Astronomy
First close-up of a star outside our galaxy
November 24, 2024 – 8:13 a.mReading time: 2 min.
A star dies in a satellite galaxy of our Milky Way. Astronomers are now taking a close look at such an event that is so far away for the first time.
For the first time, astronomers have taken a close-up view of a star outside our galaxy. The dying star WOH G64 is 160,000 light-years away from us, the European Southern Observatory (ESO) reported. A light year is the distance that light travels in one year. WOH G64 is a red giant, a bloated dying star about 2,000 times larger than the Sun that is constantly spewing gas and dust into space.
Using the latest technology – connecting several telescopes to form a so-called interferometer – astronomers have already succeeded in making the shape and details of around two dozen stars in the Milky Way visible. This has not yet been possible for stars outside our galaxy.
The star WOH G64 shown now is located in the Large Magellanic Cloud, a small satellite galaxy of the Milky Way. The images taken with the European Southern Observatory’s Very Large Telescope Interferometer in Chile show that the star is surrounded by an egg-shaped cocoon of gas. “This could be related to the violent ejection of material from the dying star before a supernova explosion,” explains Keiichi Ohnaka from Andrés Bello University in Chile, one of the researchers involved.
Astronomers expect WOH G64 to explode in a few thousand years - in astronomical terms, just an instant. It therefore offers researchers a unique insight into the final phase of a star’s life. They present the star in the journal ”Astronomy and Astrophysics”.
What are the implications of studying dying stars like WOH G64 for our understanding of the universe?
Interview: Close Encounters of the Stellar Kind
Setting: A cozy studio adorned with celestial-themed decor, where the Time.news editor sits across from Dr. Amelia Hart, an astronomer and expert in astrophysics.
Time.news Editor (TNE): Good morning, Dr. Hart! Thank you for joining us today to discuss this groundbreaking discovery.
Dr. Amelia Hart (AH): Good morning! Thank you for having me. It’s an exciting time for astronomy!
TNE: Absolutely! Just recently, astronomers captured the first close-up view of a star outside our galaxy—WOH G64. Can you elaborate on why this is such a significant milestone?
AH: Of course! This observation is momentous because WOH G64 is located about 160,000 light-years away in the Large Magellanic Cloud, a satellite galaxy of our own Milky Way. Being able to analyze the death throes of a star so distant helps us understand stellar evolution in a broader cosmic context.
TNE: What does it mean for us to observe a star dying from such a distance? What insights are scientists hoping to gain?
AH: Observing a dying star allows us to study the processes that govern stellar death, including supernova explosions and the formation of nebulae. Each star has a unique lifecycle, and by monitoring WOH G64, we hope to learn more about the mechanics behind these stellar phenomena. This knowledge can help us model how stars behave throughout the universe.
TNE: Fascinating! How do astronomers manage to capture clear images of such distant celestial bodies?
AH: Great question! This was made possible by advancements in telescope technology, including powerful instruments like the Very Large Telescope in Chile. These telescopes can collect light over extended periods, allowing astronomers to enhance the details of distant stars. The level of detail we’ve achieved with WOH G64 is unprecedented!
TNE: With the star’s death occurring in the Large Magellanic Cloud, what implications does this have for our understanding of galactic evolution?
AH: The Large Magellanic Cloud is an essential part of our cosmic neighborhood. Studying events in this galaxy helps astronomers piece together how galaxies form and evolve over time. Understanding the life cycles of stars in such satellite galaxies can illuminate the processes that shape our Milky Way.
TNE: It’s impressive how each discovery seems to build upon the last. What do you think will be the next steps for researchers following this close-up of WOH G64?
AH: The next phase will involve further observations and analysis. Astronomers will likely want to monitor the star’s fallout and study the remnants of its final explosion, which could lead to new findings about heavy element formation—elements essential for creating life as we know it.
TNE: Absolutely! This discovery also drives the curiosity of not just astrophysicists but the general public. How do you think discoveries like this inspire people?
AH: They offer a glimpse into the vastness and complexity of the universe, inspiring awe and curiosity. When the public sees that we’re decoding events that happened millions of years ago, it fosters a sense of connection to the cosmos. It encourages future generations to explore STEM fields and expand our understanding of the universe.
TNE: Well said, Dr. Hart! Thank you for enlightening us about this stellar phenomenon. The universe truly is a remarkable place!
AH: Thank you for having me! I look forward to the new discoveries that await us in the cosmos.
As the interview wraps up, the audience is left buzzing with excitement about the cosmos, eager to learn more about what lies beyond our world.