Astronomers discover Smallest Star ever Discovered

Astronomers have recently observed what appears to be the tiniest star ever discovered. Designated as EBLMJ055-57Ab, or simply 57Ab, scientists believe this celestial body represents the lower limit of stellar size. Situated 600 light-years away from Earth, this diminutive star is observable with large telescopes in the Southern Hemisphere.

The discovery of 57Ab was attributed to researchers from the University of Cambridge, a team renowned for their previous identification of TRAPPIST-1—a planetary system featuring three stars with potential life-harbouring conditions. The revelation of 57Ab occurred during their pursuit of exoplanets under the Wide Angle Search for Planets (WASP) initiative. Exoplanets are discerned when they transit in front of a star, causing a temporary reduction in its brightness.

Initially misidentified as a planet due to its faintness—approximately 3,000 times dimmer than the sun—the star was later confirmed through mass analysis as part of a binary system, where two stars orbit each other. Astrophysicists posit that stellar fusion can only commence when a star attains a specific mass, and 57Ab has achieved the requisite mass for such conditions.

Mortillero's findings indicate that 57Ab is marginally larger than Saturn but possesses gravity around 300 times that of Earth. Moreover, it boasts a mass approximately 85 times greater than Jupiter. According to experts, this low-mass star could represent the smallest possible size for such fiery celestial bodies. Research reveals that this newly discovered star orbits its partner, located ten times closer than Mercury orbits the sun, completing a full revolution in just seven days around their shared barycentre.

Researchers aim to investigate the luminosity of 57Ab and delve into the intriguing question of how these dissimilar stars, one with superior brightness, can exist in such close proximity. The quest for understanding these celestial dynamics continues as scientists unravel the mysteries of this cosmic duo.