This research uncovers 400 “zombie stars”—dead white dwarfs revived through collisions with companion stars. Their dramatic brightness changes allow astronomers to detect them and use them as probes into the galaxy’s ancient history and future evolution. These rare reanimated stars offer a powerful new tool for understanding the Milky Way.

My talk explains how neutron stars—extremely dense remnants of stellar explosions—contain matter we cannot study on Earth. By analyzing gravitational waves from colliding neutron stars, the speaker models how their deformation (or “squishiness”) reveals their internal composition. This method may uncover entirely new forms of matter and transform fundamental physics.

The researcher studies how clouds on distant exoplanets affect their climates and potential for life. Working with NASA, they model how exotic materials—like iron or sapphire clouds—absorb and reflect light. They found particle shape greatly influences temperature and habitability, helping determine whether alien worlds could support liquid water and life.