W UMa (W Ursae Majoris) is the prototype of a class of interacting binary stars in which each member reaches out to touch the other. The stars are so close to one another that the gravity of each visibly distorts the other into a balloon shape. This kind of system is also known as a contact binary. The two stars are typically of spectral classes F, G or K, so I have given them yellow and orange colours. This version of the image shows the stars before their atmospheres have merged, so they still have different colours.
Name: W UMa Binary (Contact Phase)
Category: Stars & Nebulae
Medium: Photoshop
Date: 2004
Client: Red Lemon Press
Tags: