348 Years Ago, a French Astronomer Monk Might have Witnessed the Collision Between a White and Brown Dwarf Star

By Evan Gough October 10, 2018
348 Years Ago, a French Astronomer Monk Might have Witnessed the Collision Between a White and Brown Dwarf Star

"It was shredded, and its remains spun out in two jets." - Prof. Charles Woodward, College of Science and Engineering, University of Minnesota.

"Collisions like this could contribute to the chemical evolution of our galaxy and universe." - Professor Robert Gehrz, University of Minnesota.

The Evidence for CK Vulpeculae

Sources:

  • AAAS Press Release: "Researchers Discover New Type of Stellar Collision"

  • Research Paper: "ALMA reveals the aftermath of a white dwarf--brown dwarf merger in CK Vulpeculae"

  • ALMA Observatory Press Release: "When Is a Nova Not a ‘Nova’? When a White Dwarf and a Brown Dwarf Collide"

  • European Southern Observatory: "Through the Hourglass"

    • Evan Gough

    Evan Gough

    Evan Gough is a science-loving guy with no formal education who loves Earth, forests, hiking, and heavy music. He's guided by Carl Sagan's quote: "Understanding is a kind of ecstasy."