Scientists identify the binary star system & # 39; Cosmic Snake & # 39; creating gamma-ray bursts



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Much of the thrill and even fear behind space science lies in the fact that it offers a faithful picture of the random and unpredictable set of cosmic phenomena that could occur around our planet at any time.

Among them, the star systems seem to capture our attention more dynamically, probably because of their potential to project cosmic rays onto the Earth, although in some cases, such as terrestrial gamma-ray flash (TGF), the unexpected source may be Hurricane storm activity.

The researchers are now studying the behavior of one of the galaxy's most exciting and elusive star systems, the Wolf-Rayet stars, and more importantly, the role that the rapidly moving cloud of dust around the system plays in the creation of gamma rays of long duration. gusts (GRB). Named the 2XMM J160050.7-514245, the Wolf-Rayet system also bears the nickname Apep and is located inside a constellation called Norma or The Carpenter's Square (Where or where astronomers bear- they these names?).

Scientists identify the binary star system & # 39; Cosmic Snake & # 39; creating gamma-ray bursts
Source: ESO / Callingham et al.

However, in the case of Apep, the name refers to an ancient Egyptian deity of the same name in the form of a large snake. Given the chaotic nature and unique shape of the system, the name fits perfectly. The VISIR instrument of the European Southern Observatory (ESO) initially previewed the system.

Follow the elusive GRBs

The GRB, which is one of the most powerful and ephemeral explosions in the universe, can last from a few hours to a few thousandths of a second. If their lifespan exceeds the two-second mark, they can be considered long-lasting GRBs.

Below you will find a video of the process depending on the time needed to monitor the GRBs:

On the one hand, Apep's stellar wind is moving at a rate of 12 million km / h ESO, while the spinning reel is moving at a slower rate of two million km / hwhat the team thinks is happening because the wind is blowing in different directions. Be that as it may, the evidence of the GRB phenomenon tells researchers that the star system is evolving at such a surprising speed that it is a kind of suicide mission.

Scientists identify the binary star system & # 39; Cosmic Snake & # 39; creating gamma-ray bursts
Survey of the digitalized sky around the Apep area Source: ESO / Callingham et al.

Whatever the cause, the team is pleased to have the opportunity to make such an observation. This is a rare opportunity to comment on a dynamic star system. Given the dynamic combination of factors involved in the formation of GRB and Wolf-Rayet star systems, their enthusiasm seems well justified.

"This is the first system of its kind to be discovered in our own galaxy," says Joseph Callingham of the Netherlands Radio Astronomy Institute (ASTRON), the lead author of the study reporting this system, adding, "We would not have never hoped to find such a system our own yard. "

The details of this study appear in an article entitled "Anisotropic winds in a Wolf-Rayet binary system identifying a potential precursor of gamma-bursts", was published November 19 in the Nature Astronomy newspaper.

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