A new mysterious corner of the universe has come closer to human sight. This was reported by Zamin.uz.
An international team of scientists created advanced technology and tested it in practice, The Astrophysical Journal Letters reported. Using this new method, ground-based telescopes for the first time in history succeeded in capturing a very sharp and clear image of a star disk.
At the center of the discovery is a unique device called the “photon lantern.” This device separates the wavefront of rays coming from stars and splits each into separate channels.
As a result, small details that are lost in traditional imaging are preserved. When the obtained data are combined, scientists managed to reconstruct an unprecedentedly clear image of the disk around the star.
Usually, astronomers combine data from several telescopes to achieve such high resolution. However, this time the team obtained all the results using only one telescope – the 8-meter Subaru located in Hawaii.
The FIRST-PL device, developed in collaboration between the Paris Observatory and the University of Hawaii, was installed on this telescope. The photon lantern was created by scientists from the University of Sydney and the University of Central Florida.
It divides light rays into many channels, a process similar to splitting a musical chord into notes. Light in each “note” transforms into colors, and light oscillations that conventional cameras cannot detect are recorded.
According to co-author Yu Jong Kim, the new method provides five times higher resolution compared to previous technologies. This result was achieved by carefully analyzing the shape of light waves traveling inside optical fibers.
Scientists observed the star “Beta Canis Minoris,” located approximately 162 light-years away. It has a disk composed of hydrogen, where new planet formation is possible.
Using the new technology, it was revealed for the first time that this disk is asymmetric, meaning one part is brighter and denser than the other. According to physics and astronomy professor Michael Fitzgerald, the photon lantern has ushered in a new era in observational astronomy.
Scientists reported achieving resolution beyond the diffraction limit, considered the natural boundary of light. Researchers believe this method will enable studying planet-forming disks, exoplanets, and active galactic nuclei at a new level in the future.
This will be an important step not only in understanding the structure of the universe but also in comprehending yet undiscovered cosmic properties. It is worth recalling that earlier reports mentioned the discovery of unknown asteroid traces in Australia.
Researchers analyzed the composition of natural glass – tektites – and succeeded in identifying new cosmic material formed by meteor impacts. Scientists emphasize that the photon lantern will advance not only the universe but also human capacity to understand it to a new stage.
