The Gemini North telescope reveals the final moments of a star

Many events occur in the universe, causing powerful and spectacular phenomena. Recently, the Gemini North telescope has managed to capture the final moments of a star with its Gemini Multi-Object Spectrograph (GMOS).

The image shows the Crystal Ball Nebula, also known as NGC 1514, which is located about 1,500 light-years from Earth. It is possible to see a bright star at its center. However, this star is not part of this nebula. 

In fact, this structure is composed of a binary system with a giant star and a hot companion star. Furthermore, while most binary systems have short orbital periods, these two celestial objects have an orbital period of nine years, which is one of the longest known to date.

The shape of this structure is linked to this binary system. Indeed, when these stars orbit each other, they generate powerful winds that distort the surrounding gas, as explained in a statement: 

"Scientists believe that one of these stars, which was once several times more massive than our sun, released its outer layers while in the throes of death. As the progenitor star and its binary companion orbit each other, they mold the expanding shell of gas with their strong, asymmetrical winds, forming the lumpy layers we see today." 

While the shape of this structure is already impressive, it will continue to evolve in the future. Indeed, according to astronomers, planetary nebulae have a lifespan of between 10,000 and 25,000 years. Consequently, the gas in NGC 1514 will gradually disperse into space.