Produced by: Tarun Mishra
Astronomers, led by a team from the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), Bengaluru, have for the first time detected far-ultraviolet emissions from novae during outbursts in the Andromeda galaxy. These findings, made using ISRO’s AstroSat satellite, provide new insights into stellar explosions and galactic enrichment.
Novae are sudden explosions occurring in binary star systems, where a dense white dwarf star accumulates material from its companion Sun-like star. This buildup triggers thermonuclear reactions, resulting in a bright outburst.
Researchers used UVIT, which observes far and near ultraviolet wavelengths, to study 42 novae in Andromeda. Among these, four novae were observed in the act of erupting, showcasing the telescope’s precision.
The study focused on accretion disks formed by material pulled from the companion star to the white dwarf. These disks, visible in ultraviolet light, provide critical insights into the conditions leading to nova eruptions.
Periods of dimming were noted, where accumulated material acted as a shell blocking radiation. This phase precedes the thermonuclear explosion, which ejects matter into space and increases system brightness dramatically.
AI Generated
Identifying novae in Andromeda's bright central region required advanced image processing techniques. These efforts confirmed the presence of the explosions and showcased the potential of UVIT for such studies.
The research, published in the Astrophysical Journal, highlights how novae contribute to enriching galaxies with new elements, advancing the understanding of galactic chemical processes.
The study underlines the need for upcoming ultraviolet and X-ray missions to further investigate the mechanisms of novae. These findings are expected to enhance knowledge of stellar evolution and the role of such explosions in shaping galactic composition.