Strange vertical orbits of an exoplanet observed around a binary brown dwarf system

Impression of the artist in the unusual orbit around the brown dwarf of ExoPlanet 2M1510 (AB)B

ESO/L. Calsada

It was first revealed that a pair of rare stars have equally rare companions, exoplanets that rush into orbit vertically.

Astronomers may think they know what the normal thing is about stars and planets, but they say, “But the universe is very diverse.” Amaury Triaud At the University of Birmingham, UK. He and his colleagues unexpectedly discovered evidence of rare constructs while analyzing data collected by a very large Chilean telescope.

The two stars are brown d stars. This means that they are small and very dim because they cannot maintain fusion and are often referred to as failed stars or subseber ral objects. They follow orbit and continue to cover each other when viewed from Earth. Researchers have previously observed only one brown d-star binary.

Triaud and his colleagues carefully analyzed the new binary system to determine the mass of the stars and their movements, and unexpectedly strange signals were found in the data. Ultimately, the only physical scenario that can explain it is that of a planet-sized object orbiting two stars, following an ellipse perpendicular to the star’s orbit.

Triaud says that vertical orbit is not entirely unheard of, but he and his colleagues never expected to see it in this context. “Brown dwarfs are rare. Brown dwarf pairs are rare. Covering a pair of brown dwarfs is even more unusual and faint, making it difficult to measure,” he says. “That was a surprise. In a system that is ideal and not rare in itself, there is this configuration.”

Twenty years ago, such a structure was considered science fiction, but now it has become a scientific fact. Katherine Brandel At Oxford University. “This is a truly beautiful outcome,” she says. Details of the impending orbit of the two stars make a strong claim that this “harmonograph of the sky” is authentic. By studying how they eat each other, we can identify more details about this unique trio’s moves going forward, Blundell says.

Researchers would like to learn more about the exoplanet named 2M1510(AB)B, but can be compared to a fictional tattoo. Star Warsa desert world orbiting two suns. However, the two suns on the 2M1510(AB)B dimming and get exposed to the surface with something similar to the double dose of moonlight.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Robot Pigeon Uncovers the Secrets of Bird Flight without Vertical Caudal Fins

A pigeon-inspired robot has uncovered the mystery of bird flight without vertical tails found in human-designed aircraft. The prototype has the potential to lead to passenger planes that can reduce drag and fuel consumption.

The vertical stabilizer, or tail fin, in aircraft allows for side-to-side turns and prevents unintentional changes in direction. Some military aircraft, like the Northrop B-2 Spirit, are designed without tails to reduce radar visibility. Instead, they use inefficient methods like flaps creating extra resistance on one side.

Research by David Lentink at the University of Groningen in the Netherlands led to the development of the PigeonBot II to study how birds maintain control without vertical stabilizers.

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PigeonBot II, a robot designed to imitate bird flight techniques

Eric Chan

The previous model, built in 2020, mimicked bird flight by flapping wings but had a traditional tail. The new design, featuring 52 real pigeon feathers, incorporates a bird-like tail, and successful test flights confirm its functionality.

Lentink explains that PigeonBot II’s success lies in its programmed, reflexive tail movements resembling those of birds. The intricate tail movements contribute to stability, proven by the robotic replica’s flight.

The team controlled PigeonBot II’s nine servo motors, utilizing propellers on each wing for steering and tail adjustments in response to the autopilot’s commands. Lentink notes that the complexity of these reflex movements prevents direct human control of PigeonBot II.

After numerous unsuccessful tests, the control system was refined, enabling safe takeoff, cruising, and landing. Lentink envisions a future where vertical stabilizers are unnecessary, reducing weight and drag in aircraft designs.

Source: www.newscientist.com

Shetland Islands’ Saxavod Spaceport receives license for UK’s inaugural vertical rocket launch | Latest UK News

A site on the northernmost tip of the Shetland Islands has become the UK’s first licensed spaceport for vertical rocket launches.

The Saxavod spaceport, located on the small island of Unst, has received a license from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and will be able to conduct its first launch in 2024.

Regulators have verified that the privately owned spaceport meets safety and environmental requirements for vertical space launches.

Frank and Debbie Strong have owned a former RAF base on a remote peninsula in Unst since 2004.

Authorized for up to 30 launches per year, it caters to companies looking to launch satellites into polar or sun-synchronous orbits.

Just under £30 million has so far been spent on developing the spaceport, which includes three launch pads and a hangar for assembling rockets.

Two German companies, Rocket Factory Augsburg and High Impulse, hope to launch from Saxavoord in 2024.

The couple also have plans to build a hotel and visitor center in Saxavod.

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Frank Strang and his wife Debbie own the Saxavod Spaceport in Unst.Photo: Sakusa Vod

“A moment that defined an era”

Tim Johnson, director of space regulation at the CAA, said: “The granting of the license to Saxavoord is a defining moment for the UK space sector.”

“We could soon be rocketing satellites into orbit from Scotland, marking the start of a new chapter for British space.

“We are undertaking important work to ensure the UK’s space activities are safe and sustainable for everyone.”

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Photo: Sakusa Vod

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Photo: Sakusa Vod

Mr Strang said the award of the license was “historic” and said: “Our team is extremely proud to have been entrusted by the government to operate a complex, multi-disciplinary, multi-launch spaceport. We all take this responsibility very seriously.”

“There is still a lot of work to do, but this is a great way to end the year and head into Christmas.”

Cornwall Spaceport has become the UK’s first licensed spaceport, but the Saxavord approval allows aircraft to launch rockets vertically rather than horizontally.

Source: news.sky.com