NASA’s Chandra Finds Source of Star’s Mysterious Outbursts

Chandra Investigates the Mysterious Star

Using NASA’s Chandra X-ray Observatory, astronomers have successfully identified the mechanism behind the repeated outbursts of a massive, unstable star. Detailed in a new study published in The Astrophysical Journal, the findings shed light on a long-standing cosmic puzzle.

Observational Data and the 113-Day Orbit

X-ray observations revealed the presence of a previously hidden companion object orbiting the giant star. As the two objects travel along their orbit, the companion regularly pulls material away from the massive star every 113 days.

Impact on Binary Star Models

This periodic interaction and mass transfer every 113 days trigger the massive star's recurring outbursts. The discovery enhances astronomers' understanding of dynamic binary interactions involving unstable high-mass stars.