Hey DUDE: Mysterious Death of Carbon Star Plays Out Like Six-Ring Circus (IMAGE)

National Radio Astronomy Observatory

Hey DUDE: Mysterious Death of Carbon Star Plays Out Like Six-Ring Circus

Caption

Scientists have observed, for the first time, the mysterious death throes of a carbon-rich asymptotic branch star (AGB). V Hydrae’s final act is characterized by the mass ejection of matter into space, resulting in the slow expansion of six rings and the formation of two hourglass-shaped structures shown here in this artist’s conception.

Credit

ALMA (ESO/NAOJ/NRAO)/S. Dagnello (NRAO/AUI/NSF)

Usage Restrictions

No restrictions.

License

Public Domain

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