Astronomy Now – The UK's best stargazing magazine (original) (raw)

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  A machine learning pipeline developed in the UK has validated over 100 exoplanets in NASA’s TESS data, revealing rare planetary systems and sharpening estimates of how common close orbiting worlds really are.
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  Strange X-rays from the naked eye star gamma-Cas have been confirmed to come from matter falling onto a hidden white dwarf companion, resolving a fifty-year astronomical mystery.
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  Observations of the nearby exoplanet L 98-59 d suggest it belongs to a previously unrecognised class of planet that features vast magma oceans and sulphur-rich atmospheres. The discovery hints that many more exotic planetary types may be waiting to be found.
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  A total lunar eclipse is centred on the mid-Pacific 3 March, visible to observers in New Zealand and sweeping eastern Australia and western USA, with a large partial eclipse extending further east and west.
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  Here’s some crystal-clear advice for you Valentine’s Day travellers this February. Head for the outer Solar System, where it is a jewellery-lover’s delight with a steady downpour of solid diamonds forecast across all four gas giant planets.