spacetoday.net: space news from around the webin association with SpaceNews


Astronomers resolve mystery of ancient supernova
Posted: Tue, Oct 25, 2011, 7:24 AM ET (1124 GMT)
Supernova remnant RCW 86 (NASA) 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.
<<previous article   next article>>
news in brief
Starship explodes during preparations for static-fire test
Posted: Sun, Jun 22 6:52 AM ET (1052 GMT)

French government leads investment in Eutelsat
Posted: Sat, Jun 21 8:38 AM ET (1238 GMT)

NASA further delays Ax-4 launch
Posted: Sat, Jun 21 8:34 AM ET (1234 GMT)

news links
Saturday, July 5


about spacetoday.net   ·   info@spacetoday.net   ·   mailing list