NASA’s Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) has identified a highly unusual triple star system, designated TIC 290061484. This system comprises two stars orbiting each other closely every 1.8 days, with a third star orbiting the pair every 25 days. The entire system resides within the orbital path of Mercury around the Sun, showcasing remarkable compactness. The discovery was made possible through the combined efforts of professional and amateur astronomers utilizing advanced artificial intelligence techniques.
This finding surpasses previous records by significantly reducing the outer orbital period of known triple star systems. Before this discovery, the shortest recorded outer orbital period was 33 days, making TIC 290061484 a notable advancement in our understanding of stellar dynamics. The integration of AI and machine learning has been crucial in analyzing the vast amounts of data required to uncover such a compact and intricate system.
What Makes TIC 290061484 Unique?
The system’s alignment is such that it appears as a single star to observers on Earth. However, TESS detected subtle fluctuations in brightness as the stars transit each other from our viewpoint. This edge-on orientation enables precise measurements of the stars’ orbits, masses, sizes, and temperatures, revealing the intricate dynamics of the system.
How Was Artificial Intelligence Utilized in the Discovery?
Artificial intelligence played a crucial role in sifting through the immense volume of data collected by TESS. Machine learning algorithms were employed to distinguish genuine transit events from noise and atmospheric interference. This approach allowed the team to efficiently identify and confirm the presence of the triple star configuration.
What Are the Future Implications of This Discovery?
The identification of TIC 290061484 provides valuable insights into the formation and evolution of multiple star systems. The team, led by Veselin Kostov from NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, anticipates that the inner binary stars will eventually merge, potentially leading to a supernova event within the next 20 to 40 million years. Additionally, this discovery paves the way for future explorations with upcoming missions like the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope, which will search for more such close multiple star systems.
The collaboration between professional astronomers, citizen scientists, and advanced AI tools underscores the evolving landscape of astronomical research. By leveraging diverse expertise and innovative technologies, the hunt for complex stellar systems continues to advance, offering deeper understanding of the universe’s intricate structures. This approach not only accelerates discovery but also enhances the precision and scope of astronomical observations, indicating a promising future for space exploration missions.
