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
|
|
|
|
news links
|
|
Saturday, January 17
ESA’s Celeste LEO-PNT Still to Launch
Inside GNSS — 5:51 am ET (1051 GMT) Elon Musk Calls for Airline CEO to Be Fired Over Starlink Dispute
PC Magazine — 5:48 am ET (1048 GMT) ‘He’s an idiot’: Musk and Ryanair’s O’Leary trade insults in Starlink Wi-Fi row
POLITICO — 5:47 am ET (1047 GMT) ‘He’s an idiot’: Musk and Ryanair boss trade insults in Starlink row
City A.M. — 5:46 am ET (1046 GMT) Blue Origin Announces Crew for New Shepard Mission NS-38, Slated for January 22
Blue Origin — 5:42 am ET (1042 GMT) |
