Physicists have made a significant advancement in understanding antimatter by successfully conducting coherent spin spectroscopy on a single antiproton. The research, carried out by the BASE collaboration at CERN, marks a record-breaking precision in measuring the magnetic properties of antimatter. This milestone could provide insights into the perplexing disparity between matter and antimatter in the universe.

Dmitry Budker, a physicist at the University of California, Berkeley, and not involved in the study, remarked, “The level of control the authors have achieved over an individual antimatter particle is unprecedented.” He emphasized that this breakthrough opens the door for more precise examinations of fundamental symmetries in nature.

Scientists have long grappled with the question of why the universe appears to be predominantly composed of matter, despite theories suggesting it should have originated with equal amounts of both matter and antimatter. This cosmic imbalance, known as the baryon asymmetry problem, remains one of the most significant unanswered questions in physics.

Stefan Ulmer, a senior member of the BASE team and head of the Ulmer Fundamental Symmetries Laboratory at RIKEN in Japan, explained, “The general motivation for studying antiprotons is to test fundamental symmetries and our understanding of them.” The current understanding posits that protons and antiprotons should share identical masses but have equal and opposite electrical charges. Any deviations from these expectations could illuminate the reasons behind baryon asymmetry.

The BASE team focused on coherent spectroscopy, a quantum technique that manipulates the spin states of a single antiproton using microwave pulses. Ulmer described the process: “We were doing spectroscopy on the spin of a single trapped antiproton, stored in a cryogenic Penning trap system. It is significant because this is of highest importance in studying the fundamental properties of the particle.”

By applying microwave radiation at precise frequencies, the researchers induced Rabi oscillations—periodic flipping of the antiproton’s spin—and identified the resulting resonances. The key outcome was a resonance peak that was 16 times narrower than any previous measurements of antiprotons. This enhanced precision allows for a more accurate determination of the transition frequency.

The team’s work also achieved a 1.5-fold improvement in the signal-to-noise ratio, paving the way for a tenfold increase in the precision of antiproton magnetic moment measurements. Ulmer noted, “In principle, we could reduce the linewidth by another factor of ten if additional technology is developed.”

Budker characterized the measurement as groundbreaking, stating, “This is a key to future precise tests of CPT invariance and other fundamental-physics experiments.” CPT symmetry refers to the principle that the laws of physics remain unchanged when charge, parity, and time are simultaneously reversed. Testing this principle with increasing precision is vital for uncovering any inconsistencies within the Standard Model of particle physics.

The BASE team observed antiproton spin coherence times of up to 50 seconds. Coherence, in this context, refers to the stability of the antiproton’s quantum spin state over time, which is essential for achieving high-precision measurements. Measuring the magnetic moments of nuclear particles presents considerable challenges, and conducting such measurements on antimatter further stretches the limits of experimental physics.

Ulmer stated, “These measurements require the development of experiments that are about three orders of magnitude more sensitive than any other apparatus developed before.” The team has invested years into building the world’s most sensitive detectors for single particles and creating the smallest Penning traps while employing ultra-extreme magnetic gradients.

Since its inception in 2005, the BASE collaboration has achieved notable progress, starting with proton measurements in 2011. The focus on antiprotons intensified in 2017, but the recent success in coherent spin control necessitated further innovations, including ultra-homogeneous magnetic fields, cryogenic temperatures, and meticulous noise control.

These advancements may also facilitate new experimental possibilities. Ulmer noted that the techniques developed could lead to more precise measurements of other nuclear magnetic moments and enhance proton–antiproton mass comparisons. He also hinted at potential connections to quantum computing, stating, “If coherence times for matter and antimatter are identical—something we aim to test—then the antimatter qubit might have applications in quantum information.”

The BASE team aspires to leverage their transportable trap system, BASE STEP, to conduct higher-resolution studies of antiprotons in a dedicated offline laboratory. “The BASE collaboration keeps a steady course on increasing the precision of fundamental symmetry tests,” Budker remarked. “This is an important step in that direction.”

The research findings are detailed in the journal Nature.

An international team of astronomers has discovered a new long-period radio transient, designated as ASKAP J144834−685644, or ASKAP J1448−6856 for short. This finding, detailed in a paper published on July 17, 2025, enriches the limited catalogue of known sources in this emerging class of astronomical phenomena.

Long-period radio transients (LPTs) are characterized by their ultralong rotation periods, ranging from minutes to hours, and are associated with strong magnetic fields. Current theories suggest that they may originate from rotating neutron stars known as magnetars or from magnetic white dwarfs. Despite various observations, the precise nature of these transients continues to puzzle scientists.

The discovery was made using the Australian Square Kilometre Array Pathfinder (ASKAP), a 36-dish radio interferometer located in Australia. Operating within a frequency range of 700 to 1,800 MHz, ASKAP aims to characterize the radio transient sky through the detection and monitoring of transient and variable sources.

Details of the Discovery

Led by Akash Anumarlapudi from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, the research team conducted a targeted search for circularly polarized sources. They identified ASKAP J1448−6856, which exhibits highly variable linearly and circularly polarized emissions.

The study states, “We report the discovery of a new LPT, ASKAP J1448−6856. Discovered as a 1.5-hour periodic radio source, ASKAP J1448−6856 shows a steep spectrum, elliptical polarization, and periodic narrowband emission that declines at frequencies above 1.5 GHz.”

This newly identified LPT displays emission with a harmonic frequency structure alongside polarized bursts. The polarization fraction varies significantly, ranging from 35% to 100% across different observations. Notably, ASKAP J1448−6856 is detectable across multiple wavelengths, from X-rays to radio frequencies, and it also shows variability in optical bands. This makes it one of the few LPTs observed across such a broad spectrum.

Implications for Astronomy

Multiwavelength modeling of the spectral energy distribution (SED) of ASKAP J1448−6856, along with its radio properties, suggests that it may represent a near-edge-on magnetic white dwarf binary system with a magnetic field strength exceeding 1,000 Gauss. Nevertheless, the authors do not rule out the possibility that this transient could be an isolated white dwarf pulsar or similar to a transitional millisecond pulsar system.

The implications of this discovery are significant. The research team emphasizes the importance of integrating ASKAP J1448−6856 into the growing catalogue of long-period radio transients. They conclude, “Combining ASKAP J1448−6856 with the growing number of long-period radio transients adds to the variety of multi-wavelength behavior and will help deepen our understanding of this emerging population (or, indeed, populations).”

This research not only advances the field of radio astronomy but also enhances our understanding of the complexities surrounding LPTs. As the study of these celestial phenomena continues, astronomers hope to unlock further insights into the fundamental processes governing such extraordinary objects in the universe.

On July 29, 2025, the moon enters a Waxing Crescent phase, becoming increasingly visible to observers on Earth. As of this evening, approximately 23% of the lunar surface is illuminated, offering a fascinating glimpse into our celestial neighbor. This phase marks the fifth day of the lunar cycle, providing an excellent opportunity for stargazers to observe specific features on the moon’s surface.

Viewing conditions are particularly favorable tonight. With the naked eye, enthusiasts can spot the Mare Crisium and the Mare Fecunditatis, the latter known as the “Sea of Fertility.” For those equipped with binoculars or a telescope, the Endymion Crater is also visible, enhancing the viewing experience.

Upcoming Lunar Events

Looking ahead, the next full moon will occur on August 9, 2025, following the last full moon on July 10, 2025. This continued cycle of lunar phases plays a crucial role in how we perceive the moon from our vantage point on Earth.

Understanding moon phases is essential for astronomy enthusiasts. According to NASA, the phases arise from the moon’s 29.5-day orbit around the Earth, which alters the angles between the Sun, Moon, and Earth. As the moon moves, the amount of sunlight reflected back to us varies, creating distinct visual stages.

There are eight primary moon phases in this repeating cycle:

1. **New Moon**: The moon is positioned between Earth and the Sun, rendering it invisible.
2. **Waxing Crescent**: A small sliver of light is visible on the right side.
3. **First Quarter**: Half of the moon is illuminated, appearing like a half-moon.
4. **Waxing Gibbous**: More than half of the moon is lit, but it is not fully illuminated.
5. **Full Moon**: The entire face of the moon is bright and fully visible.
6. **Waning Gibbous**: Light begins to diminish on the right side.
7. **Last Quarter (or Third Quarter)**: The left side is illuminated, creating another half-moon.
8. **Waning Crescent**: A thin sliver of light remains on the left side before the cycle begins anew.

The Waxing Crescent phase is an exciting time for both seasoned astronomers and casual observers. Tonight, the moon’s features offer a captivating spectacle, reminding us of the beauty and complexity of our universe. As the lunar cycle progresses, opportunities to witness the moon’s various phases will continue to delight stargazers around the world.

A set of inscriptions estimated to be around 3,800 years old has been discovered in an ancient turquoise mine in Egypt, provoking speculation about a potential connection to the biblical figure of Moses. Independent researcher Michael Bar-Ron suggests that the markings found at Serabit el-Khadim in the Sinai Peninsula may translate to “This is from Moses” in Hebrew, raising questions about the historical validity of the Book of Exodus.

The Proto-Sinaitic carving, located near Mine L in the famed Sinai 357, dates back to approximately 1800 BC, during Egypt’s late 12th Dynasty. After dedicating eight years to analyzing high-resolution images and 3D scans, Bar-Ron posits that the phrase could be directly linked to the leader of the Israelites’ exodus from Egypt.

“We find worshipful inscriptions lauding the idol Ba’alat, with clearly an El or God-serving scribe coming in later and canceling out certain letters, in an effort to turn the message into a God-serving one,” Bar-Ron stated in an interview with Patterns of Evidence. “This is ground zero for this conflict.”

Bar-Ron’s interpretation has garnered support from his academic advisor, Dr. Pieter van der Veen, who affirmed the credibility of the findings, stating, “You’re absolutely correct, I read this as well, it is not imagined!”

Significance of the Discoveries

The area surrounding Serabit el-Khadim is rich in historical context, featuring other inscriptions that reference El, an early deity in Israelite culture, as well as defaced mentions of the Egyptian goddess Hathor. Scholars believe these erasures indicate a religious conflict among the Semitic-speaking laborers who worked in the mines of Pharaoh Amenemhat III.

Evidence of unrest is also present in the region, with a burned Ba’alat temple, inscriptions that discuss slavery and overseers, and mentions of the “Gate of the Accursed One,” which could potentially refer to a significant gate associated with Pharaoh. These details resonate with the Exodus narrative, characterized by themes of defiance and departure.

Researchers have also identified a second potential reference to “Moshe” within the mine complex. Despite the intriguing nature of these findings, Bar-Ron emphasizes his commitment to rigorous academic standards. “I took a very critical view towards finding the name ‘Moses’ or anything that could sound sensationalist,” he remarked.

Scholarly Debate and Future Research

Mainstream scholars remain skeptical of Bar-Ron’s claims. Dr. Thomas Schneider, an Egyptologist at the University of British Columbia, has dismissed the assertions as “completely unproven and misleading,” cautioning that arbitrary letter identifications could distort our understanding of ancient history.

The discourse surrounding these inscriptions is intensifying, particularly as structured-light scans of the mines are expected to expand the catalogue of known inscriptions to “well over twenty.” This data will be made available as open-access 3D models later in the year, potentially offering new insights into the findings.

As the geographical spread of Proto-Sinaitic script aligns with the biblical Exodus route, some proponents argue that the discovery is not mere coincidence. Critics, however, contend that the weathered markings could simply represent Semitic graffiti left by migrant workers.

The ongoing investigation into these ancient inscriptions not only adds to our understanding of the region’s history but also fuels the dialogue between archaeology and biblical narratives, leaving both believers and skeptics engaged in a complex debate.