Artistic rendering of e-Aurigae system.
The bright star Epsilon Aurigae, visible to the naked eye in the northern hemisphere, has long puzzled scientists because of a 27-year cycle of dimming and brightening. This suggested that it was an eclipsing binary system. However, the spectral signature of the bright component, suggesting that it was a supermassive giant star, made it difficult to build a model that would account for what might be eclipsing it. Now, the NASA Spitzer Space Telescope may have put the mystery to rest with some ingenious observation techniques.
[Does anyone, apart from my friend abby, whom I have to thank for sending me many such links, enjoy these arcane astronomical items?]
Love those astronomical mind-stretchers, keep ’em coming!
-Ray
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Eliot,
I’m also fascinated by science news like this.
Count me in with Ray L.
@joely
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I absolutely do, Eliot!
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Came for the psychology, stayed for the astronomy (and holiday arcana, social commentary, musical and poetical offerings…).
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I read them then send the links to my son who loves them.
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Absolutely. Ad astra per aspera.
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I, too, enjoy the astronomica.
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Yes.
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Yes! I always look for your astronomy posts.
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