Astronomers capture stunning rainbow spectra of binary star Eta Carinae

Astronomers capture stunning rainbow spectra of binary star Eta Carinae (Image: CTIO/NOIRLab/SOAR/NSF/AURA)

Astronomers have recently released a new image capturing the full spectrum of the binary star system Eta Carinae. This observation was made from deep within Chile’s Atacama Desert. Researchers are currently studying the system’s extreme variability and unusual luminosity.

Capturing the Rainbow of Starlight

Using the newly commissioned SOAR Telescope Echelle Spectrograph (STELES), astronomers obtained a high-resolution spectrum of Eta Carinae for the first time. The spectrum disperses the star’s light into a vibrant rainbow, revealing intricate atomic and molecular features of its atmosphere. Each colour carries valuable information about the chemical composition, temperature, and motion of the gas within the system.

Reading the Stellar Signatures

The detailed spectral data allow scientists to study stellar winds, outflows, and interactions between the two massive stars. Doppler shifts in the light provide precise measurements of material moving towards or away from Earth, enabling astronomers to map the system’s dynamic behaviour. Understanding Eta Carinae’s activity offers insight into the life cycles of the galaxy’s most massive stars.

Observing Stellar Evolution

By tracking changes in the spectrum over time, astronomers aim to unravel the physics behind extreme stellar eruptions and the eventual fate of stars like Eta Carinae. Such observations are rare, providing a unique window into the beautiful yet violent processes that shape our cosmos.