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Reposted by Department of Physics, Durham University

Durham University @durham.ac.uk · 17/08/2026

What happens when a dormant black hole wakes up? New research involving @durhamphysics.bsky.social observed a supermassive black hole reawakening after a prolonged inactive phase, challenging existing models of how quickly such changes can happen. Find out more 🔭 👉 bit.ly/3UBGDCg

AI generated impression of a a black hole reawakening in three stages, getting progressively brighter from left to right. The black hole is represented by a black sphere in the centre, surrounded by swirling cloud in white, orange and red.

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Reposted by Department of Physics, Durham University

Durham University @durham.ac.uk · 17/08/2026

@durhamphysics.bsky.social @icc-durham.bsky.social researchers are part of an international team behind the discovery of a new type of object: a black hole star ⚫⭐ This find could explain the mysterious little red dots often found in deep space 👉 tinyurl.com/mrxy48jm

A black hole at the centre of a red dot. The red looks like the petals of a rose viewed from above with the black hole at the centre.

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Reposted by Department of Physics, Durham University

Durham University @durham.ac.uk · 12/08/2026

What if we could look back in time to discover what the Universe was made of seconds after the Big Bang? Professor Ryan Cooke from @durhamphysics.bsky.social will lead a new £5.6m study into the Universe's earliest moments, funded by @royalsociety.org #Faraday Discovery Fellowship 👉 bit.ly/4fTKwe9

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Reposted by Department of Physics, Durham University

Durham University @durham.ac.uk · 06/08/2026

👏Congratulations to Professor Pippa Petts from our @durhamphysics.bsky.social who has been awarded a prestigious National Teaching Fellowship by @advancehe.bsky.social for her impact on physics education. Find out more 👉 bit.ly/4wcNRtL

Professor Pippa Petts, in front of a plain grey background, facing the camera. Words overlaid read 'Professor Pippa Petts awarded National Teaching Fellowship'.

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Reposted by Department of Physics, Durham University

Institute for Computational Cosmology @icc-durham.bsky.social · 30/06/2026

Not long to go before Universe Makers is open to the public at #SummerScience @royalsociety.org @durhamphysics.bsky.social University of Sussex @imperialcollegeldn.bsky.social ICG Portsmouth @royalastrosoc.bsky.social @durham.ac.uk @ukri.org Ogden Trust

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Reposted by Department of Physics, Durham University

Durham University @durham.ac.uk · 01/07/2026

@durhamphysics.bsky.social researchers are part of one of the most ambitious studies of the Universe ever undertaken. The Vera C Rubin Observatory’s LSST digital camera will spend 10 years capturing the entire southern sky! 👉 tinyurl.com/mvdskhku @lsstuk.bsky.social @icc-durham.bsky.social

A field of stars against a black backdrop.

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Reposted by Department of Physics, Durham University

Institute for Computational Cosmology @icc-durham.bsky.social · 02/07/2026

That's Universe Makers under "Mind Blowing Science" #SummerScience @durhamphysics.bsky.social @durham.ac.uk @imperialcollegeldn.bsky.social @sussex.ac.uk University of Portsmouth @ukri.org @royalsociety.org

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Reposted by Department of Physics, Durham University

Ifan Hughes @ifanghughes.bsky.social · 21/07/2026

The 2026 Florence Nightingale Prize for Graphical Excellence at @durhamphysics.bsky.social In recognition of undergraduates who produce the most effective graphical presentation of data to illustrate complex physical phenomena in their laboratory reports.

Photograph of a poster with three separate images from Louis Jonss, Sean Ridge, and James Hartman.

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Reposted by Department of Physics, Durham University

Durham University @durham.ac.uk · 23/07/2026

Did the Milky Way perform some cosmic gymnastics during its history? Research by Durham PhD student, Kirill Batrakov, suggests our galaxy may have experienced a dramatic 90 degrees ‘disc flip’. Find out more: tinyurl.com/yeyk7tdj @royalastrosoc.bsky.social | @durhamphysics.bsky.social

Artist’s impression of debris of the Gaia-Enceladus galaxy

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Reposted by Department of Physics, Durham University

Vatsal Sanjay @comphy-lab.org · 27/07/2026

Drops and bubbles both approach a finite-time fluid singularity as they pinch off. Add a little polymer, and the apparent symmetry breaks: the drop arrests into a thread, while the bubble still pinches. doi.org/10.1103/5sp3... @durham.ac.uk @durhamphysics.bsky.social @poftwente.bsky.social

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Reposted by Department of Physics, Durham University

Durham University @durham.ac.uk · 19/06/2026

Scientists say the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation (Amoc), a crucial circulation of water, is weakening, but it struggles to make the headlines. Dr Fionagh Thomson @durhamphysics.bsky.social @icc-durham.bsky.social looks at Amoc’s image problem 👉 www.durham.ac.uk/research/cur...

A photograph of a small patch of the northern Atlantic with a dark blue sea and light blue sky, with small white clouds.

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Reposted by Department of Physics, Durham University

Institute for Computational Cosmology @icc-durham.bsky.social · 29/06/2026

Featuring the Universe Makers exhibit from the ICC, CEA at @durhamphysics.bsky.social @durham.ac.uk @royalsociety.org #SummerScience with help from University of Sussex, Imperial and Portsmouth

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Reposted by Department of Physics, Durham University

Durham University @durham.ac.uk · 01/05/2026

Our Centre for Advanced Instrumentation @durhamphysics.bsky.social is helping to build the world’s biggest telescope! 🔭 We’re working on the HARMONI and MOSAIC instruments for the @eso.org Extremely Large Telescope – allowing deeper exploration of our Universe 👉 tinyurl.com/y2k5895e @ukri.org

The silver dome of the Extremely Large Telescope seen from the sky during construction.

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Reposted by Department of Physics, Durham University

Durham University @durham.ac.uk · 08/05/2026

Our physicists are pushing the boundaries of research - contributing to major advances in our understanding of the Universe. Read more about some of their outstanding work 👉 tinyurl.com/yc45pa2u @durhamphysics.bsky.social | @icc-durham.bsky.social | @ukri.org | @dirac-hpc.bsky.social

A computer simulation of the growth of cosmic structure, galaxies and quasars showing a web-like formation in purple, pink and yellows.

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Reposted by Department of Physics, Durham University

Durham University @durham.ac.uk · 29/04/2026

Durham physicist Professor Valery Khoze has been elected to the Academia Europaea, one of Europe’s most prestigious academic bodies. The honour recognises his outstanding contributions to theoretical particle physics and his international standing. Discover more 👉 www.durham.ac.uk/news-events/...

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Reposted by Department of Physics, Durham University

Durham University @durham.ac.uk · 24/04/2026

The Milky Way’s neighbouring galaxies could tell us more about the early Universe – and why some galaxies grew while others didn’t. @durhamphysics.bsky.social researchers were part of a team who used supercomputer simulations to investigate 👉 www.durham.ac.uk/news-events/... @ukri.org

A computer simulation image showing stars and gaseous material in a simulated ultra-faint dwarf galaxy in yellow, orange, purple and pink colours.

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Reposted by Department of Physics, Durham University

Durham University @durham.ac.uk · 28/04/2026

@icc-durham.bsky.social @durhamphysics.bsky.social researchers are part of the FLAMINGO project, which has released one of the largest datasets in cosmology! This gives scientists worldwide a new way to explore how the Universe evolves 👉 tinyurl.com/339vteyc @dirac-hpc.bsky.social, @ukri.org

A visualisation of the most massive cluster in the simulation of a cube. Blue, purple, yellow and white colours swirl against a dark blue backdrop.

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Reposted by Department of Physics, Durham University

Durham University @durham.ac.uk · 20/04/2026

Durham researchers are part of an international collaboration that has completed the most detailed 3D map of the Universe to date. Discover more 👉 www.durham.ac.uk/news-events/... #DUResearch @ukri.org @durhamphysics.bsky.social @icc-durham.bsky.social

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Reposted by Department of Physics, Durham University

Durham University @durham.ac.uk · 20/04/2026

@durhamphysics.bsky.social @icc-durham.bsky.social are taking us back nine billion years in time to understand the formation of our Milky Way! Their new movie is available in 3D VR format for schools and science outreach. See the full movie and discover more 👉 tinyurl.com/d7yppeem @ukri.org

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Reposted by Department of Physics, Durham University

Durham University @durham.ac.uk · 10/04/2026

@durhamphysics.bsky.social @icc-durham.bsky.social researchers are using their cosmology skills to improve treatment for people with triple-negative breast cancer. The initial “curiosity-driven” research behind this work was funded by the STFC / @ukri.org. 👉 tinyurl.com/mphek8vn

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Reposted by Department of Physics, Durham University

Durham University @durham.ac.uk · 13/04/2026

How do galaxies really form?🔭 @durhamphysics.bsky.social is part of a team using cutting-edge approaches to simulate the Universe in greater detail than ever before - opening up powerful new ways to understand the cosmos 👉 bit.ly/4clv47o #DUresearch @rasjournals.bsky.social @dirac-hpc.bsky.social

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Reposted by Department of Physics, Durham University

Durham University @durham.ac.uk · 02/04/2026

We host the COSMA 8 supercomputer so scientists can test their theories about the origins of the Universe using high-powered computer simulations 👉 tinyurl.com/3k2a486k COSMA is part of @dirac-hpc.bsky.social funded by @ukri.org /Science and Technology Facilities Council @icc-durham.bsky.social

A montage of images showing (left) a man wearing ear defenders looking into the back of a computer rack, (top right) a simulation of a pink and yellow "web" against a blue background, and (bottom right) a man wearing ear defenders kneeling behind a computer rack.

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Reposted by Department of Physics, Durham University

Durham University @durham.ac.uk · 01/04/2026

Our @durhamphysics.bsky.social @icc-durham.bsky.social researchers will be bringing their Universe Makers exhibit to #SummerScience! You'll be able to see how they model our Universe and explore a live, real-time simulation of the cosmos, flying past stars, galaxies and black holes. We can't wait!

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Reposted by Department of Physics, Durham University

Durham University @durham.ac.uk · 01/04/2026

It’s April Fools Day in the UK, but this @durhamphysics.bsky.social research is no joke! Our experts cast doubt on the long-held theory that our galaxy, the Milky Way, will collide with its largest neighbour, the Andromeda galaxy, in 4.5 billion years-time. 🌌 👉 tinyurl.com/4yfdumbm

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Reposted by Department of Physics, Durham University

Durham University @durham.ac.uk · 31/03/2026

We’re home to the UK’s national particle phenomenology centre, playing a key role in understanding the forces and particles shaping our Universe 👉 www.ippp.dur.ac.uk Our Institute for Particle Physics Phenomenology is primarily funded by @ukri.org/Science and Technology Facilities Council.

Top: A group of people smile at the camera while standing in front of a glass fronted building. Bottom left: The triangular shaped roof of a glass fronted building. Bottom right: An image of a particle collision.

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Department of Physics, Durham University @durhamphysics.bsky.social · 25/03/2026

🚀Durham Physics is on the rise! We’re delighted to see our QS subject ranking climb from 88th (2025) to joint 67th (2026). This marks a return to our previous standing and reflects the strength, dedication, and ambition across the department. 💫Huge congratulations to everyone who made this possible!

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Reposted by Department of Physics, Durham University

Durham University @durham.ac.uk · 27/02/2026

Did you know that @durhamphysics.bsky.social researchers are involved in the search for life on distant planets? They're investigating how a UK-led team could design and build a core instrument for the new NASA Habitable Worlds mission due to launch in the 2040s 👉 tinyurl.com/3fmwfyur

A close up of an Earth-like planet with the blackness of space behind. Text on the image reads "Our scientists are involved in the search for habitable worlds."

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Reposted by Department of Physics, Durham University

Durham University @durham.ac.uk · 06/03/2026

Our researchers are helping turn cutting-edge physics and AI into real-world impact for cancer patients. Learn more: www.durham.ac.uk/news-events/... @durhamphysics.bsky.social

durham.ac.uk

Durham researchers play key role in breast cancer study with AI-VISION - Durham University

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Reposted by Department of Physics, Durham University

Durham University @durham.ac.uk · 24/02/2026

Our world top 100 status and leading role in global networks opens doors for our researchers to international connections that nurture innovation, discovery, and impact. Explore how we’re making a difference in our Global Research Newsletter 👉 mailchi.mp/96a54d0bd591...

A man and two women stand in a quantum physics laboratory - Professor Karen O'Brien, Vice-Chancellor and Warden, Professor Simon Cornish, and Professor Maria Leptin, President of the European Research Council. All three smile at the camera, with scientific equipment in the foreground.

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Reposted by Department of Physics, Durham University

Durham University @durham.ac.uk · 26/01/2026

Our @durhamphysics.bsky.social astronomers have helped create the highest resolution map of the dark matter that threads through our Universe - showing the mysterious substance’s influence on the formation of stars, galaxies and planets. Discover more 👉 www.durham.ac.uk/news-events/...

durham.ac.uk

Revealing dark matter’s influence on the Universe - Durham University

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Reposted by Department of Physics, Durham University

Durham University @durham.ac.uk · 30/01/2026

@durhamphysics.bsky.social is a major partner in @eso.org’s new BlueMUSE telescope instrument. BlueMUSE will help us see massive stars in the Milky Way and view the distant Universe 👉 www.durham.ac.uk/news-events/...

The concept for one of the BlueMUSE spectrographs. The image from the telescope is split into 16 separate slices and enters the spectrograph at the top left.

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Reposted by Department of Physics, Durham University

Durham University @durham.ac.uk · 03/02/2026

From the US Air Force to pioneering astrophysicist✨🔭 @astroradioleah.bsky.social shows how diverse experiences lead to scientific innovation. Leah's research is reshaping our understanding of galaxy evolution 👉 www.durham.ac.uk/news-events/... @durhamphysics.bsky.social #DUinspire #DUSpotlightOn

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Reposted by Department of Physics, Durham University

Quantum Light and Matter at Durham University @durhamqlm.bsky.social · 21/01/2026

Heartfelt congratulations to our newest Drs from the Quantum Light and Matter section at Durham, pictured here in front of the cathedral. We wish you all the best with your next steps, and we'll be seeing some of you around the department as new PDRAs!

5 graduates in red robes and black flat hats stand in front of Durham cathedral during evening time, with colleagues from QLM Durham.

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Reposted by Department of Physics, Durham University

Institute for Computational Cosmology @icc-durham.bsky.social · 19/01/2026

The @durhamphysics.bsky.social now has an account here to tell you about the latest Physics research news @durham.ac.uk

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Reposted by Department of Physics, Durham University

Institute for Computational Cosmology @icc-durham.bsky.social · 19/01/2026

From @ifanghughes.bsky.social part of the @durhamqlm.bsky.social research section in the Department of Physics @durhamphysics.bsky.social @durham.ac.uk

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Reposted by Department of Physics, Durham University

Martin Bourne 🏳️‍🌈 @astromartin.bsky.social · 20/01/2026

On my way to @durhamphysics.bsky.social and @icc-durham.bsky.social in Durham to give this week’s Astro colloquium. Just adding the finishing touches to my slides. #astro

A laptop showing a slide deck in preparation

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Reposted by Department of Physics, Durham University

Durham University @durham.ac.uk · 12/01/2026

Experts in our Department of Physics, led by Dr Simone Scaringi have discovered a mysterious bow shock wave around a dead star. With the source of this energy leak a mystery, the discovery could challenge understandings of star evolution. Read more 👉 www.durham.ac.uk/news-events/... @eso.org

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Reposted by Department of Physics, Durham University

Tobias Franzen @tobifranzen.bsky.social · 14/01/2026

Fun morning running lab tours for researchers from the Advanced Instrumentation section at @durhamphysics.bsky.social around a selection of @durhamqlm.bsky.social labs (pictured QLM colleague Alex Matthies explaining the CaF experiment)

QLM colleague Alex Matthies showing the CaF experiment the CfAI researchers.

CfAI researchers looking at optical tables in the CaF experiment at QLM.

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