NASA satellite spots massive star partner

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Scientists using NASA's far ultraviolet spectroscopic explorer satellite say they've made the first direct discovery of a companion star of Eta Carinae.

Eta Carinae is one of the most massive and unusual stars in the Milky Way galaxy.

The mysterious star is located about 7,500 light-years from Earth in the constellation Carina. Scientists thought a companion star in orbit around Eta Carinae might explain some of its strange properties, but researchers lacked direct evidence a companion star existed.

"Until now, Eta Carinae's partner has evaded direct detection," said Rosina Iping, a research scientist at Catholic University of America in Washington. "This discovery significantly advances our understanding of the enigmatic star."

The detection was made possible by the high temperature of the companion star and the unique sensitivity of the satellite to the shortest ultraviolet wavelengths.

Iping and colleagues used the satellite to detect the companion, because it can see even shorter ultraviolet wavelengths than Hubble.

The discovery is detailed in the Astrophysical Journal Letters.

Source: UPI

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