Astronomers spot ‘old smokers’ and ‘squalling newborns’ among hidden stars

The study also discovered something completely unexpected – 21 red stars near the centre of the Milky Way that showed ambiguous changes in brightness during the 10-year survey.

Astronomers have spotted ‘old smokers’ and ‘squalling newborns’ among hidden stars (Owen Humphreys/PA)

Hidden stars including a new type of elderly giant nicknamed an old smoker, and even some “squalling newborns”, have been spotted for the first time by astronomers.

The mystery objects sit at the heart of the Milky Way galaxy and can exist quietly for decades – fading almost to invisibility – before suddenly puffing out clouds of smoke, researchers say.