The ‘Alien Megastructure’ Star Is Dimming Again
Astronomers all over the world are rushing to train their telescopes on it.
by Marina Koren
May 19, 2017
2 minutes
The most mysterious star in the Milky Way is at it again.
Astronomers are sounding the alarms Friday as telescope observations detect unusual light patterns coming from a distant star located about 1,300 light-years away from Earth in the constellation of Cygnus, in the outer edges of the galaxy. The mysterious dimming and flickering of the star, first discovered in 2011, means is passing in front of it. It has puzzled astronomers ever since, but this is the first time they’ve seen it dimming in real time, presenting an extraordinary opportunity to observe whatever it is that’s blocking the star’s light.
You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.
Start your free 30 days