String revival: Are cosmic strings behind unusual lensing effects?
Article Abstract:
Cosmic strings are hypothetical one-dimensional defects in the fabric of space-time, which fell out of favor in the late 1990s, are making a comeback. The mysterious behavior of a double quasar near the Big Dipper can be the best explained by an intervening loop of cosmic string. The moving cosmic string would act as an additional gravitational lens affecting both quasar images simultaneously.
Publication Name: Scientific American
Subject: Science and technology
ISSN: 0036-8733
Year: 2005
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Rare flare: odd magnetar burst partly solves gamma-ray riddle
Article Abstract:
The giant flare of December 27th, 2004, produced by a bizarre star in the Milky Way galaxy, is providing a partial solution to a 10-year-old astrophysical mystery. Astronomers believe that long gamma-ray bursts, all detected in remote galaxies, signal the catastrophic and terminal detonation of supermassive, rapidly spinning stars.
Publication Name: Scientific American
Subject: Science and technology
ISSN: 0036-8733
Year: 2005
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Dark riddles
Article Abstract:
The possibility that the distribution of dark matter in a distant cluster of galaxies might be influenced by a yet unknown fifth force of nature is discussed.
Publication Name: Scientific American
Subject: Science and technology
ISSN: 0036-8733
Year: 2007
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