Young ‘Sun’ Caught Blowing Bubbles by NASA’s Chandra

NASA

by Lee Mohon

February 23, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

NASA’s Chandra X-ray Observatory has made a groundbreaking discovery by capturing the first image of an “astrosphere” around a Sun-like star, HD 61005, located about 120 light-years from Earth. This bubble, formed by powerful stellar winds blowing from the young star’s surface, is a significant find as it provides new insights into how our own Sun and solar system might have behaved billions of years ago. Unlike the heliosphere around the Sun, which extends far beyond our planets, this astrosphere offers a rare opportunity to study such structures in detail. HD 61005 is a relatively young star at about 100 million years old, with similar mass and temperature to the Sun but a much stronger stellar wind—about three times faster and 25 times denser than the solar wind. This intense activity creates a large bubble of hot gas as it interacts with cooler galactic material. The discovery not only sheds light on the early stages of stellar evolution but also helps scientists better understand the Sun’s own history, including how its astrosphere has evolved over time. This research is particularly relevant for space science and astronomy enthusiasts because it highlights the dynamic processes that shape planetary systems and protect them from harmful cosmic radiation. By studying stars like HD 61005, astronomers can gain a deeper understanding of how stellar winds influence a star’s environment and its potential to support habitable planets. The findings also emphasize the importance of space weather studies, which are crucial for protecting satellites and astronauts traveling in deep space. The discovery underscores the value of missions like Chandra in unraveling cosmic mysteries that have direct connections to our solar system. As we continue to explore stars beyond our own, such breakthroughs remind us of how much there is still to learn about the universe and its intricate processes.

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Originally published on NASA on 2/23/2026