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In the vast expanse of space, the unexpected can often disrupt our perception of a calm, static universe. Recently, NASA revealed the discovery of a mysterious sphere hurtling through our galaxy at astonishing speed. This sphere, detected through the efforts of professional scientists and citizen scientists, challenges our understanding of cosmic phenomena. Unlike typical celestial discoveries that rely solely on advanced telescopes, this one was first spotted by volunteers as part of NASA’s Backyard Worlds: Planet 9 project. The sphere’s high speed and unusual characteristics have sparked intrigue and debate within the scientific community, raising questions about its origin and nature.
Backyard screens at cosmic speeds: how volunteers spotted the mysterious sphere
The discovery of the mysterious sphere began with NASA Backyard Worlds: Planet 9 Projectan initiative that engages the public in the search for new celestial objects. Volunteers analyze archival footage from the WISE mission, which was later reactivated as NEOWISE. Through their careful examination, three seasoned participants, Martin Kabatnik, Thomas P. Bickle and Dan Caselden, identified an unusual, rapid glow in the infrared images. At first the sphere seemed small and insignificant, but its movement indicated otherwise.
Traveling at a staggering speed of 1 million kilometers per hour, the sphere was eventually identified as CWISE J124909.08+362116.0, or CWISE J1249. This discovery highlights the valuable contributions of citizen scientists to advancing our understanding of the universe. The detection of such an object highlights the potential for collaboration between amateur astronomers and professional researchers to discover new cosmic phenomena.
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Too big for a planet, too small for a star: where is the cosmic fossil located?
Once CWISE J1249’s speed was confirmed, scientists faced the challenge of categorizing the object. With an estimated mass of 30,000 times that of Earthor about 8% of the mass of the Sun, CWISE J1249 occupies a unique position in the cosmos. It is too large to be classified as a planet and too small to be considered a typical star. This places it in a gray area, prompting further investigation into its nature.
Analyze its composition using WM Keck Observatory in Hawaiiresearchers found that CWISE J1249 contains significantly lower amounts of iron and other metals compared to conventional stars and brown dwarfs. This suggests that the object could be incredibly old, potentially formed during the first generations of stars in the Milky Way. As noted by Dr Darren Baskill of the University of Sussex, the object’s characteristics make it a true cosmic fossil, offering invaluable insight into the early evolution of our galaxy.
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The fastest fugitive in the universe: supernova shot or black hole slingshot?
The remarkable speed of CWISE J1249 adds to the intrigue surrounding this cosmic anomaly. How does it move fast enough to eventually escape the Milky Way’s gravitational pull within a few tens of millions of years? Two main hypotheses attempt to explain this phenomenon:
- The supernova scenario — CWISE J1249 could have been part of a binary system with a white dwarf, which would have exploded as a supernova, propelling the object into space at high speed.
- The black hole slingshot — Alternatively, it could come from a globular cluster, where a close encounter with a pair of black holes threw it into interstellar space.
Dr. Baskill explains the slingshot effect as being akin to gravity assist, where the trajectory of an object near a massive body accelerates its speed. Comparable to techniques used by space agencies to increase the speed of spacecraft, the speed of 1 million miles per hour of CWISE J1249 exceeds even that of the Parker Solar Probe, the fastest probe built by man. This cosmic sphere is beyond our most advanced technology, leaving researchers to ponder its origin and trajectory.
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Implications for astronomy and future discoveries
The discovery of CWISE J1249 has significant implications for the field of astronomy. It challenges existing classification systems and provides insight into the diversity of objects populating the universe. As researchers continue to study this sphere, its unique properties could lead to a deeper understanding of stellar evolution and the mechanisms behind high-speed celestial objects.
Additionally, the participation of citizen scientists in this discovery highlights the potential for public engagement in scientific research. By harnessing the power of crowdsourcing, projects like Backyard Worlds: Planet 9 can expand the scope and depth of astronomical exploration. This approach not only accelerates the discovery of new cosmic phenomena, but also promotes a sense of participation and ownership among the public.
The discovery of CWISE J1249 is a reminder of the mysteries that still abound in the universe. As scientists delve deeper into understanding this enigmatic object, they are left with more questions than answers. What other secrets might the universe hold, waiting to be discovered through the collaborative efforts of professional and citizen scientists?
This article is based on verified sources and supported by editorial technologies.
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