Astronomers using the James Webb Space Telescope have discovered cosmic dust and water surrounding an evolved star close to Sagittarius A*, the central supermassive black hole of the Milky Way.
Image credit: European Space AgencyStar IRS 3 sits just 0.55 light-years from the galactic center. Nearing the end of its life, this cool, luminous giant sheds gas and material into an environment dominated by intense radiation.
Image credit: European Space AgencyUsing Webb’s Mid-Infrared Instrument, researchers collected the first continuous mid-infrared spectrum of IRS 3, allowing them to decipher the chemical identity of its surrounding gas and cosmic dust.
Image credit: European Space AgencyPrevious studies suggested IRS 3 was carbon-rich, but Webb detected two strong silicate dust signatures composed of silicon and oxygen. This confirms the aging star actively enriches space with oxygen-rich material.
Image credit: European Space AgencyThe spectrum revealed clear evidence of water molecules inside IRS 3’s stellar envelope. This marks the first time water has been detected around this object in such a harsh radiation field.
Image credit: European Space AgencySimulations show a layered envelope extending roughly 10,000 astronomical units from IRS 3. Temperatures range from a scorching 1200 Kelvin near the star down to 100 Kelvin in outer regions.
Image credit: European Space AgencyData models indicate IRS 3 has six times the Sun’s mass and is roughly 72 million years old. Severe mass loss propels stellar winds, casting off vital ingredients into space.
Image credit: European Space AgencyThe findings prove that complex stellar material can withstand galactic center conditions, confirming evolved stars play a crucial role in supplying dust to build future stars and planets.
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