One Million MPH Spinning Stars

In summary, a recent study suggests that the first stars in the universe, known as "spinstars," were fast spinners with a speed of more than a million miles per hour. These massive stars formed right after the Big Bang and lived for a short time before dying, providing the universe with its first heavy elements. The discovery was based on a 12-billion-year-old globular cluster of stars.
  • #1
JaredJames
2,818
22
Don't know if anyone seen it, it's out today in a journal:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/42787604/ns/technology_and_science-space/
The first stars in the universe may have been extraordinarily fast spinners, whirling at more than a million miles per hour, scientists say.

These stars, which researchers called "spinstars," formed right after the Big Bang 13.7 billion years ago and were likely massive giants, with eight times or more the mass of our sun, according to a new study. They lived fast and died young, after no more than 30 million years. The nuclear fusion reactions that drove these stars also provided the universe with its first elements heavier than helium.

A 12-billion-year-old globular cluster of stars known as NGC 6522 provided the basis for the proposal of spinstars.

Sounds interesting, one of the first to catch my attention for a while (perhaps I just like big numbers...).
 
Astronomy news on Phys.org
  • #2
Thats interesting. I wonder if the flames made them go faster...:smile:
 
  • #3
That would explain all the heavier elements.
 

Related to One Million MPH Spinning Stars

What is the concept of "One Million MPH Spinning Stars"?

The concept of "One Million MPH Spinning Stars" refers to the idea that there are stars in our universe that are rotating at incredible speeds, reaching velocities of up to one million miles per hour.

How do scientists measure the speed of a spinning star?

Scientists use a technique called Doppler spectroscopy to measure the speed of a spinning star. This involves analyzing the light emitted from the star and looking for shifts in wavelength caused by its rotation.

What causes a star to spin at such high speeds?

The exact cause of a star's rotation is still not fully understood, but it is believed to be a result of the conservation of angular momentum during the star's formation. As the star collapses and condenses, its rotation speed increases.

Are all stars capable of spinning at one million miles per hour?

No, not all stars are capable of spinning at such high speeds. It is estimated that only a small percentage of stars in our galaxy are rotating at this speed, with the majority spinning at much slower rates.

What are the potential impacts of one million MPH spinning stars?

The high speeds of these spinning stars can have various effects on their surrounding environments. For example, the strong winds and magnetic fields created by the rotation can influence the formation of new stars and planetary systems. Additionally, these stars can also emit powerful radiation and jets of particles that can impact their surroundings.

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