Black holes, often known for their destructive nature, frequently engulf nearby stars. Scientists typically observe intense bursts of light as these stars are pulled into the event horizon. Nevertheless, in rare situations, a star may enter an orbit around a black hole, leading to a prolonged and more gradual consumption. A recent study using X-ray data from Chandra and other instruments provides new insights into a supermassive black hole slowly consuming a star over time, yielding valuable information about physical processes.
The study traces its origins to 2018 with the discovery of AT2018fyk, a “tidal disruption event” (TDE), initially captured by NASA‘s Neutron star Interior Composition Explorer (NICER). Subsequent observations by Chandra and ESA’s XMM-Newton followed. Typically, such events end with the star being consumed, but a subsequent spike in X-ray and UV emissions two years later indicated a more complex scenario. This recurrence was attributed to the star’s highly elliptical orbit, causing another partial consumption during close approaches.
Astronomical Observations and Predictions
The second luminosity spike, thought to be due to the star’s recurring proximity to the black hole, led scientists to predict future occurrences. They focused on August 2023, marking a significant dimming in X-ray emissions, suggesting either the star’s final demise or another survival round. Researchers now anticipate the next visible event between May and August 2025, continuing the star’s intermittent loss of mass in this cosmic tug-of-war.
Detailed Analysis and Hypotheses
The star involved in AT2018fyk was likely part of a binary system. Its companion star was ejected, potentially escaping the galaxy. The remaining star’s continued interaction with the black hole provides a unique opportunity to study tidal disruption events and the mechanisms governing them. Each close encounter results in diminishing luminosity, indicating the star’s gradual depletion.
Similar research in the past had focused on single occurrence events of stars being devoured by black holes, typically ending after the initial burst of X-rays and UV rays. The repeat events observed in AT2018fyk, however, provide a rare opportunity to study prolonged interactions between stars and black holes. This situation allows scientists to refine their understanding of black hole feeding patterns and the resulting astrophysical phenomena.
Understanding the dynamics of AT2018fyk advances our knowledge of tidal disruption events, revealing the complexities of black hole-star interactions. Observational data suggests that these processes are more intricate than previously thought, with potential applications in predicting similar events in other galaxies. Further monitoring of AT2018fyk will continue to shed light on these phenomena, offering insights into the behavior of supermassive black holes and their impact on surrounding celestial bodies.
