London, UK – The ancient echo of an 800-year-old supernova explosion has recently been unveiled by the Europe Space Agency (ESA). This discovery sheds light on a remarkable celestial event that mesmerized observers back in the year 1181.
Historical records detail the appearance of a rare supernova, which rivaled the brilliance of Saturn and remained visible for an impressive 185 consecutive days. Initially, scientists speculated that the nebula surrounding the pulsar 3C 58 might be the aftermath of the supernova, but further examination revealed that the pulsar predates the explosion in 1181.
In recent years, a new candidate, Pa 30, has emerged as a potential remnant of the supernova. This nearly circular nebula with a central star in the constellation Cassiopeia has provided scientists with a captivating glimpse into the cosmic phenomenon that graced the skies over 800 years ago.
The findings from ESA’s XMM-Newton telescope and NASA’s Chandra X-ray Observatory have offered valuable insights into the composition and structure of the remnant. The thermonuclear explosion, specifically a sub-luminous Type Iax supernova event, is believed to have originated from merging two white dwarf stars, leaving behind the massive white dwarf star seen in the system.
The composite image of the supernova remnant reveals a spherical bright nebula at its core, surrounded by a constellation of white, dotted stars. Rays extend outward within the nebula resembling celestial fireworks emanating from a central star, providing researchers with a unique opportunity to study rare cosmic phenomena.
This discovery not only provides a glimpse into a significant event from over 800 years ago but also offers valuable insights into the nature of supernova explosions and their remnants. The collaboration between different telescopes and space agencies has allowed for a more comprehensive understanding of this celestial spectacle, contributing to our knowledge of the vast universe.