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Astronomers use novel technique to find starspots

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New method seen as powerful tool in studying stars

Newswise — COLUMBUS, Ohio – Astronomers have developed a powerful technique for identifying starspots, according to research presented this month at the 241st meeting of the American Astronomical Society.

Our sun is at times dotted with sunspots, cool dark regions on the stellar surface generated by strong magnetic fields, which suppress churning motions and impede the free escape of light. On other stars, these phenomena are called starspots, said Lyra Cao, lead author of the study and a graduate student in astronomy at The Ohio State University

“Our study is the first to precisely characterize the spottiness of stars and use it to directly test theories of stellar magnetism,” said Cao. “This technique is so precise and broadly applicable that it can become a powerful new tool in the study of stellar physics.” 

Use of the technique will soon allow Cao and her colleagues to release a catalog of starspot and magnetic field measurements for more than 700,000 stars – increasing the number of these measurements available to scientists by three orders of magnitude.

Since sunspots were first discovered in the 17th century, scientists have typically detected signatures of stellar magnetism indirectly, by looking at stars through different filters or detecting the modulation of spots in a star’s light curve. But by analyzing legacy high-resolution infrared spectra from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey, Cao was able to develop a technique for identifying starspots in 240 stars from two open star clusters, the Pleiades and M67. 

The study showed that precision starspot measurements are a powerful new class of data which could help researchers understand how stellar magnetic fields work. Due to precision of the technique, Cao was also able to see how age and rotation affected the magnetic fields on these stars. 

“It was lurking in plain sight: Within the spectrum, there was a cooler component corresponding to the starspot which was only visible in the infrared,” Cao said.

As it turns out, younger stars can be enveloped in starspots – some of them more “spot” than star, with 80% of their surfaces covered. During her studies, Cao realized that these larger cooler regions may block so much light, it might have a measurable effect on these stars. Since the light must eventually escape, she said, the star compensates by expanding and cooling enough to make more surface area available for radiation. 

Researchers also found that relying on classical methods to estimate the temperatures of these stars could be wrong by more than 100 degrees. Because scientists often rely on a star’s temperature when trying to estimate its size, astronomers could wrongly assume the radius of the star is smaller than it actually is.

“When this happens, you start seeing large changes in the stars’ structure, which can throw other important astronomical measurements off as well,” said Cao. As scientists use stellar parameters to understand our solar neighborhood and galaxy, and at times, the sizes and habitability prospects of nearby exoplanets, this method could dramatically improve researchers’ ability to test other scientific theories.

Additionally, researchers found a class of stars that are too active for standard theories to explain in the Pleiades cluster. According to Cao, these stars are not only magnetic and rife with starspots, but also overflowing with UV and X-ray radiation.

“You wouldn’t want to live around these stars,” said Cao. “But understanding why these stars are so active could change our models and criteria for exoplanetary habitability.” Further study of these unusual stars could hold the key for understanding why low mass stars are so active, the study notes.

“We can directly study the evolution of stellar magnetism in hundreds of thousands of stars with this new dataset, so we expect this will help develop key insights in our understanding of stars and planets,” said Cao.

Marc Pinsonneault, a professor of astronomy at Ohio State, co-authored the study. This work was supported by NASA.

Contact: Lyra Cao, Cao.861@osu.edu

Written by: Tatyana Woodall, Woodall.52@osu.edu

Source:  Ohio State University

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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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NASA’s Vigilance: Tracking Menacing Asteroids in Our Cosmic Neighborhood

“NASA’s vigilant gaze scans the skies, capturing detailed views of menacing asteroids like 2008 OS7, ensuring Earth’s safety from cosmic threats.”

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In the vast expanse of space, NASA’s unwavering watch over the skies has once again highlighted the importance of tracking potentially hazardous asteroids. Recently, the space agency turned its gaze towards asteroid 2008 OS7, a formidable rock ranging from 650 to 1,640 feet (200 to 500 meters) in diameter. Despite its imposing size, this celestial visitor came within a relatively close distance of 1.8 million miles (2.9 million kilometers) from Earth in early February.

The day before asteroid 2008 OS7 made its close approach with Earth on Feb. 2, this series of images was captured by the powerful 230-foot (70-meter) Goldstone Solar System Radar antenna near Barstow, California.
 Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech

Thankfully, meticulous observations by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory confirmed that this asteroid’s trajectory posed no imminent threat to our planet. While the proximity of 2008 OS7 may seem disconcerting, it was reassuring to learn that the calculated distance was a safe 7.5 times the span between Earth and the moon.

Utilizing sophisticated technology such as the Goldstone Solar System Radar in the California desert, NASA scientists captured detailed images of the asteroid, shedding light on its size, rotation, shape, and surface features. These radio telescopes, with their massive arrays of dishes, play a crucial role in enhancing our understanding of near-Earth objects and assessing potential risks they might pose.

Despite the vast number of asteroids scattered throughout our solar system, the current cosmic landscape is relatively calm compared to the tumultuous era of its formation billions of years ago. Dr. Sally Dodson-Robinson, a planetary scientist at the University of Delaware, emphasized this shift, highlighting the violent collisions and formations that shaped the solar system in its early stages.

In essence, NASA’s continuous surveillance of the heavens serves as a beacon of preparedness and scientific advancement, ensuring that we remain vigilant against potential cosmic threats. As we navigate the mysteries of our universe, these efforts underscore the importance of monitoring and understanding the dynamics of celestial bodies to safeguard our planet and advance our knowledge of the cosmos.

Source: NASA/JPL and Mashable

https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/news/nasas-planetary-radar-images-slowly-spinning-asteroid

https://mashable.com/article/nasa-asteroid-images-pass-near-earth

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