Researchers have made significant strides in understanding the gas accretion processes involved in the formation of massive stars, which are pivotal to cosmic evolution. On September 17, the researchers’ findings were formally published in the journal Science Advances. These results describe the largest survey to date on ALMA-ATOMS/QUARKS survey internationally.
This path-breaking science measured incoming gas from over 2,500 astronomical units (AU). It traveled all the way inward to about 40 AU from its protostar. For the first time, scientists led by the University of Arizona used the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) to map the entire gas accretion process. This discovery gives scientists important insight into the evolutionary process of massive stars, those larger than eight times the mass of our Sun.
Research Methodology and Findings
This long-term effort to bring together multiscale data for more than 140 massive star-forming regions nationwide has been attempted during the past five years. This work brought together new techniques, combining ALMA observations with maser astrometry at the highest resolution. This technique takes advantage of microwaves to determine the positions of gas with incredible precision. When combined, this allowed an excellent view of the flows of gas as it moves down onto the protostar.
Find out what big, unexpected breakthrough the team found! They concluded that the gas transport rate remained relatively steady over time, averaging ~1×10 -4 M ⊙ yr -1 , in the existing observed “spiral” and “bar” features. As the gas approached the disk scale, the rate decreased dramatically. It dropped to a mere one-millionth of a solar mass per year. This knowledge of how gas moves is essential for astrophysicists examining how stars are born.
Dr. Mai Xiaofeng from the Shanghai Astronomical Observatory (SHAO) is first author of this foundational study. Further, that he is named corresponding author. Under her expert leadership, the team produced innovative new analyses. Figueroa‐Florez and collaborators studied hierarchical structures and gas accretion processes in massive star formation, drawing high praise from reviewers, being described as “a text book case.”
Implications for Cosmic Evolution
These massive stars are critically important for both shaping the universe and life as we know it. Because of this, their formation and life cycles have a fundamental impact on galaxy evolution and the chemical enrichment of our cosmos. This study lays a much better foundation for understanding how these stars gain mass. It opens the door to further research on their lifecycle and effect on the environment.
The ALMA-ATOMS/QUARKS survey is currently at the forefront of astronomical research. Especially for extragalactic studies, it provides a unique entrance to high-resolution information on the star formation. The integration of ALMA and the Very Large Array (VLA)—a world-class radio telescope located in New Mexico—enabled researchers to gather microwave data that enhances their understanding of star-forming regions.
Future Directions
The case described here offers many opportunities for continued exploration. Now armed with this knowledge, scientists can begin to unravel the mysteries behind massive star formation. They can explore its effect on the dynamics of galaxies. How do we renew inquiry and imagination in these spaces? Researchers are exploring every form such star-forming regions might take. Or figure out radically new ways of how stars are born and die.
Only the growing sophistication of observational technologies and techniques makes it reasonable to presume even more accurate and precise measurements are just around the corner. This continuing investigation should continue to reveal more surprising facts about how stars make new stars. It will illuminate the larger picture at play in cosmic evolution.