How do Binary Companions influence the resulting structure of a Planetary Nebula (PN)?
Answer
Gravitational interaction can twist or funnel ejected material into complex structures.
The presence of a second star orbiting the dying giant star has a profound effect on the geometry of the ejected material forming the Planetary Nebula. The gravitational influence exerted by this companion star can dramatically modify the outflow pattern. This interaction acts to twist the ejected gas or funnel the material along specific trajectories, which directly leads to the formation of the most complex and extreme shapes observed, such as highly defined bipolar structures.
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