Why is a dying star surrounded by a gigantic cloud of hot water vapor?

[G_j]

http://www.spacedaily.com/reports/Herschel_Finds_Water_In_Cosmic_Desert_999.html


Herschel Finds Water In Cosmic Desert



This Herschel image shows IRC+10216, also known as CW Leonis - a star rich in carbon where astronomers were surprised to find water.


by Staff Writers
Pasadena CA (JPL) Sep 02, 2010

The Herschel infrared space observatory has discovered that ultraviolet starlight is the key ingredient for making water in space. It is the only explanation for why a dying star is surrounded by a gigantic cloud of hot water vapor. Herschel is a European Space Agency mission with important participation from NASA.

Every recipe needs a secret ingredient. When astronomers discovered an unexpected cloud of water vapor around the old star IRC+10216 using NASA's Submillimeter Wave Astronomy Satellite in 2001, they immediately began searching for the source. Stars like IRC+10216 are known as carbon stars and are thought not to make much water.

Initially they suspected the star's heat must be evaporating comets or even dwarf planets to produce the water.

Now, Herschel has revealed that the secret ingredient is ultraviolet light, because the water is too hot to have come from the destruction of icy celestial bodies

..more..

[leveymg]

1. How else do you douse a carbon star once the BBQ is over? Here's the real mystery:

Where did the kids hide the garden hose? Wait, I think we found it:

[Cal33]

5. This is gorgeous, too.

[AngryAmish]

2. Jesus.

The answer is always Jesus.

[cleanhippie]

3. You mean when used as an exclamation, right?

Like when someone yells "Sweet Jesus!" or "Jesus fucking Christ!".

[Hekate]

4. Kick and rec for sheer gorgeousness and mystery

[Cal33]

6. Beautiful! K & R.

[BB1]

7. Good question.

Were any Silfen spotted?

[Permanut]

8. Just as I thought....

The Obama administration has found a way to hoard the water supply in the universe so as to hasten the Socialist takeover. Er, or something like that, I'll get back to you when Hannity explains it - or Beck.

[Rage for Order]

9. It farted?

:shrug:

[HughBeaumont]

10. I thought we were talking about Zsa Zsa Gabor.

Practically has her own death watch on Yahoo.