Artist’s impression of the exotic binary star system AR Scorpii

This artist’s impression shows the strange object AR Scorpii. In this unique double star a rapidly spinning white dwarf star (right) powers electrons up to almost the speed of light. These high energy particles release blasts of radiation that lash the companion red dwarf star (left) and cause the entire system to pulse dramatically every 1.97 minutes with radiation ranging from the ultraviolet to radio.

Credit:

M. Garlick/University of Warwick/ESO

About the Image

Id:eso1627a
Type:Artwork
Release date:27 July 2016, 19:00
Related releases:eso1627
Size:5500 x 4123 px

About the Object

Name:AR Scorpii
Type:Milky Way : Star : Grouping : Binary
Category:Illustrations

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