Animation of Interacting Stars
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This animation shows the interaction between a "normal" star and a collapsed object such as a neutron star or a black hole. The star has reached its so-called red giant phase, where it swells to hundreds of times its original size. Those outer layers are then captured by the gravitational pull of the denser companion.
(Animation: NASA/STScI )
Field Guide: White Dwarfs & Planetary Nebulas