Daily Current Affairs : 6-August-2024
Researchers from the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) have made an exciting discovery of a “vampire star” in the star cluster M67, located in the constellation Cancer. These stars, known as blue straggler stars (BSS), are unique in that they appear much younger than they actually are, defying conventional models of stellar evolution. One such star, named WOCS 9005, has caught the attention of scientists because of its unusual behavior and its ability to “rejuvenate” by siphoning material from a companion star.
What are Vampire Stars?
Vampire stars, or blue stragglers, are stars that appear to be younger than their surroundings. In a star cluster, most stars form around the same time, but blue stragglers seem much younger. They are thought to have gained extra material from a nearby star, allowing them to continue burning brighter and longer than expected. This process makes them stand out among older stars in the cluster.
How WOCS 9005 Works:
- Rejuvenation Process: WOCS 9005 has been rejuvenated by drawing material from a companion star. This process is known as mass transfer.
- Binary System: The star is part of a binary system, meaning it shares a gravitational bond with another star. The material from the companion star flows into WOCS 9005, allowing it to appear younger than its actual age.
- Spectroscopic Analysis: Scientists used detailed spectroscopic analysis to study the star. They discovered that its atmosphere is rich in heavy elements like barium, yttrium, and lanthanum. These elements suggest that WOCS 9005 has been “polluted” by material from its companion star, which has since evolved into a white dwarf.
Significance of the Discovery:
This discovery is important because it provides new insights into the complex process of mass transfer in binary star systems. Understanding how stars like WOCS 9005 are rejuvenated can help scientists refine their models of stellar evolution and the life cycles of stars. It also sheds light on the mysterious nature of blue straggler stars, whose origins and behavior have long been a subject of scientific debate.
Technological Achievement:
The detection of WOCS 9005 was made possible thanks to the data from the UltraViolet Imaging Telescope aboard AstroSat, India’s first space observatory. This telescope provides valuable information about the ultraviolet emissions of stars, helping researchers study distant stars and their characteristics more closely. AstroSat’s ability to capture high-quality data from deep space has made a significant contribution to this discovery.
Important Points:
- Discovery of WOCS 9005: Researchers from the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) discovered a “vampire star” named WOCS 9005 in the star cluster M67, located in the constellation Cancer.
- What Are Blue Straggler Stars (BSS)?
- Blue straggler stars, also known as “vampire stars,” appear younger than they actually are.
- These stars are believed to gain material from a nearby companion star, allowing them to burn brighter and live longer than expected.
- How WOCS 9005 Works:
- Rejuvenation by Mass Transfer: WOCS 9005 has rejuvenated by drawing material from a companion star in a process called mass transfer.
- Binary System: WOCS 9005 is part of a binary system, meaning it shares a gravitational bond with another star.
- Spectroscopic Evidence: The star’s atmosphere contains heavy elements like barium, yttrium, and lanthanum, indicating that the star has been “polluted” by material from its companion, which has evolved into a white dwarf.
- Significance of the Discovery:
- The discovery provides new insights into the complex process of mass transfer in binary star systems.
- It helps refine models of stellar evolution and the life cycles of stars.
- Technological Achievement:
- The discovery was made possible by data from the UltraViolet Imaging Telescope aboard AstroSat, India’s first space observatory.
- AstroSat’s advanced technology allows for the study of ultraviolet emissions from distant stars.
Why In News
Researchers from the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) have made a groundbreaking discovery of a “vampire star” in the star cluster M67, located in the constellation Cancer, offering new insights into the mysterious behavior of certain stars that defy traditional stellar evolution models.
MCQs about Discovery of a Vampire Star
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What is the name of the “vampire star” discovered by researchers from the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA)?
A. WOCS 8005
B. WOCS 9005
C. BSS 5000
D. WOCS 1005
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What makes blue straggler stars, like WOCS 9005, appear younger than they actually are?
A. They receive additional material from a nearby star
B. They are formed in different star clusters
C. They undergo a sudden increase in temperature
D. They experience constant stellar explosions
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How did scientists confirm that WOCS 9005 had been “polluted” by material from its companion star?
A. By observing its increased brightness
B. Through spectroscopic analysis revealing heavy elements like barium, yttrium, and lanthanum
C. By tracking its movement in the star cluster
D. Through direct observations from the Hubble Space Telescope
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Which telescope played a key role in the discovery of WOCS 9005?
A. Hubble Space Telescope
B. James Webb Space Telescope
C. UltraViolet Imaging Telescope on AstroSat
D. Chandra X-ray Observatory
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