The images show giant, hot gas bubbles, 75 times the size of the Sun, emerging on the surface of the star, called R Doradus, and sinking back in faster than expected.
Energy is produced in the cores of stars through nuclear fusion, and huge, hot gas bubbles can carry this energy toward the star’s surface. They then cool and sink.
“This is the first time that the bubble surface of a real star has been revealed in this way,” said lead author Wouter Flemings, a professor at Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden. “We never expected the data to be so high quality that we could see so much detail of the convection on the star’s surface.”
The images of R Doradus were taken using the Atacama Large Millimetre/submillimetre Array (ALMA) in July and August 2023.
Using ALMA, a global partnership telescope between Europe, the United States, Canada, East Asia and the Republic of Chile, scientists were able to obtain high-resolution images of the star’s surface over the course of a month.
R Doradus is a red giant star, about 350 times the diameter of the Sun, located about 180 light-years from Earth in the constellation of Swordfish. Its size and proximity to Earth make it an ideal target for detailed observations.
Its similar mass to the Sun means that R Doradus is likely to be somewhat similar to how our Sun will look in five billion years, once it becomes a red giant.
The research was published in the journal Nature.
Source: Independent
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2024-09-15 02:44:59
– What are the giant gas bubbles on R Doradus, and how do they form?
Table of Contents
Unveiling the Mysterious Surface of Stars: Giant Gas Bubbles on R Doradus Revealed
A Groundbreaking Discovery in Stellar Astrophysics
In a remarkable breakthrough, scientists have captured unprecedented images of a star’s surface, revealing giant, hot gas bubbles 75 times the size of the Sun. The star, known as R Doradus, is a behemoth of celestial activity, with these bubbles emerging, growing, and then sinking back into its surface at an astonishing rate. This remarkable observation has provided a glimpse into the inner workings of stars, shedding light on the complex processes that govern their behavior.
The Dynamics of Stellar Energy Production
Stars are massive balls of hot, glowing gas, sustained by nuclear fusion reactions in their cores. As energy is produced through these reactions, it is carried toward the star’s surface by huge, hot gas bubbles. These bubbles, often referred to as convective cells, are a key aspect of stellar dynamics. As they rise to the surface, they cool and eventually sink back into the star’s interior, perpetuating the cycle of energy transfer.
A Closer Look at R Doradus
Using the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA), a global partnership telescope located in Chile, scientists were able to capture high-resolution images of R Doradus in July and August 2023. Lead author Wouter Flemings, a professor at Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden, expressed surprise at the extraordinary quality of the data, which revealed an unprecedented level of detail about the convection on the star’s surface. “This is the first time that the bubble surface of a real star has been revealed in this way,” Flemings noted.
The Significance of This Discovery
This groundbreaking observation has significant implications for our understanding of stellar evolution and the inner workings of stars. By studying the behavior of these giant gas bubbles, scientists can gain insights into the processes that govern energy production and transfer within stars. This, in turn, can help us better understand the life cycles of stars and their impact on the surrounding interstellar medium.
The Power of ALMA
The Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) is a cutting-edge telescope facility that has revolutionized our understanding of the universe. With its unparalleled resolution and sensitivity, ALMA has enabled scientists to study the formation of stars and planets, the behavior of black holes, and the distribution of molecules in space. This latest discovery is a testament to the telescope’s capabilities and its potential to unlock the secrets of the cosmos.
Conclusion
The recent observation of giant gas bubbles on the surface of R Doradus marks a significant milestone in the field of stellar astrophysics. By peering into the heart of this star, scientists have gained a deeper understanding of the intricate processes that govern its behavior. As we continue to explore the universe, discoveries like this remind us of the awe-inspiring complexity and beauty of the stars that light up the night sky.
Keywords: R Doradus, stellar astrophysics, gas bubbles, convection, nuclear fusion, Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA), star formation, stellar evolution.
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Ama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) has been instrumental in providing detailed observations of celestial bodies. How does ALMA contribute to our understanding of the surface dynamics of stars like R Doradus?
Unveiling the Mysterious Surface of Stars: Giant Gas Bubbles on R Doradus Revealed
In a remarkable breakthrough, scientists have captured unprecedented images of a star’s surface, revealing giant, hot gas bubbles 75 times the size of the Sun. The star, known as R Doradus, is a behemoth of celestial activity, with these bubbles emerging, growing, and then sinking back into its surface at an astonishing rate.
The Dynamics of Stellar Energy Production
Stars are massive balls of hot, glowing gas, sustained by nuclear fusion reactions in their cores. As energy is produced through these reactions, it is carried toward the star’s surface by huge, hot gas bubbles. These bubbles, often referred to as convective cells, are a key aspect of stellar dynamics. As they rise to the surface, they cool and eventually sink back into the star’s interior, perpetuating the cycle of energy transfer.
A Closer Look at R Doradus
Using the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA), a global partnership telescope located in Chile, scientists were able to capture high-resolution images of R Doradus in July and August 2023. Lead author Wouter Flemings, a professor at Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden, expressed surprise at the extraordinary quality of the data, which revealed an unprecedented level of detail about the convection on the star’s surface. “This is the first time that the bubble surface of a real star has been revealed in this way,” Flemings noted.
The Significance of This Discovery
This groundbreaking observation has significant implications for our understanding of stellar evolution and the inner workings of stars. By studying the behavior of these giant gas bubbles, scientists can gain insights into the processes that govern energy production and transfer within stars. This, in turn, can help us better understand the life cycles of stars and their impact on the surrounding interstellar medium.
The Power of ALMA
The Atac
