The Best Science Photos of the Week - Feb. 18, 2012

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Out of the Wreckage ...

This spectacular edge-on galaxy, called ESO 243-49, is home to an intermediate-mass black hole that may have been stripped off of a cannibalized dwarf galaxy.

(Image credit: NASA, ESA, and S. Farrell (Sydney Institute for Astronomy, University of Sydney))


Like a fossil hinting at a long-gone animal, a black hole is offering clues about a now-destroyed galaxy that may once have existed around it.

This spectacular edge-on galaxy, called ESO 243-49, is home to an intermediate-mass black hole that may have been stripped off of a cannibalized dwarf galaxy.[Read full story]

'Janitor Satellite' to Clean Up Space

The CleanSpace One satellite will approach a defunct satellite, grab it, and plunge into Earth's atmosphere, burning up during re-entry.

(Image credit: ESA | NASA | Image Science & Analysis Laboratory, Johnson Space Center | Analytical Graphics, Inc.)


Earth is surrounded by a cloud of more than half a million pieces of space junk, from bus-size spent rocket stages to tiny flecks of paint. To combat this growing headache, Swiss scientists and engineers have announced the launch of CleanSpace One, a project to build the first in a family of "janitor" satellites that will help clean up space.[Read full story]

Live Science Staff
Live Science Staff
For the science geek in everyone, Live Science offers a fascinating window into the natural and technological world, delivering comprehensive and compelling news and analysis on everything from dinosaur discoveries, archaeological finds and amazing animals to health, innovation and wearable technology. We aim to empower and inspire our readers with the tools needed to understand the world and appreciate its everyday awe.