Scientists have discovered the oldest star LAMOST J1010+2358 currently known in the Galactic Halo, enabling experts to broaden their understanding of the evolution of early stars and of the universe.
According to the findings of the study, the star was born in the gas cloud left by a first-generation star having mass up to 260 times our Sun.
The new study was published in the journal Nature Wednesday.
The research was carried out under the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) and was led by Chinese astronomers at the National Astronomical Observatories of China (NAOC).
The project leader Zhao Gang stated that the first stars illuminated the universe during the cosmic dawn and put an end to the cosmic “dark ages” that followed the Big Bang.
“However, the distribution of their mass is one of the great unsolved mysteries of the cosmos,” he added.
As per the numerical simulations of the formation of the first stars, the mass of the early stars could reach up to masses similar to hundred suns.
Zhao noted: “Among them, the first stars with masses between 140 and 260 solar masses ended up as a special type of supernovae, called pair-instability supernovae [PISN], which would imprint a unique chemical signature in the atmosphere of the next generation of stars.”
However, he underlined, “no direct evidence of such type of supernovae had been previously found.”
Given the star’s chemical characteristics, it is consistent with the theory of PISN.
The first survey was conducted by the Large Sky Area Multi-Object Fiber Spectroscopic Telescope (LAMOST) in China after that the follow-up observation was carried out by the Subaru telescope in Japan, identifying this chemically peculiar star.
“Our discovery is the first clear direct evidence of the existence of a PISN from a very massive first-generation star in the early universe,” Xing Qianfan, a key member of the study said.
Timothy Beers, a professor at the University of Notre Dame in the US, noted: “This paper presents what is, to my knowledge, the first definitive association of a Galactic halo star with an abundance pattern originating from a PISN.”
Wang Xiaofeng, a professor at Tsinghua University, said that the “next generation stars carry the elemental imprints formed by the evolution and death of the previous generation stars.”
“It’s like we can trace the characteristics of a child’s father by examining the child’s DNA.”
“Understanding the properties of the first-generation stars is crucial for us to understand the formation of stars, galaxies, and the large-scale structure of the universe,” said Han Zhanwen, of CAS.
Toshitaka Kajino, a professor at Beihang University underlined: “I think that this discovery, with many findings expected to come in the future, might shed light on the still unknown mechanism of very massive black hole formation in the early universe.”
Air Marshal (R) Asad Lodhi has praised the Pakistan Cyber Security Challenge, an initiative by the Air University and Higher Education Commission that aims to train future cyber security experts and pioneers. At the opening ceremony of the two-day Pakistan Cyber Security Challenge, which took place at Air University in Islamabad, he was the chief guest. Showdown challenges, the Ideas Cup, and the Pakistan Crypt Challenge are all part of the Pakistan Cyber Security Challenge, which lasts for two days.
Air Marshal (R) Abdul Moeed Khan, VC of Air University, made a speech praising the cyber security abilities of Pakistani youth, saying that they are among the best in the world and will help the country face cyber threats. A haven for cyber security excellence, he said, Pakistan Cyber Security Challenge 2024. Additionally, he praised the Air University for its innovative and outstanding work in this area. At the inaugural ceremony of the Pakistan Cyber Security Challenge, Dr. Zia Ul Qayyum, executive director of the Higher Education Commission, also spoke to the crowd. He discussed how HEC has created a welcoming atmosphere and helped facilitate projects such as the Pakistan Cyber Security Challenge. As part of the inauguration event, an MoU was also signed. Guests and participants were given souvenirs as the opening ceremony came to a close.
The Meta-owned messaging platform WhatsApp has launched a new feature designed to facilitate video calls in low-light environments.
Frequent users of WhatsApp for video calls with loved ones may appreciate the recently launched low-light mode.
The function enhances video call clarity in low-light conditions, facilitating more effective connections regardless of location.
Are you inclined to experiment with it? Here is a comprehensive guide on employing low-light mode to enhance video quality during WhatsApp calls.
A sequential instructional manual
Step 1: Open WhatsApp on your device.
Step 2: Commence a video call with any family member or acquaintance.
Step 3: Observe the bulb icon positioned at the top-right corner of your screen.
Step 4: Select the bulb icon to activate it. To deactivate it, you click on the icon once more.
Your friends and family will now perceive you more distinctly due to improved visibility and less graininess, regardless of the surrounding lighting circumstances. This feature is presently accessible solely on Android and iOS devices, and not on Windows.
Furthermore, explore: Methods to categorise WhatsApp conversations using personalised lists: A sequential instructional manual.
Key considerations to retain
As this is a provisional configuration, it must be activated with each call you make.
In addition to the low-light mode, WhatsApp provides several additional intriguing features for video calls, such as background removal, filters, and enhancement options.
Background removal: The background remover function allows you to alter your backdrop during video conferences.
Filters: This functionality enables you to apply a filter from a selection during video calls with friends and family, enhancing the vibrancy of your interactions.
WhatsApp offers a fundamental touch-up feature to improve your appearance during video talks.