Vantage | These 'vampires' are eating up stars. Here's how they do it

When the word “vampire” is mentioned, various images may come to mind, from classic literary figures like Bram Stoker’s Count Dracula to modern icons like Edward Cullen. However, there’s another kind of vampire, one that exists thousands of light-years away from Earth – vampire stars. These cosmic entities derive their name from their tendency to drain the life from their companion stars, akin to the mythical bloodsucking creature. While science has been aware of this phenomenon, a recent study suggests a hidden third star may be involved, potentially reshaping our understanding of stellar evolution.

In the vast expanse of space, social interactions aren’t limited to Earth. Stars, too, engage in cosmic relationships, with more than half existing in pairs. However, some stars defy the norm, preferring a solitary existence. Among these outliers are the enigmatic “B.E.” stars, affectionately known as vampire stars, discovered over a century ago. Despite their long-known existence, much about these stars remains a puzzle. Peculiar nature of vampire stars Vampire stars stand out due to their insidious and parasitic behaviour. These stars, several times larger than our Sun, spin rapidly, creating a superheated belt of material around them. This belt, composed of other stars, is the star’s gaseous attire, worn in its midsection. The unsettling aspect emerges when it is revealed that the vampire star attracts smaller companion stars, devours their atmospheres and collects the remnants in its gaseous disk. The gaseous belt, which may seem intriguing, takes a sinister turn as it consists of material torn from other stars. The vampire star, with its rapid spinning motion, acts like a cosmic predator, draining and devouring its companion stars. This morbid process resembles a star engulfed in a toxic relationship, as it literally wears the remains of its victims with a sadistic fashion sense. A recent study introduces a new layer to the vampire star narrative. It suggests that vampire stars might not operate in isolation. Hidden, traitorous stars act as accomplices, pushing other stars towards the vampire, supplying them with fresh victims. This revelation hints at the possibility that vampire stars thrive in triple star systems, making the cosmic drama even more intricate. Potential breakthrough in stellar physics Experts believe that this study could be a breakthrough in stellar physics, shedding light on how stars die and contributing to our understanding of the formation of black holes. The findings may unravel cosmic mysteries, providing valuable insights into the nature of stellar-sucking vampires. In the case of vampire stars, it appears that three is company, not a crowd. The exploration of vampire stars and their mysterious trios adds a captivating dimension to our understanding of the cosmic ballet. As science delves deeper into the complexities of these celestial relationships, we may uncover more secrets about the life and death of stars, contributing to our broader knowledge of the vast and intricate universe that surrounds us. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstpost’s views. Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News, India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.