Centuries-Old Star Mystery Coming to a Close

Astronomers using NASA’s Spitzer Space telescope have found a likely solution to a centuries-old riddle of the night sky. Every 27 years, a bright star called Epsilon Aurigae fades over period of two years, then brightens back up again. Though amateur and professional astronomers have observed the system extensively, the nature of both the bright star and the companion object that periodically eclipses it have remained unclear. The companion is known to be surrounded by a dusty disk, as illustrated in this artist’s concept.

Créditos:

NASA/JPL-Caltech

About the Image

Id:noaoann10002a
Tipo:Artwork
Release date:5 de Enero de 2010
Related announcements:noaoann10002
Size:1104 x 600 px

Sobre el Objeto

Categoría:Stars

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