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Infant Stars Emit Gas and Dust “Sneezes”
The discovery of baby stars “sneezing” gas and dust into space has opened up a new avenue of research in the field of stellar formation. Scientists have long known that stars are surrounded by protostellar disks, but the mechanisms by which they release gas and dust have remained a mystery. Recent findings suggest that these young stars discharge material in a process akin to a sneeze, expelling magnetic flux into space.
Researchers from Kyushu University in Japan have been using the ALMA radio telescope to study these phenomena in more detail. They have found that the disks around new stars emit jets or plumes of dust and gas, as well as electromagnetic energy. These “sneezes” appear to erode the magnetic flux of young star systems, leading to weaker magnetic fields than previously expected.
The magnetic fields in these protostellar disks play a crucial role in the formation of planets and other celestial bodies. However, the observation of weaker magnetic fields suggests that the flux is being slowly eroded over time. This phenomenon has been observed in various star systems, including MC 27, located 450 light years away.
The team observed “spike-like” structures extending out from the star, containing gas, dust, and magnetic flux. These features, termed “interchange instability”, are believed to be the result of a baby star’s sneeze. Just like a human sneeze expels air and particles from the body, these young stars release gas and dust from their disks.
Further exploration of these phenomena has revealed signs of multiple sneezes occurring in the past, indicating a dynamic and evolving process in star formation. Although similar spikes have been observed in other star systems, more research is needed to fully understand the implications of this discovery.
Overall, this new research sheds light on the complex processes involved in stellar formation and highlights the importance of studying protostellar disks in greater detail. By using cutting-edge technology like the ALMA telescope, scientists are able to uncover fascinating insights into the birth and evolution of stars in our universe.
Source : Twinkle twinkle baby star, ‘sneezes’ tell us how you are
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University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and Protesters reach an agreement to dismantle encampment
Protesters at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee have agreed to end their pro-Palestinian encampment following an agreement reached with the school, university officials announced on Sunday. The encampment, which had been in place for two weeks, will be dismantled by Tuesday, marking the end of what was believed to be the last standing encampment at a Wisconsin college.
University officials had allowed the encampment to remain on a patch of lawn between Mitchell Hall and a busy thoroughfare on the campus’s southern boundary, opting not to involve law enforcement. This approach differed from the response at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where police were called in to remove tents after negotiations fell through. Despite initial efforts to disband the encampment, Wisconsin-Madison eventually reached an agreement with protesters to voluntarily dismantle the camp prior to commencement ceremonies.
Chancellor Mark Mone of Wisconsin-Milwaukee stated last Wednesday that the university had exhibited “the widest possible amount of patience and restraint.” However, he also cautioned that patience was wearing thin and hinted at potential action by the school. Following discussions with the UWM Popular University for Palestine Coalition, the university agreed to advocate for a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas, condemn the destruction of schools and universities in Gaza by Israeli forces, and hold meetings with protest leaders regarding university investments.
Additionally, the university pledged to urge the Water Council, a Milwaukee organization of water technology companies, to sever connections with two Israeli government-owned entities, Mekorot and the Israel Innovation Authority. Chancellor Mone serves as the treasurer on the Water Council’s board of directors.
In return for these commitments, the protesters agreed to dismantle the encampment beginning on Sunday and completing the process by Tuesday. They also agreed not to disrupt the university’s commencement ceremonies scheduled for Sunday. In a statement, the protesters expressed their satisfaction with the agreement, stating, “After hard fought edits and careful consideration by the coalition, we determined we had obtained all possible benefits from the encampment.”
The resolution of the encampment at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee represents a successful outcome of negotiations between university officials and protesters. By reaching a compromise that addresses the concerns of both parties, a peaceful resolution has been achieved, allowing for the encampment to be taken down without incident.