Astronomers have discovered a new way that stars can die. In a study published in the journal Nature Astronomy, experts have worked out that a minute-long gamma-ray burst of light, which occured in 2019 and evidence a star dying, happened because stars collided within the densely crowded environment near the supermassive black hole at the centre of an ancient galaxy. Normally gamma-ray bursts (GRB) last around two seconds and happen when stars collapse. “For every hundred events that fit into the traditional classification scheme of gamma-ray bursts, there is at least one oddball that throws us for a loop,” said study coauthor Wen-fai Fong, assistant professor of physics and astronomy at Northwestern University’s Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences, in a statement. “However, it is these oddballs that tell us the most about the spectacular diversity of explosions that the universe is capable of.” Over time, astronomers have observed three main ways that stars can die, depending on their size. Lower mass stars like our sun shed their outer layers as they age, eventually becoming dead white dwarf stars. Sign up to our free Indy100 weekly newsletter Massive stars burn through the fuel-like elements at their core and shatter in explosions called supernovas. Doing so can leave behind dense remnants like neutron stars or result in the creation of black holes. A third form of star death results when neutron stars or black holes begin to orbit one another in a binary system and spiral closer to one another until they collide and explode. But the new observation suggests a fourth type of death. “Our results show that stars can meet their demise in some of the densest regions of the universe, where they can be driven to collide,” said lead study author Andrew Levan, an astrophysics professor at Radboud University in Nijmegen, Netherlands, in a statement. “This is exciting for understanding how stars die and for answering other questions, such as what unexpected sources might create gravitational waves that we could detect on Earth.” “The lack of a supernova accompanying the long GRB 191019A tells us that this burst is not a typical massive star collapse,” said study coauthor Jillian Rastinejad, a doctoral student of astronomy at Northwestern, in a statement. “The location of GRB 191019A, embedded in the nucleus of the host galaxy, teases a predicted but not yet evidenced theory for how gravitational-wave emitting sources might form.” “While this event is the first of its kind to be discovered, it’s possible there are more out there that are hidden by the large amounts of dust close to their galaxies,” said Fong, who is also a member of the Center for Interdisciplinary Exploration and Research in Astrophysics at Northwestern. “Indeed, if this long-duration event came from merging compact objects, it contributes to the growing population of GRBs that defies our traditional classifications.” You learn something new every day. Have your say in our news democracy. Click the upvote icon at the top of the page to help raise this article through the indy100 rankings.

The demise of five people aboard a submersible touring the Titanic’s underwater wreckage has even the most prominent

Canada’s explosive wildfire season has already pumped millions of tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Some of

The European Union is under pressure to revive plans to add a social pillar to its ESG-rulebook, after

Dua Lipa was having a dinner party when fans thought she would be performing with Sir Elton John at Glastonbury on Sunday.

Checking the temperature reading during a heat wave won't tell the whole sweltering story. It's going to feel a lot hotter.

Madison Beer feels like she is living a double life after taking up gaming whilst continuing to work on her upcoming album.

Sarah, Duchess of York has revealed she is recovering from an operation after being diagnosed with breast cancer during a routine mammogram. Here, the PA news agency looks into who can get a mammogram and what happens. What is a mammogram? A mammogram is a breast x-ray which looks for signs of cancer, according to the charity Breast Cancer Now. How can I get a mammogram? Patients can receive a mammogram to look for cancer that may be too small to see or feel as part of breast screening. Women aged between 50 and 71 are automatically invited for breast screening through their GP practice every three years. Those over the age of 71 can continue to have breast screening every three years by contacting their local screening unit through the NHS website or through their GP. The sooner breast cancer is diagnosed, the more effective treatment is likely to be, reducing the risk of more extensive surgery. Women may also be referred to a breast clinic for a mammogram by their GP if they have symptoms or a breast change that requires investigating. What are the symptoms of breast cancer? The first symptom of breast cancer that most women notice is a lump or an area of thickened tissue in their breast, the NHS website states. Women are advised to see their GP if they experience a new lump or area of thickened tissue in either breast, a change in the size or shape of one or both breasts or fluid discharge from either nipple. Other symptoms include a lump in either armpit or a change in the skin of the breasts, including puckering, scaly or itchy skin, crusting or a rash. How can women check their own breasts? As it is possible for breast cancer to develop in the three years between each mammogram, it is important for women to check their breasts regularly for any signs of cancer, according to the charity Breast Cancer Now. The NHS Breast Screening Programme recommends that women know what is normal for them, to look at their breasts and feel them, to know what symptoms to look for and to report any changes to a GP without delay. To check the breasts, the NHS website recommends looking at them and feeling each breast and armpit up to the collarbone. It may be easier to do this in the shower or bath. Women can also look at their breasts in the mirror both with their arms raised and by their sides. What happens during a mammogram? During a mammogram, a female doctor asks the patient to remove their clothes from the waist up and stand in front of the mammogram machine. The breasts are placed one at a time on the x-ray machine and images of each breast are taken. The scan itself should only take a few minutes, while the whole appointment should take about half an hour, according to the NHS website. The results of the mammogram are sent by post to the patient and their GP. According to Breast Cancer Now, around 4% of women are called back to a breast clinic after routine screening for more tests. While most women recalled will not have breast cancer, the follow-up appointment may involve a breast examination, further scans – such as a mammogram or an ultrasound – or a biopsy – where a small sample of tissue is taken. Breast cancer facts and figures Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in the UK, and about one in seven women are diagnosed with the disease in their lifetime, according to the NHS website. More than 80% of breast cancers occur in women over 50 and the risk continues to increase with age. Mammograms are not often used in women under 40 as younger women have denser breast tissue, which can make the x-ray image less clear and changes harder to identify, according to Breast Cancer Now. However, for women with a family history of breast cancer, UK guidelines recommend they should start having screening mammograms every year in their forties. Screening prevents an estimated 1,300 deaths from breast cancer each year in the UK, according to Breast Cancer Now.

When warmer weather arrives, many of us feel the urge to cool off with a refreshing dip at the nearest pool, pond or beach. A paddle is a pleasant way to beat the heat, it can boost your health too. “The benefits of swimming and dipping in open water are well documented,” says Lee Heard, charity director at Royal Life Saving Society UK. “Not only does being in or on open water allow new adventure, it also has documented benefits for both physical and mental wellbeing.” Research from Next found that 33% of people would look to wild swimming to find relief from muscle aches and pains, while 28% of those facing stress see it as a remedy. “Many of us only swim outdoors during the summer season,” says Ella Foote, founder of The Dip Advisor and author of How to Wild Swim: What to Know Before Taking the Plunge. But just because the sun is out doesn’t mean wild swimming is less dangerous, she says: “Learning to swim at some point in your life isn’t enough and being a fit, healthy person on dry land isn’t the same as being water fit.” There were 226 deaths in the UK from accidental drownings in 2022, according to the RNLI. Heard says: “The basic principles of open water safety, combined with knowledge and understanding of the hazards, can increase the enjoyment of open water and significantly reduce the number of incidents that occur each year.” These are the safety considerations to take into account before deciding whether to wade in… Look for lifeguards “There are a great number of open-water sites which are lifeguarded and we would urge people to go to lifeguarded venues if they are looking to take part in open water swimming,” says Heard. Use the RNLI website to find your nearest lifeguarded beach. “Lifeguards are trained professionals who can ensure your safety whilst out on the water and provide assistance should you need it,” Heard continues. “There are also a number of organised events around the country which have lifeguards on duty, so we urge people to attend those events.” Check the conditions If you’re swimming somewhere without a lifeguard, you must be aware of the potential risks.”If swimmers are aware of the potential risks and dangers, then this enables them to do a risk assessment before entering the water,” says Heard. Risks to consider include, he says: “The depth of the water – this changes and is unpredictable; underwater objects and hazards may not be visible; strong currents can rapidly sweep people away; and uneven banks and river beds.” “The weather is more changeable in coastal areas; wind can make a huge difference in the sea and how it behaves,” says Foote, who recommends checking the Tide Times or Surfline websites and following RNLI advice on rip currents. “If you plan a river swim it is worth remembering that water travels faster when a river is shallow, narrow or after spells of heavy rain,” she adds. Know your limits “Can you tread water while keeping your head above the water? Can you float on your back? Could you swim 25 meters without stopping?” asks Foote. “These are the very basic skills for keeping yourself safe in open water and if you are unsure – don’t get in.” While it can be tempting to plunge in on a hot day, never jump or dive without testing the water first. “Enter within your depth and get a feel for the water before swimming,” Foote continues. “Ensure you know where you plan to get out before getting in, sometimes it is easier to get in the water than get out.” And always trust your instincts: “If you’re at the water and something doesn’t feel right, trust that. If the water doesn’t look, or smell right, don’t get in. Outdoor swimming is joyful, but be safe.” Beware of the cold “The shock of cold water can make swimming difficult and increase the difficulty in getting out of the water,” Heard says, even during hot weather when water temperatures are rising. “The water will always be cooler than your core body temperature, so you will experience a gasp and chill on entry,” says Foote. “While it might be warm in the shallows, in deeper water it will be cold at the bottom and that can feel very different when jumping in, which can cause cold water shock and be fatal. “This is also true in coastal areas – the sea is still cool at this time of year.” Don’t trespass Choosing where to swim isn’t just about finding a safe and picturesque spot – you’ve got to make sure you’re not trespassing on private land. “As a rule, avoid reservoirs and quarries – they are often private facilities and are not designed for swimming,” says Foote. “As well as trespassing, many have steep sides and while you might get in okay, getting out can be harder. Some reservoirs have damns, towers and aerators that present a real risk to swimmers.” You should always check whether you’re allowed to swim in a lake in a national parks. The NOWCA network lists safe open water swimming venues. Take the right kit Depending on the weather and water temperature, you may need more than just a bikini or shorts for your swim. “We always recommend going swimming with a friend, wearing appropriate clothing such as a wetsuit, a tow float and a bright-coloured swimming hat,” says Heard, so that you’re more visible if you need help. And don’t forget that while a rush of endorphins can help when you’re in the water, you may feel more chilly once you get out. Heard adds: “It’s vital to also ensure that when you get out you have appropriate clothing to keep you warm after the swim.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Prince of Wales to launch initiative aimed at ending homelessness Beatrice enjoys Glastonbury as princess is spotted on final day of festival Kate triumphant after Frankie Dettori’s win at Royal Ascot

Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, has undergone surgery after being diagnosed with breast cancer, she revealed in an episode of her "Tea Talks" podcast released Monday.

In a new court filing by an attorney for Bryan Kohberger, the suspect in the stabbing deaths of four University

Sir Elton John reflected on his "amazing journey" in the music business as he closed Glastonbury Festival.