At only about 2 arc min in size, I hope this is still something a little different and interesting
Seldom imaged, R Aquarii is a fascinating star in Aquarius, it is a binary star system composed of a white dwarf and red Mira type variable giant star. When the two stars get close enough in their orbit and or the giant star expands, the red giant spills material into an accretion disc around the white dwarf which then spirals down onto the hot companion causing an outburst, creating both a surrounding nebula and a jet. The jet is visible as a teal green streak running diagonally across the star in this image. The red nebula is also known as Ced 211.
It also seems my deep exposures may have revealed some new features around the star too, which are in the process of being investigated and hopefully verified. So if one or more of them turn out to be real and untill now unknown or went unnoticed ..well, you heard it here first on IIS! Stay tuned
Hi Mike,
Fantastic capture. Great to see an object that is so interesting and different.
You have given us a hint of more to come with those faint jets.
I can't wait to learn more about the science of this object.
This image is an inspiration, to say the least.
Thanks for the kind comments everyone glad you all found it interesting I do like shooting unusual but cool things occasionally, it's fun, we can miss a lot of cool stuff if we only concentrate on the main attractions all the time
I'll keep you posted re the known status of the faint features I picked up...ya never know..?
You've got another "watch this space".
