Astrophysicist predicts detached, eclipsing white dwarfs to merge into exotic star

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Astrophysicists have discovered two detached, eclipsing double white dwarf binaries with orbital periods of 40 and 46 minutes, respectively. White dwarfs are the remnants of Sun-like stars, many of which are found in pairs, or binaries.
via Science Daily
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Mars 2020 mission to use smart methods to seek signs of past life

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NASA's Mars 2020 mission, which will look for signs of past life on Mars, will use smart methods originally developed to find the oldest life on Earth, according the mission's Deputy Project Scientist. The 2020 mission will make coordinated measurements that could detect signs of ancient life - or biosignatures - in their original spatial context. These techniques, known as 'spatially resolved biosignature analysis' derive from geochemical analysis of early life on Earth.
via Science Daily
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Spoiler alert: Computer simulations provide preview of upcoming eclipse

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Scientists have forecast the corona of the sun during the upcoming eclipse. The findings shed light on what the eclipse of the sun might look like Aug. 21 when it will be visible across much of the US, tracing a 70-mile-wide band across 14 states.
via Science Daily
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The Demons of Darkness Will Eat Men, and Other Solar Eclipse Myths

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Here’s a glimpse at the way that civilizations around the world have understood solar eclipses, and used them to reinforce cultural norms and values.
via New York Times

Perseids over the Pyrénées

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This mountain and night skyscape stretches across the French Pyrenees National Park on August 12, near the peak of the annual Perseid meteor shower. The multi-exposure panoramic view was composed from the Col d'Aubisque, a mountain pass, about an hour before the bright gibbous moon rose. Centered is a misty valley and lights from the region's Gourette ski station toward the south. Taken over the following hour, frames capturing some of the night's long bright perseid meteors were aligned against the backdrop of stars and Milky Way.

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