esearchers from Istanbul University and Akdeniz University have uncovered surprising details about the CN Lyn star system that defy established models of star formation.
Unlike most multi-star systems, the three stars in CN Lyn appear to have formed at different times, a discovery that upends conventional theories.
The breakthrough, supported by the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Türkiye (TUBITAK) and Istanbul University’s Scientific Research Projects Coordination Unit (IU BAP), was achieved by combining data from the TESS and Gaia space telescopes with observations from ground-based instruments. The study reveals that while the two primary stars in CN Lyn are approximately 4 billion years old, a third star—nearly 10 times more metal-poor and estimated to be 12.5 billion years old—joined the system later. This halo star, originating from the galactic halo, was captured after the main system formed near the edge of the Milky Way’s disk, about 50,000 light-years from the galactic center.
Professor Selcuk Bilir from Istanbul University explained, “While studying binary star systems, one stood out. New data prompted us to reanalyze it, and we discovered that CN Lyn’s third star is extremely metal-poor compared to the others. This extreme difference suggests that the system formed in an unexpected way.” He added that the findings illustrate a dynamic universe where even established systems can be altered by gravitational interactions.
Professor Volkan Bakis of Akdeniz University, who analyzed a decade’s worth of data, confirmed the existence of the third celestial body. “This third star follows a 37 light-minute orbit, affecting the movement of the binary stars and delaying the light we receive,” Bakis said, emphasizing the significance of the discovery.
Researchers also noted that traditional star formation theories generally assume that stars within a system form from the same molecular cloud at roughly the same time. “Our interdisciplinary approach shows that not all multi-star systems follow this same creation process,” remarked Neslihan Alan, a researcher at Istanbul University. Gokhan Yucel, another team member, stressed the uniqueness of the system: “No other system like this exists in the literature,” confirming that the third star is both chemically distinct and one of the oldest in the universe.
Remziye Canbay further explained that while the primary stars of CN Lyn formed in a relatively metal-poor region, the third star’s age and composition indicate it originated during the early formation of our galaxy and was later captured by the system’s gravitational pull.
The findings, introduced to the scientific community for the first time by Turkish astrophysicists, open new avenues for understanding star formation and the evolution of multi-star systems. This discovery not only reshapes current astrophysical models but also highlights the dynamic processes at play in our galaxy.
The European Union will provide €20 million in humanitarian aid to support vulnerable refugees in Türkiye. This funding will be directed to humanitarian partners working closely with Turkish authorities to address refugees’ essential needs, including protection, health, water and sanitation, etc.
Türkiye has voiced strong concern following the United States’ strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, warning that the action could dangerously escalate the conflict and trigger a global crisis.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Saturday held a series of high-level meetings in Istanbul with senior officials from the UN, Qatar, Pakistan, and Iran, amid growing regional tension following Israel's attacks on Iran.
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has announced plans to invite Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to Armenia for the European Political Community (EPC) summit, scheduled for spring 2026 in Yerevan.
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan told Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan on Friday that Türkiye is using all diplomatic means to establish stability not only in the Caucasus but throughout the region.
Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies regained value following a ceasefire between Israel and Iran, bouncing back after steep losses during the 12-day conflict.
Switzerland is taking steps toward deeper defence cooperation with the European Union, launching talks on a non-binding arms partnership while maintaining its neutral stance.
U.S. President Donald Trump insisted on Wednesday that American strikes caused “very severe” damage to Iranian nuclear sites, despite leaked intelligence reports suggesting otherwise.
Masked law enforcement officers have detained Archbishop Bagrat Galstanyan, leader of the 'Sacred Struggle' movement in Armenia. He is accused of preparing terrorist attacks and an alleged attempt to seize power, according to the Investigative Committee.
The United States is not planning to impose additional sanctions on Russia for now, aiming instead to keep diplomatic channels open to pursue a peace deal, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said.
Iran launched 18 ballistic missiles late Sunday targeting the U.S. military’s Al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar, the largest American installation in the Middle East.
Iranian missiles struck multiple locations across Israel and neighbouring regions early Friday morning, including a Microsoft office complex, according to emergency responders and local media reports.
A high-speed tram derailment in central Gothenburg, Sweden, has left at least eight people injured late on Thursday (19 June), after the vehicle slammed into a snack bar on Avenyn Avenue.
Wizz Air has suspended all flights to and from Tel Aviv, Israel, and its European services to Amman, Jordan, effective immediately until 15 September due to escalating situation in the Middle East. Also, the air carrier temporarily suspended its flights between Astana, Kazakhstan, and Abu Dhabi.
China has unveiled a mosquito-sized bionic drone designed for covert military operations and battlefield reconnaissance, marking a major advance in micro-robotics and stealth technology as part of the country’s growing focus on next-generation warfare capabilities.
An historic mission began early on Wednesday (25 June) as astronauts from India, Poland, and Hungary were launched to the International Space Station (ISS) for their countries’ first-ever visit. They were joined by NASA veteran Peggy Whitson.
Japan's ispace Inc. blamed an anomaly in a laser range finder for its second unsuccessful attempt at landing a spacecraft on the moon in early June.
Britain’s competition regulator may force Google to rank businesses more fairly in search results and provide consumers with alternative services, using new powers to regulate tech giants.
Pope Leo XIV spoke to political leaders in Rome on Saturday, urging them to remember that artificial intelligence is just a tool — not a replacement for humans.
The European Space Agency (ESA) has outlined an ambitious vision for human settlements in space by 2040, with autonomous “space oases” on the Moon, Mars, and beyond.
Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies regained value following a ceasefire between Israel and Iran, bouncing back after steep losses during the 12-day conflict.
Switzerland is taking steps toward deeper defence cooperation with the European Union, launching talks on a non-binding arms partnership while maintaining its neutral stance.
U.S. President Donald Trump insisted on Wednesday that American strikes caused “very severe” damage to Iranian nuclear sites, despite leaked intelligence reports suggesting otherwise.
Masked law enforcement officers have detained Archbishop Bagrat Galstanyan, leader of the 'Sacred Struggle' movement in Armenia. He is accused of preparing terrorist attacks and an alleged attempt to seize power, according to the Investigative Committee.
The United States is not planning to impose additional sanctions on Russia for now, aiming instead to keep diplomatic channels open to pursue a peace deal, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment