Astronomers track bubbles on star’s surface in most detailed images yet

Astronomers have captured images of a star other than the sun in enough detail to track the motion of bubbling gas on its surface for the first time. The images show giant, hot bubbles of gas, 75 times the size of the sun, appearing on the surface of the star, called R Doradus, and sinking back into it faster than expected. Energy is produced in the cores of stars through nuclear fusion and huge, hot bubbles of gas can carry this energy towards the star’s surface. They then cool down and sink, much like a lava lamp. Lead author Wouter Vlemmings, a professor at Chalmers University of Technology, Sweden, said: “This is the first time the bubbling surface of a real star can be shown in such a way.“ Watch more on Independent TV: The Independent is the world’s most free-thinking newsbrand, providing global news, commentary and analysis for the independently-minded. Subscribe: Find us on