The James Webb Space Telescope reveals the rapid expansion of dust rings around the binary star system Wolf-Rayet 140, showcasing real-time changes in a cosmic environment.
Concentric rings of dust are formed around the binary star system known as Wolf-Rayet 140 . This dust originates from the collisions of the stellar winds from the two stars, which occur every few years. The James Webb Space Telescope ( JWST ) has been employed to observe this dust, revealing details about the binary star system. The results indicate that the stellar winds from both stars regularly collide, producing rings of carbon-rich dust that expand outward from the stars.
This binary system presents a unique opportunity to study dust formation in real-time. Astronomers typically observe changes in celestial objects over vast periods, spanning millions or billions of years. However, in this case, the JWST has captured images showcasing the expansion of the dust rings over just 14 months. The telescope's infrared vision allows it to penetrate the obscuring dust clouds and unveil the intricate details of this dynamic system.The dust is only produced during a specific phase called periastron, when the two stars are at their closest point in their orbit. This results in discrete rings of dust forming around the stars. The proximity of the stars during periastron creates a chaotic environment characterized by intense stellar winds. These winds, rich in chemicals, collide and compress the gas, leading to the formation of dust. The dust rings expand outward at a remarkable speed of over 2,600 kilometers per second, roughly 1% the speed of light.
JWST Wolf-Rayet 140 Binary Stars Dust Formation Stellar Winds Periastron
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