For the first time ever, scientists have successfully captured images of stars outside our galaxy. The images show a massive red supergiant star named WOH G64, located 160,000 light-years away. This star is in the process of shedding its outer layers, a sign that it may soon undergo a massive supernova explosion.
“This star, WOH G64, is incredibly unique, and we may witness significant changes that could lead to its explosive end,” said Dr. Jacco Van Loon, co-author of the study and director of the Kiel Observatory.
Located in the Large Magellanic Cloud, a dwarf galaxy at the edge of the Milky Way, this star is of particular interest to researchers. Only 25 objects in the Milky Way have been closely studied in such detail, making this discovery even more significant.
With the help of the Very Large Telescope Interferometer (VLTI) at the European Southern Observatory in Chile, researchers were able to capture detailed images of WOH G64. The presence of a dust cocoon around the red supergiant star suggests the emission of gas and dust, possibly from the star itself or a companion star.
Despite the challenges posed by the distance of stars from Earth, advancements in technology and research have allowed scientists to observe and learn more about these celestial bodies. Understanding the final stages of a star’s life, such as before a supernova, can provide insights into the production of chemical elements.
About our experts:
Dr. Darren Baskill is a lecturer in astronomy and physics at the University of Sussex. With over 25 years of experience in the field of astronomy, he specializes in public education about space-related topics.
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Source: www.sciencefocus.com
