Science & Space
XRISM Links Giant Star’s Wind Capture to Powerful X-Ray Flares
XRISM observations show a compact companion capturing a giant star’s wind, powering strong X-ray flares.
What happened
Astronomers using Japan-led XRISM directly observed a giant star’s stellar wind being captured by its compact companion. The captured outflow supplies the power behind strong X-ray flares, according to research involving NASA’s exploration of the extreme universe.
Why it matters
The observation could clarify how intense X-ray flares are generated in such systems. For astronomers, it provides direct evidence linking the giant star’s outflow to the compact companion’s high-energy activity.
Source: NASA