The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has captured images of a rare binary system that is shedding new light on the formation of carbon-rich dust in space. The Wolf-Rayet binary WR 140, located about 5,000 light-years away in the constellation Cygnus, is producing massive amounts of dusty material that can be seen expanding outward from the stars.
This unique system consists of two massive stars, one a Wolf-Rayet and one an OB star, which orbit each other every 7.93 years. As they collide, their powerful stellar winds compress gas and dust, creating distinct rings of carbon-rich material. The JWST’s infrared vision has allowed scientists to study this phenomenon in unprecedented detail.
The researchers found that the dust shells are moving outward at consistent velocities, revealing visible changes over incredibly short periods of time. This is a rare occurrence, as most binary systems do not produce significant amounts of dust until much later in their evolution. The JWST’s observations have confirmed that these dust shells are real and have provided insights into the chemical composition and survival of this type of material.
The study has implications for our understanding of the formation of rocky planets like Earth, as carbon-rich dust is essential for life. The JWST’s data will also help scientists better understand how massive binaries produce dust and their role in shaping the universe. With its powerful instruments, the telescope has revealed a natural laboratory that will continue to shed light on these questions.
The system’s unique characteristics make it an ideal subject for studying the formation of carbon-rich dust. The JWST’s MIRI instrument has captured images of dust rings dating back over 130 years, providing a glimpse into the material’s evolution and behavior. As WR 140 continues to produce its massive amounts of dusty material, the JWST will remain vigilant, monitoring this natural laboratory for further discoveries.
Source: https://www.sciencealert.com/jwst-snaps-colossal-waves-of-star-dust-that-dwarf-our-own-solar-system