In the realm of astronomy, the evolution of telescopic technology has transformed our ability to explore the cosmos. From early days of focusing on individual celestial objects to modern surveys capable of mapping the entire sky, the field has witnessed a profound shift. With advancements in automation and wide-field imaging, astronomers now have the capability to monitor hundreds of millions of stars simultaneously.
One such groundbreaking endeavor is the Visible and Infrared Survey Telescope (VISTA), which has been instrumental in uncovering hidden stars through infrared observations. In a recent series of papers published in the Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society, researchers have delved into a decade-long dataset from the VISTA survey to unveil intriguing phenomena.
By meticulously analyzing shifts in brightness among hundreds of millions of stars, the team identified approximately 200 stars exhibiting dramatic fluctuations. These transient changes offer insights into the intricate dynamics of stellar evolution, particularly during the early stages of star formation. Among these stars, 32 erupting protostars were identified, characterized by rapid brightness increases of up to a factor of 300.
These eruptive events, occurring within the protostellar disks, play a pivotal role in shaping the growth trajectory of young stars. However, they also pose challenges for planetary formation within these systems, earning them the moniker of “squalling newborns.”
In a surprising revelation, the researchers also uncovered 21 red giant stars with significant brightness variations deep within the center of our galaxy. Termed “old smokers,” these red giants exhibit fluctuations attributed to the dispersal of dust clouds surrounding them. This phenomenon sheds new light on the mechanisms underlying the release of heavy elements into the galaxy, influencing the formation of future stellar systems.
The discoveries stemming from infrared sky surveys challenge existing paradigms and underscore the dynamic nature of cosmic evolution. As astronomers continue to probe the depths of space, such revelations pave the way for a deeper understanding of the universe’s intricacies.
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