How Did the Milky Way Form? New Simulations Reveal Its Ancient Origins

New astronomical research is challenging our understanding of both stellar atmospheres and the origins of the Milky Way.Observations from the CHARA Array show that nearby stars fade toward their edges more strongly in infrared light than current models predict, potentially affecting how astronomers measure stars and exoplanets.Meanwhile, the MEGATRON simulations are revealing how the first generations of stars and galaxies may have shaped the Milky Way’s early history, incorporating the effects of Population III stars and supernovae.Thank you for listening to Bedtime Astronomy — your guide to the cosmos. New episodes on space exploration, NASA missions & the latest astronomy breakthroughs.This episode includes AI-generated content.