Astronomers resolve mystery of ancient supernova
Posted: Tue, Oct 25, 2011, 7:24 AM ET (1124 GMT)
Astronomers announced Monday they now understand why a supernova witnessed nearly two millennia ago expanded faster than expected. The supernova, designated RCW 86, was witnessed by Chinese observers in 185 AD, making it the oldest recorded observation of a supernova. More recent studies of the supernova remnant showed that it is two to three times bigger than expected. Astronomers used a combination of space-based infrared and x-ray observations to study the supernova remnant, and found that the supernova was caused by material from a nearby star falling onto a white dwarf. That white dwarf, prior to the supernova, had created a cavity relatively free of gas and dust surrounding it, allowing the remnants to expand at a faster rate, and hence the larger size.
Astronomers announced Monday they now understand why a supernova witnessed nearly two millennia ago expanded faster than expected. The supernova, designated RCW 86, was witnessed by Chinese observers in 185 AD, making it the oldest recorded observation of a supernova. More recent studies of the supernova remnant showed that it is two to three times bigger than expected. Astronomers used a combination of space-based infrared and x-ray observations to study the supernova remnant, and found that the supernova was caused by material from a nearby star falling onto a white dwarf. That white dwarf, prior to the supernova, had created a cavity relatively free of gas and dust surrounding it, allowing the remnants to expand at a faster rate, and hence the larger size.
Related Links:
| <<previous article | next article>> |
|
news in brief
|
|
NASA puts ISS spacewalks on hold to investigate suit issue
Posted: Sun, May 22 9:13 AM ET (1313 GMT) |
|
news links
|
|
Wednesday, May 25
Upstart OneWeb Pairs With Gogo, Satcom Direct
Aviation Week — 6:13 am ET (1013 GMT) Space Rapid Capabilities Office awards $1.4B effort to BlueHalo
US Space Force — 6:12 am ET (1012 GMT) BlueHalo Gets $1.4B Space Force Satellite Control Contract
Aviation Week — 6:12 am ET (1012 GMT) Space Force Can Only ‘Mitigate’ China-Russia Space Cooperation
Air Force Magazine — 6:12 am ET (1012 GMT) Varda Space Industries Orders Fourth Photon Spacecraft from Rocket Lab to Enable In-Space Manufacturing
Business Wire — 6:11 am ET (1011 GMT) |
