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Long-sought measurement of exotic beta decay in thallium helps extract the timescale of the Sun’s birth

Researchers successfully measured the bound-state beta decay of fully-ionized thallium ions, revealing key information about AGB star production and the Sun's formation time. The discovery allows for accurate calculations of radioactive lead production in these stars, providing insights into the solar system's early history.

SourceGSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung GmbH·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 14, 2024

Metal scar found on cannibal star

Researchers have discovered a unique signature of planetary material ingestion on the surface of a white dwarf star, WD 0816-310. The team observed a concentration of metals imprinted on the star's surface, indicating that the magnetic field played a key role in this process.

SourceESO·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateFeb 26, 2024

Grasping the three-dimensional morphology of kilonovae

Researchers have created a three-dimensional computer simulation of the light emitted following a neutron star merger, producing results similar to an observed kilonova. The simulation takes into account various processes and material interactions, enabling predictions for any viewing direction.

SourceGSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung GmbH·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 18, 2023

Volcano-like rupture could have caused magnetar slowdown

A study published in Nature Astronomy suggests that a volcano-like rupture on the surface of a neutron star could have caused its sudden slowdown. The research used X-ray data from orbiting telescopes to analyze the magnetar's rotation and found evidence supporting this theory.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Astronomy·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 27, 2023

Citizen scientist leads discovery of 34 ultracool dwarf binaries using archive at NSF’s NOIRLab

Astronomer Frank Kiwy uses Astro Data Lab to discover 34 new ultracool dwarf binary systems in the Sun's neighborhood, expanding knowledge of brown dwarfs and their companions. The discovery nearly doubles previously known samples, shedding light on how often brown dwarfs have companions.

SourceAssociation of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA)·JournalThe Astronomical Journal·TypeObservational study·DateJul 7, 2022

Challenging Einstein’s greatest theory with extreme stars

A team of international researchers challenged Einstein's theory of general relativity using pulsars as a cosmic laboratory. They detected new relativistic effects, including light deflection and time dilation, with unprecedented precision. The study provides significant insights into gravity theories and the fundamental forces of nature.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalPhysical Review X·TypeObservational study·DateDec 13, 2021

Magellanic Stream arcing over Milky Way may be five times closer than previously thought

New astronomical models suggest the Magellanic Stream could be just 20 kiloparsecs from Earth, potentially colliding with the Milky Way and fueling new star formation. The revised distance may also affect estimates of the stream's mass and density, which could require revision.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 23, 2021

Superflares may be less harmful to exoplanets than previously thought, study shows

A new study published in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society found that superflares on red dwarf stars occur at high latitudes, near the star's poles, which means they are not directed towards orbiting exoplanets. This reduces the danger to planetary atmospheres and habitability.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·TypeObservational study·DateAug 5, 2021

The stars that time forgot

Astronomers have found a strange dismembered star cluster at the galaxy's edge, with lower quantities of heavier elements than other globular clusters. The discovery poses significant problems for current ideas on globular cluster origins.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalNature·DateJul 29, 2020