Captured on film: hottest star in the Galaxy
Astronomers have taken the first pictures of one of the hottest stars in the
Galaxy. The temperature on its surface is 200,000C, 35 times hotter than the
Sun.
The mysterious dying star at the heart of the Bug Nebula – 3,500 light years
away in the constellation Scorpius – has never been seen before as it is
hidden behind a cloud of dust and ice.
The images were taken to show off the capabilities of the Hubble Space
Telescope after it began work again in September. The astronomers were
amazed to discover the hidden star.
Cezary Szyszka, a research student currently working at the European Southern
Observatory, said: "We are extremely lucky that we had the opportunity
to catch this star near its hottest point. From now on it will gradually
cool as it dies. This is truly an exceptional object."
clipped from www.timesonline.co.uk
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