Newsround: Massive 'Failed Star' Racing Through Space at Incredible Speeds
The Discovery of a Hypersonic Brown Dwarf
Newsround brings you the latest in cosmic discoveries as a colossal celestial object has been identified traveling at astonishing speeds of over 1,200,000 mph through the galaxy. This object, thought to be a brown dwarf, is about 80 times the size of Jupiter, teetering on the brink between a planet and a star, making it a fascinating subject of study.
Speculated Origins
Scientists speculate the rogue object, dubbed CWISE J1249, may have been propelled out of its solar system due to the collapse of a nearby white dwarf star or possibly ejected by a black hole encounter. These theories open new discussions about the lifecycle of celestial bodies.
- Speed: Over 1,200,000 mph
- Mass: Approximately 80 times that of Jupiter
- Identified by: Citizen scientists and NASA's Backyard Worlds project
- Discovery site: Keck I Telescope in Hawaii
Implications for Cosmic Research
With an unprecedented velocity, this object could potentially leave the Milky Way, providing a unique opportunity to further study brown dwarfs in lesser-known regions of our galaxy. As NASA astronomer Dr. Kyle Kremer notes, such findings allow for exploration of distant celestial systems that are typically inaccessible.
This article was prepared using information from open sources in accordance with the principles of Ethical Policy. The editorial team is not responsible for absolute accuracy, as it relies on data from the sources referenced.