A massive star recently exploded in a way that has astronomers questioning how supernovae release their energy. This event, designated as SN 2024bch, occurred approximately 65 million light-years away from Earth and was first observed in February 2024. It is a Type II supernova, which occurs when a star’s iron core collapses after nuclear fusion stops. Shockwaves then rip through the star’s outer layers, ejecting them into space. Normally, the energy from these explosions comes from the star’s ejected material slamming into the dense gas surrounding it, called the circumstellar medium. This collision creates narrow emission lines in the light spectrum. SN 2024bch, however, appears unusual. A Supernova That Breaks the Rules Astronomers describe SN 2024bch...
Water is fundamental to life, but its journey to Earth has long puzzled scientists. Observing ice around infant stars could provide crucial clues about where our planet’s water came from. Recent studies using the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) are revealing how the water in star-forming regions might resemble the water on Earth, helping scientists understand how planets can become habitable. The Role of Semi-Heavy Water One key to uncovering the origins of Earth’s water lies in semi-heavy water, or HDO. In this molecule, one hydrogen atom is replaced by deuterium, a heavier version of hydrogen containing a neutron. Water with a higher HDO-to-H2O ratio typically forms in extremely cold environments, like the dense clouds of...
Stars are the engines of the universe, shaping galaxies, creating heavy elements, and dazzling the night sky. Yet, some stars stand out for their sheer size—so large that they could swallow entire planetary systems. These cosmic giants spark curiosity: how do stars grow so enormous, and why do they not all reach such extremes? The answer lies in the physics of stellar life cycles, where mass, fusion, and radiation determine their fate. The Largest Stars Known One of the most famous contenders for the title of the biggest star is VY Canis Majoris, a red hypergiant about 6,000 light-years away. Its size is staggering—more than 1,500 times the diameter of the sun. Placed in our solar...
At the heart of the Milky Way, where stars orbit dangerously close to a supermassive black hole, some of them may be living on borrowed time—or not aging at all. New research explores an extraordinary idea: certain stars near the galactic center might be powered not by fusion alone, but by the energy released from collisions between dark matter particles and their antimatter counterparts. This concept doesn’t just challenge conventional models—it reshapes what we understand about stellar evolution. What Shapes a Star's Life? The foundation of a star’s life lies in its mass. Mass determines how quickly a star burns hydrogen, when it moves on to heavier elements, and how it ultimately fades. The "main sequence"...
Life rarely stays in a straight line, and this week, two zodiac signs are about to feel that truth more than ever. Aries and Pisces are entering a stretch filled with surprise shifts, fresh opportunities, and internal tests. Whether it’s a career jolt or a subtle nudge toward personal growth, both signs could experience moments that disrupt their routines—but in a way that ultimately leads to growth. When astrology signals change, it’s not always chaos—it can also be a call to reframe and realign. And this week, Aries and Pisces are in the cosmic spotlight. Unexpected Momentum for Aries For Aries, this week isn’t just about fast moves or bold leaps—it’s about measured courage. While a...
Gemini brings a unique kind of energy to the zodiac. With birthdays spanning from May 21 to June 21, this air sign is ruled by Mercury—the planet known for swift communication and intellect. Represented by twins Castor and Pollux, Gemini naturally embodies duality. They move effortlessly between perspectives, balancing logic and creativity in a way that keeps everyone guessing. Always seeking something new, Gemini rarely stays in one place for long. Whether switching topics mid-sentence or moving between friend groups, their energy keeps things dynamic. It’s this vibrant, curious nature that often earns Gemini a reputation as the most social sign in the zodiac. The Mind Behind the Wit Gemini operates with remarkable mental speed. Conversations...
The Impact of Celestial Bodies and Planets on Your Zodiac Sign
When you first start exploring astrology, whether by reading your horoscope or looking up the zodiac sign of someone you’re interested in, you’re likely to come across information about your sun sign.
The sun, a prominent and radiant celestial body, spends about four weeks in each of the 12 zodiac signs. By knowing your birthdate, you can usually determine your sun sign. For example, if you receive numerous “HBD” texts on May 4, you’re a Taurus.
Your sun sign provides insights into your confidence, self-esteem, self-image, sense of self, and identity. It also influences your life path. However, it’s just one aspect of your complete astrological profile, which is known as a natal chart or birth chart.
Nasa/Unsplash | Your sun sign provides insights into your confidence, self-esteem, self-image, sense of self, and identity
You can obtain a natal chart from an astrologer or by using online services like astrology.com, where you input your information. The chart offers a glimpse not only into the position of the sun but also the moon and the planets in the sky at the precise moment of your birth. Additionally, it takes into account your birth location’s vantage point.
All these layers mean that your astrological profile can be quite intricate. For instance, even if your sun sign is harmonious and relationship-oriented Libra, other factors in your birth chart can add contrasting influences.
For example, your Mercury, which governs communication, might be in Aries, a sign known for its argumentative and competitive nature. As a result, you may experience a tug-of-war between how you express yourself and your sense of self. This could make you more assertive and bold than the typical easygoing Libra.
An excellent example of this is Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC), who is a Libra with her moon, which represents emotions, in Aries. Additionally, her Venus, which affects her approach to relationships, and her ascendant, which influences her outward impression, are in unfiltered and philosophical Sagittarius.
Jakub Pabis/Unsplash | Depending on the star sign, each of us has our own personalized “astrological DNA”
In essence, each of us has our own personalized “astrological DNA,” comprising a unique combination of zodiac signs scattered across the celestial sphere. It’s essential to consider these different signs and their meanings as you delve into your birth chart.
Zodiac Star Dates
Here are the dates associated with each zodiac sign. If you’re curious about your own zodiac sign, locate your birthday within the ranges provided below.
In case your birthday falls on a day when the sun transitions from one astrological sign to another, known as a cusp, you’ll need your birth time to determine your specific sun sign.
Aries : March 21 – April 19
Taurus ♉️: April 20 – May 20
Gemini ♊️: May 21 – June 20
Cancer ♋️: June 21 – July 22
Leo ♌️: July 23 – August 22
Virgo ♍️: August 23 – September 22
Libra ♎️: September 23 – October 22
Scorpio ♏️: October 23 – November 21
Sagittarius ♐️: November 22 – December 21
Capricorn ♑️: December 22 – January 19
Aquarius ♒️: January 20 – February 18
Pisces ♓️: February 19 – March 20
Beyonce/Instagram | Singer Beyonce is a Virgo
Celebrity Star Signs
Wondering what your favorite Hollywood star’s zodiac sign is? Here are the star signs of some famous celebrities:
- Brad Pitt – Sagittarius (December 18)
- Angelina Jolie – Gemini (June 4)
- Beyoncé – Virgo (September 4)
- Tom Hanks – Cancer (July 9)
- Jennifer Lopez – Leo (July 24)
- Leonardo DiCaprio – Scorpio (November 11)
- Oprah Winfrey – Aquarius (January 29)
- Taylor Swift – Sagittarius (December 13)
- Johnny Depp – Gemini (June 9)
- Adele – Taurus (May 5)
- Will Smith – Libra (September 25)
- Rihanna – Pisces (February 20)
Please note that these birthdates are based on public records and may not be completely accurate.
