NASA’s Chandra Finds Source of Star’s Mysterious Outbursts
Astronomers using NASA’s Chandra X-ray Observatory have identified a previously hidden companion that triggers repeated outbursts from a giant, unstable star. A new study in The Astrophysical Journal reports the companion pulls material from the massive star every 113 days as the two orbit.
Why this is good news
The identification of the hidden companion clarifies the mechanism behind the giant star’s repeated outbursts by linking them to a recurring mass-transfer interaction. Knowing the system’s 113-day transfer cycle gives astronomers a concrete periodic signature to target in follow-up observations and modeling of massive, unstable stars.
What happens next
What specific observations or independent measurements could confirm the companion’s role and the reported 113-day mass-transfer cycle, and what would best characterize the companion’s orbit and properties?
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