Star and solar research
Star research is concerned with the formation of stars and star clusters, how they are structured and how they develop. Thanks to this, we can characterise star types and understand stellar evolution. However, findings from stellar research are also important for understanding how planets were formed. After all, stars and planets originate from the same cosmic dust.
How are stars researched in Switzerland?
- Astronomers model certain parameters of a star, such as rotation, the magnetic field or convection. These are all variables that influence how a star develops. They can then compare the results of this modelling with their observations.
- They also measure the vibration of stellar surfaces, drawing conclusions from these about the inner structure. This field is called asteroseismology.
- They are also interested in nucleosynthesis within stars (i.e. how new elements are created through nuclear fusion).
- The Sun is also one of the stars. Swiss researchers are particularly interested in how solar activities such as eruptions or coronal mass ejections occur.
Research groups
ESA's Gaia space telescope is creating a map of the Milky Way and collecting data on the positions, movements and properties of around one billion stars. Gaia was launched into space in 2013.
The Solar Orbiter satellite is travelling closer to the Sun than any other object created by humans before it. Researchers hope that the mission will provide information about the Sun's magnetic field, among other things. Solar Orbiter was launched in 2020.