A stunning new image from the VLT survey telescope at the European Southern Observatory in Chile revealed a rare universe story 6,000 light years away in the constellations of Serpence.
The snapshot features a vibrant red nebula SH2-46, also known as Gum 80. The stellar giant is one of the rarest and brightest stars in the universe, causing a major impact on its surroundings. Despite its dominant presence, astronomers believe that this stunning centerpiece is in fact an intruder of the universe.
“This planet should not be here,” a statement From readings from the Southern Observatory in Europe. “In space, not everything is appearance.”
Clues from the nomadic past of the Central Star come in the form of distinct bow shocks observed adjacent to the star. Stars plow through nebulae, compressing gas and dust into visible arcs, unlike the ship’s wake that passes through water.
Astronomers suspect that the star, called HD 165319, is once part of a young cluster of nearby Eagle Nebula.
Astronomers have Dozens of similar bow shocks were observed It often crosses the Milky Way, which is associated with so-called runaway stars. These observations suggest that in clusters of dense young stars, complex gravity interactions, in particular, close encounters between three or more stars, can propel some stars at a speed sufficient to be pushed out of the birth home into nearby space.
According to the statement, these star exiles can cross the universe for a long time before penetrating unrelated nebulae like sh2-46.
HD 165319 currently controls the emergence of SH2-46, but its existence may be fleeting. If the star continues this trajectory, it can eventually leave the nebula, potentially changing the shape and brightness of the region.
“This nebula will probably look different if the stars leave it behind,” the statement reads.
