We have modelled the 3D geometry of the nebula better than ever before, learning about the Wolf-Rayet binary orbit and confirming that there is a third star (an blue supergiant) in the system too! 2/? ⚛️🔭🧪

All of this is possible because of continued imaging of the system with the VLT, allowing us to figure out the expansion rate and inner structure of the nebula. Take a look at the below gif to see it expanding before our eyes!
Apep is truly a unique system, and stay tuned for more to come! 5/5 🔭🧪

Apep is a colliding wind nebula; it's the only system in the Galaxy with two Wolf-Rayet stars* whose winds collide and form shells of dust in each orbit. Our new JWST is the first time that the 4 latest shells of dust have been seen, and these shells help us fit the orbit of the binary... 2/? 🔭🧪

These dusty nebulae are created by the colliding winds of massive stars that are in close proximity. The dust gets wrapped into an intricate spiral as the two stars orbit their common centre of mass, and each orbit of the star gives us another rung in those concentric nebulae
2/3 🔭