A Low Metallicity Binary Star Discovery in WLM Galaxy: A Glimpse into Stellar Mergers

Maude Gull and her team discovered a low-metallicity contact binary star system, WLM-CB1, in the WLM galaxy using data from the Hubble and James Webb Space Telescopes. This system, composed of two massive stars, is significant for its extremely low metal content, making it a unique case to study stellar evolution. The stars are likely in a contact phase, possibly leading to a merger in the future, which could result in a supernova or black hole. Further observations will help confirm the system’s nature and refine models of binary star interactions in metal-poor environments.