NASA | A Young Star Flaunts its X-ray Spots

The transcript discusses the discovery of McNeil's Nebula in 2003, highlighting the young star V 1647 Orionis. This star features intense X-ray hotspots, which are believed to be caused by gas streams from a surrounding disc. The transcript explains how magnetic reconnection events, similar to those on the sun, drive these gas flows and release energy. The star's rapid rotation affects its magnetic fields, leading to energy release. These phenomena provide insights into the early stages of low-mass stars.

What year was McNeil's Nebula first observed by astronomers?

• 2007

• 2005

• 2003

• 2001

What is the primary characteristic of the X-ray hotspots on V 1647 Orionis?

• They are cooler than the rest of the star.

• They are thousands of times hotter than the rest of the star.

• They are the same temperature as the rest of the star.

• They are only visible during the day.

What is believed to drive the gas flows from the disc surrounding the young star?

• Solar winds

• Gravitational pull

• Magnetic reconnection events

• Cosmic rays

How often does the star V 1647 Orionis complete a full rotation?

• Once every month

• Once every hour

• Once every day

• Once every week

What do the X-ray variations of the protostar provide astronomers?

• Insights into the energetic phenomena of a low mass star's toddler phase

• A glimpse into the star's final phase

• Information about the star's gravitational field

• Data on the star's chemical composition