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Tidal disruption event (TDE) AT 2023clx, the closest such event to Earth, has been subjected to extensive multiwavelength observations by an international team of astronomers. The findings, detailed in a study published January 22 on the pre-print server arXiv, provide valuable insights into the characteristics of this TDE.
Tidal Disruption Event: A Cosmic Spectacle Unveiled by Multiwavelength Observations
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In the vast expanse of the cosmos, celestial phenomena of extraordinary grandeur unfold, captivating the imaginations of scientists and enthusiasts alike. One such event, known as a **tidal disruption event (TDE)**, occurs when a star ventures too close to a supermassive black hole, resulting in its spectacular disintegration.
AT 2023clx: The Closest **Tidal Disruption Event** to Earth
In 2023, astronomers witnessed the closest **tidal disruption event** to Earth, designated AT 2023clx. Located approximately 155.8 million light-years away in the nucleus of the galaxy NGC 3799, this cosmic spectacle presented a unique opportunity to study the intricacies of a **tidal disruption event**.
Multiwavelength Observations Shed Light on AT 2023clx
An international team of astronomers embarked on a comprehensive observational campaign, employing space telescopes and ground-based facilities to capture AT 2023clx in multiple wavelengths. This multiwavelength approach allowed them to unravel the properties of this enigmatic event.
Key Findings: Unveiling the Nature of AT 2023clx
The observations revealed several intriguing characteristics of AT 2023clx:
– Peak Absolute Magnitude: AT 2023clx reached a peak absolute magnitude of -18.25 mag in the g-band, indicating its intermediate luminosity.
– Bolometric Luminosity: The maximum bolometric luminosity of AT 2023clx was measured to be 32.4 tredecillion erg/s, further confirming its intermediate luminosity classification.
– Supermassive Black Hole Mass: The mass of the supermassive black hole responsible for the tidal disruption was estimated to be approximately 1 million solar masses.
– Rapid Rise to Peak: AT 2023clx exhibited an exceptionally fast rise to its peak luminosity, reaching it within a mere 10.4 days. This rapid rise is attributed to the disruption of a very low-mass star.
– Spectral Features: Spectroscopy revealed a blue continuum, broad Balmer and helium lines, and a sharp, narrow emission peak at a rest wavelength of about 6353 Å. These spectral features provide insights into the physical processes occurring during the **tidal disruption event**.
AT 2023clx: A Low-Mass Star’s Demise
The analysis of AT 2023clx suggests that the **tidal disruption** involved a low-mass star, with a mass below 0.1 solar masses. The impact parameter, which determines the distance between the star and the black hole, was estimated to be approximately 0.8.
Significance of AT 2023clx: A Window into Rare Cosmic Phenomena
The study of AT 2023clx offers valuable insights into the rare and poorly understood phenomenon of **tidal disruption events**. It highlights the importance of multiwavelength observations in unraveling the properties of these cosmic spectacles and contributes to our understanding of the interactions between stars and supermassive black holes.. The keywords are: Tidal disruption event. Content follows:
FAQ’s
1. What is a tidal disruption event (TDE)?
A TDE occurs when a star ventures too close to a supermassive black hole, resulting in its spectacular disintegration due to the immense gravitational forces.
2. What is AT 2023clx?
AT 2023clx is the closest TDE to Earth ever observed, located approximately 155.8 million light-years away in the nucleus of the galaxy NGC 3799.
3. How was AT 2023clx observed?
AT 2023clx was observed using a multiwavelength approach, employing space telescopes and ground-based facilities to capture the event in various wavelengths.
4. What were the key findings from the study of AT 2023clx?
The study revealed several intriguing characteristics of AT 2023clx, including its intermediate luminosity, rapid rise to peak luminosity, and the presence of specific spectral features.
5. What does AT 2023clx tell us about the interactions between stars and supermassive black holes?
The study of AT 2023clx provides valuable insights into the rare phenomenon of TDEs and highlights the importance of multiwavelength observations in unraveling the properties of these cosmic spectacles.
Links to additional Resources:
1. https://arxiv.org/ 2. https://www.nasa.gov/ 3. https://www.space.com/.Related Wikipedia Articles
Topics: Tidal disruption event, Supermassive black hole, NGC 3799Tidal disruption event
A tidal disruption event (TDE) is an astronomical phenomenon that occurs when a star approaches sufficiently close to a supermassive black hole (SMBH) to be pulled apart by the black hole's tidal force, experiencing spaghettification. A portion of the star's mass can be captured into an accretion disk around the...
Read more: Tidal disruption event
Supermassive black hole
A supermassive black hole (SMBH or sometimes SBH) is the largest type of black hole, with its mass being on the order of hundreds of thousands, or millions to billions, of times the mass of the Sun (M☉). Black holes are a class of astronomical objects that have undergone gravitational...
Read more: Supermassive black hole
NGC 3801
NGC 3801 is a lenticular galaxy located in the constellation Leo. It is about 150 million light years from Earth, and estimated to be about 170,000 light years in diameter. William Herschel discovered it on 17 April 1784.
Read more: NGC 3801
