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Jonti Horner

Professor (Astrophysics), University of Southern Queensland

I'm an astronomer and astrobiologist based at the University of Southern Queensland, in Toowoomba, Queensland.

I first became interested in astronomy as a five-year-old, as a result of viewing an accidentally recorded episode of the Sky at Night.

I've always been particularly interested in our Solar system, especially the small objects therein - the comets, asteroids and meteors.

In recent years, I've been expanding my research to include astrobiology and the search for, and study of, exoplanets.

Want to get into stargazing? A professional astronomer explains where to start

Dec 29, 2023 12:12 pm UTC| Life

There are few things more peaceful and relaxing than a night under the stars. Through the holidays, many people head away from the bright city lights to go camping. They revel in the dark skies, spangled with myriad...

Space Science Series

The Geminids: the year's best meteor shower is upon us. And this one will be a true spectacle

Dec 11, 2023 06:52 am UTC| Science

As an astronomer and meteor enthusiast, Id say its the most wonderful time of the year. Each December sees the return of the Geminid meteor shower the best natural fireworks display of the year - and people the world...

Will Saturn's rings really 'disappear' by 2025? An astronomer explains

Nov 13, 2023 12:31 pm UTC| Science

If you can get your hands on a telescope, there are few sights more spectacular than the magnificent ringed planet Saturn. Currently, Saturn is clearly visible in the evening sky, at its highest just after sunset. Its...

‘Like blood, then turned into darkness’: how medieval manuscripts link lunar eclipses, volcanoes and climate change

Apr 06, 2023 07:14 am UTC| Science

Before humans started heating the planet by burning fossil fuels in the 19th century, Earth had experienced centuries-long widespread cool period known as the Little Ice Age. Scientists believe this cold spell may have...

Astronomers just discovered a comet that could be brighter than most stars when we see it next year. Or will it?

Mar 13, 2023 11:41 am UTC| Science

Hot on the heels of the disappointing Green Comet, astronomers have just discovered a new comet with the potential to be next years big story C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS). Although it is still more than 18 months from...

How big is the Moon? Let me compare ...

Jul 18, 2019 23:53 pm UTC| Insights & Views Science

Even though we can see the Moon shining brightly in the night sky and sometimes in daylight its hard to put into perspective just how large, and just how distant, our nearest neighbour actually is. So just how big is...

A Goblin could guide us to a mystery planet thought to exist in the Solar system

Oct 20, 2018 15:25 pm UTC| Insights & Views Science

Out in the depths of the Solar system, astronomers recently discovered a small, icy object, named 2015 TG387. First observed in October 2015, it has been nicknamed The Goblin by its discoverers. It is currently almost...

Economy

Taiwan Gains Confidence as U.S. Excludes It from AI Export Curbs

The U.S. governments decision to exclude Taiwan from its new restrictions on artificial intelligence (AI) chip and technology exports reflects confidence in the islands regulatory controls and legal compliance, Taiwans...

UK Inflation Stabilizes: November CPI at 2.6%, Signaling Economic Recovery

In November 2024, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the UK was reported at 2.6% compared to the same month last year, which matched what experts had predicted. This is an increase from October 2024, when the CPI was at...

China's Tightened Export Controls Disrupt U.S. Tech Firms' Production Plans

China is intensifying scrutiny of exports by U.S. tech giants like Apple, Microsoft, and Dell, delaying their production shifts to Southeast Asia and India, according to Nikkei Asia. Since December, dual-use technology...

Trump's Economic Policies to Face New Challenges in 2025

U.S. President-elect Donald Trump is set to inherit a strong economy, but his aggressive policiestariffs, immigration restrictions, and tax cutsmight disrupt growth. With output above trend, near full employment, and...

U.S. Stock Futures Rise Amid Tariff Speculation and Key Data Focus

U.S. stock index futures gained on Monday evening as reports eased fears of disruptive trade tariffs under President-elect Donald Trump. Bloomberg reported that his team may propose a gradual tariff increase of 2%-5%...

Politics

South Korean Ex-President Yoon Arrested After Martial Law Attempt

Impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol was arrested on Wednesday following a failed attempt to impose military law in late 2024, according to local media reports. Investigators successfully executed an arrest...

Biden Moves to Normalize U.S.-Cuba Relations Amid Major Policy Shifts

The Biden administration announced plans to remove Cuba from the U.S. terrorism blacklist, signaling a major policy shift that could reshape U.S.-Cuba relations. The move reverses sanctions imposed by former President...

Iranian President Denies Plot to Kill Trump, Refutes U.S. Claims

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian dismissed allegations that Iran plotted to assassinate U.S. President-elect Donald Trump. In an NBC News interview, Pezeshkian stated, We have never attempted this to begin with and we...

Pete Hegseth Faces Tight Confirmation Battle for Secretary of Defense

President-elect Donald Trumps nominee for Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth, endured intense scrutiny during his confirmation hearing, highlighting sharp partisan divides. Hegseth, a decorated veteran and former Fox News...

SEC Accuses Elon Musk of Securities Law Violation Over Twitter Stake Delay

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filed a lawsuit against Elon Musk, accusing him of delaying the disclosure of his substantial stake in Twitter, now known as X, in 2022. The SEC alleges Musk violated...

Science

Double Moonshot: Japan’s ispace and Firefly Launch Lunar Missions

In a significant stride for lunar exploration, Japanese company ispace and U.S.-based Firefly Aerospace launched moon landers aboard a SpaceX rocket from Florida. This rare double mission highlights the growing competition...

Bill Gates’ Shocking New Malaria Solution Unveiled as Genetically Modified Mosquitoes Turn Into Flying Vaccinators

In a groundbreaking and controversial move, researchers funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation at Leiden University Medical Center have developed a revolutionary approach to combat malaria. The team has created...

Explosive CIA Whistleblower Claims Havana Syndrome Victims Face Cancer, Dementia, and Government Betrayal

A former CIA operative has come forward with alarming allegations, claiming that victims of the mysterious Havana Syndrome are now battling devastating health issues, including cancer, dementia, and Parkinsons disease. The...

FDA Approval of Opdivo Injection Sparks Hope for Cancer Patients with Revolutionary Treatment Update

In a significant advancement for cancer care, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved an injectable version of Bristol Myers Squibbs blockbuster cancer drug Opdivo. Branded as Opdivo Qvantig, the new...

Public Health Experts Warn of ‘Quad-Demic’ as Flu, COVID, RSV, and Norovirus Threaten Winter Surge

Public health experts are raising alarms over a potential quad-demic this winter, with flu, COVID-19, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and norovirus all expected to surge simultaneously. This unprecedented convergence of...

Technology

TikTok Braces for Possible US Shutdown This Sunday Amid Security Concerns

TikTok, the popular short-video platform owned by ByteDance, could face a nationwide shutdown in the U.S. as early as this Sunday, according to The Information. The move follows increased scrutiny from lawmakers and...

What si RedNote? The Chinese App Gaining Global Attention Amid TikTok Uncertainty

RedNote, known as Xiaohongshu in China, has gained massive attention as over half a million TikTok users flock to the platform amid concerns over a U.S. ban on TikTok. This lifestyle app allows users to share experiences,...

Trade Groups Push Back on Biden's New Chip Export Rules

A coalition of semiconductor and manufacturing trade groups has expressed concerns to U.S. President Joe Biden over recently announced export controls on advanced computing chips. The Semiconductor Industry Association...

Global Smartphone Market Sees Shifts as Chinese Brands Gain Ground

Smartphone shipments for Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) and Samsung (KS:005930) declined in Q4 as competition from Chinese companies like Xiaomi (OTC:XIACF) intensified, according to preliminary data from IDC. Despite a rebound in...

Blue Origin's New Glenn Rocket Launch Delayed to Thursday

Blue Origin, Jeff Bezos rocket company, has rescheduled the inaugural launch of its New Glenn rocket to Thursday, Jan. 16. Originally set for Tuesday, the launch was delayed after a technical issue arose on Monday. The...