JWST Image Reveals Processes Ejecting Material in Star Formation

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the processes involved in material ejection during star formation, specifically highlighted by the JWST image of the hourglass-shaped nebula associated with the protostar CARMA-7 in the Serpens South star cluster. The nebula's cavities are formed as ejected material interacts with the surrounding medium. Key mechanisms include the rotational energy of the material in the accretion disk and the influence of the star's magnetic field, which lead to the formation of jets observable with radio telescopes like ALMA. Additionally, the discussion references the protostar Cep A HW2, which is expected to evolve into a star ten times the mass of the Sun, showcasing the intricate dynamics of star formation.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of protostellar formation processes
  • Familiarity with astronomical imaging techniques, particularly ALMA and VLA
  • Knowledge of astrophysical jets and their formation mechanisms
  • Basic concepts of gravitational instability in protostellar disks
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the role of magnetic fields in star formation
  • Explore the dynamics of accretion disks around protostars
  • Learn about the observational capabilities of ALMA and VLA in astrophysics
  • Investigate the effects of thermal expansion and radiation pressure on material ejection
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Astronomers, astrophysicists, and students studying star formation processes, as well as anyone interested in the dynamics of protostars and the technology used to observe them.

anorlunda
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Thanks to the JWST, we have this stunning picture. The APOD description says

the hourglass-shaped nebula's cavities are created as material ejected in the star-forming process plows through the surrounding medium.

What are the processes that eject material at this stage?
 
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Astronomy news on Phys.org
anorlunda said:
1668782849546.png
 
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L1527 lies some 460 light-years distant (from Earth), while CARMA-7, the protostar is one of dozens of similar objects in the Serpens South star cluster, which is located approximately 1,400 light-years from Earth.

Some information on protostars and matter ejection.

https://public.nrao.edu/news/protostar-serpens-alma/
All stars form in dense clouds of dust and gas. As material condenses and a star begins to evolve, surrounding material forms a flattened, rotating disk that flows onto its surface. Because of the rotational energy of the material in the disk and with the help of the star’s magnetic field, a portion of that material gets ejected from the star’s poles, forming a pair of jets that can be seen with radio telescopes like ALMA.
Some electrodynamic force, e.g., E on a fluctuating B, perhaps thermal effects (hot gas expanding) and perhaps some radiation pressure.

https://public.nrao.edu/news/jets-massive-protostars-different/
A team of scientists observed a massive protostar called Cep A HW2, located about 2,300 light-years from Earth in the constellation Cepheus. Cep A HW2 is expected to develop into a new star about 10 times more massive than the Sun. The new VLA images showed the finest detail yet seen in such an object, giving the astronomers their first view of the innermost portion of the jet, a portion roughly as long as the diameter of the Solar System.

Ejection of gaseous clumps from gravitationally unstable protostellar disks
https://www.aanda.org/articles/aa/full_html/2016/06/aa28102-16/aa28102-16.html
 
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