Physics & mathematics
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Is it possible to reach absolute zero?
By Victoria Atkinson published
To reach absolute zero, all of the particles within an object have to stop moving.
Millions of invisible 'mirror stars' could exist in the Milky Way, and astronomers know how to find them
By Paul Sutter published
An entire universe made of 'dark' particles could exist within our own, and astronomers may know the first place to look: In the mysterious hearts of supposed 'mirror stars'.
1st evidence of nuclear fission in stars hints at elements 'never produced on Earth'
By Sharmila Kuthunur published
An analysis of 42 ancient stars in the Milky Way reveals the first hints of nuclear fission in the cosmos, hinting at the existence of elements far heavier than anything found naturally on Earth.
Electricity flows like water in 'strange metals,' and physicists don't know why
By Ben Turner published
A weird phenomenon in which electricity flows like water was spotted in a nanowire made of "strange metal" — a bizarre metal phase that has stumped physicists for 40 years.
Large Hadron Collider could be generating dark matter in its particle jets
By Keith Cooper published
If dark matter is made from "dark" versions of the basic building blocks of ordinary matter, the world's largest particle accelerator should be able to pin it down, a new study suggests.
'Vampire' stars that bleed their companions dry may have a hidden accomplice, new study reveals
By Anna Demming published
Scientists suspect that type-Be 'vampire' stars grow by preying on their smaller companions. New research suggests there may be an important third player in these systems.
What is the largest known prime number?
By Charles Q. Choi published
There are infinitely many prime numbers, but the biggest one we know of goes by the name M82589933 and contains more than 24 million digits.
How long is a second?
By Victoria Atkinson published
The length of a second depends on how you're measuring it.
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