Science October 25, 2024

Re-analysis of Data from Milky Way Central Supermassive Black Hole Observations

A research team led by Assistant Professor Makoto Miyoshi of the NAOJ has independently re-analyzed observation data of the supermassive black hole at the center of the Milky Way Galaxy obtained and published by the international joint observation project EHT. They found that the structure is slightly elongated in the east-west direction. This research takes a new look at the publicly available EHT data and demonstrates the scientific process in which the certainty of the answer increases as different researchers continue to examine and discuss a theory.

Topics October 2, 2024

Ceremony Held to Commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the Relocation of the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan (Formerly the Tokyo Astronomical Observatory) to Mitaka

The National Astronomical Observatory of Japan (NAOJ) celebrated the 100th anniversary of the relocation of the Tokyo Astronomical Observatory (a precursor to NAOJ) to Mitaka-mura, Kita-Tama-gun, Tokyo (now Mitaka City, Tokyo) on September 1, 1924.

Topics September 30, 2024

United Nations Secretary-General Visits ALMA

ALMA received a visit from UN Secretary-General António Guterres, who explored the array site high in Chile’s Atacama Desert.

Topics September 27, 2024

Ms. Kaho Morii Receives the 19th L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Japan Fellowship Award

Ms. Kaho Morii, a third-year doctoral student in the University of Tokyo Department of Astronomy and entrusted graduate student at NAOJ, received the L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Japan Fellowship Award.

Topics September 13, 2024

Subaru Telescope Inspires JWST “Firecracker” Discovery

The stunning image of a “firecracker” at the edge of the Milky Way Galaxy recently released by NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), would not have happened without previous observations of the same area by the Subaru Telescope.

Science September 5, 2024

Outer Solar System More Populated than We Thought

Observations of the outer Solar System with the Subaru Telescope have discovered new bodies where none were expected. The new objects are likely members of a much larger population waiting to be discovered. This discovery has profound implications for our understanding of the structure and history of the Solar System. First and foremost, it suggests that the Solar System has more in common with other planetary systems, which in turn has implications on our search for life outside of the Solar System.

Topics September 2, 2024

University of Hawai‘i Delegation Visits NAOJ

On August 7 and 8, 2024, a delegation of the University of Hawai‘i, including Vice President for Research and Innovation, University of Hawai‘i System, Vassilis Syrmos, visited NAOJ Mitaka Campus.

Science August 30, 2024

Dancing Galaxies Make a Monster at the Cosmic Dawn

Astronomers have spotted a pair of galaxies in the act of merging 12.8 billion years ago. The characteristics of these galaxies indicate that the merger will form a monster galaxy, one of the brightest types of objects in the Universe. These results are important for understanding the early evolution of galaxies and black holes in the early Universe.

Topics August 21, 2024

Professor Mizuno to Receive the Foreign Minister's Commendation

Dr. Norikazu Mizuno, Deputy Director of the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan (NAOJ) Chile Observatory and Professor in the ALMA Project, has been selected as a recipient of the Foreign Minister's Commendation for FY 2024.

Topics August 8, 2024

Netherlands Delegation on Astronomical Instruments Visits NAOJ Mitaka Campus

On June 26, 2024, the Netherlands Delegation on Astronomical Instruments visited NAOJ Mitaka Campus.