NEWS AI: Astronomers Uncover a Two-Faced White Dwarf Star: Janus

A groundbreaking discovery has been made in the cosmos as astronomers stumbled upon a unique white dwarf star with two distinct sides. The star, named Janus after the Roman god of transition with two faces, exhibits an unprecedented phenomenon in the world of white dwarfs.

White dwarfs are remnants of stars that have undergone a fiery end, leaving behind a dense core. The newly found white dwarf, however, defies conventional expectations, featuring one side composed of hydrogen and the other side dominated by helium. This extraordinary finding has puzzled scientists and opens up intriguing possibilities for understanding the evolution of stars.

The discovery was made using the Zwicky Transient Facility at Caltech's Palomar Observatory. Researchers observed rapid changes in brightness and further investigations with other observatories confirmed the double-faced nature and chemical composition of the star. Janus rotates on its axis every 15 minutes, boasting a scorching temperature of 62,540 degrees Fahrenheit.

While the precise reason for Janus' unique appearance remains unclear, scientists speculate that it may represent a rare form of evolution in some white dwarfs. Magnetic fields or atmospheric conditions could play a role in shaping the star's two distinct faces. Further research will be conducted to uncover more about this enigmatic celestial body.