Astronomers zero in on solar system analog

Mixing in Zero and Solar Metallicity Supernovae

Two-dimensional simulations of mixing and fall back in non-rotating massive stars have been carried out using realistic initial models for the presupernova star and assuming standard spherically symmetric explosions of 1.2×10erg. Stars of 15 and 25 M with both primordial and solar composition were modeled. The zero metallicity supernova progenitors were compact blue stars and the amount of Rayl...

Instrumentation: astronomers look to nanotechnology.

nature nanotechnology | VOL 3 | AUGUST 2008 | www.nature.com/naturenanotechnology 459 and protective shell. The nanoscale and hydrophobic structures of the network enable the otherwise water-absorbing cotton to repel water nearly as efficiently as the lotus leaf. Furthermore, the treated fabrics are stronger and more resistant to tears. Nanotube concentrations of over 2% in the applied emulsion...

Extreme Conditions in a Close Analog to the Young Solar System: Herschel Observations of Eridani

Far-infrared Herschel images of the Eridani system, seen at a fifth of the Sun’s present age, resolve two belts of debris emission. Fits to the 160μm PACS image yield radial spans for these belts of 12–16 and 54–68 AU. The south end of the outer belt is ≈10% brighter than the north end in the PACS+SPIRE images at 160, 250, and 350μm, indicating a pericenter glow attributable to a planet “c.” Fr...

Views from EPDXI. Colors in our Solar System as an Analog for Extrasolar Planets

The Selection of Tenured Astronomers in France

The organization of the recruitment of tenured astronomers and astrophysicists in France is presented and compared with the setup in other countries. The ages for getting tenure have increased from 27-28 in 1980 to 31 today. Foreign scientists constitute at least 11% of the recruits and the delay in their hiring is quantified. The large reliance on national tenure committees is justified, while...