A team of astronomers detected a population of distant, dusty galaxies forming stars at rates 10-100 times higher than most optical sources. The discovery suggests that much of the star formation in the distant Universe may be hidden to visual observations, requiring a combination of both optical and submillimeter observations.
Astronomers have discovered bluer galaxies in nearby clusters, indicating recent star formation and a possible ongoing process. The finding revises the Butcher-Oemler effect, suggesting that some clusters may still be forming new stars.
Researchers used computer simulations and high-resolution observations to understand how stars form when galaxies collide. Clumping in gas on a large scale triggers bursts of star formation.
Astronomers have found far more dwarf galaxies than expected in a survey of just 2% of data from the Parkes radio telescope. The discovery suggests that dwarfs may be 'crumbs' left over when bigger galaxies formed and could provide clues about the distribution of dark matter.
A new planet has been discovered around the star 16 Cygni B with an orbital eccentricity of 0.6, unlike any other known planet in our Solar System. This extreme oblong shape indicates the planet experiences significant variations in heat energy as it orbits its host star.
The MSX satellite has obtained two unique images of the Small Magellanic Cloud, a small companion galaxy to the Milky Way. The images reveal new details about the galaxy's structure and evolution, including hot stars, cool giant stars, and nebulae.