Stars

Hydrogen in the Small Magellanic Cloud (Image courtesy Naomi McClure-Griffiths et al, CSIRO's ASKAP telescope. All rights reserved)

0

An article published in the journal “Nature Astronomy” describes the study of a gas outflow from the Small Magellanic Cloud that extends for at least 6,500 light years from its star formation area. A team of researchers used the ASKAP radio telescope to observe that dwarf galaxy in its entirety in a single shot with details never seen before. The conclusion is that there’s a gas loss resulting in a drop in star formation. That gas could be a source for what is known as Magellanic Stream and over time the Small Magellanic Cloud could be devoured by the Milky Way.

The origin of star clusters observed thanks to the SOFIA airborne telescope

0

An article published in the journal “Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society” describes the study of molecular clouds where new star clusters form. A team of researchers used the SOFIA airborne telescope exploiting its ability to detect infrareds coming from dark clouds where the first stages of star formation are hidden. The observations offered new evidence that star clusters form as a result of collisions between giant molecular clouds.

The 2MASS J18082002-5104378 system in the rectangle (Image courtesy ESO/Beletsky/DSS1 + DSS2 + 2MASS)

0

An article published in “The Astrophysical Journal” describes the discovery of a tiny star whose age was estimated at around 13.5 billion years, making it one of the oldest stars in the universe. A team of astronomers studied the star known only as 2MASS J18082002-5104378 B, whose mass is only 14% of the Sun’s, and in particular its composition discovering the very low metal content. The conclusion is that it’s almost completely formed from materials created after the Big Bang.

Artist's concept of the Kepler space telescope with some of the systems it observed (Image NASA)

8

NASA announced the end of its Kepler space telescope’s mission after it ran out of the fuel it needs to aim it towards the various areas of the sky to be observed. This event isn’t a surprise because in August 2018 problems with its thrusters had already started due to the scarcity of hydrazine used as fuel. Now it’s been “parked” in its heliocentric orbit in which it orbits the Sun and being a stable orbit it will keep on doing so for a very long time.

IC 63 (Image ESA/Hubble, NASA)

0

An image captured by the Hubble Space Telescope shows a nebula known as IC 63 and nicknamed the Ghost Nebula or the Ghost of Cassiopeia for its ghostly appearance generated by the transparencies in the gas and dust it contains. It looks suitable for the upcoming Halloween celebrations but it will not last forever because a star called Gamma Cassiopeiae is slowly wiping out that gas with its powerful emissions.