So far, we have found hundreds of stars with multiple planets scattered throughout the galaxy. Each one is unique, but 88 light-years away, the HD 158259, the star-orbiting system is truly special. The star itself is about the same mass and slightly larger than the sun – a minority in …
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From our single benefit location of the universe, the three-dimensional location is really difficult to understand. We can easily map the stars in relation to each other, but it is very difficult to know which is near and which is far. One way to determine the distance of objects in …
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Most of the exoplanets we’ve confirmed to date have never really looked straight. We confirm their presence through indirect means, such as their effect on their host star. But now, astronomers have released images of exoplanets found indirectly. It is not just an impressive feat of skill and technique. The …
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A cloud of dust and gas revolving around the infant star system 1,300 light-years away, we are not yet like a disk forming a planet. It consists of three rings, wrapped around three stars – and all three rings have different directions, with the other two incorrectly connected. It is …
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When a star weighs a little too close to a black hole, we know – broadly – what is happening. The intense tidal forces tore the star apart in what is called a tidal disruption event, releasing one last burst of light before the star’s rumble passes the event horizon. …
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