Viewing a single comment thread. View all comments

JKUAN108 t1_irck7kk wrote

> Decades ago, researchers at MIT and elsewhere predicted that such cataclysmic variables should transition to ultrashort orbits. This is the first time such a transitioning system has been observed directly.

40

Mzkazmi t1_ird10th wrote

Relevance? How is this important to us?

−40

absreim t1_ird8uhs wrote

Understanding different fields of science, astronomy included, helps to understand the meaning of life.

19

Chknbone t1_ird3klr wrote

Whaaaaaaaat?

10

Mzkazmi t1_ird3q6i wrote

I understand that the prediction was true but regardless if the stores are close or better in a far away orbit how is this impactful ??? If they get too close and they collide and they open up a singularity or something then there’s a reason

−31

Troxxies t1_ird9m92 wrote

They test stuff like this in-case they are wrong, if they were wrong they'd have to rethink the math involved and who knows we might be doing some math wrong at the moment, in which case it'd be very very impactful.

15

[deleted] t1_irdgbr0 wrote

Studying the interactions of gigantic high energy objects, as well as the tiniest high energy things we can, altogether helps us understand more about physics, and how to manipulate and control everything around us. It’s thanks to physics that we have batteries and cellphones.

8

l4mbch0ps t1_irf33ej wrote

Yah you're right. This discovery won't let you toast your toast faster, so why are they even studying it?

Thanks for the high quality contribution to the discussion.

5

Antimutt t1_irfwg79 wrote

The cataclysm takes the form of a recurring nova.

1