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Alien Planet Found Spiraling to its Doom around an Aging Star

An artist’s concept of the Kepler-1658 system. Kepler-1658b, orbiting with a period of just 3.8 days, was the first exoplanet candidate discovered by Kepler.

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Credit: Credit: Gabriel Perez Diaz/Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias
An artist’s concept of the Kepler-1658 system. Kepler-1658b, orbiting with a period of just 3.8 days, was the first exoplanet candidate discovered by Kepler.
« Alien Planet Found Spiraling to its Doom around an Aging Star

An artist’s concept of the Kepler-1658 system. Kepler-1658b, orbiting with a period of just 3.8 days, was the first exoplanet candidate discovered by Kepler.

Newswise — Cambridge, Mass. – For the first time, astronomers have spotted an exoplanet whose orbit is decaying around an evolved, or older, host star. The stricken world appears destined to spiral closer and closer to its maturing star until collision and ultimate obliteration.  

The discovery offers new insights into the long-winded process of planetary orbital decay by providing the first look at a system at this late stage of evolution.  

Death-by-star is a fate thought to await many worlds and could be the Earth’s ultimate adios billions of years from now as our Sun grows older.

“We’ve previously detected evidence for exoplanets inspiraling toward their stars, but we have never before seen such a planet around an evolved star,” says Shreyas Vissapragada, a 51 Pegasi b Fellow at the Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian and lead author of a new study describing the results. “Theory predicts that evolved stars are very effective at sapping energy from their planets’ orbits, and now we can test those theories with observations.”

The findings were published Monday in The Astrophysical Journal Letters.

The ill-fated exoplanet is designated Kepler-1658b. As its name indicates, astronomers discovered the exoplanet with the Kepler space telescope, a pioneering planet-hunting mission that launched in 2009. Oddly enough, the world was the very first new exoplanet candidate Kepler ever observed. Yet it took nearly a decade to confirm the planet’s existence, at which time the object entered Kepler’s catalogue officially as the 1658th entry.

Kepler-1658b is a so-called hot Jupiter, the nickname given to exoplanets on par with Jupiter’s mass and size but in scorchingly ultra-close orbits about their host stars. For Kepler-1658b, that distance is merely an eighth of the space between our Sun and its tightest orbiting planet, Mercury. For hot Jupiters and other planets like Kepler-1658b that are already very close to their stars, orbital decay looks certain to culminate in destruction.

Measuring the orbital decay of exoplanets has challenged researchers because the process is very slow and gradual. In the case of Kepler-1658b, according to the new study, its orbital period is decreasing at the miniscule rate of about 131 milliseconds (thousandths of a second) per year, with a shorter orbit indicating the planet has moved closer to its star.

Detecting this decline required multiple years of careful observation. The watch started with Kepler and then was picked up by the Palomar Observatory’s Hale Telescope in Southern California and finally the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Telescope, or TESS, which launched in 2018. All three instruments captured transits, the term for when an exoplanet crosses the face of its star and causes a very slight dimming of the star’s brightness. Over the past 13 years, the interval between Kepler-1658b’s transits has slightly but steadily decreased.

The root cause of the orbital decay experienced by Kepler-1658b is tides — the same phenomenon responsible for the daily rise and fall in Earth’s oceans. Tides are generated by gravitational interactions between two orbiting bodies, such as between our world and the Moon or Kepler-1658b and its star. The bodies’ gravities distort each other’s shapes, and as the bodies respond to these changes, energy is released. Depending on the distances between, sizes, and rotation rates of the bodies involved, these tidal interactions can result in bodies pushing each other away — the case for the Earth and the slowly outward-spiraling Moon — or inward, as with Kepler-1658b toward its star.

There is still a lot researchers do not understand about these dynamics, particularly in star-planet scenarios. Accordingly, further study of the Kepler-1658 system should prove instructive.

The star has evolved to the point in its stellar life cycle where it has started to expand, just as our Sun is expected to, and has entered into what astronomers call a subgiant phase. The internal structure of evolved stars should more readily lead to dissipation of tidal energy taken from hosted planets’ orbits compared to unevolved stars like our Sun. This accelerates the orbital decay process, making it easier to study on human timescales.

The results further help in explaining an intrinsic oddity about Kepler-1658b, which appears brighter and hotter than expected. The tidal interactions shrinking the planet’s orbit may also be cranking out extra energy within the planet itself, the team says.

Vissapragada points to a similar situation with Jupiter’s moon Io, the most volcanic body in the Solar System. The gravitational push-and-pull from Jupiter on Io melts the planet’s innards. This molten rock then erupts out onto the moon’s famously infernal, pizza-like surface of yellow sulfurous deposits and fresh red lava.

Stacking additional observations of Kepler-1658b should shed more light on celestial body interactions. And, with TESS slated to keep scrutinizing thousands of nearby stars, Vissapragada and colleagues expect the telescope to uncover numerous other instances of exoplanets circling down the drains of their host stars.

“Now that we have evidence of inspiraling of a planet around an evolved star, we can really start to refine our models of tidal physics,” Vissapragada says. “The Kepler-1658 system can serve as a celestial laboratory in this way for years to come, and with any luck, there will soon be many more of these labs.”

Vissapragada, who recently joined the Center for Astrophysics a few months ago and is now being mentored by Mercedes López-Morales, looks forward to the science of exoplanets continuing to dramatically advance.

“Shreyas has been a welcome addition to our team working on characterizing the evolution of exoplanets and their atmospheres,” says López-Morales, an astronomer at the Center for Astrophysics.

“I can’t wait to see what all of us end up discovering together,” adds Vissapragada.

Source: Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian

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Exploring the Subtle Beauty of a Penumbral Lunar Eclipse

Embrace the subtle beauty of the Penumbral Lunar Eclipse on March 24-25, 2024, as light and shadow converge in the celestial dance above.

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As the celestial dance continues, the night sky is poised to offer us a mesmerizing astronomical event—the Penumbral Lunar Eclipse on March 24-25, 2024. This eclipse, though subtle in its appearance, bears a unique charm that captivates skywatchers worldwide.

A subtle shading on the moon during the Penumbral Lunar Eclipse.
Girl looking at lunar eclipse through a telescope. My astronomy work.

Commencing at 4:53 UTC on March 25, 2024, this penumbral eclipse will reach its peak at 7:12 UTC, showcasing a penumbral magnitude of 0.9577. During this crescendo, the moon will be enveloped in Earth’s outer penumbral shadow, creating a delicate darkened shading across its surface. This phenomenon, while lacking the stark contrast of a total or partial eclipse, promises a sight of understated elegance.

Lasting 279.9 minutes, this eclipse invites us to ponder the intricate interplay of celestial bodies. The moon’s journey through Earth’s penumbral shadow unveils a spectacle where light and shadow merge in a subtle embrace, highlighting the beauty of cosmic alignments.

Despite its gentle nature, the Penumbral Lunar Eclipse holds a special allure for avid sky gazers. The question of its visibility remains a topic of intrigue—some may detect the shadow upon the moon’s immersion in 2/3 of the penumbral shadow, while others may perceive it instantaneously. The experience is shaped by atmospheric conditions, visual acuity, and observational acumen, adding a layer of mystery to this celestial event.

In the grand tapestry of celestial phenomena, the March 25 eclipse stands as a testament to the harmonious movements of the cosmos. Positioned in the constellation of Virgo the Maiden, the moon gracefully traverses Earth’s penumbral shadow, painting a picture of celestial elegance for those who pause to observe.

As we marvel at this lunar spectacle, we are reminded of the interconnectedness of celestial events. The upcoming total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024, forms part of a larger eclipse season, underscoring the cyclical nature of astronomical occurrences. The juxtaposition of these eclipses offers a glimpse into the intricate rhythms of the cosmos, inviting us to witness the celestial ballet unfolding above.

A subtle shading on the moon during the Penumbral Lunar Eclipse.
Girl looking at lunar eclipse through a telescope.

As we await the next eclipse season in September-October 2024, featuring a partial lunar eclipse and an annular solar eclipse, let us cherish the fleeting moments of cosmic alignment. Each eclipse, whether grand or subtle, serves as a reminder of the vastness and beauty of the universe, beckoning us to gaze skyward and marvel at the wonders above.

In the stillness of the night, under the watchful gaze of the moon, let us embrace the subtlety and grace of the Penumbral Lunar Eclipse, a celestial spectacle that invites us to pause, reflect, and appreciate the mysteries of the cosmos.

What is a Penumbral lunar eclipse?

A penumbral lunar eclipse occurs when part or all of the Moon passes into the Earth’s penumbra.[5] No part of the moon is in the Earth’s umbra during this event. The penumbra causes a subtle dimming of the lunar surface, which is only visible to the naked eye when about 70% of the Moon’s diameter has immersed into Earth’s penumbra.[6] A special type of penumbral eclipse is a total penumbral lunar eclipse, during which the entire Moon lies exclusively within Earth’s penumbra. Total penumbral eclipses are rare, and when these occur, the portion of the Moon closest to the umbra may appear slightly darker than the rest of the lunar disk. (wikipedia)

https://earthsky.org/astronomy-essentials/penumbral-lunar-eclipse-march-24-25-2024/

https://stmdailynews.com/category/science/

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Unveiling the Mysteries of Comet 12P/Pons Brooks: The Devil Comet’s Rare Celestial Show

Explore the enigmatic beauty of Comet 12P/Pons Brooks, the “Devil Comet,” as it graces our skies with rare eruptions and celestial displays.

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Comet 12P/Pons Brooks, known as the “devil comet,” is an intriguing celestial visitor that has captured the attention of astronomers and stargazers alike. This comet, with a diameter of about 10.5 miles (17 kilometers), follows a highly elliptical orbit around the sun, completing its journey approximately every 71 years. What sets 12P apart is its cryovolcanic nature – an ice volcano in space.

Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks photographed by the Virtual Telescope Project facility in Manciano, Italy on March 2, 2024. (Image credit: Gianluca Masi/Virtual Telescope Project)

The icy shell of 12P occasionally erupts due to solar radiation, releasing a mix of ice and gas known as cryomagma into space. This process significantly expands the comet’s coma, the cloud of gas and dust surrounding its nucleus, making it appear brighter for a few days. In July 2023, astronomers witnessed 12P erupt after nearly 70 years, with subsequent eruptions occurring more frequently.

During earlier eruptions, the comet’s expanded coma gave it a unique appearance resembling demonic horns. However, recent observations show that these horns seem to have vanished, replaced by a distinctive green glow caused by high levels of dicarbon in its coma and tail, a rare phenomenon in comets.

For sky watchers in the Northern Hemisphere, viewing opportunities are optimal before April 21, when 12P makes its closest approach to the sun. Post this date, the comet will become visible to those in the Southern Hemisphere until the year’s end. To catch a glimpse, head to the countryside away from city lights. While visible to the naked eye, binoculars can enhance the viewing experience.


12P has surprised observers with unexpected brightness, including a rare flare that transformed its gas cloud into a horseshoe shape, earning it monikers like the Devil Comet or Millennium Falcon Comet. Additional flares have been detected, hinting at potential future surprises as the comet approaches Earth.

The cause of these flare-ups remains a mystery, with some astronomers speculating about rare volcanic activity on the comet’s surface. When planning a stargazing outing, target days closest to a new moon to avoid moonlight interference. Checking the weather forecast is essential to ensure clear skies for optimal viewing conditions.

Upon arrival at your stargazing spot, allow your eyes time to adjust to the darkness, especially if you’ve been exposed to bright screens. Patience is key, as celestial wonders like Comet 12P/Pons Brooks often reveal themselves gradually, rewarding those willing to wait.

As you gaze at this unique cosmic spectacle, reflect on the transient nature of comets and the vast mysteries of the universe they represent. The journey of Comet 12P serves as a poignant reminder of the beauty and unpredictability of celestial phenomena, inviting us to marvel at the wonders of the cosmos and contemplate our place within it.

https://www.space.com/watch-comet-12p-pons-brooks-zoom-past-andromeda-galaxy-livestream

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Unveiling the Mystery Galaxy Shape: A Northern Lights Chase in Iceland

Unveiling the mystery galaxy shape amidst Iceland’s northern lights, a celestial spectacle captivates onlookers, blending awe and wonder.

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In the ethereal dance of the northern lights, a captivating anomaly recently stole the show in the skies above Iceland. The enigmatic display, captured by an avid aurora chaser named Shang Yang, unveiled a celestial spectacle that left witnesses in awe and wonder.

Yang’s Reddit post, shared just four days ago, showcased a striking image of a mysterious galaxy shape amidst the vibrant green hues of the northern lights. Positioned against a snow-covered Icelandic landscape, the scene was nothing short of mesmerizing.

According to Yang’s account to Newsweek, the photograph was taken near Akureyri on March 5, in the early hours of the morning. With a keen eye on the Icelandic Meteorological Office’s forecast of heightened aurora activity, Yang and companions ventured to a remote location, seeking refuge from city lights to witness nature’s luminescent masterpiece.

Check out the article in Newsweek: https://www.newsweek.com/northern-lights-iceland-mystery-galaxy-reddit-1877428

As the clock struck 1 a.m., a peculiar phenomenon unfolded before their eyes. What began as a small circle of light in the northern sky swiftly evolved into a grand spiral shape, seemingly drawing closer before dissipating after a brief but unforgettable five-minute display.

Astronomer Valerie Rapson shed light on the mystery, attributing the spectacle to the recent SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launch from California. The rocket’s maneuvers, particularly the spinning of its second stage and fuel venting, likely gave rise to the mesmerizing spiral pattern witnessed in the Icelandic skies.

Yang’s supplementary images and video further captured the unfolding drama of the spiral’s formation, offering a glimpse into the otherworldly experience that unfolded that night. Descriptions of the event evoke a mix of astonishment and trepidation, as the observers grappled with the surreal sight before them.

This extraordinary sighting comes amidst a promising year for aurora enthusiasts, with 2024 anticipated to host one of the most vibrant northern lights displays in recent memory. Driven by heightened solar activity, this year promises a visual treat for sky gazers across the globe, potentially extending the auroral spectacle to lower latitudes than usual.

As the curtain rises on this celestial theater, the unfolding narrative of the mystery galaxy shape serves as a poignant reminder of the boundless wonders that grace our night skies. In a world where the ordinary often eclipses the extraordinary, moments like these remind us of the magic that still resides in the realms beyond our reach.

(Source: Newsweek)

https://www.newsweek.com/northern-lights-iceland-mystery-galaxy-reddit-1877428

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