Strange "structures" round KIC 8462852

[Carole]

Astronomers may have found giant alien 'megastructures' orbiting star near the Milky Way

http://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/astronomers-may-have-found-giant-alien-megastructures-orbiting-star-near-the-milky-way/ar-AAfrhpX?li=AAaeUIW&ocid=mailsignoutmd

[Rick]

Strange Star Likely Swarmed by Comets

A star called KIC 8462852 has been in the news recently for unexplained and bizarre behavior. NASA's Kepler mission had monitored the star for four years, observing two unusual incidents, in 2011 and 2013, when the star's light dimmed in dramatic, never-before-seen ways. Something had passed in front of the star and blocked its light, but what?

Scientists first reported the findings in September, suggesting a family of comets as the most likely explanation. Other cited causes included fragments of planets and asteroids.

A new study using data from NASA's Spitzer Space Telescope addresses the mystery, finding more evidence for the scenario involving a swarm of comets. The study, led by Massimo Marengo of Iowa State University, Ames, is accepted for publication in the Astrophysical Journal Letters.

More: http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/news/news.php?feature=4777