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Scientists at the Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCA), Pune, have made a significant breakthrough in the study of the universe by discovering a rare binary star system for the first time in the ‘Magnic Bridge’ region connecting two small galaxies. The research, led by Dr. Tathagata Saha and Prof. Chandrayi Maitra, will help us better understand the formation and evolution of stars in interacting galaxies. The discovery was made through the analysis of data from the survey of the state-of-the-art X-ray telescope ‘EROSITA’. The system consists of a white dwarf and a red giant orbiting it.

More than 1.9 million X-ray sources, 64 thousand extended sources recorded

Some of the gas ejected from the red supermassive star is drawn towards the white dwarf. When this material hits its surface, intense X-rays are emitted. Such a system is called a ‘symbiotic’ in astronomy. Accreting system The data release released by the German research team EROSITA has recorded more than 1.9 million X-ray sources and about 64 thousand extended sources from 556 days of sky-wide observations. This vast amount of data has made it possible to study the ‘Magellanic Bridge’ region in the most detailed way to date.  

Dr. Tathagata Saha said that this is the first time such a system has been found in the Magellanic Bridge, opening up a new avenue for studying stellar evolution in interacting galaxies. According to Prof. Chandrayi Maitra, the study of such rare systems will help in better understanding the formation and evolution of white dwarfs and other dense celestial objects.

Features of the ‘Erosita’ survey

• 556 days of sky-wide observation
• More than 1.9 million X-ray sources registered
• Includes about 64 thousand expanded sources
• First in-depth study of the Magellanic Bridge region
• New impetus for research into hot, energetic and violent processes in the universe