Astronomers Discover the Smallest Star Ever in an Exotic Binary System

Astronomers have uncovered the smallest star ever observed, shedding light on the intricacies of celestial bodies and challenging existing theories. Dubbed J0526B, this small hot subdwarf has captured the attention of scientists worldwide.

Measuring a mere seven times the size of Earth, J0526B is smaller than both Jupiter and Saturn, making it a stellar marvel in terms of volume. Situated within a binary system alongside its larger counterpart, the unseen white dwarf J0526A, this stellar duo dances around each other with astonishing speed, completing one orbit in just 20 minutes.

The discovery, spearheaded by a team from Tsinghua University and published in Nature Astronomy, unveils a celestial partnership that defies conventional wisdom. J0526B's size challenges previous notions of stellar limits, suggesting that stars can be smaller than previously believed.

Using data from the Tsinghua University-Ma Huateng Telescope for Survey and other global observatories, researchers meticulously pieced together the characteristics of the J0526 system, confirming its existence and unveiling its stellar inhabitants.