Amazing Rings: Intersecting Stars Create Spectacular Gas Rings

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In summary, two stars with intersecting orbits can create concentric rings of gas, resembling diffraction. However, the rings observed around a red dwarf star, WR140, are not a rare occurrence and are expected to be seen. WR140 has been studied extensively and its features are well understood. Similar patterns have also been observed in other stars such as WR104 and WR112. To obtain images of these stars, infrared wavelengths must be used and image processing is required.
  • #1
Hornbein
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Two stars with orbits that almost intersect create concentric rings of gas.
 
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  • #2
Are you sure? This looks a lot like diffraction to me.

Sometimes a red dwarf is just a sausage.
 
  • #3
Vanadium 50 said:
Are you sure? This looks a lot like diffraction to me.

Sometimes a red dwarf is just a sausage.
Anton is a serious and reliable source.
 
  • #4
Those rings still look a lot like diffraction to me.
 
  • #5
https://arxiv.org/abs/astro-ph/0202315 (https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1086/340005)

WR140 is interesting to study because of this feature, it is not like they just randomally observed that star with JWST and saw something crazy and new. This was expected to be seen https://webbtelescope.org/contents/media/videos/2020/57/1297-Video?news=true (shows a cute animation)

Even more info about WR140: https://www.roe.ac.uk/~pmw/Wr140int.htm

The radial spikes however, are an artefact on JWST imaging
 
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  • #6
But that paper doesn't show the regulalrly spaced rings.
 
  • #7
Vanadium 50 said:
But that paper doesn't show the regulalrly spaced rings.
The one from 2002? No because one did not have the equipment to take such images back then on WR140, but one understood its features. It is a well known phenomena, but rare (because WR stars are rare). When I took course "stellar physics" in 2007, the teacher had a seminar for grad students about WR stars which he invented us mere mortal undergrads to attend "just for fun". I think I was the only undergrad student who attendend.

Here is a paper about the WR104 star
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/230919834_The_Prototype_Colliding-Wind_Pinwheel_WR_104
1660456823114.png

diagram:
1660456905732.png

image(s) from the Keck Observatory
https://stories.scienceinpublic.com.au/stories-of-astronomy-2012/keck-telescope/
http://www.physics.usyd.edu.au/~gekko/pinwheel.html
"The technique will be used on NASA’s successor to the Hubble Space Telescope: the James Webb Space Telescope"
1660456959145.png


Here is WR112
https://webarchive.gemini.edu/media/pr_images/final-wide-shot.jpg (by Gemini observatory)
its pattern is more compliacted because its motion is not perpendicular to our line of sight
https://scitechdaily.com/evolved-bi...of-dusty-embers-from-a-massive-stellar-forge/

Note that this is IR wavelenght, in order to get pictures we can see we have to perform imageprocessing. This is a guy who has made such pic for WR140 using JWST data
nyj5wzpydie91.png
zoomed in:
1660459956551.png

does not look like diffraction to me.
 
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FAQ: Amazing Rings: Intersecting Stars Create Spectacular Gas Rings

1. What are "Amazing Rings: Intersecting Stars Create Spectacular Gas Rings"?

"Amazing Rings: Intersecting Stars Create Spectacular Gas Rings" is a phenomenon observed in outer space where intersecting stars create beautiful and intricate gas rings.

2. How are these amazing rings formed?

These rings are formed when two or more stars pass close to each other and their gravitational forces interact, causing the gas surrounding the stars to form intricate patterns and rings.

3. Where can these rings be found?

These rings can be found in outer space, specifically in areas where there are clusters of stars. They are often observed in galaxies and nebulae.

4. What makes these rings so spectacular?

The intersecting stars and their gravitational forces create intricate patterns and shapes within the gas, making the rings visually stunning. The gas also emits colorful light, adding to their beauty.

5. What can we learn from studying these rings?

Studying these rings can provide insight into the behavior and interactions of stars and the effects of gravity in outer space. It can also help us understand the formation and evolution of galaxies and nebulae.

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