Normally invisible as it whizzes around outer space, this supermassive black hole revealed itself to UMD astronomers by shimmering as it swallowed a star.

A new study published in Big Earth Data proposes an operational framework that integrates multiple machine learning and deep learning models with high-resolution Sentinel-2 data to estimate agricultural drought conditions in irrigated and non-irrigated maize fields in Eastern Austria. Results from 2018–2023 show that deep learning models, particularly the Deep Neural Network (DNN), achieved the best performance, while non-irrigated fields exhibited higher prediction accuracy due to clearer drought signals, demonstrating the value of Sentinel-2–based deep learning for operational drought monitoring.

Announcing a new publication from Opto-Electronic Advances; DOI  10.29026/oea.2026.250296.

Researchers have developed hierarchical porous carbon nanosheets (CMK‑700) derived from coal tar pitch via a space‑confinement and activation strategy. The optimized material features a high specific surface area of 2223.9 m²·g⁻¹ and a maximized ultramicroporous volume of 0.4836 cm³·g⁻¹. A unique dual‑ion relay storage mechanism was unraveled: larger [Zn(H₂O)₆]²⁺ ions are stored in larger micropores (>1 nm), while smaller hydrated protons (H₃O⁺) act as “charge relays” to penetrate ultramicropores (<1 nm) via reversible chemical hydrogen adsorption/desorption. The assembled device delivers a specific capacity of 368.1 mAh·g⁻¹ at 0.5 A·g⁻¹ and retains 86.39 % capacity after 21,000 cycles.

UK astronomers are a step closer to playing a leading role in NASA's search for alien life in the coming decades, after receiving £3million to continue developing one of the core instruments of the Habitable Worlds Observatory (HWO). The "exciting" mission – the US space agency's next flagship space telescope after the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope – is expected to launch in the 2040s. The UK-led plans follow a series of instrument studies funded by the UK Space Agency (UKSA), which have been shared with NASA and are helping to shape the mission as it moves into its next phase of development. "The Habitable Worlds Observatory is one of the most exciting space science missions now under development," said Professor Martin Barstow, of the University of Leicester, who is playing a leading role in the UK's involvement and gave an update on the mission at the Royal Astronomical Society's National Astronomy Meeting in Birmingham.

ETH researchers have developed innovative computer models to study the rift valley systems on Venus. The simulations indicate that recently formed rift valleys feature high, broad flanks, whereas older valleys tend to subside and are less elevated. The new findings can help us identify geologically active regions that require particularly close examination for future Venus missions.