On December 9, 2024, astronomers using the European Southern Observatory's Very Large Telescope (VLT) obtained a detailed image of the extragalactic star WOH G64. This star is enveloped in a cocoon of gas and dust, giving it an egg-like appearance.
The VLT's interferometer technology, which previously produced the first image of a black hole, combines light from four 8-meter telescopes, achieving the resolution of a 130-meter telescope. This advancement allows for unprecedented observations in astrophysics.
WOH G64's unusual shape may be influenced by gravitational interactions with an undetected companion star, providing insights into the final stages of stellar evolution. The star has dimmed significantly over the past decade due to nearby hot dust blocking its light, enhancing our understanding of massive stars' interactions with their environments.
The GRAVITY instrument, responsible for this imaging breakthrough, is set to receive upgrades, enabling the study of fainter and more distant stars, further expanding our cosmic knowledge.
This achievement complements recent milestones, including the James Webb Telescope's discovery of a supermassive black hole impacting its host galaxy. Together, these findings enhance our comprehension of cosmic events and the evolution of stars.