R Sculptoris Spiral
October 13, 2012
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.
[ Read the Article ]
Credits: ALMA (ESO/NAOJ/NRAO)
[ Read the Article ]
Credits: ALMA (ESO/NAOJ/NRAO)
Topics:
Human Interest, Observational astronomy, Radio telescopes, Astronomy, Entertainment Culture, National Astronomical Observatory of Japan, Sculptor constellation, Sculptor, Space, Atacama desert, Atacama Large Millimeter Array, European Southern Observatory, Submillimetre astronomy, National Science Foundation
