An astounding breakthrough was announced earlier this week, as researchers have made an unprecedented discovery that appears to defy the most fundamental of astronomical theories. The team from the Institute of Natural Sciences at the University of Tokyo has found evidence of a new type of star that moves so rapidly that they are able to outrun light itself.
This, in itself, is an incredible feat, as we have always been under the impression that nothing moves faster than light. The discovery, however, is even more remarkable as it casts serious doubt on the well-established models of space-time that scientists have developed over the years.
The team made the discovery after analysing data collected by the ALMA Observatory in Chile. The data showed a pattern of light being emitted from an object in the distant Vela cluster. When further investigation revealed what the light was emanating from, they were taken aback.
At the centre of the cluster was a red supergiant star, travelling at ten million metres per second. This incredible speed shattered all assumptions regarding the movement of stars and completely changes what we know about the cosmos.
The team has yet to release the full details of their findings, although speculation is heaping on what this discovery could mean for the future of astronomy. It could be that this type of star could be used to better understand the physics of the universe, with the possibilities for new astronomical theories being practically limitless.
Until we have a better understanding of the star and the implications it carries, it’s easy to say that this discovery has rewritten the rules of astronomy and is paving the path for more fascinating discoveries in the near future.