A Star’s Unexpected Heatwave: FU Orionis Challenges Astrophysics Models

Ultraviolet light reveals new information about the FU Orionis’ mechanisms. In 1936, the young star FU Orionis (FU Ori) dramatically brightened, becoming significantly more luminous. Since then, its brightness has gradually faded. Initially thought to be an isolated case, FU Ori is now recognized as part of a rare group of young, turbulent stars called [...]