The newly-discovered star system is one of only about 10 in the entire galaxy.
Clarissa Pavao, an undergraduate at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s Prescott, Arizona, discovered a rare binary star system with very unusual features,The twin-star system is luminous with X-rays and high in mass. However, the main reason it stood out in observations is its very circular orbit, which is unusual for binary star systems.
In binary star systems, when one star goes supernova, the immense force of the explosion will typically kick the orbit of the two stars into an elliptical shape. However, according to Dr. Noel D. Richardson, assistant professor of Physics and Astronomy at Embry-Riddle and co-author of thedetailing the observation, "the star was so depleted that the explosion didn't even have enough energy to kick the orbit into the more typical elliptical shape seen in similar binaries.
Scientists estimate that there are roughly only 10 star systems similar to binary system CPD-29 2176 in our galaxy. This makes CPD-29 2176 a scarce find that could shed new light on neutron stars. "Systems like this are likely to evolve into binary neutron stars, which eventually merge and form heavy elements that get hurled into the universe," Richardson explained. "Those heavy elements allow us to live the way that we do. For example, most gold was created by stars similar to the supernova relic or neutron star in the binary system we studied. Astronomy deepens our understanding of the world and our place in it.
Pavao said Richardson played a key role in guiding her research and encouraging her to work hard and succeed. "He pushes his students to be on papers," she said. "That made a big difference for me."
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