The Press Stories
Title: Astronomers Discover Newly Found Massive Magnetic Helium Star
In a groundbreaking discovery, astronomers have identified a newly found stellar object known as HD 45166. What makes this object especially intriguing is its magnetic field, which is a phenomenal 100,000 times stronger than Earth’s magnetic field.
Dubbed a massive magnetic helium star, HD 45166 represents a unique type of celestial entity, previously unidentified within the universe. The findings indicate that this object is the result of the merger of two lesser-mass helium stars. During this process, some mass was lost, leading to the formation of a heavily magnetized helium star that resembles the core of a star eight times the mass of our own Sun.
Astronomers predict that HD 45166 is destined to undergo a catastrophic collapse, transforming into a magnetar. This type of neutron star possesses an even more immense magnetic field that could reach approximately 100 trillion Gauss, solidifying its status as one of the most potent magnets in the cosmos.
Leading the research effort, astronomer Tomer Shenar and his team employed telescopes to observe HD 45166, ultimately discovering its powerful magnetic field of 43 kiloGauss. This groundbreaking observation marks the first-ever detection of a massive magnetic helium star, unraveling the mysteries surrounding its origins.
The significance of this discovery extends beyond the identification of HD 45166 itself. It also provides key insights into the formation of magnetars. These neutron stars, characterized by their remarkably intense magnetic fields, are thought to originate from a process known as magnetohydrodynamics. Moreover, magnetars are believed to harbor solid surfaces.
The Milky Way Galaxy, home to our solar system, currently houses 29 known magnetars. These rare celestial objects can be detected through the X-ray and gamma-ray emissions they emit. However, as their magnetic fields eventually relax and diminish over time, they transition into inactive cores, estimated to amount to tens of millions sprinkled throughout our galaxy.
This newfound knowledge regarding HD 45166 and its link to the formation and life cycle of magnetars represents a significant milestone in understanding the universe’s magnetic phenomena. As scientists continue to delve into the mysteries of our universe, each discovery is a small step towards unlocking the countless secrets of the cosmos.
