Curious spiral spotted by ALMA around red giant star R Sculptoris (data visualisation)
Observations using the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) have revealed an unexpected spiral structure in the material around the old star R Sculptoris. This feature has never been seen before and is probably caused by a hidden companion star orbiting the star. This slice through the new ALMA data reveals the shell around the star, which shows up as the outer circular ring, as well as a very clear spiral structure in the inner material.
Credit:ALMA (ESO/NAOJ/NRAO)/M. Maercker et al.
About the Image
| Id: | eso1239a |
| Type: | Observation |
| Release date: | 10 October 2012, 19:00 |
| Related releases: | eso1239 |
| Size: | 3600 x 2250 px |
About the Object
| Name: | R Sculptoris |
| Type: | Milky Way : Star : Evolutionary Stage : Red Giant Milky Way : Star : Type : Variable Milky Way : Star : Circumstellar Material |
| Distance: | 1500 light years |
| Category: | Stars |
Wallpapers
Colours & filters
| Band | Wavelength | Telescope |
|---|---|---|
| Millimeter ALMA Band 7 | 870 μm | Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array |