Two massive stars, still in their formative stages, have been caught in the act of becoming a budding binary star system. Located in the natal cloud and designated IRAS 07299−1651, this system resides approximately 5,300 light-years from Earth. Recent measurements have unveiled the dynamics of these stellar companions as they orbit each other.
Researchers at the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) have closely monitored this stellar duo for nearly eight years. In collaboration with data from the Very Large Array (VLA), the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), and the Very Large Telescope (VLT), astronomers discovered the stars’ highly elongated orbits, with surrounding disks pointing in different directions.
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A binary journey in the cosmos: Exploring the emerging stellar pair
Massive stars often exist in pairs or clusters. Around 90 percent form part of binary or more complex systems, where companions significantly influence each other’s development. They exert effects through strong winds, radiation, and potential supernovae.
The IRAS 07299−1651 system is unique as its components are still protostars, nestled within their birth clouds and actively accumulating material.
Prior ALMA observations brought this system attention by providing initial dynamical constraints back in 2019. At that time, findings supported the idea of formation through the fragmentation of a large rotating disk. Now, with almost eight additional years of data, the narrative of these stars has shifted. Evidence suggests a more complex history akin to a close stellar encounter rather than a serene birth.
Tracing baby stars’ movements with ALMA in this binary system
Given the vast distance of IRAS 07299−1651, minor shifts in the stars’ positions required precise measurements by ALMA. By observing for almost eight years, researchers determined the stars’ movements around their shared center of mass. Distinct from the circular paths of typical binary systems, this pair exhibits a markedly eccentric orbit, indicating a dynamic past interaction.
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This elongated orbit suggests the stars experienced a significant close interaction early on, shaping their current trajectory. Presently, the stars are separated by about 200 astronomical units—200 times the Earth-Sun distance.
Combining diverse observatories
While ALMA provided critical orbit data, insights from the VLA, JWST, and VLT were necessary to understand the surrounding environment. VLA’s radio observations traced the protostars’ jets, providing orientation data. The JWST’s infrared capabilities revealed hidden structures obscured by dust. Additionally, the VLT delivered further infrared observations, helping to identify the jets’ trajectories within this cosmic pair.
Ruben Fedriani, an astronomer at the Instituto de Astrofísica de Andalucía (IAA-CSIC), summarized the research by stating, “Each telescope revealed a different piece of the puzzle. The combination of radio and infrared observations provides the most exquisite detail on the formation of this massive binary star system.”
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Frequently asked questions
What is the distance of the binary system IRAS 07299−1651 from Earth?
The binary system IRAS 07299−1651 is located approximately 5,300 light-years from Earth.
What type of orbits do the stars in IRAS 07299−1651 exhibit?
The stars in IRAS 07299−1651 exhibit highly elongated orbits, distinct from the circular paths of typical binary systems.
Which telescopes contributed to the study of IRAS 07299−1651?
The study of IRAS 07299−1651 involved data from ALMA, the Very Large Array (VLA), the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), and the Very Large Telescope (VLT).