Slicing through a 3D model of the material around the red giant star R Sculptoris

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 spiral, along with the surrounding outer shell, has never been seen before and is probably caused by a hidden companion star orbiting the star. This new video shows a computer simulation of how the material is distributed around the star. It presents a series of slices through a 3D model of the surroundings of R Sculptoris. The shell around the star shows up as a circular ring that appears to get bigger and then smaller in different slices. The newly discovered clear spiral structure in the inner material is best seen about half-way through the video sequence.

Credit:

ESO/S. Mohamed (SAAO), L. Calçada

About the Video

Id:eso1239b
Release date:10 October 2012, 19:00
Related releases:eso1239
Duration:44 s
Frame rate:30 fps

About the Object

Name:R Sculptoris
Type:Milky Way : Star : Evolutionary Stage : Red Giant
Category:Stars

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