"Enormous Plasma Waves Emanate from Massive Star, Potentially Causing Gigantic Tidal Phenomena"

1 min read
Source: Inverse
"Enormous Plasma Waves Emanate from Massive Star, Potentially Causing Gigantic Tidal Phenomena"
Photo: Inverse
TL;DR Summary

Astronomers have used computer simulations to study the massive tides on the star MACHO 80.7443.1718, which create plasma waves 2 million miles high, three times larger than the Sun. These waves are caused by the gravitational forces between the star and its smaller companion, resulting in extreme tides that rise and fall in a regular rhythm. The breaking of these plasma waves affects the star's rotation and orbit, with each wave releasing a significant amount of energy. This discovery suggests that MACHO 80.7443.1718 is just the first of a new class of objects with extreme plasma tidal waves.

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