Near-Earth binary system with white dwarfs will lead to type Ia supernova observable in the future
Astronomers at Universidade of Warwick have identified, for the first time, a binary system composed of two white dwarfs that will inevitably collide, resulting in an Ia type supernova. The pair is located about 150 light-years from Terra, within Via Láctea, and has a combined mass of 1.56 times that of Sol. Essa discovery, published in the magazine Nature Astronomy, confirms long-debated theories about the origin of certain supernovae.
Currently, the two white dwarfs orbit each other every 14 hours, separated by just one-sixtieth the distance between Terra and Sol. Over time, gravitational waves will progressively reduce this orbit. The explosive event will only occur in approximately 23 billion years, without any risk to the planet.
Characteristics of the binary system
The system stands out for the high total mass of the stars involved. One of the white dwarfs has about 83% of the solar mass, while the other has approximately 72%. Essa configuration overcomes the limit of Chandrasekhar in combination, ensuring future thermonuclear instability.
The researchers used data from large optical telescopes to measure the system’s compactness. Extreme proximity accelerates the orbital spiral over cosmic eons.
On the same topic: Astronomical survey led by Avi Loeb identifies ten billion stellar cores in the Milky Way
Predicted explosion process
The explosive sequence will begin when the heavier white dwarf begins to attract material from its companion. Isso will trigger an eruption on the surface of the mass-gaining star, followed by the ignition of its core.
Within seconds, the ejected material will impact the second white dwarf, triggering additional explosions on its surface and core. The entire process will involve four rapid detonations, releasing energy equivalent to trillions of nuclear bombs.
The resulting supernova will shine brightly in the sky, appearing ten times more luminous than the full Lua. The uniform brightness characteristic of type Ia supernovae allows their use as cosmic distance indicators.
Learn more: Discovery: 4 dense white dwarfs were found behind red dwarfs in space
What are type Ia supernovae?
These explosions occur when white dwarfs accumulate excessive mass and lose gravitational stability. Diferentemente of core-collapse supernovae, type Ia involve complete thermonuclear detonation.
- They serve as “standard candles” for measuring distances on galactic and cosmological scales.
- They contribute to the production of heavy elements in the universe.
- Its frequency in Via Láctea is estimated at one every 500 years.
Theories predicted that white dwarf binaries would be responsible for most of these events. The detection of this progenitor confirms this hypothesis.
Historical context of observations
In the 16th century, astronomers such as Tycho Brahe and Johannes Kepler recorded the first “new stars” in the sky. Esses phenomena were called supernovae centuries later.
Today, it is understood that supernovae type Ia do not create new stars, but destroy old stellar remnants. Existem two main pathways: collapse of massive stars or accumulation into white dwarfs.
See Also
More on this story: Space research maps exact location of white dwarfs in the Milky Way and reveals unprecedented data
Importance of the current discovery
This identification represents the first direct confirmation of a double white dwarf binary leading to a type Ia supernova. The proximity of the system facilitates future detailed observations.
Researchers highlight that similar systems may be more common in the galaxy. The detection suggests the need for deeper searches to map supernova precursors.
Explosive sequence details
The orbital spiral will reduce the period to 30 to 40 seconds before the final collision. The released energy will completely destroy the binary system.
The peak brightness will be equivalent to 200 thousand times that of Júpiter seen from Terra. Modelos indicate single quadruple detonation in this scenario.
Implications for stellar astronomy
The confirmation reinforces models of binary evolution in intermediate-mass stars. White Anãs represent the fate of most stars, including Sol.
Systems like this help understand supernova rates in Via Láctea. Continuous Observações will allow us to refine predictions about distant cosmic events.
Learn more: Survey by astrophysicist Avi Loeb maps billions of white dwarfs in the orbit of the Milky Way
Additional observations
International teams confirmed parameters with multiple instruments. The super-Chandrasekhar mass guarantees the explosive fate regardless of alternative scenarios.
Future space missions will be able to monitor similar developments in other binaries.
Advances in Binary Detection
Modern techniques combine data from satellites like TESS with ground-based telescopes. Isso increases efficiency in identifying compact systems.
The discovery paves the way for studies of gravitational waves in the final stages of a spiral.
