A team of researchers has proposed a compelling theory about the enigmatic Jupiter-mass binary objects (JuMBOs), shedding light on their mysterious origins. The study, published in The Astrophysical Journal in November, delves into the process of “photo erosion” to explain the formation of these strange celestial bodies.

According to statements made to Space.com by Richard Parker, an astrophysicist at the University of Sheffield and undergraduate researcher Jessica Diamond, JuMBOs may have formed as stellar cores but were stripped of their mass by the intense radiation of massive stars. This insight could unravel the mystery of how these objects, first observed in 2023, came into existence.

Discovery of JuMBOs in the Orion Nebula

In 2023, astronomers using the James Webb Space Telescope identified 42 pairs of JuMBOs in the Orion Nebula Cluster. Unlike typical stars or planets, these objects were free-floating and existed in binary pairs, sparking debates about their formation. The absence of a parent star and their persistence as binaries contradicted traditional models of planetary and stellar development, creating a scientific puzzle.

The Role of Photo Erosion

Reports suggest that Parker and Diamond’s theory hinges on photo erosion, a process where radiation from massive O-type and B-type stars strips the outer layers of nearby stellar cores. This phenomenon compresses the remaining material, leading to the formation of JuMBOs with masses comparable to a few Jupiters. Parker emphasised to Space.com that these objects could have been typical stars had it not been for the radiation’s impact, shaping them into something more akin to brown dwarfs.

Future Observations and Validation

As per the research, regions with intense radiation should host smaller JuMBOs, providing a means to test this hypothesis. Observing similar star-forming regions could offer further evidence or challenge this idea. Parker noted that JuMBOs may have a short lifespan in crowded clusters, suggesting that their observation presents a fleeting opportunity for astronomers to study them.

This study adds a new dimension to understanding celestial objects, offering a fresh perspective on star and planet formation processes in the universe.

Astronauts stationed on the International Space Station (ISS) marked Christmas with a special message for those on Earth, highlighting the festive spirit and the bond among their crew. Expedition 72 commander Sunita Williams, along with her fellow NASA astronauts Barry Wilmore, Don Pettit and Nick Hague, shared a video recorded on December 23 to spread holiday cheer. The crew, stationed 260 miles above the Earth, embraced the holiday traditions in their unique environment, showcasing the importance of togetherness even when far from home.

Festivities Take a Spacebound Twist

The astronauts created a festive atmosphere on the ISS with floating candy canes and a whimsical snowman fashioned from storage bags. Williams, donning reindeer antlers, expressed joy in celebrating with her crewmates, stating that their unity as a team made the holiday meaningful. The multinational crew, including Russian cosmonauts Alexey Ovchinin, Ivan Vagner, and Aleksandr Gorbunov, joined in the festivities, making it an occasion that transcended borders.

Acknowledging the Team on Earth

Nick Hague took a moment to highlight the contributions of mission control teams who support the ISS around the clock. Reflecting on their shared commitment, he noted that many on Earth also sacrifice time with family to ensure the station’s operations continue smoothly. Hague’s words underlined the collaborative efforts that keep space exploration thriving, even during the holiday season.

Personal Touches to a Unique Celebration

A specially prepared meal was part of the crew’s celebration, introduced by Don Pettit, who offered a glimpse of the feast sent by Earth-based teams as per reports. Decorations aboard the station included a small artificial Christmas tree adorned with family photos, a heartfelt reminder of loved ones. Barry Wilmore, an ordained minister, reflected on the religious significance of Christmas, reminding viewers of the deeper meaning of the holiday.

The message closed with the entire crew wishing Earth a heartfelt “Merry Christmas,” sending a wave of festive joy from their extraordinary vantage point in orbit.

The well-preserved remains of a baby mammoth, estimated to be 50,000 years old, were recently revealed by researchers in Russia. Found in the thawing permafrost of the Yakutia region, the specimen has been named “Yana,” referencing the river near which it was uncovered during the summer. According to North-Eastern Federal University, where the remains are displayed, Yana is among the most intact mammoth carcasses ever discovered. Reports confirm that this marks one of only seven complete mammoth remains unearthed globally.

Discovery at Batagaika Crater

Yana’s remains were located in the Batagaika crater, an expansive depression in the Verkhoyansky district that continues to expand due to climate change. The mammoth, weighing over 240 pounds and measuring approximately four feet in length, is believed to have died at around one-year-old. Maxim Cherpasov, Head of the Lazarev Mammoth Museum Laboratory in Yakutsk, stated to Reuters that the survival of the head and trunk in such pristine condition is highly unusual. Typically, these parts are consumed by modern predators or scavengers soon after exposure, but Yana’s head remained largely intact.

A Historic Find in Siberian Permafrost

In recent years, Siberia’s permafrost has yielded numerous prehistoric animal remains due to rising temperatures. The Batagaika research station, near where Yana was found, has also provided remains of a horse, a bison, and a lemming. Anatoly Nikolayev, Rector of North-Eastern Federal University, shared in official reports that the preservation of Yana is extraordinary.

This discovery adds to the growing list of remarkable finds in Yakutia, including the remains of a 32,000-year-old sabre-toothed cat cub and a 44,000-year-old wolf carcass uncovered earlier this year. Researchers are continuing tests to gather more insights into Yana’s life and environment, as per Reuters.