Radioactive molecules in the remains of a stellar collision

Composite image of CK Vulpeculae, the remains of a double-star collision. This impact launched radioactive molecules into space, as seen in the orange double-lobe structure at the centre. This is an ALMA image of 27-aluminum monofluoride, but the rare isotropic version of AIF resides in the same region. The red, diffuse image is an ALMA image of the broader dust in the region. The blue is optical data from the Gemini observatory.

Credit:

ALMA (ESO/NAOJ/NRAO), T. Kamiński; Gemini, NOAO/AURA/NSF; NRAO/AUI/NSF, B. Saxton

About the Image

Id:eso1826a
Type:Observation
Release date:30 July 2018, 17:00
Related releases:eso1826
Size:2034 x 2034 px

About the Object

Name:CK Vulpeculae
Type:Milky Way : Star : Grouping : Multiple
Constellation:Vulpecula
Category:Stars

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Coordinates

Position (RA):19 47 38.06
Position (Dec):27° 18' 44.44"
Field of view:0.48 x 0.48 arcminutes
Orientation:North is 0.2° left of vertical

Colours & filters

BandWavelengthTelescope
Optical
hydrogen
Gemini Observatory
GMOS
Millimeter
27-aluminum monofluoride
1.298962 mmAtacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array
Band 6
Millimeter
continuum
1.545321 mmAtacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array
Band 5