Massive stars are very rare, but they have a huge impact on the interstellar medium. For ordinary galaxies, they are the ** of ionizing radiation and strong stellar winds. When they end their lives, supernovas** release heavy chemical elements produced by thermonuclear reactions. The interstellar medium is rich in these elements, from which planets are subsequently formed.
Funayama-2 may not be the most massive star, but it is definitely the most unstable and mysterious star. It's a supergiant, and it's a double giant. This bright blue pulsating gas giant has a mass of 120-220 solar masses. It is simply impossible to make a more accurate judgment because the star is unstable and loses 500 Earth masses per year.
This smaller star is also very hot and bright, with a mass of 30-80 solar masses. The system is located at the base of the ship, 7,500 light-years away from us. At the same time, it is 5 million times brighter than our star (the absolute record of 10 million suns belongs to the equally mysterious R136A1). It is unique in that it emits ultraviolet light in a very narrow frequency range. Those who have not forgotten about school physics may remember that radiation with high intensity and very narrow bands is called lasers.
Laser is the abbreviation of "light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation".Can you imagine a laser the size of a star?What processes inside the star cause this effect seems to be an even bigger mystery at the moment.
Infrared lasers and microwave masers are extremely rare phenomena in astrophysics. And ETA Carinae is the first natural UV laser. Further research into this phenomenon will contribute to the development of new types of lasers.
However, Eta Vetera is primarily known for its history and its ability to survive supernovas**. Overall, this is the only star of this type that is convenient for study. It was first noticed by English astronomer Edmund Halley in 1677. Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, the brightness of stars increased and decreased.
In 1827 its brightness began to increase rapidly. In 1843, the star** became supernova, becoming the brightest star in the sky after Sirius. Scientists called the event a "big explosion." The second small outbreak is presumed to have occurred in the 1890s.
After 1900, beautiful pygmy nebulae began to be observed around the stars. Scientists estimate that it is made up of more than 30 solar masses lost by blue pulsars in the process. The reason for such a massive loss of mass is that the pressure in the depths of the celestial bodies has such incredible force that the bursts of activity actually tear open the outer layers of stars and throw them into outer space. The resulting nebula consists of two layers of clouds, still expanding evenly.
Nathan Smith of the University of Arizona discovered the light-echo effect with ETA Carinae. Scientists and his team studied its spectrum during their observations. This makes it possible to determine the speed at which supernovae** emissions move through outer space. It turned out to be a record speed - 15-20 thousand kilometers per second. What caused such a powerful flare and the stars did not die?Smith thinks there are three stars in the system, two of which collided.
Images of the dwarf taken by Hubble show that the star is still active in the luminous cloud. Smith's team focused on mapping magnesium that glows in the ultraviolet range. At the same time, they are faced with a new mystery that has yet to be solved.
The fact is that a large amount of warm gas ejected from large flashes was found. However, it still did not reach other substances around the base of the ship. Most of the emissions are located where scientists expect to see open areas. This extra substance also moves very fast.
Astrophysicists believe that the next ** could happen at any time. The outer layer of the Eta of the Ship's base is still flying into space under the influence of radiation pressure. This means that the radiation from stars is still so strong today that photons trap gas particles. The speed of the stellar wind reaches 10 kilometers per second. She prophesied that the star was coming to an end. Scientists have an excellent opportunity to observe the various stages of her death.
Observing the Eta of the Ship Mounts is not so difficult. This was carried out at the Paranal Observatory in Chile, where there is a very large telescope consisting of four 82-meter telescope and four auxiliary 18-meter telescope. Scientists call it an interferometer.
He fulfilled the dream of many scientists to be able to obtain very clear images in the infrared range. Based on them, an accurate computer model of the internal structure of this mysterious system was created. In the long run, these images will help improve our understanding of the physical significance of the Eta on the Ship's base.