Image Credit: ALMA (ESO/NAOJ/NRAO)
A multinational group of researchers employed the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) to study the triadic protostar system designated as IRAS 04239+2436, focusing on the intricate gas structure surrounding these embryonic stars.
The team, spearheaded by Professor Jeong-Eun Lee from Seoul National University, detected radio waves produced by sulfur monoxide (SO) molecules, a sign of the existence of shock waves. They found these molecules to be arranged into three expansive spiral arms. Comparative analysis of observed gas velocity and numerical simulations overseen by Professor Tomoaki Matsumoto from Hosei University, revealed these arms as conduits channeling material to the protostars. While the genesis of these conduits remains obscure, the amalgamation of observational and computational data provides the inaugural understanding of the formation of such conduits in the complex mechanisms of multi-star genesis.
Table of Contents
Multi-Star Systems Extend Three Spiraling Arms to Accumulate Material
Although a majority of stars come into existence within multi-star frameworks, the principles governing such formations remain enigmatic. Thus, demystifying the genesis mechanisms for multi-star systems is crucial for a well-rounded theoretical model of star formation. Various theories regarding the formation of multi-star systems have been proposed, yet a consensus remains elusive.
The use of ALMA’s high-resolution and sensitive capabilities to directly witness the birth of multiple protostars is integral to understanding this process. Recent observations have often reported gas structures termed as “streamers,” flows of gas moving toward the protostars. Investigating these streamers is critical for understanding the mechanisms by which protostars gain mass, although the origin of these streamers has yet to be ascertained. Given the expected complex gas flows in multi-star systems, high-definition observations via ALMA offer a potent method to probe the inception of these streamers.
Extensive Findings
Using ALMA, the team examined the radio waves generated by SO molecules around the nascent triadic star system, IRAS 04239+2436, situated approximately 460 light-years from Earth. The aim was to identify SO molecules in regions where shock waves are prevalent and observe turbulent gas activities around these forming stars. Consequently, they discerned SO molecules arranged into spiral arms spanning up to 400 astronomical units, while also successfully calculating the velocity of the gas containing SO molecules based on the frequency shift attributed to the Doppler effect.
The motion analysis revealed that these expansive spiral arms serve as pathways, channeling material toward the nascent triple stars. “The ALMA images remarkably depict multiple-arm structures emitting in SO frequencies,” said Lee, “Though my initial interpretation suggested a coordinated dance of these structures around the central protostellar system, subsequent analysis showed these arms to be material highways nourishing the infant stars.”
Significance and Interpretive Analysis
The research team compared observed gas velocity with simulations designed to mimic the formation of multiple stars in a native gas cloud. These simulations utilized “ATERUI” and “ATERUI II,” dedicated astronomical supercomputers at the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan. According to the simulations, the observed triple protostars could be explained by a hybrid theory of formation, which incorporates elements from both turbulent and disk fragmentation scenarios.
Matsumoto, who headed the simulations, stated, “The observed gas velocity aligns well with the simulation data, confirming that the simulations effectively elucidate the origins of these streamers.”
Implications for Planetary Formation and Future Studies
Lee noted that the findings also highlight the challenges of planet formation in complex stellar systems. The cramped space and competing gravitational pulls of the protostars are not conducive for the long-term stability required for planet formation.
Matsumoto added, “This study marks a significant step forward by not only corroborating the presence of recently discovered streamers but also elucidating their formation mechanisms.”
The research has been published in the paper “Triple Spiral Arms of a Triple Protostar System Imaged in Molecular Lines” by Jeong-Eun Lee et al., in the Astrophysical Journal.
Additional Information
Support for this study came from several sources, including the National Research Foundation of Korea, Ministry of Science and ICT of the Republic of Korea, Ministry of Education of Taiwan, Ministry of Science and Technology of Taiwan, and JSPS KAKENHI.
Reference: DOI: 10.3847/1538-4357/acdd5b
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Triple Protostar System
What is the main objective of the research on the triple protostar system IRAS 04239+2436?
The primary objective is to explore the detailed structure of the gas surrounding the protostars in the triple system. The researchers used the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) to observe radio waves emitted by sulfur monoxide molecules, aiming to understand the formation mechanisms of multiple stars.
Who led the research team?
The research team was led by Jeong-Eun Lee, a professor at Seoul National University, in collaboration with Tomoaki Matsumoto, a professor at Hosei University, who led the numerical simulations.
What significant discovery did the researchers make?
The researchers discovered that the distribution of sulfur monoxide (SO) molecules around the protostars forms three large spiral arms. These arms serve as “streamers,” which are channels supplying material to the forming stars. This is the first time such a detailed understanding of streamer formation has been revealed.
How did the researchers validate their observations?
The team compared their observations with numerical simulations conducted on the ATERUI and ATERUI II supercomputers. The velocity of the gas in the simulations matched well with the observations, lending credence to the research findings.
What implications does this research have for our understanding of star formation?
The study offers new insights into the processes involved in multiple star formation. By combining observational data with numerical simulations, it provides a more comprehensive theory of how multiple stars form. This contributes significantly to resolving debates over multiple star formation scenarios.
Does the research also have implications for planet formation?
Yes, the research suggests that the formation of planets in such a triple protostar system may be unlikely. According to Lee, the protostars are situated within a small area, making the surrounding environment turbulent and unsuitable for the calm, long-term processes required for planet formation.
Who funded this research?
This work is supported by grants from various institutions including the National Research Foundation (NRF) of Korea, the Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT) of Korea, the Ministry of Education of Taiwan, the Ministry of Science and Technology of Taiwan, and JSPS KAKENHI.
More about Triple Protostar System
- Study Published in the Astrophysical Journal
- National Astronomical Observatory of Japan (NAOJ)
- Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA)
- Seoul National University Astronomy Department
- Hosei University Faculty Profile: Tomoaki Matsumoto
- National Research Foundation (NRF) of Korea
- Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT) of the Republic of Korea
- Ministry of Education of Taiwan
- Ministry of Science and Technology of Taiwan
- JSPS KAKENHI Grant Information
6 comments
hey, don’t get me wrong, but I’m a bit confused. What’s the implication for planet formation here? I mean, they touched on it but couldve gone deeper.
Amazing. The power of ALMA is something else. Can’t wait to see what they find out next.
its like a dance of stars out there! The spirals feeding the protostars… mind-blowing. I love how science keeps surprising us.
To think that a hybrid scenario explains it all, fascinating. Just when we think we know something about space, a new revelation comes along. Science, huh.
Wow, this is groundbreaking stuff. Cant believe they actually figured out the structure of triple protostars. Makes you wonder what else is out there!
Whoa, shockwaves and spiral arms around protostars? What a find! This is a major contribution to our understanding of star formation for sure.