Rho Ophiuchi: Marvel at Stellar Evolution & Celestial Clouds

Lets delve into our exploration of Rho Ophiuchi, an enchanting system with multiple stars nestled within the constellation of Ophiuchus. Its located 460 light years away and is considered one of the closest regions where stars are formed. Rho Ophiuchi offers us an opportunity to observe and understand the evolution of these celestial bodies.

At the core of this star system lies a pair known as Rho Ophiuchi AB. This dynamic duo consists of two subgiant stars, namely Rho Ophiuchi A and B. They have an orbital period of 2,400 years fueling the radiant Rho Ophiuchi cloud complex.

Adding to its mystique Rho Ophiuchi A also serves as a source of X rays. It exhibits variability over a period of 1.2 days which corresponds to its rotation period. Scientists are actively studying this X ray variability trying to determine if its caused by a low mass companion or an active area on the stars surface.

Within the vicinity of Rho Ophiuchi AB there are neighboring stars worth mentioning. The closest one is called Rho Ophiuchi C (also known as HD 147932) located least 17,000 Astronomical Units away from us (which is approximately the average distance, between Earth and Sun).

Moving to a distant location there is a binary system called Rho Ophiuchi DE (HD 147888) which has an orbital period of 680 years and exists at least 19,000 astronomical units away.

Within the Rho Ophiuchi Complex there are regions where stars are actively forming. These stars are surrounded by a cloud that covers an area of 4.5° × 6.5°. The cloud is divided into two sections filled with gas and dust. The first region, known as L1688 contains two filaments named L1709 and L1755. The second region, called L1689 consists of filaments (L1712–L1729) that span from 32 to 55 light years in length and have a width of less than one light year.

The Rho Ophiuchi Cloud has been extensively studied using observations and it weighs around 3,000 solar masses. Astronomers have identified 425 sources within the vicinity of L1688 including 16 protostars, 123 T Tauri stars with circumstellar disks and 77 T Tauri stars, with thinner disks.

To commemorate the anniversary of the James Webb Space Telescopes launch an image was released showcasing the Rho Ophiuchi Complex in high resolution. The image revealed Sun stars surrounded by circumstellar disks.

This image, taken by the James Webb Space Telescope shows the Rho Ophiuchi Complex in infrared. The telescope used a combination of broadband filters at wavelengths including 1.99 µm (blue) 3.35 µm (cyan) and 4.42 µm (yellow). Additionally narrowband filters were used to capture the emission of atomic hydrogen.

Credit, for this image goes to NASA, ESA, CSA, STScI and Klaus Pontoppidan from STScI.