NASA’s Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) has discovered a record-breaking stellar triplet, known as TIC 290061484, with an outer orbital period of just 25 days. This system consists of twin stars orbiting each other every 1.8 days, and a third star circling the pair in 25 days. The discovery was made possible through the collaboration of professional and amateur astronomers, along with artificial intelligence.
Veselin Kostov, a research scientist at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, led the study, which was published in The Astrophysical Journal. The system is located in the constellation Cygnus and is almost flat from our perspective, allowing for the detection of eclipses as the stars cross each other’s paths. Citizen scientists, who were part of an online project called Planet Hunters, played a crucial role in identifying this unique system. The discovery has implications for our understanding of star formation and evolution, and may lead to the detection of even more compact multi-star systems with NASA’s upcoming Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope.
Unveiling the Record-Breaking Stellar Triplets: TIC 290061484
The discovery of the stellar triplet system TIC 290061484 has sent shockwaves through the astronomical community, shattering the previous record for the shortest outer orbital period in a triple star system. This remarkable finding was made possible by the collaboration between professional astronomers and citizen scientists, highlighting the power of collective effort in advancing our understanding of the universe.
The Unlikely Trio
The TIC 290061484 system consists of three stars orbiting each other in an incredibly compact configuration, with their orbits fitting within a smaller area than Mercury’s orbit around the Sun. This stability is attributed to the nearly coplanar orbits of the stars, which minimize gravitational perturbations. However, this tight arrangement also means that planet formation close to any of the stars is unlikely, except for a distant planet orbiting the trio as if they were a single entity.
The Visual Survey Group: A Decade-Long Collaboration
The discovery of TIC 290061484 was facilitated by the Visual Survey Group, a collaboration between professional astronomers and citizen scientists that has been active for over a decade. This group has been instrumental in identifying compact multi-star systems, unusual pulsating stars in binary systems, and other exotic objects. The Visual Survey Group’s efforts have led to numerous significant scientific discoveries, demonstrating the value of citizen science initiatives.
The Future of Transit Missions: Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope
The upcoming Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope is poised to revolutionize our understanding of star systems in the galaxy. With its high-resolution capabilities, Roman will be able to pierce deep into the heart of the Milky Way, providing a core sample of stars rather than skimming the surface. This will enable astronomers to measure light from stars that usually blur together, offering an unprecedented look at the nature of star systems.
Roman’s main surveys will monitor light from hundreds of millions of stars, increasing the chances of discovering more triple star systems with even shorter outer orbital periods. The mission may also uncover eclipsing stars bound together in larger groups, pushing the boundaries of our understanding of celestial mechanics.
The Quest for Shorter Orbital Periods
The discovery of TIC 290061484 has sparked a new wave of interest in finding triple star systems with even shorter outer orbital periods. Astronomers are eager to explore the limits of these systems and uncover the underlying mechanisms that govern their behavior. Roman’s capabilities will be instrumental in this pursuit, potentially revealing never-before-seen categories of systems and objects that will surprise astronomers.
The Power of Collaboration
The discovery of TIC 290061484 is a testament to the power of collaboration between professional astronomers and citizen scientists. NASA’s citizen science projects have enabled thousands of important scientific discoveries, demonstrating the value of collective effort in advancing our understanding of the universe. As we continue to explore the mysteries of the cosmos, it is clear that the synergy between professionals and enthusiasts will remain a driving force behind groundbreaking discoveries.
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