Category Astronomy/Space

Left: GMOS acquisition image of the binary system. The binary system is indicated by the green mark, where the third object (at a separation of 0.5 arcseconds) is well resolved. The Gemini spectra were carried out with a position angle of 90 degrees east of north, hence were resolve both the eclisping binary system and the third object into spectra. Right: GMOS spectra. The top panel shows the eclipsing binary spectrum (upper) and the third light object spectrum (lower). The primay (P) and secondary (S) component of the eclipsing binary system are indicated by the green label. The bottom panel shows the relative flux (in ADU) of the Hα emission line from the primary and secondary component of the ecliping binary system. Credit: Lee at al., 2017.

Astronomers have found a new eclipsing bina...

This illustration depicts an uneven ring of dust orbiting KIC 8462852, also known as Boyajian’s Star or Tabby’s Star. Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech

Scientists are one step closer to solving the mystery. A team of more than 200 researchers, including Penn State Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics Assistant Professor Jason Wright and led by Louisiana State University’s Tabetha Boyajian, is one step closer to solving the mystery behind KIC 8462852, or “Tabby’s Star,” nicknamed after Boyajian, is otherwise an ordinary star, about 50% bigger and 1,000 degrees hotter than the Sun, and about than 1,000 light years away. However, it has been inexplicably dimming and brightening sporadically like no other...

The LSD Stokes I, N and Stokes V profiles of 19 Aur and HR 3042. Credit: Martin et al., 2017

Astronomers have presented the initial results of the Large Impact of Magnetic Fields on the Evolution of Hot Stars (LIFE) project. Among determining fundamental parameters of 15 stars, they found that two of them have magnetic fields. LIFE’s main goal is to search for magnetic fields in hot post-main sequence stars. The project also aims to evaluate the model of magnetic flux conservation and to investigate the impact of magnetic fields on stellar evolution, and vice versa. In order to achieve its scientific goals, LIFE utilizes the Echelle SpectroPolarimetric Device for the Observation of Stars (ESPaDOnS) at the Canada France Hawaii Telescope (CFHT) in Hawaii.

During the observations, the team wa...

A glimpse into the heart: Artist’s impression of the interior of the star, which was studied through its surface oscillations. Credit: Earl Bellinger / ESA

At first glance, it would seem to be impossible to look inside a star. An international team has, for the first time, determined the deep inner structure of two stars based on their oscillations. Our sun, and most other stars, experience pulsations that spread through the star’s interior as sound waves. The frequencies of these waves are imprinted on the light of the star, and can be later seen by astronomers here on Earth.

Astronomers determine the properties of stars from their pulsations—a field called asteroseismology...