Unveiling Two Additional Stars in the ‘Southern Ring’ Nebula

Analyzing data from the Webb Telescope, international researchers have discovered evidence of at least two previously unknown stars hidden in the Southern Ring Nebula’s stellar graveyard.

The Southern Ring Nebula, situated in the Milky Way galaxy approximately 2,000 light-years away from Earth, was previously believed to contain only two stars. One star nestled in the center of the nebula is a dying white dwarf that emits plumes of gas and dust over thousands of years, forming the surrounding cloud.

Philippe Amram, an astrophysicist at France’s Marseille Astrophysics Laboratory, explains that while the two-star system is common in the Milky Way, the atypical structure of the Southern Ring Nebula intrigued researchers. To unveil more mysteries of the nebula, they utilized observations from the Webb Telescope.

By analyzing data captured by the Webb Telescope’s infrared cameras, the researchers have found evidence of at least two additional stars within the Southern Ring Nebula. The nebula itself has a diameter equivalent to 1,500 times the distance from the Sun to Pluto.

Interestingly, these newly discovered stars are slightly more distant from the white dwarf and its companion. However, all four (or possibly five) of these stars are situated at the center of the Southern Ring Nebula.

Amram explains that these stars are in close proximity to each other and are likely interacting. The exchange of energy between them creates the peculiar shape of the Southern Ring Nebula.

The Webb Telescope, which has been in operation since July, has provided an unprecedented amount of data. Scientists are hopeful that this massive telescope will usher in a new era of discovery.

The study detailing these findings was published in the journal Nature Astronomy on December 8.

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