Montauk Observatory

For years astronomers have tried to explain why some astronomical objects appear dimmer than theoretical models suggests they should be. One explanation for this observations included the possible presence of needles of silica, graphite or Iron. Needles of these elements could act like miniature antenna and absorb visible light from supernovas or infrared light from the centers of certain galaxies. The wavelength of radiation absorbed would therefore depend on the length of the individual needles.

In a recent paper published in Science (Science, DOI:10.1126/science.1153578), astrobiologist Andrew Steele and Marc Fries of the Carnegie Institution of Washington reported the presence of needle-like graphite structures in Calcium-Aluminum inclusion found within carbonaceous chondrite meteorites.

Although these structures have not been identified in free space, their presence in meteorites does suggest the possibility of their existence. Needles of graphite, like those discovered by Fries and Steele are formed through condensation of carbon-rich gases and therefore may form at the end of a stars life and be distributed into the interstellar medium.

Welcome to the new blog of the Montauk Observatory. This site was designed to allow observatory members from across Long Island and the U.S. to comunicate and discuss current events in astronomy, report on astronomical observations, and comment on Montauk Observatory events.

Members are encourage to register (for free) and post their thoughts or comment on previous posts. As an educational organization please ensure that all posts and comments are professional and refrain from commenting on individuals. All posts and comments are moderated and failure to maintain professional discussions may result in permant removal from the blog.