Astronomers have captured the first close-up image of a red supergiant star WOH G64 located 160,000 light-years away in the Large Magellanic Cloud dwarf galaxy. The star is approximately 2,000 times larger than the Sun and has been experiencing significant changes in the last 10 years, including a dimming of its light due to mass loss.
Star WOH G64: A Red Supergiant Beyond Our Galaxy
Overview
Astronomers have captured the first close-up image of a star beyond our galaxy, specifically the red supergiant star WOH G64. Located 160,000 light-years away in the Large Magellanic Cloud dwarf galaxy, this massive star is approximately 2,000 times larger than the Sun.
Discovery and Image Details
The Very Large Telescope Interferometer was used to create a detailed portrait of WOH G64, revealing an egg-shaped cocoon surrounding the star. This discovery may be related to the drastic ejection of material from the dying star before a supernova explosion.
Star’s Characteristics and Life Cycle
WOH G64 is a red supergiant star that has been experiencing significant changes in the last 10 years, including a dimming of its light due to mass loss. Researchers believe this could be a rare opportunity to witness a star’s life in real time and gain insight into how massive stars end their lives.
Comparison with Previous Observations
Scientists have compared the latest observations made via GRAVITY with previous ones, revealing that the star has dimmed significantly over the past decade. The main hint that the star is dying comes from just how faded it appeared in the image, especially compared with older records of the star’s brightness.
Future Plans and Challenges
Astronomers plan to capture more images of the star in the future, which will be challenging as it grows fainter. However, planned updates to the telescope’s instruments will help facilitate these observations.
Key Findings and Implications
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The image revealed surprising details about WOH G64, a giant star that is probably dying.
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The star was surrounded by a hazy egg-shaped cocoon, which could be made of the material that stars emit when they’re dying.
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The main hint that the star is dying comes from just how faded it appeared in the image, especially compared with older records of the star’s brightness.
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Dimming periods can be temporary for some stars, but others never bounce back.
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