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Binarystars

All articles tagged with #binarystars

science-and-technology1 year ago•7 min saved

Spider Stellar Engine: Galactic Travel for Binary Stars

Clement Vidal's research explores the concept of a "spider stellar engine," where advanced civilizations could use binary star systems, specifically spider pulsars, as propulsion systems to migrate across galaxies. This involves using the pulsar's radiation to evaporate its companion star, generating thrust. Vidal suggests that these systems could emit technosignatures, offering potential evidence of extraterrestrial engineering. While speculative, the idea encourages further investigation into observable technosignatures from such systems.

via Phys.org|

#binarystars #extraterrestrial #pulsars

science-and-technology2 years ago•2 min saved

"ALMA Telescope Reveals Eccentric Dance of Binary Star System Through Cosmic Chemistry"

Scientists using the ALMA telescope have discovered the intricate orbital dance between a dying red giant star and its sunlike companion in the W Aquilae system. The study, published in Nature Astronomy, reveals a highly elliptical orbit that takes about a millennium to complete, with the companion star shaping the red giant's stellar wind. This finding was made possible by detecting unusual molecular emissions and is supported by hydrodynamical simulations and additional observations from other telescopes. The research not only uncovers the dynamics of the W Aquilae system but also introduces a new method for detecting the hidden companions of other stars nearing the end of their life cycle.

via Phys.org|

##almatelescope #astronomy

science-and-technology2 years ago•2 min saved

"XZ Ursae Majoris System Exhibits Mysterious Pulsations"

Astronomers have confirmed that the Algol-type binary star system XZ Ursae Majoris (XZ UMa) exhibits pulsations, classifying it as a Delta Scuti-type pulsator. Using spectroscopic and photometric data, including observations from NASA's TESS, the team identified at least six pulsation frequencies and provided detailed measurements of the system's components. The primary star, XZ UMa A, is found to be larger and more massive than the sun, with a super-synchronous rotation, while the secondary star, XZ UMa B, is less massive with a cooler temperature. This research adds significant knowledge to the characteristics of semi-detached eclipsing binaries.

via Phys.org|

##astronomy #binarystars

science-and-technology2 years ago•2 min saved

"Discovery of the Shortest-Orbit Binary Star System"

Astronomers using the Tsinghua University–Ma Huateng Telescopes for Survey (TMTS) have discovered an ultrashort-orbital-period binary system, TMTS J052610.43+593445.1, consisting of a subdwarf star and a white dwarf companion with an orbital period of about 20.5 minutes. Located 2,760 light years away, this system is one of the few known binaries with such a short period and is expected to provide insights into binary evolution, potentially leading to the formation of an AM CVn star through the helium-star channel after significant mass transfer in about 1.5 million years.

via Phys.org|

##astronomy #binarystars

science-and-technology2 years ago•2 min saved

"Uncovering the Enigma of Cannibal Stars in Neighboring Galaxies"

Astronomers have discovered a population of hot helium stars in the Large and Small Magellanic Clouds, which are thought to be precursors to neutron star mergers and hydrogen-poor supernovae. These stars form in binary systems where one star strips the hydrogen envelope from the other, leaving a hot helium core. The finding, published in Science, supports the theory that a third of massive stars undergo this process and has significant implications for our understanding of stellar evolution and related cosmic phenomena.

via Astronomy Magazine|

##astronomy #binarystars