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

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BandWavelengthTelescope
Millimeter
ALMA Band 7
870 μmAtacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array