A handout picture of the star Betelgeuse, a color composite produced from exposures from the Digitized Sky Survey 2 (DSS2). The picture was launched on July 28, 2026.
| Picture Credit score: ESO/Digitized Sky Survey 2
Well-known supergiant star Betelgeuse will not be alone
Utilizing the Very Massive Telescope, astronomers have discovered sturdy proof that Betelgeuse, the well-known crimson supergiant star, has an in depth companion, now referred to as Betelgeuse B. It appears to be a younger star round 2.6-3.1-times as heavy as our solar. And it may clarify why Betelgeuse’s brightness modifications in a six-year cycle: that’s seemingly brought on by the companion periodically blocking a few of Betelgeuse’s mild. The group is awaiting a second statement to verify the information.
Kids extra uncovered to excessive humid warmth than aged
Researchers discovered that youngsters aged 0-9 are presently uncovered to roughly thrice as many extra warmth stress days as adults of their 60s, which means they’re disproportionately extra uncovered to excessive humid warmth. The foundation of the disparity is the overwhelming majority of the world’s youngsters residing in tropical, low-latitude areas the place warmth is rising most intensely. These findings are essential as a result of youngsters are bodily extra susceptible to warmth and face potential lifelong well being dangers.
Microclimate beneath photo voltaic panels results in ‘inferior greening’
By analysing information from 2,344 counties China between 2014 and 2023, researchers discovered insurance policies selling large-scale photo voltaic farms additionally supported ‘inferior greening’: whereas photo voltaic installations elevated the quantity of inexperienced on the bottom, the brand new development was usually dense and lacked the number of pure habitats that helps many chicken species. The research discovered these penalties had been additionally most pronounced in rich, non-desert areas, so its authors beneficial clustering massive photo voltaic tasks in desert areas.
Revealed – August 30, 2026 08:00 am IST
