Symbiotic Variable Star On the Verge of an Eruption?
Symbiotic variables are binary pairs in orbit around each other inside a common envelope. Credit: NASA
November 23rd, astronomers from the Asiago Novae and Symbiotic Stars collaboration announced recent changes in the symbiotic variable star, AX Persei, could indicate the onset of a rare eruption of this system. The last major eruption took place between 1988 and1992. In the (northern hemisphere) spring of 2009, AX Per underwent a short outburst that was the first time since 1992 this star had experienced a bright phase. Now AX Per is on the rise again. This has tempted astronomers to speculate that another major eruption could be in the making. (…) Read the rest of Symbiotic Variable Star On the Verge of an Eruption? (463 words)
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