A recent image from the James Webb Space Telescope has revealed a stunning scene of a dying star surrounded by its companion, contradicting previous assumptions about how single stars die. The observation provides valuable insights into the mysterious process of planetary nebulas and the prevalence of multiple-star systems in the Milky Way.
Located 3,800 light-years away in the constellation Scorpius, NGC 6072 is a chaotic, lopsided nebula that was initially thought to be the work of a single star. However, astronomers have now found evidence suggesting that two stars are responsible for its unique shape and composition. The image shows multiple lobes of material bursting outward at odd angles, unlike the smooth, evenly distributed rings expected from similar stellar events.
The companion star, which is not directly visible in the image, is believed to be a pinkish-white dot located at the center of the nebula. Astronomers suspect that this secondary star repeatedly circled its partner, plowing through the fading outer layers and creating the distinctive concentric rings.
This discovery has significant implications for our understanding of how stars like our sun die. Unlike giant stars that explode into a supernova and collapse into a black hole, medium stars are expected to suffer a more prolonged death, puffing out into a red giant before eventually shrinking down to their core in a white dwarf star.
The James Webb Space Telescope’s powerful infrared instruments provided the high-resolution image of NGC 6072, revealing telltale signs of a binary system. The observation helps astronomers better understand how multiple-star systems contribute to the creation of planetary nebulas and challenges the traditional “binary hypothesis” that suggests single stars cannot produce such nebulas.
As the glowing cloud of NGC 6072 eventually dissipates, it will leave behind a scattering of heavy elements, potentially seeding a new generation of stars and planets. This discovery serves as a reminder of the complexity and beauty of celestial events, highlighting the importance of continued exploration and research into the mysteries of our universe.
Source: https://mashable.com/article/james-webb-space-telescope-planetary-nebula-binary-image