162173 Ryugu, the target of Hayabusa2, is a spinning top-shaped asteroid. Observations by Optical Navigation Camera onboard Hayabusa2 have shown that the western side of this asteroid possesses a smooth surface and a sharp equatorial ridge, compared to the other side. Here, we propose that a rotationally-driven deformation process generated the

We present an analysis of the spectroscopic properties of the Lixiaohua asteroid family, which hosts two main-belt comets. This study will enhance our knowledge of how primitive asteroids were formed and the abundance of their water reservoir. Mapping the water abundance among the Solar System small body populations is a key constrain to understand

We describe the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) as an archetypal mid-scale program, including the technical, scientific, and organizational aspects underpinning its success over the last twenty years. Based on the SDSS experience, we present six recommendations that the funding mechanisms for mid-scale programs should be designed to ensure.

We study the behaviour of the dynamical and stellar mass inside the effective radius of early-type galaxies (ETGs) as a function of environment considering Newtonian dynamics, different surface-brightness profiles, different initial mass functions (IMF), and different redshift ranges. We use several samples of ETGs - ranging from 19 000 to 98 000

The MASCARA/bRing network consists of four separate observatories, located in La Palma, La Silla, Sutherland, and Siding Springs, and searches for exoplanet transits around bright stars. The three southern hemisphere stations allow for near continuous observations between the declination range of -30 to -90 degrees. These stations are sensitive to

The Magellanic Clouds (MCs) are the most massive gas-bearing systems falling into the Galaxy at the present epoch. They show clear signs of interaction, manifested in particular by the Magellanic Stream, a spectacular gaseous wake that trails from the MCs extending more than 150° across the sky. Ahead of the MCs is the `Leading Arm' usually