Weekly Space Hangout – Feb.26, 2016: Fast Radio Bursts & Missing Baryons

TL;DR

Astronomers make significant discoveries, including solving the missing baryon problem, finding a new method to search for gravitational waves, narrowing down the search for Planet Nine, and SpaceX postpones another launch attempt.

Transcript

hey everyone welcome to the weekly space hangout for Friday February 20 ah gotta look 26th 2016. I'm Fraser Kane publisher of universe today this week we've got some crazy stories we're going to be talking about uh fast fast radio bursts uh the search for planet nine W first uh double Shadow Transit season uh 2016 is on uh what's happening this wee... Read More

Key Insights

• 💨 Fast radio bursts help solve the missing baryon problem and confirm the current cosmological model.
• 👋 Pulsars provide a new method to search for gravitational waves by observing changes in timing caused by these waves.
• 👨‍🔬 The search for Planet Nine is narrowed down using data from Cassini's measurements of Saturn.
• 😀 SpaceX faces challenges in launching the SCS-9 communication satellite due to technical difficulties.

Questions & Answers

Q: How did astronomers solve the missing baryon problem?

By measuring the density of intergalactic material using fast radio bursts, astronomers were able to find the missing baryons and confirm the current cosmological model.

Q: How does the new method using pulsars help in the search for gravitational waves?

Pulsars, which emit regular radio flashes, can be used to detect changes in timing caused by gravitational waves passing through. By observing an array of pulsars, astronomers can gather data on gravitational waves.

Q: How did scientists narrow down the search for Planet Nine?

By comparing the measured positions of Saturn to the predicted positions, scientists were able to determine the probable and excluded areas where Planet Nine might be located.

Q: Why did SpaceX postpone the launch attempt?

SpaceX postponed the launch due to a fuel flow problem. They will make another attempt on Sunday at 6:49 p.m. Eastern Standard Time.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Astronomers solve the missing baryon problem by measuring the density of intergalactic material using fast radio bursts.

• A new method using pulsars is developed to search for gravitational waves.

• The search for Planet Nine is narrowed down using data from Cassini's measurements of Saturn's position.

• SpaceX postpones launch attempt of the SCS-9 communication satellite due to a fuel flow problem.