miss. While not all planets will be equally visible, the alignment of seven celestial bodies in a single night is a mesmerizing experience that will not happen again for another 15 years.
To make the most of this event, ensure you choose a dark location with an unobstructed view, use binoculars or a telescope if available, and enjoy the wonder of our cosmic neighborhood aligning before your eyes. Whether you are an amateur stargazer or a dedicated astronomer, this planetary parade is a reminder of the vastness and beauty of the universe.
Mark your calendars, set your telescopes, and prepare for a celestial journey through our solar system!
For decades, astronomers believed that Hot Jupiters—giant planets orbiting perilously close to their stars—were solitary wanderers, either consuming or ejecting neighboring planets during their migration. However, a groundbreaking study led by the University of Geneva (UNIGE) has turned this long-held belief on its head. The discovery of the unique planetary system WASP-132 has revealed a striking configuration: a Hot Jupiter, a Super-Earth even closer to the star, and a distant icy giant coexisting peacefully.
This remarkable finding, published in Astronomy & Astrophysics, was the result of a collaboration between UNIGE, the National Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR) PlanetS, the Universities of Bern and Zurich, and other international institutions.
Hot Jupiters, with masses comparable to Jupiter but orbits far closer to their stars than Mercury to the Sun, have long puzzled astronomers. The hostile environment near their stars lacks the gas and dust necessary for their formation, suggesting they must form farther out and migrate inward. Previously, this migration was thought to disrupt any neighboring planets, leaving the Hot Jupiter isolated.
The WASP-132 system, however, has shattered this assumption. Observations show that its Hot Jupiter orbits its star in just over seven days, while a rocky Super-Earth completes its orbit in a mere 24 hours. Beyond them lies a massive icy planet, five times the mass of Jupiter, completing its orbit in five years. Adding to the intrigue, a likely brown dwarf orbits even farther out, making WASP-132 a multi-planetary system unlike any previously observed.
“This is the first time we’ve observed such a configuration,” says Solène Ulmer-Moll, a co-author of the study and postdoctoral researcher at the time. François Bouchy, an associate professor at UNIGE, called the WASP-132 system “a remarkable laboratory” for studying planetary formation and evolution.
The discovery challenges traditional theories of Hot Jupiter migration. Instead of chaotic gravitational interactions that would destabilize neighboring planets, WASP-132 suggests a more stable, orderly migration through a proto-planetary disc. This scenario allows the planets to coexist, preserving the system’s architecture.
The WASP-132 story began in 2006 with the Wide-Angle Search for Planets (WASP) program. In 2012, over 23,000 photometric measurements identified a candidate planet, WASP-132b, confirmed two years later as a Hot Jupiter with a mass of 0.41 Jupiters.
The turning point came in 2021, when NASA’s TESS space telescope detected a signal from an inner planet—a Super-Earth with a 24-hour orbital period. Using the HARPS spectrograph in 2022, scientists measured its mass and density, revealing a rocky planet six times heavier than Earth. The system’s distant icy giant was identified through the CORALIE spectrograph.
“This discovery was particularly exciting,” says Nolan Grieves, the study’s lead author. “We used intensive signal processing to determine the Super-Earth’s composition, which turned out to be remarkably similar to Earth’s.”
The unique arrangement of WASP-132 is reshaping our understanding of planet formation. The system’s Hot Jupiter has a heavy element enrichment of 17 Earth masses, consistent with current models of gas giant formation, while the Super-Earth is composed primarily of metals and silicates.
“The presence of a Hot Jupiter alongside an inner Super-Earth and an outer giant planet provides valuable insights into migration processes,” explains Ravit Helled, professor at the University of Zurich.
As ESA’s Gaia satellite continues its precise measurements of the WASP-132 system, astronomers anticipate more surprises. This discovery underscores the need for long-term, high-precision observations to unlock the complexities of planetary systems.
The WASP-132 system is more than an astronomical oddity—it’s a glimpse into the diversity of planetary systems in the universe. As scientists continue to unravel its mysteries, it serves as a reminder that the cosmos is far more complex—and fascinating—than we ever imagined.
The NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope has once again delivered an awe-inspiring view of the universe, this time capturing the sparkling outskirts of the Tarantula Nebula. Located within the Large Magellanic Cloud—a satellite galaxy of the Milky Way—this image provides a glimpse into one of the most dynamic star-forming regions in the cosmos.
The Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC), approximately 160,000 light-years away, is a dwarf galaxy situated in the southern sky, within the constellations of Dorado and Mensa. Despite being only 10–20% as massive as the Milky Way, the LMC is home to some of the universe’s most active stellar nurseries. Among these, the Tarantula Nebula stands out as the largest and most productive star-forming region in the local universe.
The Tarantula Nebula, also known as 30 Doradus, hosts some of the most massive stars ever discovered, with individual stars weighing up to 200 times the mass of our Sun. This remarkable nebula has long been a source of fascination for astronomers, and Hubble’s latest observations add another layer of detail to its story.
The new image showcases the nebula's outer regions, revealing an intricate tapestry of serene blue gas, dusty brownish-orange patches, and a scattering of vibrant stars. The interplay of colors and textures is both scientifically significant and visually stunning.
One of the most fascinating aspects of the image is how it highlights the effects of cosmic dust on starlight. Stars that shine through or are surrounded by dust appear redder than those in clearer regions. This phenomenon occurs because dust particles scatter blue light more effectively than red light, allowing more red light to reach Earth-based telescopes. As a result, the stars’ true colors are subtly altered, offering scientists valuable clues about the composition and distribution of interstellar dust.
This image incorporates data from ultraviolet, infrared, and visible light, providing a comprehensive view of the nebula's structure. By studying nebulae like the Tarantula, astronomers can investigate the role of cosmic dust in star and planet formation. Dust grains—tiny particles of carbon, silicon, and other elements—serve as the building blocks of planets, moons, and other celestial bodies.
In the case of the Tarantula Nebula, Hubble’s observations allow researchers to analyze how these grains interact with ultraviolet radiation and how they contribute to the formation of new stars. These insights are crucial for understanding the lifecycle of stars and the evolution of galaxies, including our own Milky Way.
The Tarantula Nebula is not just a visual spectacle; it is a key laboratory for understanding star formation. Its central region, home to some of the most massive stars known, provides a unique opportunity to study extreme astrophysical environments. These stars emit intense ultraviolet radiation, shaping the surrounding nebula and triggering the formation of new stars in their vicinity.
Moreover, the nebula’s relative proximity to Earth makes it an ideal target for detailed observations. At 160,000 light-years away, it is close enough for Hubble to resolve individual stars and dust clouds, offering unparalleled insights into its structure and dynamics.
Hubble’s ability to capture images like this one is a testament to its enduring impact on astronomy. Since its launch in 1990, the space telescope has revolutionized our understanding of the universe, from uncovering the mysteries of black holes to mapping distant galaxies. Its observations of the Tarantula Nebula and other star-forming regions continue to push the boundaries of human knowledge.
As astronomers pore over the data from this latest image, they will undoubtedly uncover new details about the Tarantula Nebula’s composition, dynamics, and role in the larger context of the Large Magellanic Cloud. These discoveries will not only deepen our understanding of the nebula but also contribute to the broader study of how stars and planets are born.
In a universe filled with wonders, the Tarantula Nebula stands out as a vivid reminder of the beauty and complexity of the cosmos. Through the lens of Hubble, we are given a front-row seat to the ongoing drama of star formation—a spectacle that continues to inspire awe and curiosity in equal measure.
The second image takes us deep into space, revealing the awe-inspiring sight of a full galaxy. This spiral galaxy stretches across the frame, its arms glowing with radiant light in shades of blue, white, and purple. Each arm is a cosmic dance of stars, nebulae, and celestial dust, weaving a story of creation and destruction that spans billions of years. At the core of the galaxy lies a brilliant golden light, a cluster of stars densely packed together, radiating warmth and energy into the cold expanse.
The intricate details of the galaxy’s arms captivate the viewer. Bright spots highlight regions of active star formation, where new celestial bodies are born amidst clouds of gas and dust. The dark streaks between the arms are voids of space, emphasizing the galaxy’s spiral structure. Beyond the edges of the galaxy, the blackness of space stretches endlessly, sprinkled with faint glimmers of distant stars and other galaxies.
This image is a powerful reminder of the vastness of the universe and the sheer scale of galactic structures. It’s a humbling view, one that places our existence in perspective while igniting a sense of wonder about what lies beyond the boundaries of human knowledge.
The final image is a grand portrayal of the universe itself, a vast canvas of stars, galaxies, and cosmic phenomena. In this depiction, countless galaxies—spiral, elliptical, and irregular—dot the frame, each a universe in its own right. Nebulae add splashes of color, with glowing reds, blues, and greens illuminating the void. The interplay of light and shadow creates a dynamic scene, making it feel alive with the energy of creation and motion.
At the center of the composition is a massive nebula, its colors swirling like an artist’s palette. It’s a region of intense star formation, where new stars are born from collapsing clouds of gas and dust. Surrounding the nebula, the vastness of space stretches infinitely, filled with faint, distant stars that hint at the universe’s unimaginable scale.
The image also features a scattering of black holes, their presence hinted at by the distortion of light around them. These enigmatic objects serve as reminders of the universe’s mysterious and destructive forces, juxtaposed with the beauty and creativity evident elsewhere.
As you take in the grandeur of this universe, it’s impossible not to reflect on the interconnectedness of it all. Every star, every galaxy, and every particle is part of a larger whole, governed by the same laws of physics that we study here on Earth. This image inspires not only awe but also a sense of responsibility to cherish and protect the tiny corner of the universe we call home.
The first visual invites us into the realm of human ingenuity and engineering marvels: a space station gracefully orbiting Earth against a breathtaking cosmic backdrop. Suspended in the vast void of space, this incredible structure shines under the soft glow of a distant star, its metallic framework reflecting hues of silver and gold. Outstretched solar panels resemble the wings of a celestial bird, tirelessly harnessing energy to sustain the station's intricate systems.
In the distance, Earth appears as a magnificent blue-green orb, swirled with white clouds that hint at the delicate atmosphere protecting all life. This perspective serves as a humbling reminder of the fragility and beauty of our planet, even as we celebrate monumental achievements in space exploration. The surrounding cosmos, speckled with countless stars, creates a serene yet awe-inspiring contrast to the bustling activity aboard the station.
Inside this orbiting wonder, astronauts push the boundaries of science and technology. From investigating the effects of microgravity on the human body to pioneering advanced materials and innovative technologies, the space station acts as a crucible for discoveries that benefit humanity. It embodies the spirit of international collaboration, innovation, and the relentless quest to understand our universe. This scene captures not only our progress but also the unyielding curiosity that drives us to explore the unknown.
This image offers a breathtaking view of a spiral galaxy, seen in its full majesty and splendor. The galaxy’s vibrant spiral arms, glowing in shades of blue, purple, and white, stretch outward, weaving intricate patterns of light and shadow. At the galaxy's center lies a radiant core, shining golden and bright, where countless stars cluster tightly, generating immense energy and light.
The spiraling arms are alive with motion, capturing the essence of a galaxy in its eternal spin. They contain countless stars, cosmic dust, and interstellar gas, hinting at the processes of star formation and the life cycles of celestial objects. Surrounding the galaxy is the dark void of space, dotted with distant stars and faint nebulae that add depth to the scene.
This image is a vivid reminder of our place in the universe. It conveys the humbling reality of our smallness in the face of such grandeur while inspiring a sense of connection to the cosmos. The galaxy’s luminous arms serve as a testament to the universe's infinite beauty, its delicate dance of gravity, and the enduring wonder of its vastness.
