Astronomy news

1. Puny Star Might Be Specimen from Early Universe

   A low-mass sun with few elements heavier than helium provides hope that the Galaxy might contain survivors from the very first generation of stars. 

   The post Puny Star Might Be Specimen from Early Universe appeared first on Sky & Telescope.

2. Amateur Don Machholz Discovers His 12th Comet! (Updated)

   Arizona comet hunter Don Machholz did it again! He discovered his 12th comet only two mornings ago. Set your alarm, grab your scope, and take a look.

   The post Amateur Don Machholz Discovers His 12th Comet! (Updated) appeared first on Sky & Telescope.

3. Dust Storm Electricity Might Forge Perchlorates on Mars

   Electrostatic discharge in a simulated dusty Martian environment yields perchlorates — a potential energy source for microbial life — at abundances 1,000 times greater than sunlight alone.

   The post Dust Storm Electricity Might Forge Perchlorates on Mars appeared first on Sky & Telescope.

4. Speeding White Dwarfs May Point to Past Explosions

   A recent study has discovered three of the fastest stars — white dwarfs — known in the Milky Way. But these stars may be more than just speeders — they might also be evidence of how Type Ia supernovae occur.

   The post Speeding White Dwarfs May Point to Past Explosions appeared first on Sky & Telescope.

5. Evidence Mounts for a Magellanic Collision

   Astronomers have suspected for some time that the Large and Small Magellanic Clouds collided in the recent past. The Gaia space telescope provides striking new evidence for a head-on collision.

   The post Evidence Mounts for a Magellanic Collision appeared first on Sky & Telescope.