When MAXI J0637−430, a binary system containing a black hole, began to fade after a major outburst, something unexpected happened: the outer regions of its disc became more illuminated, rather than less. A study published in Nature Astronomy, led by Montserrat Armas Padilla, a researcher at the Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias, has revealed that this behaviour is due to changes in the shape of the inner part of the disc, which can cast a shadow over the regions furthest from the black hole. During the brightest phase of the outburst, this structure had swollen, blocking some of the

UNDARK continues its programme of scientific activities with a new workshop bringing together researchers to discuss some of the key questions at the frontiers of cosmology, astrophysics, and particle physics. The meeting provides a space for scientific exchange and discussion around the fundamental challenges involved in understanding the dark Universe, from the nature of dark matter and dark energy to their implications for our current picture of the cosmos. The opening day featured contributions from Alicia and Daniela, whose presentations introduced different perspectives and research